We are gradually approaching the middle of the year and that in itself is great news.

It’s great news not just because of the sheer idea that the year is ending which is intrinsically a source of joy to all. But, because it also marks the beginning of a long list of worship concerts, nights of worship, word conferences and many more. And as usual, as we gradually approach that season up until the end of the year, the passion, the excitement, the buzz and the enthusiasm heightens.

The Invasion and House on the Rock’s Spirit Life Conference are two of such events. In fact, this year, those two events spearheaded the season. Not only were they organised by top Nigerian churches, they were also given the much-needed PR it requires to be accepted as a thing. The two events held last weekend and by all standards, can be adjudged as a success.

However, for about 3 – 5 years now, we have seen the same set of people grace these “worship event season” featuring from one weekend to the next – Nathaniel Bassey, Midnight Crew, Micah Stampley, Tope Alabi, Frank Edwards, Eben, Tim Godfrey etc. We might struggle to admit it, but deep within us, we know that all we do is recycle these ministers over and over. We have seen it with The Invasion, Night of Worship, The Experience and all the others in this category.

And since worship events determine largely the pulse of the Christian faith in Nigeria, the message that is consistently shoved down our throat albeit unconsciously is that “these are the only competent ones” and without knowing, we accept it.

The future generation of music ministers don’t just need encouragement, they need a platform, they need the honorarium, they need the PR, they need to connect with their folks but, we won’t give them that opportunity because of our obsession with the people we’ve always known. This is more than enough proof that our churches are yet to grasp the idea of continuity, of succession and of times and seasons.

With the plethora of worship events lined up for the 6 months left in this year, we have more than enough time to correct and ensure that this trend doesn’t repeat itself. The question is; will we?

Bolu Akindele

Bolu Akindele is a freelance writer and journalist whose work covers religion, human interest stories and development across Nigeria and increasingly, West Africa.