Is Christian Radio Too Safe?

[Retro]

I know from a marketing perspective, CCM stations do well by positioning themselves as being "Safe For The Whole Family" or some variation of that.

My question is what is the goal of CCM radio? Is it to have something for Christians to listen to because its safe, or does Christian radio want to do outreach instead?

If the answer to that question is the later then CCM radio needs to start taking risks, and not only that, but play music that may even be "offensive" to some, particularly Christians. Now I do not really know what this type of station would look like, however if reaching those for Jesus is the goal then we need to get out of our comfort zone instead.

 

[Slambang]

Thats a really good question. IMHO, commercial "christian" radio plays it way too safe when it comes to "getting out the message". In particular, theres a decent number of non-CHR type christian artists (rock, alt, rap, R&B,ect..) out there who dont get any real airplay outside of non-prof stations, itunes or sat. radio. As a person of faith, id gladly tune into a "Christian" station that actually played something more than the standard "praise and worship" song and dance.

 

[Bongwater]

Thats a really good question. IMHO, commercial "christian" radio plays it way too safe when it comes to "getting out the message". In particular, theres a decent number of non-CHR type christian artists (rock, alt, rap, R&B,ect..) out there who dont get any real airplay outside of non-prof stations, itunes or sat. radio. As a person of faith, id gladly tune into a "Christian" station that actually played something more than the standard "praise and worship" song and dance.

A I see it, the safer you play it, the more you're just "preaching to the choir" in CCM radio

 

[klutch00]

Often it's occurred to me, why can't inspirational music stations play music that brings a positive message regardless of the faith of the artist? Songs for example by groups like Triumph (if you're willing to go the hard-rock route), Kansas, Alan Parsons Project; songs like "Do Right" by Paul Davis, just to name a few. Even if artists are not Christian, their music should be given a chance. The artist that comes to mind is Kareem Salama. The song of his which comes to mind the most is "A Land Called Paradise". Check out the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4P5Mvt0fmc

 

[mleach]

Often it's occurred to me, why can't inspirational music stations play music that brings a positive message regardless of the faith of the artist? Songs for example by groups like Triumph (if you're willing to go the hard-rock route), Kansas, Alan Parsons Project; songs like "Do Right" by Paul Davis, just to name a few. Even if artists are not Christian, their music should be given a chance. The artist that comes to mind is Kareem Salama. The song of his which comes to mind the most is "A Land Called Paradise". Check out the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4P5Mvt0fmc

I see your point and have wondered the same as well.

My guess is that when it comes to what gets played on Christian stations, the whole picture matters such as the lifestyle of the artist in question as well as the song's message. Its for this reason why over the years I have met so many people who when it comes to Christian music, they only listen to Chrisian formated radio stations and not secular ones even if they do feature Christian programming.

A good example of this....a few years back I worked at a Lite AC station. For two years every Sunday morning our PD and his wife would host a show featuring nothing but Contemporary Christian Music. As good as that show was, it had a very tough time reaching the Christian audience. Why? Because it was on Lite rock SECULAR station. I remember one letter we recieved about this. ".......sorry bout I can't listen to your JOY program knowing that your station will also play Elton John and Madonna later on in the day...it just doesn't seem right..."

 

[The RadioFan]

I know from a marketing perspective, CCM stations do well by positioning themselves as being "Safe For The Whole Family" or some variation of that.

My question is what is the goal of CCM radio? Is it to have something for Christians to listen to because its safe, or does Christian radio want to do outreach instead?

If the answer to that question is the later then CCM radio needs to start taking risks, and not only that, but play music that may even be "offensive" to some, particularly Christians. Now I do not really know what this type of station would look like, however if reaching those for Jesus is the goal then we need to get out of our comfort zone instead.

I don't see how CCM radio can be a method of outreach since most of these stations only appeal to white females in the 25-49 age range. I don't think we should depend on any media outlet to reach people for Jesus. We are called to go out into the highways and byways to preach the gospel through the power of the Holy Ghost. It may be out of our comfort zone, but that was the way of Jesus and his followers in the scriptures. I am glad that Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron are striving to bring this awareness to people. CCM radio is simply a business and an entertainment medium for those who like that style of music.

 

[Slambang]

As someone who enjoys "getting out of the comfort zone", I get put out with alot of folks who carry the cross at sunday social club and put it in the closet the rest of the week. Alot of the "traditional" christians in this country get uncomfortible when you bring in the "post modern" christian with their different haircuts/colors, tats and piercings (i.e. myself) into their house of worship, or in worse case, turn them away at the door beuacse they dont fit into their mold of Godliness. I think alot of this also transitions into the CCM format as well, as most of the managment of said stations were raised on the Amy Grants and Michael W. Smiths of their time, but are uncomfortible with putting a Stellar Kart, Slick Shoes(christian punk) or Andy Hunter(christian electronica)on the air, because heaven forbid they'll scare away the straights who'll go after them and call them "of the world", which is pretty much the kiss of death in christian media. Then, to make matters worse, some "concerned" hausfrau will get in touch with Gods golfing buddies James Dobson and Donald Wildmon, who'll leave the links with golfing attire and come lead some sort of boycott or protest in front of said station....

I know that sounds like a wild rant, but its to make a point: CCM and christians as a whole have got to start getting out of their comfort zones and facing things head on. Go help someout unlike yourself out, share your testimony over coffee or even a meal. Heck, invite someone to church and treat them as an equal, not as a display piece.

 

[rbrucecarter5]

We are called to go out into the highways and byways to preach the gospel through the power of the Holy Ghost.

I hear this a lot, and it bothers me. The great commission is to "make disciples". The word disciple means "learner". I find that is a contrast with the "fast religion" approach of getting a little yellow pamphlet, going out on your lunch hour, grabbinb a burger and notching 20 salvations the rest of the hour for good 'ole Christ. WHERE is the "learning" in that? Where is the follow up? Where is the love for that matter?

Some of us in the body are called to go out with that little yellow book and evangelize with it. More power to you if that is your ministry and it is effective at leading people to Christ. It does, however, involve sales ability. There are folks like me that couldn't sell bottled water in the Sahara desert. I find much more effective ministry behind the scenes doing technical stuff. Some other people are more effective at hospitality. Others are creative with accounting, keeping church business affairs honest. Still others may called to radio. Christian believers are often referred to as the "body" of Christ, with many parts, all of which much function in order for the body to be "healthy". I am disgusted when the "mouth" - four spiritual laws type evangelists - tell the feet, arms, or pancreas that they aren't effective Christians because they aren't mouths, too. I tried that approach and guess what? I flopped miserably. Because I'm not called to it. A church I attending in Houston tried this approach - all members of the singles ministry were almost forced - on pain of "not being a good Christian" to go to downtown Houston and witness to hobos. It was a disaster, one girl had her jaw broken by an unreceptive drunk. A lot of other girls got hit on. They were NOT CALLED to downtown street ministry (DUH!)

So Christian radio can and will continue to be an important function in the overall body of Christ, and people will be saved through it when it is programmed by people of God, called to that ministry, using their spiritual gifts most effectively in that way. Sure - they can always be called by the Holy Spirit to witness to somebody, and He will equip them with the proper words and bring the proper scriptures to mind in those cases. But their primary gift is in the area of broadcasting, and any attempt to call them less than effective because they excercise the ministry to which they are called - instead of evangelism and witnessing - is reprehensible. THINK before you post next time!!!

 

[gr8oldies]

Bruce....finally agree with you!

 

[Scholar Brad]

Lead them to the dance first!

The best "Christian" radio station by far is Pulse 99.5. I had a chance to visit Des Moines over the weekend and Pulse is exactly where we need to be heading to reach the unsaved. I've communicated with Mike the PD and he said there is a lot of interest across America to explore this format. I share the vision...I see where this is going...I want to ride this train!

www.pulse995.com

check it out and tell me what you think

[email protected]

 

[Slambang]

Heres my take on service: You either called to it or your not. One thing that gets me is that "Modern" Christanity thinks field servitude(i.e. mission work)is a requirement for all able-bodied christians, when it is not. Theres nothing wrong with helping the community at large, as we do in broadcasting or in other regards (I work in IT),but you show it in personal actions, not by works alone. One thing we should do alot more of is just talk, let people know and not force them into a choice of faith, which is what alot of folks these days think "witnessing" is. Im also in agreement with you bruce that the "four laws" types have pretty much hijacked our faith at large. Why our brothers and sisters in Christ have'nt stood up to put them in their places is beyond me. Maybe its time for more people of faith to step up and put on the brakes on these types.

Brad, ive hear of pulse 99.5 and this is what im talking about when it comes to proper outreach, it has both decent programming and a true understood mission when it comes to spreading the message.

 

[William_Yeager]

The irony about Pulse 99.5 is that a hybrid station is playing more Christian Hip-Hop and R&B than pretty much the entire Christian CHR panel-in all honesty, the music mix isn't sound very different from ChargeRadio.com-we just don't play music by non-Christians on Charge.

 

[The RadioFan]

We are called to go out into the highways and byways to preach the gospel through the power of the Holy Ghost.

I hear this a lot, and it bothers me. The great commission is to "make disciples". The word disciple means "learner". I find that is a contrast with the "fast religion" approach of getting a little yellow pamphlet, going out on your lunch hour, grabbinb a burger and notching 20 salvations the rest of the hour for good 'ole Christ. WHERE is the "learning" in that? Where is the follow up? Where is the love for that matter?

Some of us in the body are called to go out with that little yellow book and evangelize with it. More power to you if that is your ministry and it is effective at leading people to Christ. It does, however, involve sales ability. There are folks like me that couldn't sell bottled water in the Sahara desert. I find much more effective ministry behind the scenes doing technical stuff. Some other people are more effective at hospitality. Others are creative with accounting, keeping church business affairs honest. Still others may called to radio. Christian believers are often referred to as the "body" of Christ, with many parts, all of which much function in order for the body to be "healthy". I am disgusted when the "mouth" - four spiritual laws type evangelists - tell the feet, arms, or pancreas that they aren't effective Christians because they aren't mouths, too. I tried that approach and guess what? I flopped miserably. Because I'm not called to it. A church I attending in Houston tried this approach - all members of the singles ministry were almost forced - on pain of "not being a good Christian" to go to downtown Houston and witness to hobos. It was a disaster, one girl had her jaw broken by an unreceptive drunk. A lot of other girls got hit on. They were NOT CALLED to downtown street ministry (DUH!)

So Christian radio can and will continue to be an important function in the overall body of Christ, and people will be saved through it when it is programmed by people of God, called to that ministry, using their spiritual gifts most effectively in that way. Sure - they can always be called by the Holy Spirit to witness to somebody, and He will equip them with the proper words and bring the proper scriptures to mind in those cases. But their primary gift is in the area of broadcasting, and any attempt to call them less than effective because they excercise the ministry to which they are called - instead of evangelism and witnessing - is reprehensible. THINK before you post next time!!!

I disagree 100% for many reasons. The Muslims, the Jehovah Witnesses and other religious movements are proactive when it comes to spreading their doctrine in public places. Plus, the bible illustrates many men who preached the Gospel in public places and yes, some were persecuted. The bible clearly teaches that true disciple will be persecuted. As far as CCM radio being a ministry of outreach, I have to wonder how many CCM stations are reaching out to people like the redneck Harley-Davidson rider, the inner-city gangster or the pot-smoking tween. I don't think these type of people are drawn to CCM artists like Natalie Grant.

 

[MikefromDelaware]

rbrucecarter5 makes a good point. All of us are called to make disciples, but that doesn't mean that we all are to do it in the same way, we are not all vanilla or all the same part of the body. Some are called to be evangelists, others pastors, others praying with folks for healing (both physical and spiritual), some have the gift of hospitality, others the gift of finances where they are good at making money to help finance the work being done, others are great prayer wariors, others visit the sick, house bound, etc, etc. Witnessing out of guilt is not hearing from God, but some over zealous pastor or elder who isn't interested in loving those folks who are being witnessed to, just simply adding up statistics that our church witnessed to the most people today. You can't love a statistic. That's what made Jesus' words so powerful, he loved the folks he spoke to, it showed, it was real, not just some ploy to "sell" the sinner on religion. The people knew Jesus was for real and they responded.

Also, with any gifting we have, we are not to be doing any witnessing, evangelizing, etc, on our own. We are to include God as the director who will nudge you as to whom to speak to and what to say, etc. It's not us who get folks saved, the Lord said, I will build my church.

Applying this to CCM or Christian radio, from my experience, generally most of the listeners are Christians. There are some unsaved folks, who might be considered "seekers" who have stumbled into a Christian radio station and have had their curiosity peaked and are listening to find out what this Jesus is all about. That's why it's important for the station to have solid standards with on air talent that really are solid with Christ, who can be used by God to bring the Good News in a way that would speak to that seeker. The music can be used as well to soften hearts for Christ. So even though most listeners are Christians, the station must be prepared for that seeker and broadcast appropriately, as the Lord leads.

 

[joelr]

Great points from Bruce and Mike!

All of us are called to make disciples, but that doesn't mean that we all are to do it in the same way

Ding! Ding! Ding!

 

[duckoutofwater]

My 2 cents here.

I built a station on the internet for my church. The goal was to reach the non-committed
christians in our community that would embrace the media (18-34). We decided against a few things.
Streaming the church service was a no. Too many pregnant pauses that would leave one wondering
what's going on. Instead, about once an hour we run a soundbite of a sermon to kind of give a sample
of whats going on. We hope it will stir up enough interest to get them in the door on sunday morning.

As far as the music goes. I know what we program rubs some people of the church the wrong way.
Sometime the truth hurts. Casting Crowns - "If we are the body" and "Slow Fade" really can
push some buttons. That's a good thing. Now some will ignore and say "that's not me. It's someone
else" but the ones that you make mad, you know you've made a connection, mind you an
uncomfortable one but still a connection.

I hope and pray that this is God's direction for me. I spent 20 years in Radio and took a break. My
wife and I have adopted 2 under the age of 3 one of which has special needs. I feel his calling in
ministry and radio and I hope that if it's his will when the time is right that doors will open.

Lets get the word out! You're brother in Christ,

Chris
www.wesleyradio.com

 

[rbrucecarter5]

As far as the music goes. I know what we program rubs some people of the church the wrong way.

Keep right on rubbing! I sometimes think that "people of the church" are the main reason more people aren't getting saved. I've been in some toxic churches in the past, and one common thread runs through them: people who are too powerful and run the whole show, usually the big money people. And the church leaders are so concerned about not losing their big donors that they adapt services, radio programming, and even doctrine to accomodate them.

My current pastor says he likes to grow churches - and in some cases he grows them by subtracting people. An illustration he gave was a bigot in Miami that didn't want the church overrun by Latinos. He departed, the church grew from 17 people to 600, and proudly has 80% of them Latino.

Most churches in my area now have two services - traditional and contemporary. Funny thing - contemporary used to be the early service and traditional at 11. That trend is reversing itself as the overwhelming demand is now for contemporary. If your church is trying to attract 18 to 34 year olds, your best source of information for you web station is the ratings of secular stations reaching that group. And program as close to the top rated station as you can while still honoring Christ with the content.

 

[MarkLaRoi]

I think it is played too safe and it isn't as much a matter of the playlist as the lack of meaningful interaction with the community.

 

[Retro]

I guess as long as the following ring true:

1-small independent stations playing "whats on the charts" and thus reporting what they play, causing a repeatable cycle of one continuing to dictate the other.

2-Nashville continuing to produce the same cookie cutter product.

3-Listeners being satisfied with the status quo.

Nothing will change at all unless a radio station or company is willing to be a visionary instead.