Jesus Isn’t Safe: An Appeal To Christian Radio And Its Listeners

Posted on: January 12th, 2012 by mattpapa 66 Comments

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PART ONE: WHY?

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Imagine with me: The apostle Paul, John the Baptist, the prophet Isaiah, St. Augustine, Martin Luther, and Hudson Taylor all sitting in a room together. The year is 2012, and they’re listening to a mainstream christian radio station. After listening for an hour, someone finally speaks up:

Isaiah: um….

Paul: wow.

Luther: THIS IS CHRISTIAN?!?!

Augustine: Did that song just say ‘God you are super neat’?!?

Taylor: Haven’t heard a song about the cross yet.

John: This is embarrassing. (bites into a bug)

Over the next month or so, I’ll be writing a series of posts about the current state of the christian music industry, more specifically, the current state of that which spearheads it, namely christian radio. By saying radio “spearheads” the industry, I realize I have begun with a proposition a small percentage of people could find disagreeable. Certainly, there are a few christian artists who do not utilize radio and still have a good deal of influence (Lecrae, John Mark McMillian, Phil Whickam). But for the most part, despite the rise of the internet, radio remains the key player in getting songs and artists ‘out there’. If you don’t want to take my word for it, check it out for yourself HERE. I will speak more to this later, but essentially, you can think of it this way: christian radio is to the christian music industry what the movie theatre is to the movie industry. If a movie hits the theaters, you hear about it. If it doesn’t, you usually don’t.

As you might have gleaned from the title, what will follow will be a hard, honest, word of rebuke. I have no idea if anything I say in these posts will mean anything for the sake of change, but someone has to say it: Mainstream christian radio is altogether banal and shallow in both a musical sense and a spiritual sense. The songs are man-centered and the DJ’s and radio programmers are man-pleasers…..they play the songs that will attract the most listeners to their station, period. Christian radio is like Joel Osteen in musical form….safe, happy, and untruthful. It is the TBN of music…a large-scale, embarrassing presentation of Christianity to the world. Now, before I continue, I would like to make some clarifying statements:

1. All in all, my appeal is positive, not negative. I’m not writing these posts for shock-value, or to simply complain about the way things are. Anyone can complain about what’s wrong. I’m writing this because I want for christian radio to be christian. I’m writing because I care about the things that have Jesus’ name tacked on them….I’m writing because I care about people and the huge forming and informing effect music has on them. I not here to just say what’s wrong…I’m here to say what’s RIGHT (and missing), namely, Christian radio playing songs that are Biblical, theologically accurate, Christ-exalting, gospel-proclaiming, artistically meaningful, and truly encouraging.

2. To be fair, not ALL songs that are played on mainstream Christian radio are trite. Just most of them.

3. I am thankful for those few DJ’s out there who play Jesus-exalting, Bible-saturated songs, and I hope these posts are an encouragement for them to continue doing so.

4. I don’t think that EVERY SONG played on christian radio should be a John Piper sermon set to music. I’m just calling for SOME level of weight in what is labeled “christian” radio.

5. Several of MY songs have gotten airplay on some major networks, which has been a tremendous blessing to our ministry and for which I am very thankful.

6. By writing these posts, I am not saying that all christian ARTISTS who get played on christian radio are compromising, sell-outs. Some definitely are, but I personally know many who are very genuine. In theses posts, I am simply saying that the system is broken….and that radio in large-part “forces” christian artists to succumb to compromise. MANY bands/artists whore themselves and their Lord all for the sake of getting a song on the radio, i.e. “making it”.

7. Some might say that to do what I’m doing here is career suicide….if a christian radio network reads these posts (which I hope they will) they’ll never play my music again. That may be true. However (and I’m not trying to be overly spiritual when I say this), my goal isn’t to build a career, it’s to build a kingdom. I care too much about this issue to remain silent. Plus, I might be one of the few people who are currently in the “industry”, have some wherewithal, AND are crazy enough to say something.

So here we go! I hope you’ll join me in what I hope is a great blessing to the body of Christ, and a conversation that will at least stir up some awareness and discussion.

Writing, jealous for His Name-

Matt

Read PART 2 HERE

Dave Roberts

Thanks Matt, good stuff!
Robby White

So True. As a youth and youth worship leader, it bugs me to the bone how people do all encompassing anything you’ve just talked about or will be talking about. If Jesus isn’t the center of the song, then what’s the point of the song? Personally, even Christmas music not about Jesus serves no purpose except to fuel our humanistic, self-centered role in the Christmas season. It builds an even more materialistic perspective in our minds about what Christmas is. Can’t wait to read more.
Blessings

In Christ Alone,
Robby
John Mark

I recently read a blog by Michael Gungor (from the band, Gungor.) saying nearly the exact same thing. I totally agree!

But I have a question. What do you see as the most Biblical way to choose the songs played at such time?

I would love a radio station that played more solid lyrics such ad Lecrae, Gungor, and yourself. But how would a DJ decide which songs to play?
http://www.all4God.co.uk Peter McM

Finally! I don’t listen to a lot of Christian radio any more thanks to things like spotify, but when I do listen to it it annoys me how cheerful it is all the time, with their belief that all your problems will be solved by one quick uplifting song. And is it just me or is it always shareathon week?
David Calvert

looking forward to the rest of your posts. and i bet that in the cloud of witnesses, Rich Mullins and Keith Green are both probably cheering this on.
Joewiley_83

I am glad someone with an inside perspective has chosen to speak up on something I think many are aware of however few say anything about. I’m a youth pastor and I tell my students all the time it’s easy to call yourself a Christian but much harder to live the Christian life. I hope Christian radio takes an honest look at their programming and asks themselves the same are we engaged in the work of the Kingdom or are we concerned focused on our image?
Schraderman

is there really a song that says, “God, You are super neat”?

Phil

No, Schraderman, this is not “a” song like that, but about 10,000 of them. Many, if not most, of the pablum on Christian radio is “Jesus is my homeboy” or “Jesus is my BFF” type of stuff. This diminished view of God — fueled by Christian radio — came home to roost poignantly last summer when one of the largest Baptist churches in the South Bay announced that “14 kids accepted Jesus as their BFF” (yes, as in, supposedly got saved). So yes, there are ton’s of “God is so neat” songs out there designed and marketed to a church culture that already fits such mentality.

http://twitter.com/bee_stine Bethany Stein

Matt,

Thank you so much for this. I am home from college on break and I usually don’t drive or listen to radio much, but I have been over the past few weeks and I’ve just been both confused and frustrated. I’m hearing songs that are trying to bolster my self esteem and tell me that I’m “good enough”, just the way I am… and all of this other stuff that doesn’t appear to be Gospel Truth or even that encouraging. May the Lord use this conversation to spark something bigger, a great movement towards powerful, Gospel-proclaiming, and YES!, even artful and well-crafted music to start coming out of my car speakers.

For His Glory!
Manmtn7

This is very encouraging!

Matt, we’re in full support of you in regards to this issue.

It’s time for a new movement, a movement to promote the biblical gospel as it was preached 1700 years ago.

Your in our prayers.
Jeremy

Finally someone who will say something! Thanks for posting this and I look forward to reading the rest. While watching a college gathering earlier this year I was disappointed in the music they wrote and are now producing for the radio market. The question that came to my mind was- is this the best we can do?… the same musical content and same scripturally weak lyrics?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=543785683 Josh Reep

Matt, you have just poured into me a ton of courage!

Christianity is not an industry. Christianity is growing in intimacy with the Father and destroying the works of the devil; two things that Jesus’ ministry revolved around.

Our music should reflect such a thing.

The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. -Proverbs 28
Ric N

In response to the DJ question, by organizing playlists and putting Christ’s name on it, they are playing a role in shaping, or leading, the worship of our Lord around the world. This approach makes choosing songs much easier. Is x song wholly, Biblically truthful? Does it challenge and engage listeners to seek a deeper relationship with God, or does it leave them complacent and empty? These are simple questions. Most pastors would not let someone who is unable to answer these questions serve as a worship leader in their churches (or at least I hope they wouldn’t). Likewise, if a DJ cannot answer these questions, that person should not be given responsibility for continuing to lead that worship on the other 6 days of the week.
Penny Keathley

Thank you Matt for saying what I have been complaining about to myself and my family for MANY years. I long to be able to turn on a Christian radio station and listen to God exalting, biblically sound music that isn’t simply pop, boring or trite. I know gifted Christian artists are out there creating quality Christian music (of which I count you one), but I don’t want to listen to the junk for 30 minutes to get to the one good song. So, I personally stopped listening to Christian radio stations years ago. I pray you have started a conversation that will make a difference in the future of Christian radio. Maybe God will use you to start or influence starting a station that will change the tide?!
Heather

Are you talking about going back to Sandy Patty?

I don’t want a Bible thumping from every song I hear on Christian radio. It’s nice to hear songs about life and how people are applying their Christianity to it.

I’m a big fan of Brandan Heath. His “Give Me Your Eyes” is like a prayer.

I do believe politics should be kept out, but what one person considers a political lyric another thinks it’s Biblical.

I wish radio stations did play Lecrae. I’m a huge fan.
Amelia Joy Bond

I say amen. That doesn’t mean that I don’t receive blessings from my local Christian radio station. In fact, I do. But I definitely recognize many songs that do nothing more than fill air space.

I look forward to your posts and seeing how God uses you.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Larry-Lacefield/1575555432 Larry Lacefield

Matt, I love this post. Keep Doing as God leads you. thanks for all of your music.
http://twitter.com/musbkc musbkc

WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!! I commend your gourage and commitment to exalt Christ above all else . . . You have an advocate in the worship community right here . . .
Anonymous

Love this! The church is not a stepping stone or a place to “build your career” like you said…Jesus be exalted!
70s Guitar Guy

You are correct, but this sadly is not a new revelation. Way back in the 70s and 80s guys like Larry Norman and Mark Heard fought the battle for depth, intelligence and honesty in CCM. Their focus was outside the church, not “worship” music. But alas, depth doesn’t sell as well as the stuff that is routinely “uplifting” and filled with cliches and recognizable phrases. CCM for years now has almost entirely steeped in “worship” music that is mostly a repetition of exactly the same phrases about bowing down, lifting up and God’s goodness, not bad things, but a very small sliver of truth without any real context. In the end I started listening to country because I could find stories about real life, often from a relatively sound Christian perspective. (Paul Overstreet, Ricky Skaggs). Happily today there are the occasional exceptions like Brook Fraser or Keith and Kristen Getty who go a little deeper, but I really miss Mark Heard for “relevant” music. Also find the “Sovereign Grace” stuff has some better lyrical content for corporate worship. There are exceptions.
Luke Allison

I don’t mean to be “that guy”, but I guess I kind of am.
I’ve been listening to your newest album, and while the lyrics are certainly a step in the right direction, I would encourage you to try something a little more “unsafe” musically. That’s not a putdown, but if you’re speaking about Christian music being bland, easy, and comforting, I’m not sure how your music stands apart from those three descriptors. It still sounds like everything else musically. Again, your lyrics are different. Very literal, concrete, and everyman, but I’m assuming that’s something you’re going for.

Here’s my point: I hear lots of people criticize Christian music, and rightly so, but I honestly haven’t heard too many overtly Christian artists do anything different. Maybe this means we need to broaden our musical influence? Maybe it means we need to stop listening to other Christian artists so much? Maybe it means that Christians won’t listen to anything that sounds a little bit different?

Again, don’t hear this as a slam, merely a challenge. You have a great voice, you obviously are immensely talented, and you have a gutsy heart for Jesus. I just want to challenge you with the thought that it might be time to get MORE gutsy.
Thanks for reading,
Luke

Aaron

Luke, I have to disagree. Matt’s music is a refreshingly different than what you’ll get on basic Christian radio. You should especially give Scripture Songs and Hymns Volume 1 a listen if you haven’t. Lots of good musical tastiness there.

Matt, you’re reminding me of Steve Camp here. Have you read his 107 theses?

Luke Allison

Different how? If you mean “Reform-leaning theology”- different as opposed to the cavalcade of “Harvest Bible-Chapel broad Evangelicismatic” lyrics, then yes, I absolutely agree. But I’ve already given accolades for his lyrics (although they are very straightforward and concrete), and said that he is obviously immensely talented.

One of the reasons why I stopped listening to Christian music (at least the type we’re speaking about) is because I don’t like pop-rock. Should I like pop-rock just because that seems to be the primary style suited for writing songs on an acoustic guitar? And Lord knows young Christian men have been writing worship songs on the acoustic guitar since the first Bible college was ever established.

Honestly, I’m not trying to be a creep. But if you listen to, say, Merrill Garbus’ new project Tuneyards, or Annie Clark’s St Vincent records, or even something a little more accessible like Youth Lagoon….I just don’t hear any overtly Christian music that is taking the same type of risks or making the same type of creative decisions these “heathens” are.

Is that because we know Christians don’t like risk and creative decisions? But isn’t that the point of this post, that we need to be different?

It begins to seem like when you say “different”, what you mean is “articulates my favorite theology better”. What does that have to do with music?

Anyway, this is something I’ve been crankily mulling over in my mind for several years. Can’t you tell?

Aaron

Luke, I, in turn, am not trying to be a creep by disagreeing with you and I really don’t want to get in an argument, so this will likely be my last response about the matter unless it seems very warranted. I was not commenting on Matt’s lyrics or theological content, as I saw what you plainly wrote about that.

I was commenting on Matt’s actual music. Your explanation that you do not prefer “pop-rock” helps me understand where you are coming from. You are in no way obligated to like or appreciate pop-rock, by the way.

I am referring to the subtleties in Matt’s musical choices that make his style stick out a bit to me. I’d actually also disagree that Matt has a “great voice”. That’s not a put down to Matt, I love hearing him sing. Passion in the singing is more important to me than vocal polish, in this case.

I love the recording of out-of-tune pianos in Matt’s music OR the mic’ing choices that make it sound like they are not in a recording studio, but in a living room or on a front porch. Matt is not married to your basic electronic music (although he uses it for some effect) created by simple loops. Matt’s harmonic choices while playing the piano are very fun for a person who knows music (much different than what you’ll usually hear on the radio). I also appreciate some of the odd key changes he employs like at the ending of “But For Grace”. How about using a dobro in a sort southern black gospel sing-a-long song on “Hymn in E minor”? These are but a few of the musical things that I am talking about.

Hope that helps, Luke.

Since you don’t like this style of music, I’m guessing you are telling Matt that he should try something else stylistically.

Luke Allison

Yeah, perhaps I’m just being contrary based on stylistic choices. But I do like John Mark McMillan, based on his “edge” and his ability to write about the Gospel without baldly stating theological propositions. And he’s doing the “rough alt-country meets polished pop rock” thing too.

Anyway, thanks for entertaining my objections. I appreciate your peaceful response and Christ-like blog demeanor.

I think Christians in general need to branch out and listen to more stuff, watch more stuff, read more stuff, and do more stuff. Music tends to flow out of experience, and musical diversity comes from a diversity of experience.

Sometimes I feel like a lot of these Christian musicians listened to a sermon, got excited, and went a wrote a song about it. OR, they had a really fruitful quiet time and decided to universalize that quiet time for everybody in the Church. Is that what music is for? I don’t know.
Is this a solvable problem? I don’t know about that either.
Andy Persons

Hi Luke,

I’m curious about your last paragraph. You seem to say that a good sermon or fruitful quiet time aren’t proper seeds for writing a song. What are some examples of seeds that would meet your approval?

matt papa

thanks for the encouragement Luke! noted! blessings-

matt

Robert

Should be interesting to hear your perspective. I don’t listen to any music stations on the radio because it is all so very, very bad. If I do listen to the radio it’s usually NPR. The whole Christian market had been terrible lately, actually getting worse which I didn’t think was possible. Hopefully we can hear some rational discussion.
Anonymous

Look forward to it! I have to agree – for much of the time it is definitely ‘positive’ radio, and Jesus is even preached sometimes, but, so much more potential!

To share a quick anecdote from where I live in Australia – we don’t have Christian radio. We have a ‘family’ station that plays the occasional Christian song, and hymns on Sunday morning, but that is about it. At least at home we have the internet to keep up with music!
http://twitter.com/AaronRedeemed Aaron

This is great! I just want to encourage you in prayer and by my words to keep writing, prayerfully and honestly. I hope that these articles on this subject will receive as wide an audience as possible (and not just in North America). Bear in mind: truth is divisive, yet love rejoices in truth. Therefore, by the grace of God, stay humble.
Dbusby

I’m having a hard time sharing your message on Facebook without an overt advert for you music catalog, which kind of conflicts with the message of this post….bummer.
David

Hey, Christian Radio guy here. I’m with you on wanting Christian radio to strive to be better. I wish we could hear different music and hear about different topics on the air. However, I’m not sure disparaging other artists and music as “trite” and “sellouts” is going to get you anywhere. I’m sick of “Safe for the little ears” thinking, too – and the glut of family/positive talk has badly warped the reason many of these station were started.

However, he’s a few things you can do that can affect your local stations:

1) Direct your efforts toward radio stations you and/or your family listen to. Open letters on the Internet are nice, but they do little that rally the already converted. If you or others are listening, send kind letters thanking them for the songs, DJs, and programs you like, and suggesting artists and teachers you wish you could hear (just make sure the teachers actually have radio shows, and the artists are in the same type of musical format as the station. Your favorite preacher-podcast isn’t generally suitable for radio, and the local AC-friendly station isn’t going to start playing Lecrae once in awhile.)

2) Don’t berate the station or DJs. The local DJ (if s/he IS local) has virtually zero control over the music nowadays, and the music is usually heavily tested & vetted before it reaches the airwaves. Those guys in the air, as hard as it is to believe in some circles, actually do love Jesus and have a faith just a strong and complex and their critics. A lot of them have very diverse musical taste. Many can’t stand to hear “I Can Only Imagine” one more time, either. On that note..

3) Get involved in a listener advisory board. Local stations will occasionally bring in listeners to test out new music. If you seriously care about this type of thing, go to their website and see if you can sign up there.

4) If you find a good station you like, either on the air or online, make noise. Thank them, donate, join their Facebook/Twitter group, tell friends, donate brag about their music, tell the artists you like that they’re heard on the air, and donate. Christian Radio history is littered with stations that wanted to do something cool, were told by listeners for years to do something different, and met with indifference because listeners didn’t respond except when they heard something they didn’t like. Want to know why the same 4-5 artists are heard on every station? Their fans let the station know they love it.

5) Don’t be unpleasable. If your local station plays a great pastor who preaches the word and is (gasp!) not a Calvinist, deal. If the station plays a song that is a little too “Me & Jesus” but gets a truth across, be gracious. People who do nothing but complain and assume that the staff are spiritually immature idiots get quickly tossed in the “crank” pile.

6) Realize that if a station has 10,000 listeners, that station has at least 20,000 people who think they’d make a better program director than the guy who is there right now. If you want more theologically rich songs, another wants more “Spirit-filled” songs. Another wants them to play more cross-over secular songs, Someone wants to hear the top celebrity preacher podcasts all day. Another wants to rock loud and hard, and a few are asking where your songs of “Victory” are. Others just want their kids to have a positive roll model. Some just wish you’d shut up and sound more like their Pandora station. The PD doesn’t have an easy job, and could use your prayers just as much as your opinions.

Bonus: Never, ever, ever bug a radio person to play your demo on the air. Unless it’s a college-run station or an online hobby station, it’s not going to happen and just turns a nice conversation with another believer into a sales pitch. Hone your chops live, post songs to YouTube and other places, write better songs, read better poetry, and so forth.

matt papa

David-

this is great stuff man. do you mind if I re-post some of this in another blog post? thanks brother-

matt

David

Go for it! Any questions? I think you have my email (but please just quote me as “David” if you repost).

wcbcpastor

thank you. as a long- tenured pastor in the Northwest (specifically, southern Oregon) I am in 100% agreement with your thinking. As a pastor (and occasional worship leader for youth camps) I am appalled at what passes for “Christian” music. Our primary exposure here is a national radio station and a local am station that is supported mainly by teaching programs with an occasional block of music thrown in- and even 1/2 of their programming is from a large mid-western Christian ministry.
So, I look forward to your posts. May God bless your efforts.
Jim Guess

Matt,

I agree with your comments completely.

I am a trained musician. It is totally sad to hear music that seems to have the same style of melody – using only six notes of the scale – with only minor variations of the tune. Also, it is disgusting to try to sing a song when it appears the DRUMS have the melody and we are always clapping on 2 & 4 of the measure. GAG!

I know, I know, sometimes the words are awesome. But the music is so vapid or nauseating it detracts from or totally negates the message of the words.

Jim Guess
MS

Thanks for this post.

Can someone recommend an Internet radio station that plays the type of Christian music this post encourages? I’m not asking for specific artists, but rather want to know if there is a station which streams online that plays those types of artists.

Janda Wallace

Pandora radio….is a good one (free verison)

http://www.praisefm.org/ David McIver

As one who works in Christian radio thanks so much for sharing your heart on this. Our network of stations were convicted about our format several years ago and felt God’s prompting to raise up a generation of worshippers. In times of prayer we realized that we were saying our names more than His name. It was hard work creating a format with five categories of worship music, and I feel like we have just scratched the surface of what God is calling us to. I’ll keep reading!
David (Psalm 27:4)

matt papa

david! this is so encouraging brother! thanks for posting. -matt

http://twitter.com/griffingulledge griffingulledge

I’d like to clear something up really quick:

There seems to be a few folks here who think that Matt does exactly what he is against here with his music. Unfortunately, you’ve missed the point. Matt, it seems, isn’t against any specific style as much as a specific “me-first” unbiblical theology in music today. If you don’t like Matt’s music, that’s fine. You can’t, however, deny the theology and truth in them.

Seriously, it’s like saying “That Lecrae guy says some good stuff but he never sings! I don’t like how he just talks really fast so I’m going to discard what he says”.

No offense, but no one cares what you musical preferences are here. Hipsters, that’s for you. Corny CCMI snobs, that’s for you too. 116 clique only listeners, no one cares. This isn’t about style, it’s about being Biblical in our worship.

You can be Tomlin. You can be Lecrae. You can be Crowder. You can be John Mark McMillan. All very different. All solidly Biblical. That, it seems, is the issue- not your stylistic preferences.

Aaron

Griffin,

yeah, you’re right….most of what Matt is going after is the content lyrically. And I’m glad for that. However, while Matt doesn’t mention style, he does briefly mention the music itself, stating that the music itself is banal. At least, that’s the way I read it.

Again though, you are right about the main point.

I’d encourage everyone to check out Steve Camp’s 107 theses also, he went after all of this years ago.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_5OEJXUVIMVZE55TMFKS4GX6FCY mel

corny ccmi snobs? That seems really rude and intended to offend. Perhaps you have a point but I couldn’t get past the lack of love.

Christina Sapaugh

Wheel in the organ!
I grew up on hymns, and yes, I’m 20 years old. I support Christian music with Christ centered, Cross focused lyrics. I’m tired of hearing wimpy 7/11 praise band songs (7 verses sung 11 times) where one could easily switch “God” or “Jesus” with “Allah” or “Jehovah” and it wouldn’t matter.

Unfortunately, 7/11 songs have left a bad taste in my mouth, and I cringe at the sound of soft strumming guitars, but my husband grew up on these kinds of songs, so I’ve been forcing myself to get over it. The guitars aren’t the problem, it’s the association with them to shallow “christian” music. I’ll get over it someday, and listening to great songs such as yours totally helps. Thank you for all you do.

Benjamin

Responding here mainly to defend 7-Eleven, the convenience store that I grew up frequenting for slurpees, candy, and baseball cards. Sadly in my hometown, the 7-Elevens were replaced with Circle K, and though similar, it was never quite the same. Alas, I digress, but I do understand and agree with this 7/11 idea; I just don’t want the memories of my fun childhood excursions to be tainted by association with the songs often played on these stations.

I am really thankful for the aim of Matt’s post, as I too struggle with much of the content–musical and lyrical–that is played on contemporary Christian radio. This is just a really tricky stream to navigate b/c not every follower of Jesus appropriates the call to go out into the world and engage in similar fashion. And for whatever reason, it seems that in general, CCM stations play what sells, and what sells is often devoid of Gospel-seated, Christ-crucified theology.

I’ve never listened to Matt’s stuff–maybe I need to, especially if the title of his new album is true–but I do appreciate the efforts of those seeking to move the greater listening community–believing or non-believing–toward the heart of biblical Christian faith. Traditional hymnody and a fair amount of the hymn renovation work that has been done are valuable in this regard in communicating deep content in listenable, singable fashion.

It’s tough to make these criticisms and not to offend, but if our most righteous acts are as filthy rags, then perhaps those offended should acknowledge the offense and seek to discern the aim/heart behind those criticisms. Tough subject this one, but I’m thankful for those of you with experience in navigating established industry with the Gospel at heart and with helpful suggestions to share.

James Dirksen

a) I’m not a musician, so I can’t comment on stylistic nuance. But almost all Contemporary Christian music is 10-years-behind, derivative, sanitized garbage. (please, no suggestions or advice in this one)

b) I travel all over the States and hire rental cars a lot. The two things I always do in the garage are set the mirrors and set the radio presets. It takes exactly 1.7 seconds when you land on the local Christian stations to 1) recognize that hinky “Christian Radio” sound and 2) move along.

c) I have never heard of Matt before today, but I read his post, and bought his music to give it a try even knowing there’s a 85% chance I won’t like it (there’s no accounting for taste). Matt: Keep writing posts like this, and I’ll keep buying your music.
Jim

I stumbled across this post from a link on the Gospel Coalition site. I’m very intrigued- as someone who finds it extremely difficult to listen to Christian radio without a carload of cynicism. Thank you for your honest appeal to change. I grew up listening to Rich Mullins and Michael Card and I must say (although some of their stuff is now a bit dated musically), I wish more of that sort of theologically sound and creative music came across the “Christian” airwaves. Interestingly enough, there is a local station (a “competitor”, of sorts, of the big Christian station) that plays… Michael Card and Rich Mullins, amongst other less popular artists and teaching segments (i.e. Ravi Zacharias). That station is constantly in jeopardy of going under, though it is by far the more edifying of the two stations. It just doesn’t have the popular appeal of many current CCM artists.
Cynthia

I agree. “safe for the little ears” Family friendly. I’d love for us to have a Christian Radio station that will actual say, “This is a Christian Radio Station and we will play music that honors Jesus”
Anonymous

Reactionary tripe. This is worship wars all over again. There has to be a limit to the agony. Praise and worship music can and at times should be joyous. CCM on the radio is not there just so we can all solemnly agree to what it says. And the opening scenario is presumptuous and offensive. You speak for Paul, John the Baptist, the prophet Isaiah, St. Augustine, Martin Luther, and Hudson Taylor? Please. CCM should continue to develop both in subject matter and in artistic form. Let’s not go back to a diet of slow, solemn marches in 3/4 or 4/4 just because more contemporary fare makes some people nervous.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=842220093 Sean Scott

Thank you from a father and a pastor. Christian music has become so worldly and lacking anything of Christianity.

John the Presbyterian

Gotta disagree but that depends on what you mean “has become”. As has been stated ad-nauseum, there are artists recording songs with deep, Christian, spiritual themes or lyrics. Sometimes those songs are also easy on the ears. You can do all the scripture-quotin’ you want, but if it isn’t couched in a catchy tune, the people will not listen to the music. What good would Christian radio be when it can no longer support itself financially due to a lack of funds because nobody is tuning in to hear amateurish, unlistenable tunes?

I am in Christian radio. DJ’s do not choose what gets played. The songs which DO get played have been tested and thoroughly vetted as mentioned in a previous post. When the record company releases the single, after the test audience in the chosen demographic says it’s a good tune, when it passes our requirements lyrically, we play it. We have no desire to ‘water down’ Christ!

Good news, though… the rocks will cry out His name should we ever cease to play music which does.

The real ‘bad guy’ in the mix is not the radio stations. We’re the little guy. The ‘bad guys’ are the people who label themselves Christian, agree to be part of a test-market and select music which has little regard for Christ. The record companies do there own testing before they release a single. They don’t give the song a theological litmus test, they just want to know if the world likes it well enough to listen. They are in the business of SELLING music! Should they be held to a higher standard? Perhaps. Perhaps not. God is in control.

Ultimately, this whole posting smacks of a guy who is frustrated with the existing systems and maybe rightfully so. But let’s do less blaming and more praying.

Cliffwalling

Good Post, I have been observing the same type of pop attitude for some time now, but I appreciate the grace you give Christian radio, about not generalizing the entire media. Robin Mark a Great Christian artist gets practically no air play, each of his songs are Biblical based and theologically centered. As a matter of fact some of his songs are text from the Psalms or other Scriptures.
Eisaly2

Music is entertainment…Christian music is Christian entertainment. Not every song has to mention the cross. Not every song has to be a sermon. If i dont like a song I change the channel or turn it down – no big deal. Some musicians are pop like musicians with “shallow lyrics” so be it. Many Christians enjoy that music and that is ok. Sellouts? If you make a living as an artist you need to make money at what you do. Not everyone is as artistically deep and talented as others are- I just dont agree with the whole “sellout” perspective. You could have easily put pictures of the cross or jesus in place of your own on your website but you chose not to and thats ok – just my perspective.
Rich

In Search Of.
Yes, that’s us. We’re not needing music as a crutch, but we’ve not purchased much music in many past years, and we miss it. Frankly, there hasn’t been much out there that is played in a fashion (medium) to hear it before we buy it. Too expensive to take chances. The independents are moving forward it seems, and the internet has given us access to hear music that the POP media won’t play much of. In the last year or two, this has enabled us to discover some great stuff. The radio is a joke, and I agree with the comments regarding shallowness and a lack of art among the artists. I appreciate that they are trying to do something they enjoy while conforming to an industry that requires, in the same worldly fashion as the secular radio, all the pain, blood letting, and carbon copy beats and rhythms in order to get much fan fare. But it doesn’t have to be this way; I look forward to hearing of ways we can help be agents for change, whether as listeners or as artists.

So looking ahead, we look forward to a discussion on music to go viral. A discussion that will encourage and exhort others for God glorifying, no matter the style, creative music; creative and well thought-out lyrics; (no more, “I give you everything” or “you’re my all in all” – just because it rhymed lyrics). Dynamically arranged scores that express a high degree of God’s gifts and talents given to the artists, while pointing to something bigger than our immediate happy christian world. Music that preaches a real and powerful Gospel, and speaks to serious discipleship, all the while music that celebrates joy and peace or celebrates the gifts that God has given to us. I’m just trying to say, music with purpose and clarity of message, a message that is God centered – whatever the style and/or genre.

For effectiveness, how do we, the reader, the listener, the artist, do this in a loving, encouraging, and effective manner? Please help me with this one. I don’t believe the local radio stations care one iota what I think as I don’t own a business (no advertising) and don’t have the means to provide a large amount of support. I’m thankful for the stations that are out there, it must be difficult for them to be successful too. But God!
RunGirlRunLA

I got a headache while reading so many words that were unnecessarily capitalized … particularly the word “MY” in point #5.

That said, good points made in the article, although the tone of it seems more than a little egotistical and melodramatic. (Neither has Matt mentioned anything that hasn’t already been strongly contested in the last two decades of CCM). If Matt concedes that posting his rant is akin to “career suicide”, then how prominent of a CCM artist is he? It would take an artist who’s experienced tremendous success and visibility, and yet called out the very groups that generated that success – to be considered a suicidal attempt. DJs and PDs might really not play your music after they read this, but not so much because of the topic but because of the way it’s written.

If anyone is willing to shuffle through iTunes to find more diverse music made by Christian artists, that’s a good place to start – especially since you can hear free song samples and decide whether or not to buy the album.
Hardyboys

My dh says it’s an outreach, just like a tract…neither is intended for long-term use, but to draw the unchurched into fellowship with other belivers and a long-term personal relationship with the Savior of their souls (which radio is NOT). Let’s ENCOURAGE our fellow Believers (Eph 4:29-32). Satan loves to cause division. The alternative stations are appalling. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater!
Ourfriendadam

Daniel Smith of the Danielson Family makes the same arguments about the Christian music industry in the documentary “Danielson: A Family Movie.” I’d encourage everyone to watch and be challenged musically, ideologically and spiritually. And speaking of Danielson, he and his dad’s label backed a great series of creative, scripturally sound, gospel-centered albums under the name Bifrost Arts. Check ‘em out!
Jim M

Matt, as a music director from a chart reporting Christian station, I assure you there are still some of us who DO listen to lyrics and don’t play a song if it’s too watered down. But I think your criticism may be a bit miss-aimed. The radio stations play what the record companies single. That’s one breakdown point. Secondly, we play what the artists record. Breakdown number two. I challenge Christian artists to write songs with some spiritual depth. But really the bulk of what I play and get from the major labels is great music that does connect my listeners with God. Mike Weaver, Mark Hall, Christ Tomlin, Mack Powell, Sidewalk Prophets, Selah, Aaron Shust, Chris August…and I could go on, have all released several great spiritual songs in the past 12 months. Maybe you just need to find a better Christian radio station.
John

Matt, I like your music, and we play it on our radio station. I’m having trouble understanding where you’re coming from though. You’ve made criticisms in general form about the music, artists, personalities and programmers. Who specifically are you talking about? Name some names, so as to give examples. If you want it to be a productive conversation with Christian radio, show us exactly what you’re talking about here. We’ll be more apt to listen to the argument then. Thanks!
Jud Kossum

Matt, thank you for posting this! As someone who attempted for a little while to “make it” in the music business and is now fully committed to staying home and serving in the local church (as well as a musician and avid music fan), I have seen so much of what you’re addressing. The truly sad part is that the music is both a reflection of and an influence on American church culture. We are seeing the Church in America become just as “banal and shallow” as CCM radio.
Richard

One Group that has a varied style and great lyics is a group out of Nashville called “Indelible Grace”.
I would love to hear the Music on our local radio K-Love. So, much of what they play (and they do play the same songs10 times a day) is very lite worship music. I like milk but give me some meat!
Joel

Thank you. I have been feeling this way for a long time.
CVH

Matt,

A friend of mine linked me to this piece because he’s heard me rant about the same things before. You make a number of significant points and the comments have been interesting to read. I must apologize in advance for my lengthy post. (Feel free to edit/delete as needed).

First, let me give you some of my background only for the sake of perspective. I began my career in radio in 1979. I’ve been on-air, done production, music programming and PD/OPS for successful Christian and secular stations, both commercial and non-commercial. I spent several years working with artists on booking and promotion and also had the benefit of working with a couple of labels on publishing, rights and permissions, etc.

This is one of those discussions that will never come to a conclusion everyone agrees with. I remember posing the same questions in a Letter to the Editor in CCM Magazine back in 1985 when John Styll was the publisher (before the evil Salem empire took over). A ‘letter to readers’ had been written and signed by a number of prominent Christian artists at the time saying (in effect), “we just want to be servant-musicians, we don’t care about money or notoriety, please just accept us for us.” Sounded good. But these were the very same artists whose record label promoters were calling me every week to see if we would give a few more spins to the artist’s latest single. The irony was undeniable; if artist X wanted to be ‘just folks’ why did they sign a publishing/record deal with a label that was pushing their records to retail and their songs to radio?

Since then a lot of things have changed. People like Michael Card, Steve Camp, Mark Heard, and industry vet and former Word Records/StarSong executive Stan Moser have challenged the industry to be more introspective and self-critical. As Moser put it in a 1996 piece in Christianity Today, “…in the seventies, we were on a mission from God. We had no choice but to communicate the gospel. Now we’ve built our careers, we’ve built our ministries, we’ve built our houses, we’ve built our companies, and we’ve sold them–at great profit. We’ve made money–and now we’re accountable to make more money for the new owners. In many cases, we are creating music because it’s time to create more music. ‘It’s been 18 months since my last record; I’ve got some decent songs, we have the production dollars to make them sound even better. So we might as well.’”

“But to be candid, I look at the majority of the music I hear today and think it’s virtually meaningless. There are some great songs; there are some fine artists. But when I pick up any of the magazines that review Christian music, I often wonder, “What is this? Why on earth are they reviewing this thing?” The answer is because we’ve created the opportunity for business to happen and for the media to exist. Now we’re obligated to put something out, give the stores something to sell, and the magazines something to write about. We’re driven by ‘It’s time for another record.’ The bottom line is “if it is commercially viable, produce it.”

The majority of Christian radio stations and networks in the U.S. are non-commercial, in other words they are listener-supported. They may run sponsorship mentions and promotional announcements but you won’t hear an ad for Target or the local Ford dealer on them. Therefore, they are deathly afraid of offending their donor base. Sometimes that means that they ‘play it safe for the little ears’ for so long that they fall behind listener’s constantly changing tastes. That bores listeners. On the other hand, if the station employs the services of a consultant they’ll follow the traditional secular radio formulas and have a very tight playlist with little variety and a lot of repetition. That annoys listeners.

So what is the process of getting a song played on the radio? Record labels release singles via digital delivery services in advance of the artist’s forthcoming record. Radio is encouraged to play them and most do. Why? Because everybody else is. It’s like traveling to a city and finding a strip with the same Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Radisson and Walgreens as the last five cities had. A few stations try something different but the majority follow the norm and sound alike as a result.

Another aspect is the perpetual question, is what we’re doing ministry or entertainment? Does it have to be one or the other? Can it be both? Personally, I’m comfortable with the suggestion that it’s entertainment with ministry a hoped-for by-product. Consumers have a multitude of choices for listening to music that weren’t available even ten years ago. So what we do had better be entertaining. Much of it is basic consumerism. Like any lifestyle choice, Christian radio listeners identify with the musical styles, artist personas and song lyrics. They consume the product like cotton candy at a state fair. “I don’t want Christ to radically change my life. I’m just looking for a few tweaks here and there and to get a few prayers answered.” Think about how many people get their theology and Biblical understanding from song lyrics; it’s a scary proposition.

I agree with another of your comments but I think it only reveals half the story. You wrote, “I am simply saying that the system is broken….and that radio in large-part “forces” Christian artists to succumb to compromise. MANY bands/artists whore themselves and their Lord all for the sake of getting a song on the radio, i.e. “making it”.” I agree that the system is broken. And because radio is still the primary way most people hear about or are introduced to new music, you could argue that “radio in large-part “forces” Christian artists to succumb to compromise.” But as I mentioned, the CCM industry is equally at fault. It produces and markets what sells. Being a mass-market culture, that dumbs down the level of artistry. Originality is not rewarded. Sales are. I’ve always been amazed that so many people think this multi-million dollar industry is a benevolent benefactor there to share the love of Jesus like a mission organization. Is it ministry or business? Duh. If Chris Tomlin wrote a few crap songs (not that he hasn’t) and they didn’t get airplay and didn’t connect with Passion audiences and didn’t sell, he’d be back in Texas selling used Hondas.

There’s nothing wrong with it being a business. We all just have to be realistic enough to stop looking to the CCM industry or Christian radio for those things it is not designed to be or provide. The music business used to be about music. It was run by musicians and producers and people willing to take a risk. Since the accountants and lawyers moved into the executive suites things are very different. Being owned by international secular media conglomerates may give labels bigger budgets and better distribution but the margins are so thin that a record that doesn’t begin to recoup and connect with listeners immediately doesn’t get a second chance.

I believe the underlying problem, whether it’s the CCM business or Christian radio or just about anything else in the evangelical subculture, is that we’ve succumbed to the notion that if it’s labeled ‘Christian’ it must be good. That’s simply not the case. Christian media, Christian films, Christian bookstores, Christian coffee shops, Christian house cleaning services…please. If your product is well-done and purposeful you won’t have to rely on a religious adjective to sell it.

Change will happen when consumers demand more, demand better. But as long as we’re lulled into complacency (and in some cases, mediocrity, as Frank Schaeffer would say), nothing’s going to change. Christian labels will continue to release stuff; some of it good, some not so good. Christian radio stations and networks will continue to play a lot of it. And fifteen years from now, if both the CCM industry and Christian radio still exist in their present form, people will be having this same conversation.

Matt, I appreciate your point of view and I hope this becomes an ongoing discussion. There are some really good people in the business who are struggling to balance their calling and art with the challenges of commerce. May God be with them and with us all.
Lydia

I sent your blog posts out to a bunch of Christian lady friends of mine…I didn’t get a good response from your post. I however agree with your statements in full…I stopped listening to Christian radio a long time ago, phew…I just can’t believe the lack of truth…This is the statement I wrote to my e-mail list after a lot scoffed at your blog post…

- I agree with the gentleman and his statements. I like how he begins his reflectional rebuke, with men from history that would abhorr our “Christian Society’s” transfer of truth and worship. This gives us a great perspective. You can read Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, Martin Luther, and Paul, you would never find such shallow man centered ideas, they deemed man centered theology as heretical. These men, Apostle to Church fathers are the men who laid and upheld the foundation of Christian doctrine. You can’t be a Christian without holding true to the doctrines of Scripture, they are our foundation. Matt Papa had a good quote about man centered theology.

“Mainstream christian radio is altogether banal and shallow in both a musical sense and a spiritual sense. The songs are man-centered and the DJ’s and radio programmers are man-pleasers…..they play the songs that will attract the most listeners to their station, period. Christian radio is like Joel Osteen in musical form….safe, happy, and untruthful. It is the TBN of music…a large-scale, embarrassing presentation of Christianity to the world. ”

I like hymns…Some hymns of old and newer ones are not doctrinally sound but there are a great many written during the puritan times and prior that were absolutely beautiful, foundational biblical doctrine to song. I have done some research with the top 20 songs on k-love and I’m going to take some of their quotes and then find scripture that tell the real story…

Here are some top 20 songs and some lyrics.

Someone Worth Dying For…” Jesus help me believe That I am someone worth dying for.”

I think I just mentally threw up in my mouth. I’m under the impression of scripture that “no one” is worth dying for. From conception we are born sinners, hating God.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
(Psalm 51:5 ESV)

as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
“Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
“Their feet are swift to shed blood;
in their paths are ruin and misery,
and the way of peace they have not known.”
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
(Romans 3:10-18 ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
(Ephesians 2:8 ESV)

No where in scripture does it tell us we are worth saving and I’m glad of that! Being human and having sinful flesh I’m really good at believing I’m worth something…I really am not. The only thing worth something in me is Christ dwelling in me. He didn’t save me because I was worth anything, he saved me because he chose to save me according to his own goodwill and to glorify himself.

Beautiful, Mercy Me…”You’re Beautiful…”

This song’s variety isn’t much other than it lets you know you are beautiful…Again Scripture doesn’t tell us ever to love ourselves because we already do. This song is a real ego trip for people who’s foundations of scripture are truly flawed. Don’t read them scripture cause it will depress them even more about the estate of their hearts.

The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
(Jeremiah 17:9 ESV)

Strong Enough To Save, Tenth Avenue North…”Look now is not too late Lift up your head Let the rain fall on your face You’re not far from grace You’re not too far from grace And He’ll break open the skies to save Those who cry out His name The one the wind and waves obey Is strong enough to save you.”

There are several problems here. Can we ever be too late? Is there an open invitation to accept God’s call and if we don’t do it we’ll be too late? Well it depends on if you believe scripture on the atonement and salvation. If we could save ourselves from dying a terrible death and we knew what to do and how to do it and we had the power to do it, we’d do it every time. If we are truly, not too far from grace then why are not more accepting this “get out of jail free card?” Many would say, our flesh and sin is in the way…Really? Then there is a possibility we could accept the call but our flesh is just hindering us?…Those who overcome their flesh and accept the call are thinking, ” Phew, I made it, I’m so glad I accepted that invitation when I did.” This idea of “faith and grace” portrayed in this song are so contrary to scripture. The scriptures I posted above are just a few reminders that we are “dead” in our sins. Can a dead man accept an invitation? Surely not. If we could then man would be getting some credit for his “faith.” Scripture is clear the whole salvation process even faith (saving faith) is a gift from God…Lazarus was raised from the dead by Christ, it was a display of his grace. He didn’t ask the semi purifying body of Lazarus to accept his invitation of life…This is just one song that I posted but through my research this is a constant portrayal of salvation in present day Christian Music. This is not truth!

Can’t Get Over You, Anthem Lights…”Now I can’t get over you I can’t get over you I can’t get over you I just can’t get over you.”

Wow…All I’ll say about this song is that if you took the word, “Father” out of it it sounds like a love song to some women a man keeps leaving and he finally “chooses” to stay…Oh my, can we have more music about God’s amazing attributes, leave out all personal pronouns about ourselves and really remind us who God is! I can see Luther shaking his head now;)

We Are, Kari Jobe…”Jesus came to save, there’s freedom in His Name.”

God’s Not Dead, Newsboys…”Now I’m lost in Your freedom And this world I’ll overcome.”

I have noticed the word, “freedom” being used in a lot of songs, but they are failing to use it correctly. What are we free from? Well we are definitely not free from oppression, and from feeling useless and self conscience, not forgiving ourselves…These are the ways freedom seems to be used a lot when in conjunction with the idea of Christ freeing us. Lets see what the Bible says…

and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
(Romans 6:18 ESV)

There it is…We are free from our sin nature, we are no longer slaves to sin but slaves of righteousness. We go from one bond servant to another. So freedom isn’t exactly freedom, it is freedom from sin! We no longer have to obey the flesh, we are slaves to righteousness.

I don’t listen to Christian Radio but I also don’t condemn those who do. Be careful what is going in your minds…I have heard it said that good doctrine will make good behavior…It makes sense to me that bad doctrine means wrong views of scripture. Scripture is our foundation for living, if our foundation is not correct then we will, well you know what happens when a foundation is not secure…

That We All May Draw Nearer To God And His Word,

Thanks Matt for your posts…

- Lydia Hamre
http://twitter.com/ChrisRouse Chris Rouse

Things I’d like to see/hear change in Christian radio:

1. Ban all “safe for the whole family” jingles and catch phrases in all forms. This goes for “positive, alternative radio” type phrases as well. Just call it “music we think your mom likes”; that’s at least accurate to the target demographic. But just a note, even if my mom doesn’t like it.

2. Get rid of DJs who sound like cliche radio therapists (a la Frasier Crain) or Delilah. It’s just annoying and I change the station faster then I do when a Nickelback song is on the evil secular station.

3. Don’t say something is “new” if it’s older than two weeks. By week three you’ve already played it about 5000 times and everyone is sick of it. It’s not new anymore.

4. Yes, you can only play the singles you’re sent. But I’m pretty sure you’ve been sent more than 50 songs since you first went on the air.

5. Play upbeat songs during the morning and evening when people are going to and from work. And talk less during those times unless you have a truly entertaining talk show.
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Jesus Isn’t Safe: An Appeal To Christian Radio And Its Listeners

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