Billy Graham on How Contemporary Christian Music can Open Young Hearts
"…our goal was to make young people feel welcome so they would come and hear the Gospel—and over the years, countless thousands came to Christ. As long as the music's message was clear and Biblical, God used it to help open the door to the preaching of the Gospel." –Rev. Billy Graham
In his syndicated column, the Rev. Billy Graham answers a question and notes how God can use Contemporary Christian music as a way to reach out to the youth.
One of his readers writes in about her observation of her church using an increasing amount of Contemporary Christian music in the services. She admits to some difficulty getting used to the more modern style of worship, but notes that her teenage children appreciate it.
Citing the use of contemporary music in his latest crusades, Rev. Graham points out that it can be a great tool in reaching the youth. (Photo: Jaci Velasquez performs/Courtesy of Franklin Graham Festivals)
"…our goal was to make young people feel welcome so they would come and hear the Gospel—and over the years, countless thousands came to Christ," explained Graham. "As long as the music's message was clear and Biblical, God used it to help open the door to the preaching of the Gospel. The same is true in the festivals my son Franklin now holds all over the world, and in the celebrations his son Will is beginning to hold. I often think of the Apostle Paul's comment: 'I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some' (1 Corinthians 9:22)."
Graham also pointed out the value in not abandoning a Christian music heritage, and that "a wise pastor will find ways to blend the old with the new."
