Over the past few decades, there has been a growing trend of gospel musicians stepping into the pulpit.
While song ministration is also a powerful way to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, transitioning into full-time preaching has elevated their calling, taking it to higher dimensions in the kingdom.
These gospel musicians initially gained recognition for their vibrant music ministry, with many of them amassing numerous followers, releasing albums and hosting mega concerts.
Not to mention, their anointing has always been undeniable.
Their voices resonated with the heavens, and just as they have mastery over preaching, the prophetic, and ministering God’s word, they also possess the ability to reach the hearts of believers through music.
Let’s take a look at popular gospel musicians who have transitioned into pastoral roles;
Pastor Joe Beecham
Joe Beecham is a Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, choirmaster, and pastor at Holy Fire Ministries in Takoradi.
He began his career as a gospel musician, creating soul-stirring music that has earned him the admiration of countless music lovers, particularly Christians.
Throughout his career, he has ministered to congregations across various regions of Ghana and internationally, performing in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, the USA, and Italy.
Joe Beecham made his music debut in 1998 with the release of his first album, M’asem Bi, followed by the release of four more albums.
The M’asem Bi album, released in 1998, featured hit songs such as “M’asem Bi” “Asem bia mi kakyere wo” and “Se Me Kae A,” both of which received massive airplay across the country.
On March 4, 2015, Joe Beecham officially launched his ministry, “Joe Beecham Ministries”, after a period of hiatus in the music industry.
Sonnie Badu
The multiple award-winning gospel singer first rose to prominence with his music career.
As one of the top gospel artistes to emerge from the African continent, Sonnie Badu has blessed music lovers with worship anthems, albums, and soul-stirring concerts that have garnered him a massive fanbase.
Acknowledging the great anointing on his life, he answered his calling into pastoral and prophetic ministry when he relocated to Atlanta, United States, where he founded RockHill Church, a vibrant, youthful congregation impacting lives.
Despite his pastoral calling, Sonnie Badu has continued to follow his music ministry, traveling in and out of Ghana to organise large-scale concerts like ‘Rhythms of Africa’ and many others.
Sonnie Badu has released four albums and several hit singles, earning numerous awards throughout his career.
Pastor Elvis Agyemag
Pastor Elvis Agyemang, aside from being a powerful force in the pastoral and prophetic ministry, impacting millions of lives worldwide through his Alpha Hour Ministry, is also a gospel musician.
He is known for his uplifting gospel songs, soulful worship, and inspirational praise music.
The founder of Grace Mountain Ministry has created several notable works, including live worship albums, worship medleys, and a variety of uplifting gospel and worship songs that continue to inspire and minister to many.
Pastor Enoch Ofori Boamah (Erock)
Pastor Enoch Boamah, the highly esteemed head pastor of Christ Embassy Youth Church in Ghana, began his journey as a gospel minister with many songs to his credit.
He has either sung in church, led the congregation in worship as part of the choir, or recorded songs as part of his music career.
Many have experienced powerful worship moments led by Pastor Enoch, celebrating faith and community through heartfelt music and praise. Even as a pastor, he continues to sing and minister through music.
Pastor Josh Laryea
After his big break with the hit song ‘Ngboo’, Rev. Josh Laryea became a prominent figure among the top gospel musicians in the country.
Over the years, his unique style of gospel music, blending various rhythms with versatile vocal expression and a youthful, energetic approach, has earned him a massive following.
He delivered back-to-back hits, touched the hearts of gospel music lovers across Africa, earned numerous recognitions, and performed on major stages, before transitioning into full-time pastoral ministry.
Rev. Josh Laryea is now the head of Kharis Centre International Jesus Hill in Accra.
He has released seven albums and received many awards throughout his career.
Pastor Nii Okai
Pastor Ernest Nii-Okai, known in music circles as ‘Nii Okai,’ is currently the lead pastor at the International House of Virtue in Tema.
Nii Okai transitioned from being one of the most respected gospel ministers to pastoral ministry, expanding the dimensions of his anointing.
With over eight albums to his credit, Pastor Nii Okai continues to make waves with his songs, concerts, and major projects in the music ministry.
Notable among his songs are Moko Be, Breaking Seals, Kron, and Naano Lala, among others.
Willie of ‘Willie and Mike’ fame
Williams Asamoah of ‘Willie and Mike’ fame was ordained as a pastor in 2021.
After years of serving Ghanaians with powerful songs and ministrations, Willie was called into full-time pastoral work at the Faith Charismatic Ministries International.
As part of the popular gospel music group, Willie and Mike have produced hit gospel tunes over the years.
Their intense style of worship and uplifting, soul-searching music have blessed our airwaves for years.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
