“You don’t have to break the earthly rules, but break through the molds of what people think Christians are.” Pillar frontman Rob Beckley said this to me yesterday in a conversation about recklessly pursuing God. He is a man who in the course of his life as a rock ‘n roller has had to face down the expectations and judgments of many Christians who don’t understand his path. And somehow feel they have the right to comment on it. This dynamic has forced the thoughtful believer to come to terms with his own understanding of the role God has for him as an artist and a follower of Christ. While he might not have enjoyed the process, I’d guess that he has moved far enough out of it to recognize it as a blessing. One of those painful blessings you’d like to do without, but a blessing nonetheless.

Actually our conversation was something along the lines of a blessing to me in my own quest to find my way. I don’t have the masses watching and questioning me the way the Pillar guys do, especially now that they’ve been nominated for a Grammy. But we all have a circle of influence in our lives, made up of friends, family members, and work relationships that have a front row seat to view our spiritual development or lack thereof. Maybe they feel free to question, doubt, or examine our choices, our behaviors, or our fruit as believers. And maybe you feel the need to break free of a few molds constraining you in the same ways that Rob felt restrained.

He makes a wise point in mentioning the earthly rules we’re called to honor. We cannot clamor for freedom to express ourselves on one hand and show disregard or a lack of respect for others in the same breath. Rob’s personal frustration came through as he talked of different occasions on which he felt unfairly judged by Christians, but his tone never revealed anything but a tender sadness at the cost to their own souls. He has processed these memories into fodder for his daily expression of Christ’s love. He has determined that rather than forcing him down into negativity, he will allow it to push him further into aggressively loving. He will actively pursue opportunities to display his hope and his peace as he does so will speak volumes to those who judge him, if they take the time to listen. But he leaves it in God’s hands. He is free. Free of the Pharisee’s molds, free of the prison of other people’s expectations. It’s a beautiful thing.

I’m not revealing any secrets when I say that the Christian music scene can be a tricky path between ministry and industry, difficult for the most sincere artist to navigate. I have to say also that among the many artists I have interviewed over the years, I have really only spoken to one or two who seemed to be in it for all the wrong reasons. The majority of the people I speak with are sincerely motivated to advance the kingdom of God, and many if not most of them actually sacrifice much to do so. But I had the good fortune today to speak with a woman whose sincerity shows up the good old-fashioned way: in her fruit.

Sara Acker of Inhabited has obviously been placed and gifted by God for such a time as this. Fans who spent even a minimum of time listening to the band’s first two albums, Innerview (2003) and The Revolution (2005), know that Sara and her brother Marcus deliberately target many of their encouraging, empowering songs toward the issues facing their young fans. Depression, cutting, isolation, alienation, divorce and abuse. No topic is too tough for these artists who are passionately genuine in caring about their fans. In fact, the Inhabited team often draws its lyrical focus from conversations with hurting fans who sense trustworthy hearts in the compassionate siblings.

Their new album, Love, releasing next month, is their best yet, sonically and message-wise as well. The ironic thing about it is that it may just send the big-hearted duo out into the mainstream waters, where their scope of ministry will increase exponentially. I can’t think of a band that is better equipped. Such a time as this, indeed.

Most of the news I post for CMCentral is very benign: entertainment stories, for the most part. Who has a new project coming out, what band was just signed, and which artist can be spotted on television this week. Yesterday I had to post a report on Kenyan members of the African Children’s Choir who had been caught up in violent eruptions following the country’s presidential election. It is not, of course, news to anyone that there is violence and suffering going on in numerous African countries. However this report mentioned details of specific choir members’ injuries and losses, including one who had been shot by an arrow. Hard to hear when you think of the ministry of the world renown African Children’s Choir, and their emphasis on the dignity and value of each African child.

In their 23 years of ministry, the Choir has gone through numerous incarnations, apparently at least fifteen, as one member is described as being part of choir number 15. I have no idea how many there have been in total, but my heart aches at the thought of these children who have lost so much, and given so much, now being faced with yet another struggle. Of course their struggle will endure until their country is able to find its way through the complicated, evil morass affecting the entire continent, and that is a huge dream indeed. But until that time, African Children’s Choir founder Ray Barnett directs our attention toward a Kenya relief fund accepting donations for the care and support of not just these choir members, but so many other African children who now find themselves without a home or basic support. The link to receive donations can be found here. Thank you for taking a moment to visit it and consider the plight of these children, and their value in God’s eyes.

January 10, 2008 By Guest Blogger Christa Banister

Perthshire, Scotland—It’s been four days, and there’s still a pervasive sense of wonder for every artist involved in the CompassionArt event.

For Delirious frontman Martin Smith and his wife Anna, it was a longtime dream fulfilled that has far surpassed their wildest expectations. “When I was getting to bed the first night, I still couldn’t believe that everyone here was really under the same roof,” Smith says. “I was nervous and excited. And now that we’re inching toward the end of the week, the electricity was more than I could’ve ever imagined.”

That “electricity” has resulted in one successful collaboration after the next—a process that starts in the early morning and continues into the wee hours of the evening. And while these artists could technically call it “work,” the laughter that emerges from the practice rooms seems to indicate that work and play seamlessly go hand and hand.

“In a word, this week has simply been unbelievable,” says Michael W. Smith. “It’s incredible to be working with all of these artists for a worthy cause. Laying down your own agenda really frees you in so many ways, and this week has been a pure joy.”

Speaking of pure joy, the picturesque Scotland scenery was the perfect backdrop for the creative process. Following a tour of the sights in Glencoe, including lunch at a proper Scottish pub, the falling snow inspired a spontaneous snowball fight. In case you ever wondered, Darlene Zschech may have a cherubic face, but she’s got a killer instinct. Who knew, right?

All joking aside, Martin can’t help but be proud of what’s resulted from these artists’ time together.

“There are times in history when people join together to do something great and lay down their own agenda, their own territory. It’s been especially touching to see everyone be themselves and be vulnerable in front of each other. Yet when a group plays its song, the whole room erupts. It’s just pure Christianity. It’s a team thing of people lifting each other up.”

Does anyone else feel terribly uncomfortable watching the Britney Spears train wreck unfold? I mean, isn’t it sort of like watching a dog on a chain being poked with a stick?

This girl’s public persona was manufactured by entertainment industry insiders with only profit in mind. A supposedly Christian belief system was thrust upon her, one that went so far as to include public discussion of her virginity, apparently whipped up for her by her handlers, which may or may not have included her own parents. Then, oops, the whole foul balloon burst in the fiery furnace of her marriage, and now her misery has multiplied to include her two sons. This hotly pursued artist has become public prey, chased by viciously gleeful paparazzi, mocked relentlessly by every entertainment host with a microphone, and bounced like a wayward pinball from disapproving judges to rehab facilities too numerous to count, and back to the scornful front pages of every tabloid in the nation. Is it any wonder that she finally took a pair of shears to her head? Geesh, I’ve been known to shave my head for a lot less!

I’m not saying she didn’t have a hand in her own inevitable yet stupendous implosion. And I understand why people who have lost loved ones to drunk drivers are especially intolerant of her almost continual bad choices. I’m just remarking on the general and disturbing lack of mercy most of us seem to have for this little girl lost. Maybe it’s because of all the opportunities she has blown; maybe it’s just because she’s wealthy. Or maybe it’s simply resentment spillage carried over from the only public figure more deserving of scorn than poor Britney. (I’m talking, of course, of the ubiquitous Paris Hilton). But whatever the reason, it brings to my mind the familiar phrase ‘there but for the grace of God….’

No, I can’t sing, or dance, or even look good in spandex anymore. But I still can recall what it’s like to be lost. God help me if I ever forget.

Resolution: (from Websters.com): “a resolve or determination, or to make a firm resolution to do something; the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.”

Funny, you’d really get a sense of personal power, wouldn’t you, in reading this definition? Like you could ‘determine a course of action, and then…. just do it.’ No offense, Nike, but if it were that easy we wouldn’t be awash in broken resolution jokes every January. My personal experience is that my willpower alone rarely brings me the success I desire. If so, I would have resolved twenty pounds away long ago.

But I love the idea of a new year, a fresh start, a clean slate. A record unmarred as yet by failure, disappointment, or unmet expectations. And I totally relate to the fresh hope we feel when facing that first clean page of the new calendar. My only hesitation to jump on the resolution bandwagon is the weakness built into it by definition. I know myself. I can ‘resolve or determine’ til the cows come home, but that twenty pounds ain’t budging until I call upon the Lord for His empowerment. Until the Lord joins me in my struggle, my efforts are often in vain. And I don’t think I’m alone in this dependency. In fact, I think it’s quite Biblical. It just might be the fatal flaw in the whole New Year’s resolution process.

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do…. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7: 15, 24, 25).

I’m not anti-resolution. I just believe that God intended for us to depend on Him for enabling strength. Built into our system is the capacity to be empowered by the Creator, when we call upon Him in faith. Many resolutions depend more on willpower than dependency, and I think that might explain the high failure rates we joke about.

I still want to drop those twenty pounds. In fact, it’s my New Year’s Prayer. I’ll let you know how it goes.