Thank you for this post. As a pastor, it’s one struggle I have with everything we do being shared and archived forever on the internet. Every sermon is an attempt to proclaim good news in a way that resonates with our local congregation. Sermons (and our worship gatherings) are a moment of our life together that, because of streaming, becomes “content” for anyone anywhere to consume and critique… apart from context or community. I think the challenge is even greater as an author and songrwriter because we have to intentionally “market” the snapshots of life that become our public work outside of a local comunity. An idea, feeling, theology, story, etc. that becomes a song or story, may be authentic in the moment, but our lives, stories, ideas, and theologies evolve over time, and the relationships our “audience” has with us is filtered through the lens of that work. Life happens and experiences shape us, but some people resonate with us only in the moment share in that public work. Thank you again for this post! I always look forward to reading what you write. Also… your vinyl is one of my favorite spins and is oten on my turntable.
Thanks Brian! Glad you're loving the vinyl!!!! And wow, I hadn't thought of pastor's sermons online in this same category before, but you are so right. I hope I listen with more kindness and grace now. Thank you!!
This perspective is gold, Andrew. And while those responsible for abuse must be held accountable, there is certainly a deeper mechanism at work than just the "moral failings" of a few individuals, like you've pointed out here. At the risk of sounding completely naive, one question I have (and one that I'm sure doesn't have a simple, tidy answer) is: what's keeping CCM audiences from going on the journey with these young artists? By nature of being human, many if not most listeners of Christian radio go through similar existential struggles and crises of faith as these young artists who are stifled by the CCM industry in expressing the real emotional details of their faith journeys. So why not go together? Why is it so taboo to be truthful about your experience as a Christian artist? (I imagine the answer starts somewhere between the focal points of shame, profit, and inertia...but I'd really like to know what you think)
First off: I was also at the Relient K show! I parked at my alma mater and walked over and somehow managed to be near the very front inside. Second: I love this nuanced perspective. It's so easy for the audience to forget that a lot of times, these artists are just young adults trying to figure life out. It's such a strange thing to be branded as a Christian artist when your faith ebbs and flows and sometimes a person loses it. The Christian music industry doesn't give you much room to be unsure or to be figuring things out. You're supposed to have all the answers. That's why you're on stage in front of a microphone right? I think there was something to the Relient K approach of just being "Christians in a band" because it allows for the freedom to explore and write about a multitude of subjects.
I am reeeeally appreciating your posts--as ever, of course! The last few have been especially spot on and impactful for me. Thank you!
And, I also just have to "yay" at the "That Thing You Do!" references--I love that movie and quote it on the regular. Totally heard Steve Zahn in my head at "a man in a really nice van wants to put our song on the radio!"
Right? It's so good. On that note, have you watched "La La Land"? I geeked out hard on it in large part because of "TTYD"--it felt like a "TTYD" sequel, not just in tone/style but Tom Everett Scott and that whole storyline. :)
Thank you. I still love a lot of what you did with The Normals. That honesty and poetry have clearly matured but the seed of it was there so many years ago.
I wrote a book about relationships when I was 25 and obviously knew everything. It was fun to have that out there when times were hard at home or even when I was getting divorced. The pressure to have the same image/experience for each group or person you encounter while having your own struggles is performative and makes you feel like a hypocrite for meeting other’s expectations. And that was for just a little book that sold a few thousand copies. I can’t imagine being actually famous.
Oh dude. I can not imagine. Or, actually, I can, and I get it. That "Publish" button on each Substack now just fills me with such angst. "You sure about this one, buddy??" Haha. Glad you seem to have made it through to the other side.
Thank you for this post Andrew. It helps a lot to hear it from a muso's point of view. I asked all three questions you posed in your article. I became a Christian at 16 years old and I grew up listening to DC Talk and Newsboys. I weirdly feel lost. If one good thing came from all of this, it is that I am much more cautious and watchful in my own Christian walk. Somewhere (maybe in 1 or 2 Peter?) it says to be careful lest you think you are standing and you yourself fall. I look forward to you next article.
I've been having similar thoughts in light of this news. As a CCM artist, one has to admit they're a sinner, but never be honest about their struggles, and certainly never be caught sinning. I wonder how many artists aren't getting the help they need, because to admit to anything like addiction, or infidelity, or homosexuality can kill a career. I'm praying for God's peace and comfort on all those who have been hurt in this situation. And I'm praying for those who are part of the Christian celebrity machine that they can find the accountability and support they need.
I started working in CCM radio when I was 17. For a kid who grew up thinking in black and white and from a fairly conservative background, it was a culture shock to find out that people who work in Christian radio are....surprisingly human. As are the artists. So many rumors flew around about various artists and who was gay, who was cheating on their spouse, who was a total jerk off stage, etc. Some were true (especially the jerk ones) and some were just vicious rumor. I often noticed that nobody liked it when artists tried to be real. I myself remember being horrified when MWS admitted in a CCM Magazine article that he would play the piano at his evening service high on marijuana when he was a teenager. I was 10 or 12 I think. Being real (unless you had a happy ending where Jesus was victorious and all your troubles were gone) was not going to sell records.
Now that I'm older, I find myself gravitating towards people who don't have it all figured out and don't pretend they do. As I move through spaces of grappling with various things, I have come to appreciate the company of others who also have honest questions. I have a newfound respect for Job who was willing to ask God questions. I have come to believe that if God made my brain, he can't be all that surprised when I use it and go "Hey...um.... what's up with this?" He also can't be that surprised when I'm angry or frustrated and can only get out a "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH What is going on here, do you even have a plan?"
All that to say, I wonder if Michael Tait had not felt like he had to conform to the CCM mold to share his not-inconsiderable talents with us, if maybe his behavior would have been different. Maybe if we were less quick to condemn what we don't understand, maybe if we were less quick to say, "Oh, you're doubting your faith, you must not love Jesus." (As if we've forgotten "I believe, Lord, help my unbelief" was specifically put in the bible for those of us with doubts). Maybe if we less worried about names, titles, and brands, we could have saved a whole lot of people from traumatizing, or being traumatized.
All I know is if anyone "in a really nice camper" ever offers my kids a recording contract, I will do my best to make sure they go into it eyes wide open.
PS "Hey...guys....Chad fell down.", is one of the most oft quoted things in our family.
Spent Father’s Day watching the Caedmon’s Call documentary with my pastor husband- we were in college in the 90s and so much of this post struck me deep. Thank you for your vulnerability, for peeling back the curtain, for truth telling, for putting the questions before us AND for reminding us of our lineage-no matter how the line falls.
One of the acts touring with the Newsboys has roots in my region, and when the band isn't on tour, they reside, worship, and work in the towns and cities around here. I talked with a member of one of those bands last week. We reflected on CCM music, the toll it takes on artists, and the unenviable position stardom in Christian music puts a person in. At one point in the conversation, we recalled that spoken line in the DC Talk Jesus Freak album, "the greatest single cause of atheism in the world today, is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world finds so unbelievable."
Thank you. I think this idea of the machine being built to split people in two can also be true in church / other ministry contexts. I've seen it happen to too many pastors and ministry leaders.
Thank you for this post. As a pastor, it’s one struggle I have with everything we do being shared and archived forever on the internet. Every sermon is an attempt to proclaim good news in a way that resonates with our local congregation. Sermons (and our worship gatherings) are a moment of our life together that, because of streaming, becomes “content” for anyone anywhere to consume and critique… apart from context or community. I think the challenge is even greater as an author and songrwriter because we have to intentionally “market” the snapshots of life that become our public work outside of a local comunity. An idea, feeling, theology, story, etc. that becomes a song or story, may be authentic in the moment, but our lives, stories, ideas, and theologies evolve over time, and the relationships our “audience” has with us is filtered through the lens of that work. Life happens and experiences shape us, but some people resonate with us only in the moment share in that public work. Thank you again for this post! I always look forward to reading what you write. Also… your vinyl is one of my favorite spins and is oten on my turntable.
Thanks Brian! Glad you're loving the vinyl!!!! And wow, I hadn't thought of pastor's sermons online in this same category before, but you are so right. I hope I listen with more kindness and grace now. Thank you!!
This perspective is gold, Andrew. And while those responsible for abuse must be held accountable, there is certainly a deeper mechanism at work than just the "moral failings" of a few individuals, like you've pointed out here. At the risk of sounding completely naive, one question I have (and one that I'm sure doesn't have a simple, tidy answer) is: what's keeping CCM audiences from going on the journey with these young artists? By nature of being human, many if not most listeners of Christian radio go through similar existential struggles and crises of faith as these young artists who are stifled by the CCM industry in expressing the real emotional details of their faith journeys. So why not go together? Why is it so taboo to be truthful about your experience as a Christian artist? (I imagine the answer starts somewhere between the focal points of shame, profit, and inertia...but I'd really like to know what you think)
Um, Aaron, you want to write the next post??
Ha! Only if you want a post full of a lot more questions than answers 😜
First off: I was also at the Relient K show! I parked at my alma mater and walked over and somehow managed to be near the very front inside. Second: I love this nuanced perspective. It's so easy for the audience to forget that a lot of times, these artists are just young adults trying to figure life out. It's such a strange thing to be branded as a Christian artist when your faith ebbs and flows and sometimes a person loses it. The Christian music industry doesn't give you much room to be unsure or to be figuring things out. You're supposed to have all the answers. That's why you're on stage in front of a microphone right? I think there was something to the Relient K approach of just being "Christians in a band" because it allows for the freedom to explore and write about a multitude of subjects.
I am reeeeally appreciating your posts--as ever, of course! The last few have been especially spot on and impactful for me. Thank you!
And, I also just have to "yay" at the "That Thing You Do!" references--I love that movie and quote it on the regular. Totally heard Steve Zahn in my head at "a man in a really nice van wants to put our song on the radio!"
Our family just rewatched that movie last week. I forgot just how wonderful it is.
Right? It's so good. On that note, have you watched "La La Land"? I geeked out hard on it in large part because of "TTYD"--it felt like a "TTYD" sequel, not just in tone/style but Tom Everett Scott and that whole storyline. :)
We need this honesty from CCM artists. Thank you.
There is not a month that goes by that the Normals are not playing in my ears. Love all you do, and praying for more.
Thanks Cliff
Thank you. I still love a lot of what you did with The Normals. That honesty and poetry have clearly matured but the seed of it was there so many years ago.
I wrote a book about relationships when I was 25 and obviously knew everything. It was fun to have that out there when times were hard at home or even when I was getting divorced. The pressure to have the same image/experience for each group or person you encounter while having your own struggles is performative and makes you feel like a hypocrite for meeting other’s expectations. And that was for just a little book that sold a few thousand copies. I can’t imagine being actually famous.
I look forward to part 2!
Oh dude. I can not imagine. Or, actually, I can, and I get it. That "Publish" button on each Substack now just fills me with such angst. "You sure about this one, buddy??" Haha. Glad you seem to have made it through to the other side.
Thank you for this post Andrew. It helps a lot to hear it from a muso's point of view. I asked all three questions you posed in your article. I became a Christian at 16 years old and I grew up listening to DC Talk and Newsboys. I weirdly feel lost. If one good thing came from all of this, it is that I am much more cautious and watchful in my own Christian walk. Somewhere (maybe in 1 or 2 Peter?) it says to be careful lest you think you are standing and you yourself fall. I look forward to you next article.
This really touches me Andrew. Just pushing me along further to buy you a meal or drink soon, LIKE WE KEEP SAYING. Thank you for this.
Chris Hauser, I will always let you buy me a drink!
Grateful for this
I've been having similar thoughts in light of this news. As a CCM artist, one has to admit they're a sinner, but never be honest about their struggles, and certainly never be caught sinning. I wonder how many artists aren't getting the help they need, because to admit to anything like addiction, or infidelity, or homosexuality can kill a career. I'm praying for God's peace and comfort on all those who have been hurt in this situation. And I'm praying for those who are part of the Christian celebrity machine that they can find the accountability and support they need.
I started working in CCM radio when I was 17. For a kid who grew up thinking in black and white and from a fairly conservative background, it was a culture shock to find out that people who work in Christian radio are....surprisingly human. As are the artists. So many rumors flew around about various artists and who was gay, who was cheating on their spouse, who was a total jerk off stage, etc. Some were true (especially the jerk ones) and some were just vicious rumor. I often noticed that nobody liked it when artists tried to be real. I myself remember being horrified when MWS admitted in a CCM Magazine article that he would play the piano at his evening service high on marijuana when he was a teenager. I was 10 or 12 I think. Being real (unless you had a happy ending where Jesus was victorious and all your troubles were gone) was not going to sell records.
Now that I'm older, I find myself gravitating towards people who don't have it all figured out and don't pretend they do. As I move through spaces of grappling with various things, I have come to appreciate the company of others who also have honest questions. I have a newfound respect for Job who was willing to ask God questions. I have come to believe that if God made my brain, he can't be all that surprised when I use it and go "Hey...um.... what's up with this?" He also can't be that surprised when I'm angry or frustrated and can only get out a "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH What is going on here, do you even have a plan?"
All that to say, I wonder if Michael Tait had not felt like he had to conform to the CCM mold to share his not-inconsiderable talents with us, if maybe his behavior would have been different. Maybe if we were less quick to condemn what we don't understand, maybe if we were less quick to say, "Oh, you're doubting your faith, you must not love Jesus." (As if we've forgotten "I believe, Lord, help my unbelief" was specifically put in the bible for those of us with doubts). Maybe if we less worried about names, titles, and brands, we could have saved a whole lot of people from traumatizing, or being traumatized.
All I know is if anyone "in a really nice camper" ever offers my kids a recording contract, I will do my best to make sure they go into it eyes wide open.
PS "Hey...guys....Chad fell down.", is one of the most oft quoted things in our family.
Spent Father’s Day watching the Caedmon’s Call documentary with my pastor husband- we were in college in the 90s and so much of this post struck me deep. Thank you for your vulnerability, for peeling back the curtain, for truth telling, for putting the questions before us AND for reminding us of our lineage-no matter how the line falls.
These are my people. This is my place.
Great piece!
One of the acts touring with the Newsboys has roots in my region, and when the band isn't on tour, they reside, worship, and work in the towns and cities around here. I talked with a member of one of those bands last week. We reflected on CCM music, the toll it takes on artists, and the unenviable position stardom in Christian music puts a person in. At one point in the conversation, we recalled that spoken line in the DC Talk Jesus Freak album, "the greatest single cause of atheism in the world today, is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world finds so unbelievable."
Thank you. I think this idea of the machine being built to split people in two can also be true in church / other ministry contexts. I've seen it happen to too many pastors and ministry leaders.