Veteran gospel musician Amy Newman has urged churches to recognize and use the gifts God has already placed among them, cautioning against the modern tendency to prioritize fame over faith in gospel ministry.
According to her, churches must serve as platforms for nurturing and celebrating the gifts that God has already placed in their congregations.
“When we build our own people,” she emphasized, “we strengthen the ministry, empower our youth, and glorify God through the gifts He has already placed among us.”
Amy Newman, known for her evergreen hit “Okamafo Jesus”, lamented that many churches are willing to pay large sums of money to well-known gospel artistes while neglecting equally talented members within their own fold.
“It’s not a good thing to bring outsiders to perform in the church during events while there are many talented ones there,” she said. “The Bible says a prophet is not accepted in his own country, which means people are often not valued in their own home even though others outside may appreciate them.”
The celebrated singer noted that this practice discourages young and emerging musicians in the church who are eager to serve.
“The young ones now understand music better, so calling outsiders because they’re popular and paying them isn’t always necessary. Churches can use their own people to bless others,” she added.
When asked whether she had ever been overlooked by churches herself, Amy smiled and admitted, “Oh, plenty, but I don’t take it to heart.”
Beyond talent development, Amy Newman also expressed concern about the increasing resemblance between gospel and secular music, describing it as a worrying trend. She urged gospel artistes to remain true to their spiritual calling and message.
“We are all different in our callings,” she said. “The Bible says He gave to one five talents, to another two, and to another one. If we understand that what we have belongs to God and that we work for Him, we would always seek His counsel first and not rush to copy others.”
For Amy Newman, raising one’s own stars within the church is not only about music—it is about building faith, community, and purpose in the body of Christ.
