Abingdon Youth

By John Gocke

Having been a youth leader for some time now, I have noticed that the majority of Christian youth that frequent our churches do not listen to Christian music. Talking with other youth leaders, I have also found that many do not actively encourage youth to tune in to Christian music. These youth are missing out on some important things that happen when a youth listens to Christian music

1. Spiritual reinforcement
When listening to Christian music, youth hear positive messages that reinforce a biblical lifestyle. Many songs popular in pop, rock, country, and rap charts glorify violence, sensuality, and materialism. Even the minority of secular songs that try to be more virtuous and extol love and sacrifice often fall way short of biblical standards. Knowing that many performers and writers love God and aspire to live a clean and moral lifestyle encourages a youth to do likewise. The Bible says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17) and what better way to hear it than in catchy music.

2. Evangelism
I have never run across a non-Christian youth that listens to Christian music. When youth are listening to Christian music, they are identifying with Christ in front of their friends. Peer-to-peer evangelism is undoubtedly the most effective way to reach people.

3. Worship
God likes it when we sing praises, and worshipping God is the main reason churches exist. Our principal reason we gather together as Christians is not to be entertained or even be educated but to worship the Lord.

4. It makes us happy and creates community
Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.
A special thing happens when we sing praises to God, we feel good inside. When we do it corporately (as in church), we grow closer together in unity because we are valuing the same things.

5. Christian music helps us get through the tough times
Ephesians 5:20 commands us to give thanks in all things. Have you ever tried to give thanks when you have lost a job, home, friend, or family member? It’s hard! If you are singing Scripture in your heart, then it is easier to trust God and say “thanks” instead of wracking your brain rethinking how you could have made things different. Many anger problems can be traced back to experiences we have had that we do not accept with faith that God will make them good in the end. Instead of thankful, we are resentful.

Every one of these five areas of spirituality, evangelism, worship, happiness, and perseverance are affected by listening to Christian music. Christian music takes the honesty and insight of Scripture and puts it into a form that is a delight to listen to and incorporate into our daily lives. Christian music can be spiritual nourishment for the youth and youth leader alike. So, what’s in your CD player?

John Gocke is a veteran of youth ministry, having worked in various churches in Southern California. John holds an MA in Theology from Point Loma Nazarene University and currently works on the staff of www.ileadyouth.com.

Other articles by John Gocke:
Eleven Signs of a Successful Youth Minister.
Dealing with sharing your office.
Christian Pirates?
Saying what you really think!
Cures for the Summertime Attendance Slump
Going Back in Time
The Epic Struggle Between Youth Pastors and Senior Pastors
You and Conan the Barbarian
A King Josiah-Kind of Christian
Fantasizing About Violence: Violent Video Games Promote Aggressive Behavior In Youth
Chico the Roach
Are you a Batman or Superman Christian?
Ten Skills They Don’t Teach You in Seminary
Teach your youth grace-not just mercy this Christmas
Five reasons you should encourage your youth to experience Christian music

Brought to you by your youth ministry colleagues at Cokesbury.

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