We Will Stand

Page 1

THE GREATEST NIGHT IN THE HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC

WE WILL STAND Beginning in 1975, a new era of Christian music—Contemporary Christian Music—emerged as young singers and musicians began to express the eternal message of hope in a musical language that would impact a new generation of music fans. Artists including Amy Grant, Sandi Patty, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Petra soon began to sell millions of albums and pack the largest concert halls and arenas across the United States night after night. These artists have led the charge for an era of music that has sold over 300 million albums and more than 50 million concert tickets. Today, the artists who call Contemporary Christian Music home continue to impact millions of fans around the world. And the industry that has emerged has joined forces with the largest music companies in the world to deliver a never-ending stream of hit songs. On October 15, 2014 the greatest artists in the history of Contemporary Christian Music will stand united on one stage and deliver a once in a lifetime performance of more than thirty of the greatest Christian songs every recorded. Listeners will join with those in attendance through a state of the art digital media connection. This event will be broadcast live to a potential 32 million devoted fans through Christian radio partners and ultimately become a television special that will aired around the world. A matching “We Will Stand” CD and DVD will be available in cooperation with Capitol Christian Music Group (Universal Music), Provident Music Group (Sony/BMG), Word Records (Warner Music Group), and the many publishers, songwriters, and artists who are part of the CCM community. Proceeds from the event as well as the DVD and CD will generate much-needed financial resources that will feed, clothe, and house those in desperate need through the Gospel Music Trust Fund. The following pages provide an overview of the CCM artists* whose consumer impact makes this broadcast event one of the best advertising opportunities to reach the faith-based market place in the United States and around the world. For your participation in this historic event, contact information is provided on the following page. A special Thank You to Smitty Wheeler, Publisher of CCM Magazine (Salem Publications, Inc.) for providing artist pictures and copy included with this presentation. *Artists featured here are for demonstration purposes. Not all artists of these artists will appear in the broadcast event.

AMY GRANT 32

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

I

n the history of contemporary Christian music, one face, one name, rises above all others. Since the late ’70s, she’s been at the pinnacle of the industry. Highly revered, respected and loved by listeners and peers alike, there probably will never be another Amy Grant. :H ¿UVW PHW WKH GRH H\HG VLQJHU VRQJZULWHU LQ ZKHQ VKH UHOHDVHG KHU VHOI WLWOHG GHEXW ZLWK :RUG 5HFRUGV 6LQFH WKHQ she has graced the pages and covers of CCM Magazine more than any other artist. With six Grammy Awards, 22 Dove Awards, four books and DQ HYHU JURZLQJ OLVW RI UHFRJQLWLRQV DQG KRQRUV WR KHU FUHGLW Amy Grant has broken boundaries, set standards, and overall, elevated Christian music to a place that is not only palatable, but viable in Christian and mainstream culture. Anyone who has followed Grant through the years, however, knows that her life hasn’t been only sunshine and rainbows. After a very public divorce from Gary Chapman, a tide was turned within the industry, as it was for other artists in similar situations. Life got real, and it got hard very fast. +HU PXVLF IROORZHG FRXUVH 3HQQLQJ KRQHVW KHDUW ZUHQFKLQJ songs about love and loss and faith and doubt, Amy got even more real. Along the way, she also became everyone’s best friend. )RU SUHKDSV WKH ¿UVW WLPH EURNHQ SHRSOH KDG D SURPLQHQW voice in Christian culture. )RU SHUKDSV WKH ¿UVW WLPH VRPHRQH ZDV VSHDNLQJ D ODQJXDJH that hurting hearts could understand. To this day, the conversation continues. CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

33

MICHAEL W. SMITH 36

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

M

LFKDHO : 6PLWK KDV HDUQHG KLV SODFH DV RQH RI PXVLFœV PRVW LQÀXHQWLDO leaders, bringing to the industry unmatched musical diversity—Christian, pop, praise & worship, instrumental— not to mention master musicianship and numerous critically-acclaimed live performances. ,Q 0LFKDHOœV ¿UVW DOEXP FDPH RXW Since then, he’s amassed an astonishing 25-album discograpy, written ten books, garnered Dove Awards and Grammys, SHUIRUPHG IRU SUHVLGHQWV GDEEOHG LQ ¿OP IRXQGHG D QRQSUR¿W DQG WKH OLVW JRHV RQ In the midst of it all, he has also dedicated himself to being a devoted KXVEDQG DQG IDWKHU WR KLV ¿YH FKLOGUHQ

But, beyond the lists of awards and accolades, even beyond the music, Michael has carved out a unique spot in this world we call Christian music. His enigmatic, charismatic personality has helped him to be a unifying force within the music community, facilitating powerful responses to a world in need. Following the tragic shootings at Columbine, Michael wrote a powerful song and literally started a movement ZLWK Âł7KLV LV <RXU 7LPH ´ :LWK WKH world’s eyes locked on the horror in the U.S., it was a story of unwavering faith that rose to the surface. Now, the world wasn’t just seeing carnage—they were seeing and hearing Christ.

Following the devastation in Haiti, Michael once again launched an effort to bring the music community together to help. Time and again, Michael has managed to orchestrate people and resources for ministry, and then managed to evade the direct spotlight. In an interview with Michael, the question was raised: Michael, what do you want your legacy to be? After a few seconds of contemplative VLOHQFH KH DQVZHUHG ³7R ¿QLVK ZHOO , ZDQW WR ¿QLVK ZHOO ´ Michael has lived his life in a way that KDV ODLG WKH IRXQGDWLRQ IRU D VWURQJ ¿QLVK indeed. CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

37

I

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN

t’s often said that the best art comes from honest places of pain, trial and unrest. As gospel music’s most awarded artist, Steven Curtis Chapman would likely agree with that statement. However, VSHQG ¿YH PLQXWHV ZLWK KLP DQG \RX FDQ sense that he would trade every one of KLV 'RYH $ZDUGV ¿YH *UDPP\V DQG just about anything else that has come his way for just a little less pain. :LWK XQÀLQFKLQJ KRQHVW\ 6WHYHQ ZRXOG EH WKH ¿UVW WR WHOO \RX WKDW WKLV journey isn’t one he wanted to walk and these lessons aren’t ones he wanted to learn. And if you, yourself, had experienced a loss, deep sorrow or pain, you would recognize the voice of a FRPUDGH )RU RQH RI WKH ¿UVW WLPHV HYHU you would hear a very public Christian VD\ WKDW WKH\ ZHUHQœW KDSS\ ZLWK *RGœV plan on this one. And through that CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

39

honest admission, you’d likely see the hand of God. Many know the story of the Chapmans and their unspeakable loss. In 2008, WKHLU ¿YH \HDU ROG GDXJKWHU 0DULD 6XH died when her brother, Will, didn’t see KHU LQ WKH GULYHZD\ DQG DFFLGHQWDOO\ KLW KHU ZLWK KLV 689 7KH QHZV VKRFNHG WKH world, and hearts were broken for the family. %XW QRQH ZHUH VR EURNHQ DV 6WHYHQ¶V DQG KLV ZLIH 0DU\ %HWK¶V 6LQFH WKHQ WKH\ KDYH JUDFLRXVO\ FRXUDJHRXVO\ OLYHG RXW DQG OLYHG WKURXJK WKHLU VRUURZ 1RW RQFH GLG WKH\ RIIHU D FDQQHG UHVSRQVH RU HYHQ D IRUFHG VHQWLPHQW RI ³JRRG &KULVWLDQ HVH ´ <RX GLGQ¶W KHDU WKHP VD\ WKLQJV OLNH ³WKLV LV *RG¶V SODQ«ZKR DUH ZH WR TXHVWLRQ ´ <RX KHDUG SDUHQWV PRXUQLQJ WKHLU EDE\ DQG ZDQWLQJ KHU EDFN <RX KHDUG D PRPP\ DQG GDGG\ FRQIXVHG KXUW EURNHQKHDUWHG <RX KHDUG WUXWK $QG WKDW¶V ZKR 6WHYHQ &XUWLV &KDSPDQ LV DQG DOZD\V ZLOO EH +LV PXVLF DQG PLQLVWU\ GRQ¶W FOLPE FKDUWV DQG ZLQ DZDUGV EHFDXVH WKH\¶UH IDEULFDWHG RU FXW from a predetermined mold of faith and UHOLJLRQ +LV VRQJV NHHS SHRSOH FRPLQJ EDFN IRU PRUH EHFDXVH WKH\¶UH WKH VRQJV RI WKH OLIH ZH DOO OLYH DQG VWUXJJOH WKURXJK DQG VXUYLYH HYHU\ VLQJOH GD\ %H\RQG WKH PXVLF 6WHYHQ DQG KLV IDPLO\ KDYH DOVR GRQH PRUH WR DGYDQFH the awareness of the need for adoption than anyone else, at least within the &KULVWLDQ PXVLF FRPPXQLW\ :KHQ WKH\ IRXQGHG 6KRZ +RSH WHQ \HDUV DJR XSRQ H[SHULHQFLQJ WKH PLUDFOH DQG MR\ RI DGRSWLRQ²¿UVW ZLWK WKHLU GDXJKWHU 6KDRKDQQD +RSH DQG WKHQ WKHLU GDXJKWHU 0DULD²WKH\ SODFHG WKH FDXVH RI RUSKDQV squarely into the lap of anyone who ZRXOG KHDU 6LQFH WKHQ WKH\¶YH DVVLVWHG FRXQWOHVV IDPLOLHV ZLWK ¿QDQFLDO DLG HVWDEOLVKHG D IDFLOLW\ LQ &KLQD WR RIIHU PHGLFDO KHOS DQG VKHOWHU WR FKLOGUHQ DQG PXFK PRUH 40

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

7KH ORVV RI 0DULD ZLOO QHYHU EH RND\² not in this world. %XW WKH LQWULFDWH GL]]\LQJ GDQFH RI OLIH death, God and man did what it always GRHV LQ WKH KHDUWV RI WKH ZLOOLQJ²LW WKUHZ 6WHYHQ MXVW HQRXJK WR EH KXPDQ $QG LQ his humanity, on bent knee, heartbroken DQG ZLOOLQJ KH IRXQG SHDFH HQRXJK WR NHHS EUHDWKLQJ +H IRXQG KRSH HQRXJK WR VLPSO\ NHHS EHLQJ $QG KH IRXQG JUDFH HQRXJK WR NHHS VLQJLQJ

TOBYMAC

42

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

I

t’s probably fair to say that, given the option and the means, most people would retire at age 36. Call him the odd one out, but TobyMac isn’t like most people. In 2000, at age 36, TobyMac, along with Kevin Max and Michael 7DLW FORVHG RQH RI WKH PRVW SRLJQDQW DQG LQĂ€XHQWLDO FKDSWHUV in their lives and in the history of Christian music‌and the threesome who had been dcTalk took three separate paths. Since then, Toby has sold over 11 million albums and amassed 6 Grammy Awards and a No. 1 debut on the Billboard Top 200 (making him only the third artist in Christian music history to do so). $OZD\V ZLWK D KHDUW EHQW WRZDUGV XQLÂżFDWLRQ LQWHJUDWLRQ and celebration of diversity, Toby has single-handedly done more than any other artist to further multicultural integration and bring different styles, sounds and people together. He has often shared that his life is exponentially richer because of the various races and ethnicities that impact his music, community and family. With a revolving roster of artists from a myriad of backgrounds, Diverse City is a group of men and women—dancers, singers, rappers—who travel with him. The live shows are electric. The audiences are captive, and the entire affair seems to be what Toby calls, “a little glimpse of what heaven will be like.â€? The secret to Toby’s success and longevity really distills down to two components—his love and passion for God and intentionally not pursuing the solo spotlight. With a keen ability to discern gifts and potential in others, he has elevated his road band and group to a platform equal to his own. He has also discovered and mentored new artists like Jamie Grace, Ryan Stevenson, Shonlock and others. He’s achieved one of the most successful careers in Christian music history by simply making it not about him. Toby has built a career that allows him to pursue all of his passions—God, music, community, fun. Who would walk away from that? CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

43

CASTING CROWNS

46

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

I

f one were to stroll through the history of Casting Crowns albums, one might notice a theme from project to project. Nearly every single album shares a singular source of inspiration. This is no lack of creativity, mind you—more like a work hazard. Nearly every gold- or platinumFHUWL¿HG UHFRUG SXW RXW E\ &DVWLQJ Crowns has emanated from something the band was teaching their youth group at church. Because, throughout their chart-topping, record-breaking career at the pinnacle of the Christian music industry, they all kept their day jobs. Mark Hall and cohort are still leading the youth at Eagles Landing Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. That’s more than good time management skills. That’s a calling. And it’s the very thing that has made their music relevant, their manner approachable, and their God accessible to men and women of all ages across the globe. Unlike artists who are sequestered in tour buses and see little more than their bandmates and road crew for months on end, Casting Crowns is doing life with teens, with families—their own and others. The everyday conversations, problems, sorrows, victories and defeats inform their prayer lives, which inform their creative lives, which eventually get played out in a song set on an album.

Perhaps that’s why Casting Crowns is, and will always be, one of the most iconic groups in Christian music history. They know exactly who they are, who they’re talking to, and they don’t mince words about issues that are black and white, right and wrong. It’s this focus that has allowed them to achieve things it takes other artists much longer to even come near. It is also this focus, coupled with purposefulness, that has enabled the group members to have strong, thriving families. Mark and his wife, Melanie, have even stepped alongside Steven Curtis Chapman in the effort to raise adoption awareness and support following the adoption of their daughter from China. When it all comes down, the numbers speak for themselves—14 Dove Awards, 3 Grammys, an American Music Award, and over 8 million albums sold (and counting). But chances are, every member of Casting Crowns is far more occupied with a different number altogether—the number 24. 24 hours to do the music thing. 24 hours to do the family thing. 24 hours to do the church thing. Balanced, focused, measured—those 24 hours have a plan and purpose, so that more and more people will have eternity to do the God thing.

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

47

CHRIS TOMLIN 56

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

I

n 2006, Time published an article declaring Chris Tomlin the most sung songwriter in U.S. congregations on any given Sunday. It opened with the statement, “Most people don’t know who Chris Tomlin is.â€? Nowadays, it’s probably safe to say that most people who know Christian music know who Chris Tomlin is—and probably seek out his songs, his concert tickets and just about anything else they can get their hands on. Within just a few years, Tomlin has gone from obscurity—writing songs and leading worship in Texas—to international phenomenon. Thousands, likely millions, of people know his songs. Radio stations that rarely played “worshipâ€? music before now have Tomlin in heavy rotation. You might go so far as to say that he heralded a new movement of worship within the church and beyond. Accessible, yet poignant, his songs are the songs anyone can sing. And they do. Chances are, no one is more surprised by all of this than Tomlin himself. Shy and humble by nature, his persona isn’t Ă€DVK\ RU DUWV\ <RX PLJKW HYHQ SUHVXPH

he’d have stage fright, given his softspoken voice and unassuming presence. But give him a guitar and point to a VWDJH DQG KHœV RQ ¿UH <RX PLJKW VD\ a passion burns within him—which makes sense, given the prominent role he’s played in the Passion movement with Louis Giglio that has grown from a few thousand college students in 1997, to ¿OOLQJ XS WKH *HRUJLD 'RPH As of 2013, he had achieved four Gold DOEXPV DQG RQH 3ODWLQXP DW OHDVW ¿YH No. 1 hits on radio, a Grammy, over 20 'RYH $ZDUGV DQG PRUH OLNHO\ WKDQ QRW he is just getting started. Clearly, Tomlin has had as much impact on worship in the church as anyone in this generation. And he’s passing that along to the next, as he mentors and works with other rising songwriters, artists and worship leaders—most notably, Kristian 6WDQ¿OO While people now know his name, Tomlin’s not interested in that. His passion, drive and calling is to make another name famous—the name of Jesus.

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

57

MERCY ME

66

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

I

n almost two decades of minitry, MercyMe has sold over 6 million units and served up such memorable songs as Âł, &DQ 2QO\ ,PDJLQH´ WKH ÂżUVW VRQJ LQ Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain), “Here With Me,â€? “So Long Self,â€? and “Word of God Speak,â€? which was named the No. 1 Christian Song of the Decade by Billboard magazine. MercyMe has scored 23 No. 1 Christian radio singles and four consecutive mainstream radio hits, along with Grammy nominations, numerous Dove Awards, an American Music Award, and appearances on “The Tonight Show,â€? “ABC News,â€? “Fox & Friends,â€? the CBS “Early Showâ€? and more. In addition to selling out venues like Radio City Music +DOO KXQGUHGV RI WKRXVDQGV KDYH Ă€RFNHG to their Rock & Worship Roadshow, one of the most successful tours in the Christian music industry. But MercyMe front man, Bart Millard, has also had his share of tragedy. The song that launched MercyMe to fame, “I Can Only Imagine,â€? was inspired by the death of his father. More recently, tragic events have inundated him once DJDLQ %DUW ORVW D FRXVLQ²D ÂżUHÂżJKWHU who died in the line of duty. And his son was recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. “When a doctor tells you that they don’t have a cure for your son, I was just like,

‘Oh man, I can’t handle this.’ I realized then that I was living from tragedy to tragedy, just walking on my toes,â€? he VD\V Âł,ÂśYH GHÂżQLWHO\ KDG WKRVH PRPHQWV where I found myself asking God, ‘You are still in control, right?’â€? In pain and doubt, the band turned to music, addressing those questions and thoughts in songs like, “You Are I Am,â€? which powerfully reminds listeners of all that God is: You’re the one who conquers giants/you’re the one who calls out kings/ you shut the mouths of lions/you tell the dead to breathe‌ “It was a very empowering song to write,â€? shares Bart. “Reminding people that their identity is in Christ, not their guilt or shame—that they’re not a bad person trying to be good‌they’re UHGHHPHG VDQFWLÂżHG 6LQ LV SRZHUOHVV and can’t remove us from the hand of God. I’ve had to go through the fact that I tried to set up my dad in sainthood, but never addressed the years of abuse. I am not my shame. I’m not my guilt. After years of being in the church, I feel like I’m seeing a part of God and myself. 7KLV LV WKH ÂżUVW WLPH ,ÂśP UHDOO\ OLYLQJ LW I am worthy. It’s been a big shift for me. I’m done telling people to stop sinning. I’m letting them know who they are in Christ. I’ve never had more fun telling people that they’re beautiful in the eyes of Christ.â€? CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

67

THIRD DAY

70

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

I

t’s easy to lose sight of the miraculous amidst the mundane. Every day, everyone encounters some kind of miracle—their health, the health of a child or loved one, the stability of a job, the freedom to express faith. The world is not short on miracles, nor are they an antiquated notion relegated to Bible stories of way back when. God knows we need them. And He knows just how to deliver. Take, for example, a young group of guys from Georgia who decide to play music together, but get roped into a shady record deal that would squash any

artist’s career and future. Twenty someodd years, 16 albums, four Grammys, 24 Dove Awards, 8 Gold albums and 1 Platinum album later, it’s pretty clear— God gave them a miracle. “When we started, we never would have predicted that in 20 years, this is where we’d be,â€? says Tai Anderson (bassist). “If you’re in a rock band, usually there’s a ten-year limit and you’re done. But, if you can survive each other, you can go as long as you want, as long as people still like the music.â€? 6XIÂżFH LW WR VD\ SHRSOH VWLOO OLNH the music. And perhaps even more

importantly, the band still likes making it. Two decades in, they’re still discovering new ways to deliver the songs God has placed inside of them. “To have something new to say and to say it in a different way is really exciting,â€? says lead vocalist Mac Powell. “It reinvigorates us as a band.â€? And so, with the creativity ever Ă€RZLQJ WKH PXVLFLDQVKLS HYHU improving and the groundedness of their mission ever increasing, Third Day continues to reinvent itself, return to itself and celebrate each miracle along the way.

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

71

JACI VELASQUEZ A

wife, mother of two, actress, singer, radio personality, author and allaround everywoman, Jaci Velasquez has ERWK IHHW SODQWHG ÂżUPO\ RQ WKH JURXQG both hands dug deeply into the stuff of life, and a story that puts her eye to eye with the rest of us. 7KH ZRUOG ÂżUVW PHW -DFL LQ WKURXJK her national debut, Heavenly Place, WKDW SURGXFHG DQ DVWRXQGLQJ ÂżYH 1R songs. The next few years brought Jaci continued music success, commercial endorsement opportunities and an entrĂŠe LQWR WKH ZRUOG RI ÂżOP -DFL FRQWLQXHG WR make headlines as a role model to teens and was chosen by the State Department

DV RQH RI WKH PRVW SURPLQHQW +LVSDQLF Americans in the Arts. Then, things got hard. A marriage ended, and for a while we didn’t hear much from Jaci. “I left. I ran away. I moved as far as I could from the glass house. I moved to 1RWWLQJ +LOO LQ (QJODQG ,W ZDV DPD]LQJ I learned a lot about myself. I learned to cook‌and I learned that it was okay to be alone. It did take me running away. I knew people would say things and think things. I knew radio stations wouldn’t play my songs‌but I had to make a choice in this particular situation. I couldn’t live like that. I knew that that

wasn’t what God had for me. Finding God in my own way was really important and valuable. It was what put the pieces back together in me. And when I was whole enough to start life over again, I came home, and suddenly it was okay, and I was able to face whatever the world would throw at me.� :LWK D ZRQGHUIXO PDUULDJH WR 1LF Gonzales, lead singer of Salvador, two sons, new albums, books, a national radio show and more, it’s clear that what God started in Jaci Velasquez so many \HDUV DJR +H LV EULQJLQJ WR IUXLWLRQ Chances are, Jaci’s brightest days are still ahead.

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

69

R

CHRISTIAN ARTISTS

The arTisTs ThaT shaped The indusTry prove a classic never dies by Kayla Fioravanti intro by Caroline Lusk

ock ‘n’ roll has the Beatles, Bob Dylan and Elvis. Country has Hank, Cash and Jennings. Contemporary Christian music has… Well, plenty of historic artists—classics, if you will. But where are they now? Unlike many other music genres that have dedicated radio and broadcast space for honoring their roots, you’d be KDUG SUHVVHG WR ¿QG WKH KLWV IURP WKH likes of Russ Taff, Twila Paris, Steve Green…(yes, the list could go on and on) anywhere but someone’s old cassette collection—and iTunes, of course. At least, that was the case until recently. In the past few years, several artists ZKR KHOSHG GH¿QH WKH &KULVWLDQ PXVLF genre have been returning—on tour, in the studio and in other roles within the music industry. Recently, the CCM Forever God of All Glory tour with Twila Paris, Steve Green, Michael Card and Wayne Watson, has traversed the US, delighting crowds everywhere they go.

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

83

T

wila Paris is easily one of the most recognizable voices and songwriters of the contemporary Christian music era. Despite her stellar success as a singer/ songwriter, Twila Paris is an incredibly humble and sincere person. She is a wife, mother, daughter and servant of the Most High above all else. Her primary ministry today is her family, yet her music continues to minister to the hearts and souls of millions of people worldwide. In recent years, Twila has ventured away from her hometown of Springdale, Arkansas for some very rare solo concerts and also teamed up with fellow artists Steve Green, Larnelle Harris and Wayne Watson in the CCM Forever God of All Glory tour. Her voice remains fresh and sincere and her songs continue to inspire. Twila’s experiences in life have given her music and message from the stage more depth and meaning, and her connection with the audience is instant and easy, much like good friends who have been apart for many years picking up right where they left off, after years apart. In 2012 Twila Paris released God Shed His Grace: Songs of Truth and Freedom, which is described as a letter and prayer for America. According to Twila, “Our founders got it right. They really did. We need to get back to what they intended and not be reinterpreting and superimposing agendas. We have been moving away from what makes us great as a nation.” In a blog post, she has quoted her father as saying, “Gratitude and selfpity cannot coexist at the same time in the same person.” According to Twila, “Thanksgiving drives out self-pity. If I’m feeling sorry for myself, I am not, in that moment, being thankful. It’s that simple. Thanksgiving also opens our eyes to the needs of others and prepares our hearts to give and serve.” Today, Twila focuses on raising and homeschooling her son J.P. as well as being an ambassador for the college her father started—Ecclesia College. God, family DQG FRXQWU\ JUHDWO\ LQÀXHQFH 7ZLOD¶V GDLO\ life and music ministry today. People can see her now on the CCM Forever Classic Hymns tour with Steve Green. 84

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

DAVID MEECE

D

avid Meece feels completely at peace with his mission as a musician. “I have always been one of those people that believe you keep doing the last thing God told you to do, until he tells you something different,” David says. God

continues to lead David to follow Him, seek Him with all his heart and continue doing concerts. The mantra of David Meece’s life is Ephesians 4:29, which he paraphrases as “Don’t let a word out of your mouth that

isn’t encouraging to the listener.” David uses that mantra to create a concert experience that is both entertaining and ministry-focused. Everything he does at concerts, even the sharing of hard truths, he does in a way that encourages people to want to do what is right, rather than present the message in a way that makes people feel condemned or attacked. David’s desire to share the Gospel in a ZD\ WKDW LQYLWHV SHRSOH LQ LV UHÀHFWHG LQ his songs and in how he talks from the stage. David is enjoying his career more than ever before, because he knows without a shadow of doubt that he is doing what God wants him to be doing. After thirty years, David also continues to be actively involved with Teen Challenge, an organization that shares a Christcentered message as it helps individuals with drug and alcohol problems. David’s father was an alcoholic and a drug addict. Part of David’s testimony is his journey to forgive, his father. Regarding forgiveness David says, “That friction within us, that unforgiveness we might have towards somebody, God can use that to move us closer to Him. It took years to bring me to a place of forgiveness towards my father, but God did eventually bring the healing. I use that as encouragement to people who think they will never get over a hurt, that they will get past it if they put their hope in Christ.” <RX FDQ ¿QG 'DYLG Meece on his website and see him on the Because of You tour with fellow artists Clay Crosse and Wayne Watson.

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

85

D

XULQJ WKH ¿UVW WHQ \HDUV RI 6WHYH *UHHQ¶V FDUHHU KH MXVW SOD\HG WKH SDUW RI YRLFH IRU KLUH 6WHYH VSHQW WKDW WLPH LQ D VSLULWXDO ZDVWHODQG SURFODLPLQJ WKH QDPH RI WKH /RUG IURP VWDJH EXW IHHOLQJ QRQH RI ZKDW KH VDLG LQ KLV KHDUW ,Q 6WHYH FRQIHVVHG WR EHLQJ D EODWDQW K\SRFULWH DGPLWWLQJ WKDW KH GLGQ¶W NQRZ *RG DQG GLGQ¶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³7R JLYH D UDWLRQDO FRPSHOOLQJ DQG FOHDU LQVWUXFWLRQ LQWR HVVHQWLDO HOHPHQWV RI &KULVWLDQLW\ ´ 6WHYH LV H[FLWHG DERXW WKH RSSRUWXQLWLHV WKDW OLH DKHDG WR SURFODLP DQG OLYH WKH WUXWK IRU &KULVW¶V VDNH DEURDG DQG DW KRPH $V 6WHYH ORRNV WR WKH IXWXUH KH VD\V ³*RG KDV VXVWDLQHG XV WKURXJK HYHU\ VHDVRQ RI RXU OLIH -XVW HYHU\WKLQJ -XVW HYHU\ SRVVLEOH SLWIDOO (YHU\ SRVVLEOH UDEELW WUDLO GHWRXU VWXPEOH 7KH ZKROH RI OLIH LV WUHDFKHURXV DQG SUHFDULRXV DQG RXU PDUULDJH LV LQWDFW EHFDXVH RI *RG¶V VXVWDLQLQJ JUDFH 2XU PLQLVWU\ LV FRQWLQXLQJ EHFDXVH RI *RG¶V VXVWDLQLQJ JUDFH :H ORRN DW WKH OLYHV RI RXU FKLOGUHQ DQG WKH IDFW WKDW WKH\ DUH IROORZLQJ &KULVW²WKDW LV VRPHWKLQJ WKDW *RG KDV GRQH 2IWHQ SHRSOH VD\ µ7KDQN \RX IRU \RXU IDLWKIXOQHVV ¶ 0\ UHVSRQVH LV µ*RG LV WKH RQH ZKR KDV EHHQ IDLWKIXO DQG +LV JULS RQ XV KDV EHHQ VR SDOSDEOH ¶ :H IHHO +LV KROGLQJ RQWR XV ZD\ ZD\ PRUH WKDQ RXU DELOLW\ WR KROG RQWR +LP ´

86

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

W

ayne Watson is one of the true pioneers of contemporary Christian music. Over the course of time, he has experienced both a soaring career and dark valleys in which he learned the true meaning of God’s grace. In 2002, as his career started slowing down, Wayne took a job as minister of music and worship in a church. The job was bigger than he anticipated, and juggling his job and his solo career quickly overwhelmed him. He stopped taking care of himself spiritually. He found himself pouring into other’s lives with nothing going in. During this time, Wayne’s marriage ended in what he describes as a very sad end to years of sadness. But, he has chosen to not live in the past. Someone once pointed out 88

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

to Wayne that the scripture does not say, “I know the plan I have for youâ€? [referencing Jeremiah 29:11]. It’s not singular; it’s plural. “Sometimes we get NQRFNHG RII 3ODQ $²ZKDWHYHU WKH ÂżUVW plan was. But there are other things He has for us.â€? Today Wayne surrounds himself with the loving members of his home church in Houston, Texas. When he is there he can be found leading a contemporary worship service with his guitar and piano, singing a mix of contemporary worship choruses with a few old hymns thrown in. As Wayne puts it, “We’re not trying to break any new ground worship-wise. We’re not trying to dazzle anybody with production or the latest and greatest worship chorus.

We’re just trying to worship. Period.â€? Wayne loves the intimacy he feels with the audience in a live performance and KLV FDUHHU KDV H[SHULHQFHG D VLJQLÂżFDQW upturn over the past few years. He has been a part of the CCM Forever tours, Sandi Patty & Friends tour and cruise, and has done several solo dates as well. Of the change in pace, he says, “It is a VLJQLÂżFDQW XSWXUQ EXW , KDYH QHHGHG WKLV time to get grounded and stay grounded. I thought that being grounded in the past meant one thing. Now it means a whole different thing.â€? The stakes that Wayne is grounded with today are sturdier than ever before. “My stability and my position in Christ—everything that I am—is dependent on Him and His Holy Spirit.â€?

LARNELLE HARRIS T

KH QDWXUDO JHQHUDWLRQDO HEE DQG ÀRZ RI PXVLF SRSXODULW\ KDVQ¶W VORZHG /DUQHOOH +DUULV GRZQ RQH ELW +H VWD\V PRUH WKDQ EXV\ GRLQJ FRQFHUWV ZLWK CCM Forever tours, Sandi Patty & Friends, The Big Three, KLV RZQ VROR dates and even the Sandi Patty & Friends Caribbean Cruise. Larnelle’s CD/DVD, Larnelle Live in Nashville, features a full-length concert, a documentary and some of Larnelle’s most memorable VRQJV DV ZHOO DV D EUDQG QHZ GXHW ZLWK 6DQGL 3DWW\ 7KHUH LV DOVR D ³WKUHH WHQRUV´ performance featuring Larnelle, Steve Green and Steve Amerson that brings WKH KRXVH GRZQ /DUQHOOH VLQJV D VRQJ FDOOHG ³7KH *UHDWHVW RI 7KHVH ´ EDVHG RQ &RULQWKLDQV WKDW KH UHDOL]HG KROGV D PHVVDJH KH FDQ VKDUH ZLWK KLV JUDQGGDXJKWHUV /DUQHOOH VD\V ³, KDYH OHDUQHG WKDW DV 3DSDZ , FDQ GLVSHO DOO WKRVH FUD]\ WKLQJV WKDW WKH ZRUOG LV VD\LQJ LV ORYH DQG ZKDW LW VD\V LV JRLQJ WR PDNH \RX KDSS\ DQG ZKDW LW VD\V \RX QHHG LQ \RXU OLIH $QG ,¶YH PHPRUL]HG WKDW ZKROH WKLQJ²,¶YH JRW WKDW ZKROH FKDSWHU LQ P\ KHDG²VR ZKHQ VRPHWKLQJ KDSSHQV WKDW WHOOV P\ WZR OLWWOH JUDQGGDXJKWHUV ZKDW ORYH LV DQG WULHV WR VZD\ WKHP²,¶YH JRW \RXU EDFN EDE\ +HUH LV ZKDW LW LV DQG KHUH LV ZKDW LW¶V QRW DQG WKLV LV DFFRUGLQJ WKH :RUG RI *RG ´ Larnelle’s prayer hasn’t changed much VLQFH WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI KLV FDUHHU ³/RUG SXW VRPHWKLQJ LQ P\ KHDUW 7HDFK PH KRZ WR JLYH LW DZD\ ´ $QG *RG KDV GRQH WKDW 7KH PXVLF LQGXVWU\ DQG WKH ZRUOG have changed during Larnelle’s long career, but Larnelle points out one thing WKDW KDVQ¶W FKDQJHG ³:H¶UH VWLOO RXW WKHUH VKDULQJ +LV PHVVDJH -HVXV LV /RUG +H LV WKH .LQJ RI .LQJV +H LV WKH /RUG RI /RUGV +H LV WKH UHZDUGHU RI DOO WKRVH ZKR GLOLJHQWO\ VHHN DQG SDQW DIWHU +LP ,¶P VKDULQJ WKH :RUG RI *RG WKDQNLQJ Him for the life that He has given me in -HVXV &KULVW 3HULRG (QG RI VWRU\ ´ 92

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

T

here is a renewed sense of excitement around Sandi Patty these days. She has a new album, Everlasting, exclusively at Target Stores, the Big Three Tour with Larnelle Harris and Dino, the Sandi Patty & Friends tour and Caribbean cruise, and a lengthy list of solo dates. On her cruise, Sandi gets to spend time with family, close friends Larnelle Harris, Anita Renfro, Wayne Watson, Sheila Walsh and others, as well as hundreds of new friends. “It’s a wonderful, wonderful week,� she says of the event.

6DQGL VDQJ KHU ÂżUVW VROR LQ FKXUFK ZKHQ she was just over 2 years old. When she heard music she would think, “That’s KRZ , IHHO EXW , FDQÂśW ÂżQG WKH ZRUGV 6R I’ll just learn that song, and I’ll sing that song.â€? Music has always been a friend to Sandi, so much so that for a long time she hid behind the music. She eventually found her speaking voice as her friends at “Women of Faithâ€? encouraged and mentored her. Sandi is at a peaceful place in her life right now “Every day, I’m just grateful to be, and grateful to live a life with

someone that I love, my family and my children, and at the end of the day, that I get a chance to sing about all of that. But I know that there’s nobody in this life who is perfect, except for our Lord and Savior. It’s about the journey. I used to think that my faith journey was a stopwatch, and I had to get this done then, and this done here, and if I didn’t make that happen‌ But it’s really about it being a compass, and just moving in the right direction. Sometimes that might look like standing still, but I can still face the right direction when I’m standing still.� CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

93

PETRA

I

W¶V KDUG WR ¿QG D &KULVWLDQ EDQG WKDW KDV KDG PRUH LQÀXHQFH DQG ORQJHYLW\ WKDQ 3HWUD )URP WKHLU RULJLQV LQ WR WKHLU UHWLUHPHQW LQ WR WKHLU UHXQLRQ WRXU, 3HWUD KDV FRQVLVWHQWO\ H[SORUHG QHZ IURQWLHUV²VRQLFDOO\ O\ULFDOO\ DQG HYHQ SURIHVVLRQDOO\ DQG VWUDWHJLFDOO\ 7KH\ ZHUH WKH ¿UVW URFN EDQG LQGXFWHG LQWR WKH *RVSHO 0XVLF +DOO RI )DPH DQG WKH ¿UVW &KULVWLDQ EDQG WR KDYH PHPRUDELOLD LQFOXGHG LQ WKH +DUG 5RFN &DIp UHVWDXUDQW FKDLQ ,Q WKHLU FDUHHU WKH\¶YH VROG QHDUO\ PLOOLRQ DOEXPV ZRQ 'RYH $ZDUGV IRXU *UDPP\V DQG KDYH KDG FRXQWOHVV WRS UDGLR KLWV ,Q CCM Magazine UHDGHUV YRWHG 3HWUD LQWR WKH CCM +DOO RI )DPH DV ZHOO 7KLV VWDWHPHQW UDQ LQ CCM IROORZLQJ WKH LQGXFWLRQ ³)HZ DUWLVWV KDG DV PXFK LQÀXHQFH LQ WKH IRUPDWLRQ DQG JURZWK RI ZKDW KDV FRPH WR EH NQRZQ DV µFRQWHPSRUDU\ &KULVWLDQ PXVLF¶ DV GLG 3HWUD $V RQH RI WKH PRYHPHQW¶V WUDLOEOD]HUV 3HWUD ERUH WKH EUXQW RI WKH FRQWURYHUV\ HQGXULQJ SLFNHWHUV SURWHVWHUV DQG SXEOLF GHQXQFLDWLRQV E\ SURPLQHQW &KULVWLDQ OHDGHUV ,W LV SHUKDSV D WHOOLQJ VLJQ RI WKH &KULVWLDQ FRPPXQLW\¶V IRUPHU UHVLVWDQFH WR 3HWUD WKDW WKH EDQG ZRQ D *UDPP\ EHIRUH WKH\ HYHU ZRQ D 'RYH $ZDUG 6WLOO DOO UDEEOH URXVHUV DVLGH 3HWUD PDQDJHG WR FUHDWH VRPH RI &KULVWLDQ PXVLF¶V PRVW WUHDVXUHG UHFRUGLQJV ´

94

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

THE WOMEN

M

ainstream music has female legends galore—Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and the Supremes, to name a few. But for years in Christian music, the only female artist of much renown was Amy Grant. That changed in the ’90s. Margaret %HFNHU EHFDPH WKH ¿UVW ZRPDQ WR UHFHLYH D 'RYH $ZDUG LQ WKH 5RFN FDWHJRU\ &U\VWDO /HZLV XQYHLOHG D VRXOIXO VHW RI pipes unlike any the Christian music ZRUOG KDG HYHU KHDUG 7ZLOD 3DULV ZURWH anthems that penetrated the church. And, Jaci Velasquez snagged New Artist of the Year (beating out Third Day), becoming WKH ¿UVW ZRPDQ RI +LVSDQLF GHVFHQW WR rise to prominence in Christian music. $IWHU WKDW WKH ÀRRGJDWHV RSHQHG ZLGH DV DUWLVWV OLNH 5HEHFFD 6W -DPHV 3RLQW of Grace, Nicole Mullens and Barlow Girl took center stage with undeniable talent and passion. In 2011, Francesca Battistelli captured Artist of the Year— WKH ¿UVW ZRPDQ VLQFH $P\ *UDQW WR UHFHLYH WKH KRQRU \HDUV HDUOLHU Without question, the ladies of &KULVWLDQ PXVLF KDYH PDGH WKHLU PDUN

102

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

Nichole NordemaN Hope informs a lot of the way I see the world, my music, my art, my child, my husband. I’m always hoping for the best of things and people.

Nicole c. mulleN Often, when I’m writing, the people I see in my head are the people I see at my concerts— people who have emailed me or sent me letters afterward. These are the people I see, these are the voices I hear when I’m putting pen to paper.

crystal lewis God knows what He’s doing even if I don’t like it or understand it. I’ve seen Him use disappointment and tragedy to change lives. When you think about it in those terms, you understand that’s exactly what God made that man [Jesus] for. He was born and He lived His OLIH LQÄ XHQFLQJ SHRSOH DQG WKHQ +H LQÄ XHQFHG them in His death. God knows. It really is in the palm of His hand.

margaret Becker I wanted a deeper understanding of Jesus and P\ IDLWK , ZDQWHG WR ZDNH XS Ä&#x;UVW WKLQJ LQ WKH morning with nothing more than the goodness of my Savior to adore.

cindy MorGan , WKLQN WKH RQO\ ZD\ WR JHW WR D JRDO LV WR IXOÄ&#x;OO each day. When you take care of yourself on a daily basis and when you focus on what needs to be focused on, then the Lord takes care of your future.

susan ashton There are a lot of hurting people out there, who need someone to talk to them on a real intimate level. I think the circumstances of life are harder for kids at a younger age now, and they are having to deal with things that God never intended. They were meant to be innocent, and kids are not innocent anymore.

Kathy troccoli Ever since I was a kid, I was pretty honest about what was happening inside. A lot of that has brought growth for me in my Christianity because there’s a freedom in saying, “Man, this is what I’m dealing with.�

Ginny owens My time with God is more desperate now. It’s, “Jesus, I need you today to breathe and be everything.â€? One thing I’ve realized more now is my complete desperate need for Him to be everything. I know that I just can’t do this alone‌not even halfway alone.

sara Groves We’re building something that’s not real, with all the social media and expectations to be in FRQQHFWLRQ ZLWK RWKHU SHRSOH ,W GRHVQĹ‚W KDYH WKH ORQJHYLW\ WR LW +HUH DUH WKHVH Ä LPV\ QRQ existent kingdoms that we’re creating, but our reality is that God is at work—He is creating a beautiful kingdom. He’s building something very real that we can’t see.

PluMb I’m very thankful for God’s constant unconditional love and faithfulness. So thankful he never walks away.

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

103

THE MEN T

he men of contemporary Christian music, driven by the pursuit of musical and ministry excellence, have also shouldered the weight every man bears of living faithfully and loving well. They have modeled what it means to be a godly man, what it means to lead a household and to be an engaged father. Today, as much as ever before, they are stirring a movement within the country for other men to step up. The chart-topping song from Sanctus Real outlines the purpose of this generation of men— to lead their families, love their wives and live in such a way that their children and the rest of the world see Christ.

aaroN ShuSt *RG KDV D SODQ WR FKLS DZD\ RXU VHOÄ&#x;VKQHVV (YHQ ZKHQ WKLQJV GRQĹ‚W JR the way we would desire, God has something amazing in mind for His FUHDWLRQ $W VRPH SRLQW ZHĹ‚OO ORRN EDFN DQG WKDQN +LP IRU WKH SODWIRUP we have.

michael eNgliSh :KHQ \RX IHHO OLNH \RXĹ‚YH ORVW HYHU\WKLQJ WKDWĹ‚V ZKHQ *RG VWHSV LQ carmaN :HĹ‚YH RQO\ JRW D IHZ \HDUV RQ WKLV HDUWK DQG ZKHQ , JR RQ WR JORU\ , ZDQW to know that I did everything that I possibly could do to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world that does not want to hear.

BeBo NormaN I stumbled on this quote from a German mystic: “If the soul could have known God without the world, then God would never have created the world.� There is a real goodness about God. Even when it seems the world has gone dark, there are still beautiful things to hope for.

104

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

THE GROUPS

PHILLIPS, CRAIG & DEAN 0\ ZLIH ZDV D VLQJOH SDUHQW EDVLFDOO\ IRU WHQ \HDUV ZKLOH ZH UHDOO\ WRRN RII 2XU IDPLOLHV KDYH VDFULÄ&#x;FHG ,WĹ‚V DQ KRQRU WR JHW WR OLYH WKLV OLIH —Randy Phillips

T

here’s something special and utterly unique about ministering within a group. Even a cursory glance through the New Testament reveals the bonds of friendship, encouragement, accountability and faith between Jesus and His disciples. The groups that have come together to make Christian music over the years have discovered the strength and capacity to impact the world when they—literally—band together. Brotherhoods, sisterhoods and lifelong friendships have formed within these groups of musicians, affording them the gift of fellowship, camaraderie and integrity.

POINT OF GRACE :HłUH OHDUQLQJ WKDW ZH VWLOO KDYH WR EH VHHNHUV :H FDQłW GR WKLQJV DORQH 7KH GD\ ZH VWRS OHDUQLQJĽ, KRSH ,łP LQ WKH JUDYH DW WKDW SRLQW 6KDPH RQ XV LI ZHłUH QRW DOZD\V JRLQJ WR EH WHDFKDEOH VSLULWV —Leigh Cap

BIG DADDy WEAvE :H DUH DOO JXLOW\ HYHQ WKH PHPEHUV RI %LJ 'DGG\ :HDYH RI WDONLQJ VXFK D JRRG JDPH *RG ORYHV WKH ZRUOG -HVXV JDYH KLV OLIH 7KHQ WKDWłV WKH HQG RI LW ,WłV D QHDW GLVFXVVLRQ LQ \RXU KRPH JURXS EXW ZKHUHłV WKH UHDOLW\ RI WKDW" -HVXV VD\V WKDW WKH ZRUOG ZRXOG NQRZ ZH DUH +LV E\ WKH ZD\ ZH ORYH RQH DQRWKHU —Mike Weaver

FFH YRORUHK HQGHOLW GHOLVWLR RIÄ&#x;FLX VFLHQGHQGL RPQLVVLQLD GROHQHP HW ODP GROXSWDTXLD FXVFLPXV VLPDJQDP TXH UHSHUQDWHW HQGDHUXP HW IXJD ,WDWLXP TXLEXV 108

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

SANCTuS REAL :H NLQG RI KDG WR OHDUQ KRZ WR PDNH PXVLF 1RQH RI XV KDG DQ\ VSHFWDFXODU VWUHQJWKV ZH OHDQHG RQ HDFK RWKHU DQG KDPPHUHG LW RXW (YHQWXDOO\ ZH OHDUQHG KRZ WR ZULWH PRUH DERXW FRQFHSWV DQG IURP WKH KHDUW IURP OLIH H[SHULHQFH DQG WULDO DQG HUURU —Chris Rohman

GEOFF MOORE AND THE DISTANCE :LWKLQ WKH FRQWH[W RI *RGĹ‚V ZLOO IRU P\ OLIH WKHUH DUH QR OLPLWV DV WR ZKDW , VKRXOG EH ZLOOLQJ WR GUHDP RU H[SORUH 7KDW LV FRQWLQXDOO\ UHVRXQGLQJ LQ P\ OLIH DV , Ä&#x;QG P\VHOI LQ WKH PLGGOH RI D FDUHHU , QHYHU GUHDPHG ,Ĺ‚G EH LQYROYHG LQ —Geoff Moore

4him Suddenly, you see yourself as the old guard. There comes a point when you stop trying to prove yourself. You don’t want to become complacent, but we’ve reached a point where we can say, “If we never sell another record, we’ve left a legacy.� —Andy Crisman

TenTh avenue noRTh Everyone struggles. That should humble us. :H DUH IUHH WR VWUXJJOH EXW RQ WKH Ä LS VLGH we aren’t struggling to be free. —Mike Donehey

FFh Christian music is not a style of music. It’s a lifestyle of people who listen. —Jeromy Deibler

PFR When I hear people in the audience praying with me, I always stop and look. It’s just really astounding because you’re hearing someone’s life being changed.

avalon I think the biggest misconception about this group is that we seem to have it all together. :H GRQĹ‚W :HĹ‚UH MXVW IRXU SHRSOH Ä&#x;QGLQJ RXU way through life and salvation and trying to Ä&#x;JXUH RXW ZKDW LW PHDQV WR OLYH WKH &KULVWLDQ life day by day. —Michael Passons

Caedmon’s Call Having a community that’s a sound community— doctrinally, biblically-based, a Christo-centric community—is important. —Cliff Young

Big TenT Revival Just as an army travels on its stomach, Christian musicians have to travel on their relationships and their personal walks with Christ. —Steve Wiggins

smallTown PoeTs If you’ve ever been in a small town, you’re communicated to with a bit more care because people don’t expect you to know everything about their little town. And poets are known for communicating the truth about things as they see them. —Michael Johnson

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

109

THE SINGER/ SONGWRITERS

MaRk schultz , PHHW VR PDQ\ NLGV ZKR IHOW OLNH WKH\ ZHUH DEDQGRQHG E\ WKHLU ELUWK PRP , SXW P\ DUPV DURXQG WKHP DQG OHW WKHP NQRZ WKDW *RGĹ‚V JRW D SODQ IRU WKHP 7KDWĹ‚V EHFRPH WKH WKLQJ , ORYH WR GR LQ OLIH , ZDQW WR KHOS WKHP XQGHUVWDQG WKH ELJJHU SLFWXUH

S

tyles come and go, but it is the lyric that sets Christian music apart. At some point, though, all songwriters truly seeking to serve God come to understand that their words will never be enough. As faith and time enhance a writer’s skill set, those same factors also reveal that, ultimately, it is not the work of man that will touch someone’s soul. A writer cannot force the impartation of love and grace to another through a perfect melody, catchy chorus or spot-on delivery. Says Dove-award-winning songwriter Steve Siler, “It is imperative that we leave room for the unexpected to happen and to recognize when a ‘mistake’ is actually the elusive magical moment for which we’ve been looking.â€? Matt RedMan *UDFH FRXOG EH GHÄ&#x;QHG DV WKH XQGHVHUYHG XQHDUQHG IUHHO\ JLYHQ JLIWV RI *RG LQ RXU OLYHV <RX EUHDWKH LQ DQG RXW DQG \RXU OLIH FRQWLQXHVĹŒWKDWĹ‚V JUDFH <RX VRFLDOL]H RU HQMR\ IDPLO\ĹŒWKDWĹ‚V JUDFH <RX GLGQĹ‚W HDUQ WKRVH EHDXWLIXO PRPHQWV WKH\ DUH WKH JHQHURXV NLQG H[SUHVVLRQV RI JUDFH LQ RXU OLYHV

shawn Mcdonald 6R ZH KDWH WKH WKLQJV WKDW ZH JR WKURXJK EXW WKH WKLQJV WKDW ZH JR WKURXJK KHOS XV FRQWUDVW EHWZHHQ WKH JRRG DQG WKH EDG DQG VKRZV XV ZK\ ZH QHHG *RG

106

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

audRey assad , WKLQN D ORW RI SHRSOH DUH ORRNLQJ IRU VRPHWKLQJ XQUHDOLVWLF RU KDYH EHHQ VR ZRXQGHG E\ IDPLO\ KLVWRU\ WKDW WKH\Ĺ‚UH QRW ORRNLQJ IRU LW DW DOO , EHOLHYH LQ PDUULDJH EHFDXVH LWĹ‚V D FRYHQDQW ,W GRHVQĹ‚W GHSHQG RQ WKH HPRWLRQV RI WKH SHRSOH LQYROYHG 7KDWĹ‚V WKH ZKROH LGHD ,WĹ‚V VHFXULW\ WKDW JRHV EH\RQG \RXU IHHOLQJV

andRew PeteRson 7KH FRPPRQ WKUHDG LQ DOO WKLV LV P\ ORYH IRU &KULVW DQG KLV .LQJGRP P\ EHOLHI LQ WKH SRZHU RI VWRU\ DQG DUW DQG P\ QHHG IRU IDPLO\ DQG FRPPXQLW\ ,I , KDG WR ERLO LW DOO GRZQ ,Ĺ‚G VD\ WKLV , ZDQW WR XVH P\ JLIWV WR WHOO WKH WUXWK DQG WR WHOO LW DV EHDXWLIXOO\ DV , FDQ

ashley cleveland Today my knowledge of Jesus is an abiding presence that is marked, often, by an overwhelming experience of the love and VHQVH RI SODFH WKDW , \HDUQHG IRU +HUH , Ä&#x;QG acceptance and welcome, and over time, I have been changed.

Fernando ortega The Gospel devastates us, then transforms us. Someone said that to embrace God is WR HPEUDFH DQ DOO FRQVXPLQJ Ä&#x;UH :KHQ ZH HPEUDFH WKDW Ä&#x;UH WKHQ HYHU\WKLQJ WKDW LV QRW of Him gets burned away. The experience is painful but life-giving.

Phil Keaggy Around 1987, I made a decision to perform on the weekends so I could take the kids to school, help them with homework, read to them and just be there for them when they needed me, and it really paid off. I can’t ask for more, and I want to encourage fathers to do the same because the time you spend [with your family] is time you’ll never regret.

Michael card The truth is too radical and foolish for the world to accept, so the church presents Christ in a popular way that will make Christianity attractive to everyone. It sounds crazy, but I would like to present Jesus so accurately that ultimately some people, just as they did in Jesus’ own time, would say no to him.

Jason gray By approaching songs as a gift I receive instead of clay I have to shape, songwriting becomes less something I control and more something I surrender to. I’m afraid that sounds fanciful and mystical, but maybe there is something mystical about it—like with prayer.

CCM Magazine 35th Anniversary

107

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.