The goal of the Plano Gospel Examiner is to present a fair, unbiased account of gospel music and the gospel music industry as it occurs daily/weekly. Over the recent weeks, local gospel fans have voiced growing concerns over what the gospel industry and some gospel artists are becoming. As alarming as this may be to some, its old news for many. This may be the only topic of conversation that may bridge generational gaps across audiences worldwide. Is the gospel industry still the hardest industry to break into? Are gospel artists trying too hard to ‘reach’ secular listeners? Is there too much of a worldly influence on gospel music? Questions like these abound among gospel music fans all over. This article begins a series of articles discussing the present state of the gospel music industry! A sort of "State of the Union" address! The series will focus on the good and bad present in today's gospel industry. The series begins by taking a look at BET's Celebration of Gospel which aired nationally January 30,2011.
Comments
I grew up in Houston under the influence of the likes of Kathy Taylor, Alvin Dread, Shirley Joiner and Donald Ray Edwards and I must say that what was portrayed as gospel fell very short of what I was introduced to as such.
It appears that this was a chance for has been R&B superstars to find a handclapping audience to appreciate them for the entertainers that they once were. I never had any appreciation for the likes of DeBarge, Hewitt and moderately liked Whitney at the HEIGHT of her hayday. Having said, my appreciation for them has diminished to miniscule proportions. They are entertainers and not worshippers. Sadly enough, some of the worshippers are mere entertainers as well.
I close with this. If we are going to CELEBRATE GOSPEL, then it starts and ends with Jesus. Ask yourself how many songs mentioned or alluded to his name or his power?
Pastor J.
Thank you for your comment and visiting the column,all input is valuable! Additionally,as a Pastor, I'm sure you've seen how the body of Christ has also made concessions similar to the gospel industry. Do you feel that there is a mirror effect here...?
There is certainly the shadow of it being cast by the light of the saints if not the mirroring of it. It appears that what we saw on CofG is what we see in churches as well. A plethora of performances that are poor on praise. It is not until we get back to WORSHIP that God will be glorified and the Gospel can be CELEBRATED
Absolutely and I can imagine that the atmosphere at your church is certainly NOT a place where this is found! I've found that for most gospel fans, the better the church worship atmosphere,the better their personal worship atmosphere becomes! This is largely influential in the lives of the saints! Its a blessing to have Pastors like Pastor J!
Pastor J has extended an invitation for you to join him at the Fellowship Church 908 Crawford Street Fort Worth,TX 76104. Service begins each Sunday at 8am.
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