Revival in Southern Gospel
I've been putting a lot of thought into something lately - and I know many people would consider that pretty dangerous. However, after having a couple of really good conversations at the National Quartet Convention last September this thought hasn't left me. We need REVIVAL in Southern Gospel.Now before you think I'm getting all "super-spiritual" on you - if you ask anyone who knows me - I'm as anti-super spiritual as one can be. Insincerity with ones spiritual life drives me bonkers, and I never try to be anything that I'm not. I try not to wear my spiritual emotions on my sleeve - and many of my close friends will tell you that it's a major fault in my personality. So, with that said - let me get to my point.
We can talk all day long about how radio is at fault or bad business practices are at fault or lack of real talent and musical education is at fault - but to me - the big thing hurting this industry is a lack of personal revival going on. I'm not saying that the individuals in Southern Gospel need personal revival in their lives (though that may be the case) - I'm saying that our personal concerts and experiences with the fans are lacking that spiritual punch that was so prevalent in the Golden Age of this genre.
When's the last time that an altar call was given at the National Quartet Convention? When's the last time that an artist decided to stop worrying about a time schedule and started worrying about who needed a touch of God in the audience. All of this got me thinking - and then praying for God to move in this industry like he has never done before.
However, the longer I prayed about it - the more I got convicted. I was praying for what I saw was wrong with the industry that I worked in - yet noticed that I wasn't necessarily doing my part either. So - at that point I asked that God would move in me, in my ministry, and my company like he has never done before. Let ME experience the move of God in my life like i have never felt before. Let me do my part in helping the industry. Let revival start in ME.
I just wanted to post this as an encouragement to everyone out there. Before a revival can spark in an entire industry - it has to start individually. I hope you'll join me this year in making a personal effort to be more spiritually minded in all we say in do. God will take care of the rest.
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Reader Comments
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Chris, last Sunday night I was at a Kingsmen concert in a local church. They had done a couple of songs on the second round and Tony just stopped, he said he believed they had done all the Lord wanted them to do. He asked a man they had met in Augusta to come up and sing a song. This guy had been severely burned and gone through a lot over the last several years.
As he began to sing 'Sweet Beulah Land' the altar began to fill up. It was nice to see a group that knew when to stop and let the Lord do what needed to be done.
If everyone in SGM -regardless of what part they play- would get the mindset of 'how can I further the gospel today' instead of furthering a group, business, etc we could see great things happen!DeeAnn
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Read my blog at http://www.bloglines.com/blog/Dee-Ann-Bailey -
Just as the song says, "Revival can happen"...and you're right Chris, it starts with me. I appreciate your honesty and sincerity in this blog. I pray that revival moves like a wildfire in this industry, and I pray it starts with individuals like me and you and everyone else who reads this. -
Chris,
I agree with you about the need for revival in Southern Gospel. I'll go further than that, however. Revival is greatly needed in our churches and in our entire nation. I'm glad you have not only called us to seek God for revival, but you have also begun to do so yourself.
So many times people will lament about the need for a move of God, but they want someone else to do the seeking, repenting, and changing. Thanks so much for not only sounding the alarm, but for walking the walk yourself.
What you have shared here has been a great encouragement, challenge, and blessing to me. -
Chris,
I was talking to another artist several weeks ago, and this is basically what we were talking about. Instead of just doing our "program" and our fake crying to get the people "moved" lets put that aside and have time to let God move through us. After all, this is why we are singing. -
Good post. I was at a Crabb Family event recently. After about four songs the group ditched the program. The alter filled up. The Crabbs came down and prayed with people one-on-one.
This went on for over an hour. I think they prayed for everyone. The Spirit was moving. People gave their lives to the Lord, people were healed, people were filled with the Holy Spirit.
The audience left changed - Christ was glorified. The event was over after 3 1/2 hours. The Crabbs put Christ and ministry first. It is refreshing to see that. Refreshing - is that a synonym of revival?
http://www.tim-christianradio.blogspot.com -
What a breath of fresh air it is to hear comments like this --"I / we need revival"! More true words could never be spoken. Over the last few years I have read and heard countless opinions as to what's wrong with sgm. "We need to change this, we need to change that". What we ALL need in sgm is a CHANGE OF HEART and get back to Jesus as our focal point. I believe there are still a LOT of things RIGHT with sgm. I have grown weary of nay-sayers; "sgm is on it's way out, we are losing our people, CCM is the new thing, etc." Shortly before Sam Goodman passed, I heard him sing a song that said "THIS OLD TIME RELIGION IS THE NEWEST THING AROUND". [I wish I had that recording]. People all around the world are looking for the real deal. We have it, but we need to revive it, Jesus Christ!
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Amen...Rev Runnels...pray on!!!
Paul Jackson / The Prophets
http://www.pauljacksongroup.com/blog -
Great column, Chris. We definitely need revival... otherwise, what's the point in singing gospel music. OUR music is supposed to make a difference in people's hearts, minds, and lives, not because we have the lowest basses, the highest tenors, and the prettiest altos and sopranos, not because we have matching suits and the Bill Gaither Seal of Approval... but because we have the ANSWER and that answer is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.Chris J. Becker
Cedar Rapids, IA -
Chris, you spoke to a bunch of folks with this, including me. Great job!
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Paul Jackson ~ 01/26/2007
Well said Chris...and AMEN! I'll pray with you.
Paul Jackson/Prophets Qt.
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Paul Jackson / The Prophets
http://www.pauljacksongroup.com/blog