Musician and Pastor of Agape Intentional Family Church, Pastor Ssempebwa Joshua, is calling gospel artists back to the foundation of their craft: the Word of God.In a passionate appeal, Pastor Ssempebwa urged today’s gospel singers to intentionally weave Scripture back into their lyrics, warning that the genre risks losing its power if it drifts too far from the Bible.
“Where Are the Verses?”
“We’ve mastered the beats, the melodies, the hooks,” Ssempebwa said. “But where are the verses? Where is the Word?”As both a pastor and an active musician, he’s seen the shift firsthand. Songs that once quoted Psalms, declared promises from Isaiah, or retold the stories of Jesus are now often filled with general encouragement, personal stories, and vibe — but little Scripture.“I’m not against creativity,” he clarified. “I am against emptiness. A gospel song without Scripture is just a positive song. It might inspire, but it will not transform.”
Why Scripture Matters
For Pastor Ssempebwa, this is not about tradition — it is about power. He points to Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is alive and active.” “The Word is what breaks chains. The Word is what heals. The Word is what people remember at 2 a.m. when they are in a battle,” he explained. “If our songs do not carry Scripture, what are we giving people to fight with?”He believes Scripture-anchored songs serve the Church beyond Sunday. They become devotionals, prayer points, and spiritual weapons for listeners in their private moments.
The Ministry vs Industry Tension
Ssempebwa acknowledges the pressure gospel artists face: streaming algorithms favor catchy hooks, and secular trends influence production. But he challenges artists to remember their primary audience.“Are we writing for playlists or for people’s souls? If God called you to minister, then your lyrics are not just art — they’re ammunition.”He encourages artists to study the Bible as much as they study sound. “Before you go to the studio, go to the secret place. Let the Word lead the writing session.”
A Call, Not a Condemnation
Pastor Joshua is clear: this is not an attack on gospel artists, but an invitation. “Many of us started with Scripture. We just drifted. It is time to return.”He is urging songwriters to do three things:
1.Quote it directly — Let entire lines be lifted from the Bible.
2.Teach it clearly — Tell the story behind the verse.
3. Declare it boldly — Make the promises of God the chorus.
“Imagine an entire generation singing Ephesians, Romans, and Revelation again,” he said. “That is revival. That’s what happens when we bring back Scriptures in our songs.”Final Word to Creatives
To the gospel artists of Uganda and beyond, Ssempebwa’s message is simple: “Your gift can entertain, but only the Word can save. Do not let the music mute the message.”