What’s up, what do we want, and what can we do?

Recently I was able to experience six very different artists on two separate occasions. The first night it was three highly acclaimed national bands, including Grammy nominees. On the second occasion it was three low-key bands on a small local label. Of course on the first night the place was nearly sold out, but the second group of artists were not so lucky.

This second set of artists not only performed, but they also acted as the road crew for each other. Helping change sets and eventually the loading of all equipment. While playing they poured their hearts into the music and proclaimed their faith with bold statements of personal loss and struggles.

So in a town with a population over 100,000 where was everyone? The message of the concert was spread through many of the churches and youth groups throughout town, and it was advertised in and around town. On top of that, the promoting church was only asking for a $5.00 donation. I’m sure that this event was a huge loss for the church, monetarily and spiritually.

I can't remember how many times have I heard, "there is nothing to do in this town." Parents don't want their kids hanging out with the wrong crowds, the not so respectable places, and just plain getting into trouble. So why not get involved and support an event that promotes the Body of Christ? What do we want for our kids? As parents does the vibrating base, resounding drums, and screeching guitar scare us? God can be praised in so many ways and music has a great potential for reaching youth. This potential of God's saving grace is being overlooked.

What can we do you ask? Well for starters we can get to know the music our kids are listening too, attempt to recognize what it means to them, and talk to them about Christian alternatives. I also believe with music we can reach out to those who have not been saved and witness to them. Many closed minds could be opened this way, and that is our call as Christians. Not too keep God's grace for us, but to spread the Word and edify others.

-Ken