Religious leaders across Ghana have been encouraged to embrace indigenous cultural expressions by incorporating traditional dances into church worship, promoting unity, national identity, and deeper spiritual engagement.
Rev. Amos Asare, Eastern Corridor Regional Overseer of the Evangelical Church of Ghana (ECG) at Kpandai in the Northern Region, made the call during the 66th Anniversary celebration of Lungni ECG Church. The event, held under the theme “We Will Tell the Next Generation” (Psalm 78:4), aimed to strengthen the connection between faith and Ghanaian heritage. Rev. Asare emphasized that cultural dances, when appropriately integrated, can enrich worship while preserving the nation’s rich traditions.
According to Rev. Asare, African cultural expressions have historically played a vital role in communal life, celebrations, and spiritual observances and should not be seen as contradictory to Christian worship.
“Our culture is a gift from God. Using cultural dances in worship does not diminish faith; rather, it enhances the spiritual experience and connects believers to their identity,” Rev. Asare stated.
He urged pastors and church leaders to educate congregations on the spiritual and cultural significance of traditional dance to eliminate misconceptions and foster acceptance. Rev. Asare noted that incorporating culturally appropriate dances can make church services more inclusive and relatable, particularly for younger generations seeking worship experiences that reflect their heritage.
Several church leaders present welcomed the initiative, highlighting that blending faith with culture could promote national pride and encourage broader community participation in church activities. However, Rev. Asare stressed that such practices should be conducted reverently and guided by biblical principles to maintain the sanctity of worship.
The call forms part of ongoing efforts to promote cultural preservation and encourage faith-based institutions to safeguard Ghana’s rich traditions while nurturing spiritual growth.
Delivering the anniversary speech, Presiding Pastor Micheal Nkruba reflected on the church’s origins and growth: “We are proud to celebrate our 66th anniversary. The church started in a private home, which the late Chief Binyam purchased and built. Ukple Abgaa founded the church as an Assemblies of God Church, and the late Elder Ezekiel Chaetle joined through the gospel by Don Theobald.
“In 1953, services were held in Ukple Agbaa’s house. It was during this period that Ezekiel Chaetle learned carpentry simply by observation. He later built his own house near what is now BB’s Fuel Station and Store between 1957 and 1958. Don Theobald partnered with the Assemblies of God to continue the church in Lungni and went on to plant churches from Wulensi to Yendi and beyond.”
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