Liberty celebrates history of gospel music

Gospel music reverberated throughout the Vines Center during Wednesday morning’s “Gospel-ology” Convocation at Liberty University, which focused on the history and foundational figures of this uplifting spiritual and rhythmic genre.

Throughout the event, members from Liberty’s LU Praise choir and Worship Collective, in addition to worship leaders from area churches, led the student body in some of the most historic and inspirational gospel anthems. Between the opening songs, videos were played explaining the genre’s history and influence and acknowledging Gospel music pioneers, including Thomas Dorsey and Albert Goodson, as well as modern-day artists such as Grammy-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin, who has been a part of merging historic songs with other genres to create a contemporary style of gospel music.

Songs included “This Is the Day That the Lord Has Made,” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” (sung by 2020 Liberty alumna Rashonda Bentley) and one of Liberty founder Dr. Jerry Falwell’s favorite songs: “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.”

Following worship, Dr. Allen McFarland then took the stage to share a brief message with the student body. For over two decades, McFarland served residential undergraduate and graduate students as an adjunct professor in the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity. He has served as the pastor of Calvary Evangelical Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Va., since 1982 and has served on the Liberty University Board of Trustees since 1991.

McFarland has also served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia and was honored among the nation’s “70 Most Influential Black Christian History Makers” who are living today by the Black Christian News Network.

McFarland referred to the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, in which he told them to “(address) one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”

“We’re going to be singing throughout eternity,” he said. “And what I want you to know is that singing is not a choice. It is a command. I want you to get that.”

McFarland said he encourages his congregation to constantly be reading the Psalms because they can teach us a lot about worship. He also desires for his congregation to glean wisdom from Proverbs, which he said offers endless wisdom for daily living and a foundation that leads to worshiping the Lord.

“I believe that God inhabits the praise of His saints,” McFarland said. “God wants us to worship Him. When you get into the Word, you’ll want to worship. If you worship the Lord, you’re going to be a witness for the Lord. You’re going to be a testimony. You’re going to have to tell somebody what you have learned about the Lord. He’s going to put things and people into your life to make you be a witness for Him.”

McFarland implored the student body to recognize what an amazing university they are a part of.

“This is the place where you get into the Word. This is the place where you learn how to worship,” he said.

As they live for Christ, McFarland encouraged the students to not allow difficulties to keep them down.

“You’re going to fall at times,” he said. “But if you’re in the Word, if you become a worshiper, you’ll be a witness for the Lord. You’ll be able to get up and run for Jesus.”