Back in the early 80's, Christian music fans were introduced to Christian music radio and Christian music artists : Amy Grant, Sandi Patti, Lionel Harris, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, David Meece, Petra, Farrell & Farrell, DeGarmo & Key, CeCe & BeBe Winans, Twila Paris and others.
Then came the 90's. Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith managed to hang on. Amy Grant moved into mainstream pop. A new style of Praise & Worship emerged out of the 90's.
The Contemporary Christian Music Movement into Praise & Worship
About Fifteen years ago, the average Sunday worship services included a choir, choir robes and hymnals. Most of the music was played on a piano and possibly an organ.Over the last few years, many churches have opted to try a more contemporary style of worship.
Many have emptied the choir loft and hung up the choir robes. An ensemble of singers and instrumentalists, dressed in street clothes, lead the congregation in a time of praise and worship.
Hymnals are now optional or obsolete. A large screen hanging from the ceiling now displays the words to each song. What happened? What prompted hundreds of years of tradition to be cast aside? Is this just a phase or a new beginning?
As young people in the late 80's and 90's became adults, the Church was no longer meeting their changing needs. Many churches were still holding to long standing traditions that young people no longer saw as relevant. Why weren't drums and guitars allowed in the church? Why did everything have to be "reverent. " by traditional standards like piano and organ only, hymns, etc.
By the late 90's churches began realizing change was imminent or millions of young people would be lost to the world. The kids weren't coming back to church after high school graduation. They had been told, " no, " so many times. They were ditching church for a different kind of praise & worship emerging on college campuses.
Delirious?
We began hearing of new artists, known as praise & worship artists: Delirious?, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Watermark, MercyMe, Matt Redmond, Chris Rice and many more.
Coming into the Millennium, we saw an explosion of musical and religious freedom to worship as one chose without condemnation. Young adults were being allowed to express their praise & worship in their own unique ways. It was, in it's own way Revival in the church. It brought life and the young people back into the church.
Many new groups and artists have emerged over the last 10-15 years as a result : Casting Crowns, Sanctus Real, Tenth Avenue North, Jeremy Camp, tobyMac, Francesca Battistelli, Brandon Heath, Natali Grant, Chris August and the list goes on and on and on. It's amazing what happens when people are allowed to worship and praise the Lord as they feel led to.
The New Generation of Christian Music Emerges
Once again as Christian music moves into 2010 and 2011, Christian music fans are seeing a change once again. For those that grew up in the 80's and 90's, this change is difficult. The music is a little more hard rock and not as Contemporary. However, understand, that once again, changes need to be made in some areas of the church and worship routines to reach the next generation coming up.
New artist are emerging into the limelight. These artists are categorized as part of the Christian rock genre, but that's what they are wanting. Look for these bands as they begin to climb the charts and emerge on stage at Christian music festivals : Skillet, Lecrae, Anthem Lights, Disciple, Red, KJ-52, Thousand Foot Krutch and Britt Nicole are scheduled to play in many Christian music festivals geared towards the teens and young adults.
All of these names sound a bit odd to those who helped start the Contemporary Christian music movement and the Praise & Worship movement. Yet, remember, we were once there. Don't tell them, "no." Somehow, there's got to be a way to incorporate this change into the modern church just as we did 10 or so years ago.
This is the new generation. This generation is the future of the church. Don't repeat history. Don't let this generation walk out the door. Don't make the same mistakes made 20-25 years ago that nearly closed the doors of many churches. The new generation of Christian music is emerging. It's time to begin thinking how to meet their needs.
SOURCES:Websites for these groups, Skillet , Delirious? , Athem Lights, Thousand Foot Krutch , Britt Nicole
Amy Wingfield - Amy, a freelance writer since 1999, has combined her passion for writing and for Christian music.There's always a story behind the ...
