Worship artists make ungodly compromises in order to be successful in Christian music. That’s according to Cory Asbury, the writer of ‘Reckless Love’ who recently criticised artists for acting in ways which are “antithetical to the way of Jesus”. Scottish songwriter Andrew Mitchell, who himself stepped away from the Christian music industry in the US explains why he agrees with Asbury’s comments
Whenever the negative elements within something we love are brought into the light, it can leave us feeling confused, upset and even angry.
I’ve experienced this tension and, as Cory Asbury’s recent comments show (see below), the Christian music industry is far from immune to this as well.
In a recent social media post, musician Cory Asbury – of ‘Reckless love’ fame - accused fellow artists of selling out, writing songs for “the big four” (Bethel, Elevation, Hillsong and Maverick) and earning millions for their efforts, even after leaving their Christian faith behind.
His comments have attracted a variety of responses, with his words stirring concern in many people and raising deeper questions about the true heart of worship.
Over the past 50 years, the Christian music industry has changed dramatically. What began as a modest, grassroots movement has become a multi billion-dollar enterprise. And with almost every Christian record label now owned by a secular parent company, artists are under intense pressure to stay popular and keep records sales up.
Do we confuse popularity, fame and money with anointing?
The strain placed upon someone who is continually expected to sing, smile, and inspire can become soul crushing. Behind the worship sets and conference stages, many artists wrestle with burnout, isolation, and doubt. The noise of deadlines, the weight of public image and the expectations of the ministries and livelihoods that orbit them create a dangerous state where poor decisions often follow.
Social media and massive marketing campaigns have created a spotlight that is hard for many musicians to bear. The glare of publicity can make it tragically easy to miss the things that have eternal value. This affects the songs that are written, produced, and marketed and means that listeners are often left without the deep connection and spiritual nourishment that comes from worship born of surrendered hearts.
Healing heart surgery
In 2010, after my third album had been released, I was offered a two-album deal from a major label. I was preparing for preproduction in Memphis when the Lord spoke to me and said he wanted me to step out of the music industry for a season because he needed to work on my heart.
That season of spiritual heart surgery lasted ten years. It wasn’t easy to step away, but I remain forever grateful for the tender love and gentle faithfulness God constantly showed in fixing my heart, renewing my mind and changing my entire perspective of what it truly means to be called to worship ministry.
Slowly, I realised that I had become far too focused on the business of music rather than the joy of worship. As I learned to rely on God, I became less and less interested in trying to please man. My central priority as a worshipper is to minister unto him, not play to the crowds or worry about record sales.
After running our own property development Company in Scotland for a few years, my wife Jilly and I bought Carberry Tower Mansion House and Estate near Edinburgh. During this season, worship songs began to take shape, and Safehouse was birthed out of a desire to reflect the character of God not just in sound, but in ways of working. Now, we’ve returned with a collection of songs inspired by our personal testimony, a celebration of God’s goodness and faithfulness through every season, and a bold invitation to worshippers around the world to make Jesus the centre of every aspect of their lives.
At Safehouse Scotland, we try to pray the following everyday: “Father, what do you want us to do today? Jesus, what are you showing us? Holy Spirit, please form lyrics within us that help people access the realities of your kingdom, with a sound that transcends nations, borders, and generations to come - for your glory alone.”
Authentic worship
The world is aching for authenticity, something that sounds like heaven and looks like Jesus. And the only way we can release that is to give ourselves to him.
As Cory’s comments remind us, no artist is immune to the pull of worldly performance.
But it can be avoided if we surrender our hearts to God and trust in him fully. In Matthew 6:21, Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In John 15:5, he said: “I am the vine; you are the branches…apart from me you can do nothing.”
These words are essential to every aspect of our lives. Do we confuse popularity, fame and money with anointing? Do we treasure platform and influence more than God’s presence? These questions are rarely asked. But when we do ask them, we are reminded of who our Lord is. Our eyes are lifted off our own desires and onto him.
In this place, we are reminded that we are not the center, God is. And in that place of honesty and humility, we find his grace and power. So, regardless of what is happening out there, worship leaders and songwriters need to return to the quiet place and ask afresh: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
True revival begins with humble, surrendered lives. So, let’s resist the spotlight and return to the secret place where songs are forged in surrender and love.
No comments yet