CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC AND THE FAITH OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST ADHERENTS IN KISUMU EAST SUB-COUNTY
1* Beatrice Atieno Ondoo
2** Dr. David J. Ndegwah, PhD
3*** Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno, PhD
1,2,3 Department of History, Religion, and Philosophy, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Kenya
3 DVC Academics and Professor of Music at Cooperative University of Kenya
Abstract
One of the major concerns that Christian churches in Africa face today is the issue of church music and worship styles. The general purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Contemporary Christian Music on the faith of the adherents of SDA Church members in Kisumu East Sub-county. The objectives of this study were: Establish the standard of the SDA criteria of good Church music, Identify the difference between music of the SDA church and CCM that are incorporated in the SDA churches in Kisumu East Sub-county, Examine the effects of CCM on the faith of the adherents of SDA Church members in Kisumu East Sub-county and Determine the response given by church members on the use of CCM in SDA churches in Kisumu East Sub-county. The theoretical framework was anchored on secularization theory which tries to explain postmodernism. This theory puts emphasis on a con-junction of cultural conditions, structural changes, and specific historical events. Descriptive research design was adopted for this study. The study population was 2132 adherents comprising of both adults and the young people in Kisumu East in Kisumu County. Proportional sampling was used. A sample of 322 is recommended by Morgan and Krejcie for the total population of 2132.This study utilized purposive sampling to select 8 Choir Leaders and 1 Pastor due to their roles. The sample therefore comprised a total of 78 key informants. Interviews, group discussion and questionnaires were used to collect data from the sampled respondents. The test-retest approach was used to determine the reliability of the research instruments and validity of the instruments was ascertained by presenting the questionnaires and interview guide to experts who are authorities in the study area for scrutiny and advice on the instruments. Qualitative thematic analysis was the main method adopted in analyzing data. The researcher found out that despite the original music that congregations sing with use of hymnal books the current practice in worship is contrary. The lives of those who accept this responsibility must be as distinctive as their message. This study concluded that there is need for total commitment by each church member to the ideals and objectives of the Church. Such commitment will affect every department of church life and will certainly influence the music used by the Church in fulfillment of its God-given commission. Therefore the study recommended that Efforts should be made by the local church leaders and conference leaders to train more choir leaders taking them to church seminars to learn more and in turn teach their members. To this end the trained music personnel should be used in musical training and activities so that the lofty ideals of worship be effectively promoted.