“If
I was the one I’m not sure I would give artists from other denominations more
visibility than my own artists.”
This honest statement was made a few minutes ago in
a conversation with a dear friend, who attends the House on the Rock, whilst he
shared with me the things I missed by not going with him to church this
morning.
This honest statement got me thinking a bit and I
thought to share my thoughts with you. And It’s all about The Experience, not so much about the December 6, 2013 event as
much as the idea and vision.
For Christian worshipers, gospel music lovers and
fans The Experience is highly
anticipated. It is at once an annual spiritual/worship pilgrimage center and a phenomenal
musical extravaganza attracting believers and non-believers alike.
It is at
once evangelical and entertaining, serious-minded and light-hearted.
A consistent occurrence for the past eight
Decembers, The Experience has come to
represent global gospel music live in Lagos featuring relevant Gospel acts from
anywhere in the world. Grade A international
gospel acts like Donnie Mc-Clurkin, Yolanda Adams, Don Moen, Kirk Franklin, Cece Winans, Deitrick
Haddon, just to name a few, have all been featured.
Aside from international acts, The Experience also represents the
biggest visibility and career-catapulting platform for Nigerian gospel
performers.
For me though, the biggest appeal of The Experience is it’s vision for the unity and oneness of the Church. In these climes, it
is perhaps the only (certainly the most visible) Christian event with a truly
generic, non-denominational inclination, motivation, presentation and execution.
Everyone feels at home at The Experience,
whether you are Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Charismatic, Protestant,
whatever. This is what I like most about the Experience. Though organized by
Pastor Paul Adefarasin and the House on the Rock, it is an all-Christian event
through and through, as anyone who has attended any of the installments can
testify.
Thus we arrive at the crux of the discussion I had with
my friend which triggered the writing of this piece. Because it is the vision
of the convener, Pastor Paul to keep The
Experience very broad-based and all-inclusive it is often the case that
House on the Rock pastors and officials take the backstage on Experience night
while other leaders from various Christian denominations have center stage. It
is the same thing for Music ministers and artists. Appearances and slots are
solicited and arranged from a broad spectrum.
This year, of the seven Nigerian artists on the
bill, only two were from the House On the Rock. Frank Edwards, who appeared to
be the Star Appearance from Nigeria is from Christ Embassy, so also is Eben. Mike
Aremu, I think is from the RCCG I'm not too sure, yet all these guys got maximum support, respect
and publicity because for the conveners, the industry value, relevance and faith
of the artists are chief considerations. Denomination is not.
Thus it happened that when my friend repeatedly
mentioned that if he were the convener of The
Experience he isn’t sure he would give any artist or music minister from
another denomination more projection and showcasing than those from his church,
I realized that this is something noteworthy and laudable. Not so many people,
pastors or not, will project a higher cause and vision at the apparent expense of
more provincial and parochial considerations.
Therefore my appreciation for Pastor Paul Adefarasin
and the vision of The Experience has swelled. And it is my belief that someday
Jesus, the Christ by whom we are named, will bless and visit that unified December
gathering in ways that will echo through the ages much like the now legendary 312, Azusa Street, Los
Angeles, California…
God bless the One Universal Church of Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment