Stand Up for Christian Music

by Trisha Bleau Smith

Christian music is facing a major challenge. There are literally thousands upon thousands of awesome Christian artists producing music each and every day. They use this music as a ministry – reaching out to listeners with a positive message. Yet millions of people don’t know they even exist.

Unfortunately it is only in Christian stores that their music is being sold. The majority of the music is not reaching the audiences that so desperately need to hear it. Secular stores, where most of the population shops, only include small sections, if they even offer that. All Christian music is lumped together as “Gospel” or “Christian” regardless of the music style. Selection is limited, offering only big names in Christian music or the more mellow contemporary music. All others don’t even have the chance to be purchased by shoppers since it is not even offered in the common shopping places.

So what does that mean? Christian music is a positive alternative to the secular music that we hear all around us every day. Christian groups purposely write lyrics that are meant to encourage, to inspire, and many times to witness to those who don’t yet know Jesus. But how will they buy it and be touched if they never hear the music? How will they buy it if they are not given the choice? Thank about it – how many non-Christians go in to a Christian bookstore to browse the music selections? None! So we need to get Christian music in to their hands!

But how you ask? What can you do to help out?

• God. First, foremost, and all the way through remember that with God all things are possible. This should not even NEED to be listed, but remember to let Him work in you and through you as you try to make a difference. Pray over every letter, over every person you speak with, and let God’s Words flow from you. Every person you speak to plants a seed – whether a seed for Christian music or a seed for God Himself. You are a witness, an ambassador for Christ. Let your light shine before all men.
• Ask for more. Ask the workers at these stores where the Christian music is. Ask them to play a Christian cd over the store’s loudspeaker instead of one of the secular artists. Ask every time you enter the store.
• Get others to ask. Encourage others to do the same. And encourage them to do number three on this list as well!
• Draft a letter and gather signatures from everyone you can and send them to the stores, store owners, and major corporate offices. Print it out, get all of your friends, family, church members, youth groups, etc. to sign it, make copies and send it in to as many places as possible. (You can always get corporate addresses or store owner information at the customer service desk. Just ask. They are supposed to provide it upon request.)
• Go public. Contact the newspapers, the radio stations, the tv channels. Let them know that you feel it is unfair and let them know what you want. Share your goal and see if they can help you raise awareness and make a difference. See if they will print our letter or post it on websites or read it on the air. Push to get them involved so you can reach more people.

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