A few weeks ago I posted an extensive update regarding Family Force 5’s recent release, “Keep the Party Alive”. This song sparked an interesting conversation between Chelsea and I, and hopefully has led to the expression of some interesting opinions through this blog.

I would like to make a few more statements regarding this situation. The intention of a Christian music radio station must be identified in these regards. Look at it like this. Some Christian radio stations can be perceived much like how post-modern youths view the Church. This being a group of people that’s strictly looking to congregate within the walls of the Church, very rarely opening their arms out to those who need church the most. Often times, people complain that the Church is not open to the poor, the smelly, the drug dealers, and the alcoholics.

In the same way, Christian radio may perform in a way that only appeals to those who are already Christian-music savvy. The contemporary or worship-based music is sure to draw in the ears of Sunday school-bound families and conservative caravans. Very rarely will a young person scan the radio stations and stop because they hear the latest from Avalon. (Is there even such a thing as “latest” in regards to them?) Is this type of ministry wrong? I don’t believe so. God calls us to worship. Coincidently, many of us choose to worship in the form of music, often in our vehicles or while in the shower every morning. The evangelism of these radio stations may not be as direct as possible, however through a chain-events scenario, the inspiration and challenge of the station may present opportunity for sharing.

Other Christian radio stations take an entirely different approach. They tend to play music that is relative to popular culture and mainstream radio. This is where you typically see Family Force 5, Switchfoot, and other “Christian” bands that emerge within the mainstream media. If the beat is good, the bass is high, and the voices are altered, a young person may be very likely to stay tuned in. What the audience may not realize is that in a matter of a few minutes of listening to this station, they may be introduced to a casual interpretation of Christianity and a relationship with Christ. Use of youth-driven language like “dude” and “man” is often times integrated into our interaction with God. Often times, they are even given a non-traditional altar call or form of accountability to continue the conversation on faith.

I personally appreciate radio stations that are able to reach this demographic. When I was a young Christian, pressured from all sides from a public school setting which included little to no Christian influence, I needed all the help I could get. I was able to invite dozens of my friends to “Christian” concerts starting in elementary all the way into my college life. While I admit many times the call to action seemed a bit cheesy and maybe even a bit too dramatic, I was more than happy to know that my friends were hearing about Christ’s love in a way beyond the pulpit and preachers of the Church. This was the purest form of evangelism that I could relate to at this age.

Once again, I would love to hear your thoughts.