CCM Industry Has Grown Dramatically
The contemporary Christian music movement began in the 1960s and early 1970s when young adults began bringing their guitars to church. Now, “Jesus Rock,” or contemporary Christian music, is a big industry, accounting for about $1 billion in annual sales. The continuing growth in popularity demonstrates that Christian music is relevant in modern times, says Robert Richard Wickboldt III, a real estate investor, day trader, Christian, and fan of contemporary Christian music.
It Inspires Us
Contemporary Christian music, often called praise music, is uplifting. Like the Gospel message, its message is full of hope, says Wickboldt.
“When you’ve had a bad day or feel discouraged, contemporary Christian music can lift you up,” he says.
One of Robert Wickboldt’s favorite artists is Lauren Daigle, whose songs have crossed over to the pop music charts. Daigle’s mission is to instill hope in young people’s lives and actively heal the world’s wounds through her music and volunteer actions.
It Offers Various Styles
Contemporary Christian music varies in style, from rock to upbeat pop to country to R&B ballads. Its artists tend to copy the styles of popular artists in other genres to provide godly alternatives. CCM recordings are professional and of the same caliber as secular artists in each genre. So, no matter what style of music an individual prefers, they can find it in Christian music.
It Connects Listeners To The Word of God
Christian music writers build their music around Biblical themes and stories. Listening to the music helps people connect with those Biblical themes. The theological traditions expressed in Christian music also run the gamut from evangelical to mainline. For example, the group Jars of Clay sings a lot about grace, a central theological theme in several Scripture passages and the writings of John Calvin and Martin Luther. Another central theme of the group’s songs is the fragility of human nature, which is also often written about in the Bible.
It Connects Listeners to Church
CCM reminds listeners of the commandment that they praise God unceasingly. CCM is praise in itself; however, hearing CCM reminds listeners of the importance of attending church regularly to glorify God in a community with other believers.
It Fills a Defining Role in the Lives of Listeners
CCM plays a significant role in the lives of those who listen to it. It is an expression of their beliefs. Listening regularly to music encourages Christians to act on these beliefs. It also can be empathetic to the challenges of being a Christian in the modern world. For example, “Jesus Freak” by D.C. Talk includes the lyrics, “What will people do if they hear that I’m a ‘Jesus freak’?” which articulates a teen’s fear of being ostracized for their faith.
It Helps in Worship
The lyrics can bring joy and peace to those listening. It also sets the mood and prepares listeners’ hearts and minds to hear God’s Word. Many of the lyrics in the songs are words of worship, praising and thanking God for His blessings, Robert Wickboldt says.