contempary christian music

[WB]

I would like to know how people here on this site feel about the new contempary christian music. You know there is everything from soft to very hard rock out there. The kids wanting it and are following it. Luis Palau uses it to draw tens of thousands in his 2 day festivals so that he can hit them with the word once they are there. He has been endorsed by Billy Graham so that would make me think that he is what he says he is.. Is this a useful tool in reaching our youth today... I know the word never changes but does the way we deliver the word say from the 50's to now have to change. The old way surely doesn't seem to be working, they just don't seem interested

[jc2002]

THE OLD WAYS DON'T WORK.LETS COMPROMISE AND GIVE THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL WHAT HE WANTS.JUST BECAUSE THERE IS A BIG CROWD FOLLOWING IT AND BIG NAMES ENDORSE IT MUST BE FROM GOD.
I JUST DONT BELIEVE THAT TO BE THE CASE AND I DOUBT VERY MUCH THAT THE LORD IS PLEASED WITH IT EITHER.BROAD AND WIDE IS THE PATH THAT LEADS TO DESTRUCTION AND MANY WALK THAT WAY,STRAIT AND NARROW IS THE PATH THAT LEADS TO LIFE EVERLASTING AND FEW THERE WILL BE THAT FIND IT.
IF WE HOLD A CONFERENCE AND OFFERED FREE DRUGS OR ALCOHOL OR SOMETHING ELSE THE CROWD WANTS CAN WE JUSTIFY IT BY PREACHING THE GOSPEL AFTERWARDS?NO!!! IT MUST BE GODS WAY OR NO WAY.
IF THE BIBLE AND THE GOSPEL IS NOT ENOUGH THEN I DOUBT SO CALLED CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN ROCK MUSIC IS EITHER,SINCE MOST THOUGH NOT ALL THAT SING THAT STUFF DO NOT EVEN LEAD A CHRISTIAN LIFE.
MY COMMENTS WILL ANGER AND ENRAGE SOME BUT I SEEK TO SERVE AND PLEASE THE LORD NOT MAN.IN GALATIANS "HAVE I THEREFORE BECOME YOUR ENEMY BECAUSE I TELL YOU THE TRUTH."
ANYWAY THAT IS MY VIEW THOUGH NOT POPULAR I STILL STAND ON THE OLD PATHS AND THE OLD WAYS.

[Uth_Guy]

Who says they're compromising the truth? I write from two companies that use CCM as the stepping off point for good solid bible studies for teens. While there are some groups that may claim a "Christian" tag, don't lump them all together with legitimate CCM groups. That is what discernment is all about. The Apostle Paul noted that he became all things to all men that he might win a few. Paul knew the value in reaching people where they were. CCM does the very same. Like it or not, it is an effective way to minister to the needs of young people (teens and young adults) because it is willing to pour out the heartfelt concerns of many a generation. The traditional hymns sometimes are unable to do this for the most of the under 30 group. (I am not there by the way ) The church has to be for all, not just an older group. (I am arriving there shortly) I won't and can't write off the lower half of the population because I don't prefer to do it that way.

By crediting CCM to the enemy is very short sighted, my friend. It appears by your generalizations that you have spent little time within secular music world. There is a vast difference in the message between secular music and CCM. This would be apparent the minute you heard the messages being voiced.

No one is asking you to spend time there is you do not appreciate it. Just please know that there are many of us that do see a value in sharing the truth of Christ through a comtemporary medium.

[jc2002]

DONT LUMP ME IN WITH THE OLDER GENERATION EITHER BECAUSE IM AM A YOUNG PREACHER WHO BELIEVES THE WORD CHRISTIAN OUGHT TO STAND FOR MORE THEN JUST A WORD.AND YES I PASTOR A CHURCH WITH STANDARDS NOT A BUNCH OF LIBERALS WHO SAY EVERYTHING IS OK AND ANYTHING IS ALLOWED.
I GUESS IF THEY OFFERED FREE DRUGS TO GET A CROWD YOU WOULD BE ALRIGHT WITH THAT TO IN THE SENSE OF BEING ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE.
YOU ARE RIGHT I HAVE NOT SPENT TIME IN THE SECULAR MUSIC WORLD BECAUSE TO BE A FRIEND OF THIS WORLD IS TO BE AT ENMITY WITH GOD OR IS THAT VERSE NOT IN YOUR BIBLE.
I KNOW MY STANCE IS NOT POPULAR AND WOULD ANGER THE LIBERALS BUT THATS ALRIGHT.I DOUBT VERY MUCH PAUL WOULD HAVE APPROVED OF THIS MESS PEOPLE CALL CCM. BECAUSE IT SOUNDS NO DIFFERENT THEN THE WORLDS MUSIC.
AGAIN I KNOW PEOPLE WILL BE ANGRY AT THIS RESPONSE BUT IT IS GODS STANDARD THAT I HOLD"COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE YE HOLY"
WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FORSAKE HOLINESS TO WIN YOUNG PEOPLE.WE PREACH AND TEACH THE OLD WAYS AND HAVE A THRIVING YOUTH GROUP WITH YOUNG PEOPLE GETTING SAVED THE GOSPEL HAS NOT LOST ITS POWER AND THE ARM OF THE LORD HAS NOT SHORTENED WHEREBY HE CANNOT SAVE.
JUST GODS MESSENGERS HAVE GOTTEN WEAK AND ARE AFRAID TO PREACH STANDARDS AND HOLINESS MIGHT TAKE AWAY A LITTLE MONEY OUT POCKET OR CHURCH MIGHT VOTE YOU OUT .
ANYWAY GOD BLESS ONE DAY IN HEAVEN WE WILL HEAR FROM THE LORD AND HEAR HIS ANSWER AND I EXPECT IT WILL SURPRISE A LOT OF FOLKS WHO WATER DOWN AND CHANGE GODS WORD AND THE GOSPEL.

[Uth_Guy]

Not sure where you are coming from on your "drug" comment but to answer it, absolutely not! This would not be honoring to God nor would it stand with the truth of the gospel message. I just believe that condemning a music style that does not violate God's holy standards is counter productive to evangelism in today's world. How does praising God with music strip holiness from the message? It can only add to and acknowledge that which is Holy.

Yes the verse you qouted is in my Bible. (James 4:4) Check your context, though. This passage is dealing with sexual sin and those that practice adultery. I didn't say live in the world of secular music, my comment was about knowing it. I personally don't like a lot of today's music for much of the messages expressed does violate the standards set by our God. We are in agreement here.

I'm not sure those that know would consider me liberal as you have to refer. I hold to a very conservative position within scripture and doctrine. Labeling doesn't help healthy discussion.

But again, we are chasing rabbits here. If there is a specific issue about a specific group or song, I'd be glad to dialog with you on this.

What is obvious in all of this is that we disagree. We will have to accept that as brothers in Christ.

[jc2002]

YES WE DISAGREE VERY MUCH SO.IT IS NOT THE MESSAGE THAT I DISAGREE WITH IT IS THE MEANS BY WHICH WE GET THEM TO THE MESSAGE.CCM FOR THE MOST IS NO DIFFERENT THEN WORLDLY SECULAR MUSIC.
AND AS FAR AS JAMES 4:4 IT IS DEALING WITH SPIRITUAL ADULTERY,WALKING AWAY FROM HOLINESS INTO PRACTICES THAT HAVE A FORM OF GODLINESS BUT DENY THE POWER THEREOF.IN OTHER WORDS THE MEANS JUSTIFY THE ENDS AND I STILL DONT BELIEVE THAT IS THE WAY THE LORD INTENDED IT TO BE.
ANYWAY GOD BLESS

[saltcitybaptist]

JC, may I jump in on the discussion? My first question is: Do you lump all "CCM" in one box? There are several divisions of CCM. Do you see such divisions?

I have a few comments to make, would like to hear your reply.
1. Several years ago, I worked at a Christian radio station. My main job was that of a salesman. I did "work the board" for a little extra income. The station did play CCM. The music director provided a play list. However, I let him know I would not play some of the songs. So he made a special playlist for me.

2. This same music director would not allow any songs by Sandy Pati to be played, due to the fact she had recently been divorced. He also had a couple other probitions.

3. Many churches, especially in the North will not allow Southern Gospel to be played as it would not be pleasing to the Lord.

4. I have some good friends who professionaly sing a variety of Christian music. Several years ago, they released a song entitled "To speak your name". CCM stations said it was too "southern gospel"; southern gospel stations said it was too "CCM"

5. Speaking of Gospel music, would you say our Black brethern are dishourning the Lord with "Black Gospel" ?

Many folks will say they do not like CCM beacuse they can not understand the lyrics. (and sometimes they are right!). On the other hand I have been in some churches down south where I can not understand the messge as every fourth word out of the pastors mouth is "har-har" Is that pastor dishourning the Lord?

I noticed on your profile you did not state what part of the country you are from. would be interested in knowing what state you are in.

I trust we all will benefit from this excellent discussion.

For his glory,

Bob

ps, that group i refered to is Lee and Cindy Condran. If you would like additional info, please contact me.

[jc2002]

DO I LUMP ALL CCM INTO THE SAME CATEGORY AS ALL BEING BAD,NO I DO NOT.WHAT I SAID THE BEAT OF MOST SO CALLED "CCM" IS A WORLDLY BEAT,IE.... "CHRISTIAN RAP,CHRISTIAN ROCK,ETC."
NOT MUCH CHRISTIAN IN THAT MESS.I AM CURRENTLY PASTORNG A CHURCH IN OKLAHOMA BUT I AM FROM THE SOUTH.N.CAROLINA TO BE SPECIFIC.
I NEVER WILL AGREE WE HAVE TO CHANGE OR DO THINGS THE WAY YOUNG PEOPLE WANT TO ATTRACT THEM TO THE CROSS.
IF THE CROSS OF CALVARY AND THE GOSPEL IS NOT ENOUGH,IF THE SON OF GOD IS NOT ENOUGH TO GET THEM AND WIN THEM,NOTHING THIS OLE WORLD HAS WILL EITHER.
THE COMMENT ABOUT THE DRUG WAS MADE FOR THIS REASON BECAUSE IT WAS STATED THAT WE HAD TO BE
ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE.WE HAD TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT SO WE CAN GIVE THEM THE GOSPEL,I GUESS TO GIVE DRUG ADDICTS AND USERS THE GOSPEL OR ALCOHOLICS THE GOSPEL,WE SHOULD GIVE THEM FREE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL.
AGAIN THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS,I DONT THINK SO.
I THINK PAUL WOULD HAVE SAIDSTAND FAST ON WHAT WE BELIEVE AND THE GOSPEL.PAUL MIGHT HAVE WENT TO A CCM CONCERT BUT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE TO PREACH NOT AS A SPONSER OR ENDORSING IT.
ANYWAY TAKE CARE

[TW]

My thought is that if the message is biblical, then I am fine with it. The only requirement I have for the beat is that it not be so boisterous as to take away from the song. I think you have to look at each song and artist individually.

I went to an avalon concert recently - one of my favorite among CCM artists. The undercard was ZoeGirl and Joy Williams. I enjoyed Joy Williams but I thought ZoeGirl was rotten. Their music and their stage antics took too much away from the message. Their testimony in the middle of the set however was great.

Yes there are some God dishonoring CCM songs, but there are some Southern Gospel songs that are nothing more than theological crap also.

My personal favorite artist for listening to in my car is the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

[Rev_C]

Good afternoon everyone,

I have to jump in this conversation concerning CCM. I personally do not care for it. However, I do realize that a great many people do like it. There are some that have been been saved by the grace of God at these concerts.

I guess it is a matter of free will as to what people will listen to. They can justify anything in their own minds.

Out of curiosity, JC what kind of denominational church do you pastor that places so much emphasis on standards?

TW, what did you mean by "theological crap" coming from the Southern Gospel scene. I have never heard anything like that at all. I listen to Southern Gospel, especially The Gaither Vocal Band, Squire Parsons, Ivan Parker, etc.

I do have a confession. I listen to Ray Boltz who is considered to be Contemporary Christian. I believe that his music is the most scripturally accurate of all the singers/songwriters today.

Just a few questions and my .02.

Ya'll take care.

Rev C

[jc2002]

I PASTOR A FUNDAMENTAL BAPTIST CHURCH WHO BELIEVES CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE HOLY BECAUSE THE LORD IS HOLY,AND THAT THERE SHOULD BE A DIFFERENCE IN CHURCH(SAVED)CROWD AND THE WORLDLY LOST CROWD.
AND AS FAR AS EMPHASIS ON STANDARDS THAT COMES FROM GOD'S WORD.THOUGH MOST FOLK DONT LIKE PREACHING ON STANDARDS ANYMORE THEY WANT GOD WITHOUT GODLINESS,CHURCH WITHOUT STANDARDS.
BUT HEY SOME FOLKS GOT TO HAVE THE CROWDS GO THERE JUST NOT SURE I WOULD WANT TO COMPROMISE THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE BIBLE TO DO IT THOUGH.
RATHER HAVE A CHURCH CROWD THAT THE TOWN RESPECTS AND KNOWS THEY ARE CHRISTIAND BY HOW THEY ACT,,LIVE,AND TREAT EACH OTHER.
ANYWAY GOD BLESS.

[janis]

May I please step in and request that posts not be made in all capital letters? It is considering screaming on the internet. Please use the lower case letters in you response. We need to calmly discuss our topics and not come across as screaming. Thanks for your help in this! We don't want this board to take an ugly turn like the previous board did!

Continue!

[WB]

I wrote a reply to this message lastnight but did not know that 5000 characters were the most you could post. It took me 2 1/2 hours to reply and then I went through and edited for 45 mins to try and get it small enough but finely got tired of it and deleted it all. Needles to say I wasn't very happy.. If any one would like me to mail them concerning this topic send me your e-mail and I think I can shed a little light on this subject as I am the one who made the original post and I also take care of Artist Hospitality for Luis Palau Evangelistic Association. I know about 50% of these band personally. I know how they are on and off stage. I must tell you that I was raised in South eastern NC at the beach and a Baptist. I was also raised very conservative. I had my hangups with this industry in the beginning that is why I got involved. My kid wanted to listen to it and I wasn't sure I wanted them to so I thought I would get involved and ended up with a big responsibility. But I have learned an awful lot so if you are interested send your e-mail to [e-mail] and I am going to rewrite my letter when I get time and send it to everyone at the same time. Probably next week...

God Bless all of you...
Dale Bennett

[WB]

I wrote a reply to this message lastnight but did not know that 5000 characters were the most you could post. It took me 2 1/2 hours to reply and then I went through and edited for 45 mins to try and get it small enough but finely got tired of it and deleted it all. Needles to say I wasn't very happy.. If any one would like me to mail them concerning this topic send me your e-mail and I think I can shed a little light on this subject as I am the one who made the original post and I also take care of Artist Hospitality for Luis Palau Evangelistic Association. I know about 50% of these band personally. I know how they are on and off stage. I must tell you that I was raised in South eastern NC at the beach and a Baptist. I was also raised very conservative. I had my hangups with this industry in the beginning that is why I got involved. My kid wanted to listen to it and I wasn't sure I wanted them to so I thought I would get involved and ended up with a big responsibility. But I have learned an awful lot so if you are interested send your e-mail to [e-mail] and I am going to rewrite my letter when I get time and send it to everyone at the same time. Probably next week...

God Bless all of you...
WB