The National Union of Methodist Singing Bands has begun its 24th Biennial National Conference at Tema with a call on members to know the Christ they sing about.

The five day conference, which is aimed at bringing together members from over the 16 dioceses of the Methodist Church Ghana, to take stock of their previous activities and plan for the next year, is themed, “Witnessing to Christ: Holistic Spirituality, The Role of The Singing Band”.

Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel K. Asante, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, in a speech read on his behalf, said it is when members know about the Christ they sing about, that their songs would challenge others.

According to him, “it is when we know the Christ we sing about in an intimate way and intentionally commit to live for him that our songs will challenge people to give their lives to him and live for him. Anything short of this will make our singing mere noise in the hearing of people.”

He also indicated that self-examination to ensure individuals were grounded in the Christian faith should be the beginning for all.

The Presiding Bishop further stated that Christians have a responsibility to make themselves available to either be nurtured or to nurture others so they could practice their spirituality in a holistic manner for the transformation of the church and society.

Right Rev. Thomas B. Forson, Bishop of the Tema Diocese, in a goodwill message, reminded members that they have been called into a special ministry which required great sacrifices, perseverance and prayer in order to effectively and efficiently worship God through their songs.

Rt. Rev. Forson implored them to sing and do God’s work with diligence as that is one of the key ingredients for success, noting that a diligent person is responsible and reliable.

Other speakers reiterated the importance of music and the singing band in the Methodist Church and encouraged members to be committed to their calling.

A massive blood donation exercise was organized on the sidelines of the opening ceremony to support the National Blood Bank, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Tema General Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital.