The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

SOME Christians are eager to be out with the old and in with the new as the year 2020 approaches.

More than hoping for a “breakthrough” in their personal lives, some wish that the turn of the decade brings forth a shift in the church and its methods of operation.

Gospel Bahamian artist Gesner “Mr J” Dalmond said he wants to see in the New Year the church return to the foundation of it’s mission, which is to preach the gospel Christ preached and John The Baptist preached.

“Jesus and John The Baptist preached repentance,” he said. “John The Baptist got his head cut off for preaching repentance. Repentance is turning away from our sins and to serve God according to how we are taught to live by the scriptures.

“The church must return to it’s mandate to go and preach the gospel out in the streets. The church must be more visible in our communities evangelising and meeting the needs of the whole man. Meaning, strategising and organising how to deal with the poor, the fatherless, the widows, those with mental illness roaming the streets, the abused and speaking without ceasing to the corruption in our politics.”

Mr J said he hopes the church becomes free of compromise and that the dignity of the ministry, the faith of the people and the respect and influence of the church of Jesus Christ is restored.

“The answers for dealing with corruption in the church are in the scriptures. It is up to brave men and women of God to exercise what has been handed down to us to ensure that the church gets it right,” he told Tribune Religion.

Gospel artist Corey Rolle, more popularly known as DJ Counsellor, said he hopes ministries value local artists much more.

“We have too many ministries not valuing what what our local artist are bringing to the table, you value them by financially making provisions for them, by supporting them with their products and also praying for them,” he said.

“When last have you even took the time to find out how they are doing spiritually? We need to be more caring in the body of Christ, it goes a long way. The same energy you put when you fly oversees guest over, we should also celebrate our very own.”

DJ Counsellor said he expresses gratitude to those ministries that have raised the bar on how gospel artists in the community are treated.

“Its not fair to beat every one with the same stick, it’s your responsibility as a ministry to treat our local artists with some level of respect – honour them. My question to you pastors and leaders, if you’re not going to do that, then who is? Leaders lead by example, and I urge you to,” he said.

“Many gospel artists are frustrated and it’s difficult without a real support system, I pray 2020 with be a better year for the gospel community. We all play apart in the development and growth.”

The Christian church has seen some shifts as it closes out the year 2019. The conversion of rapper superstar Kanye West and his music ministry that has been ministering throughout the United States is changing the way many Christians view evangelism.

The rapper has slowly been building up a following for his church-like gatherings called simply “Sunday Service”.

Although many in the gospel and Christian community have embraced his vision, others have questioned whether the rapper’s “come to Jesus moment” is authentic.

Crystal, a Baptist adherent, prays the new year sees the church step outside of the box and welcome new converts like Kanye West who are different and minister in a different way.

“Many Christians criticised him but I think as the body of Christ we have to get to the place where we are not judgmental and we embrace those who God has brought to us,” she said. “He is different, he dresses different and acts very different but he still has reach. We must stop having a judgmental attitude towards people. We have to show them the love of Christ and embrace them.”

Gospel performer Travis Edgecombe had this to say: “In 2020, the church must come back to the core reason of why we are the church which is Jesus Christ. Come out of the four walls and get into the communities and reach out and witness to the lost. Millennials need to know that there is love, hope, joy and peace in serving Jesus.”