Gospel Prism

In 1999, I remember picking up a CD by an unknown movement called, “Passion: The 268 Generation.” And given that I had grown up listening to Twila Paris, Sandi Patti, Keith Green, Hosanna Integrity, Vineyard Music, and Maranatha Praise, I found Passion uniquely different. As different as the sound was, what was clearly different was the lyrics. They resounded with God’s fame and renown, rather than merely spouting out what one pastor I know called such music “prom songs to Jesus.” It was refreshing. But what has been even more impressive is that Passion continues to put out great music with great lyrics. As they say, the hits keep on coming.

But it must be hard to have such success. The temptations to indulge in self-glory must be tremendous. As Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, David Crowder, and Charlie Hall grow in greater popularity, they are probably inundated by their own flesh and an Enemy who longs for them to praise themselves rather than God. This is how popular they have become:

Last year, the Gospel Music Association named Tomlin its artist of the year and male vocalist of the year, and also awarded him song and worship song of the year. David Crowder Band has attracted thousands of die-hard fans with its experimental sound. Those fans voted the group MSN’s 2006 artist of the year, beating out the likes of Prince, Christina Aguilera, and Kenny Chesney. The most recent Passion live recording, Everything Glorious, hit number 69 on the Billboard Top 200 chart.

I love their music and their sound. But I do not want to put them on the King’s chair, any more than I want to any person alive. The balancing act is not just for the performer but also for the performee. As Chris Tomlin says, “”I would never consider myself a worship superstar—nor do I know what that is,” he said. “I am a worshiper of the Almighty. That’s enough to keep anyone humble.” I hope this remains true forever.

For more on the Passion movement, CT did an interesting article which is where these quotes are from.