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Compassion International

Sunday Edition


01
Dec
2007
What Is Right With Southern Gospel Music?


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It seems that we spend a lot of time discussing what is wrong with our industry. A lot is said about what needs be done to improve it. And I have joined in the discussions at times about what I felt was wrong with this industry. And I believe that we should always be found trying to improve what we do and make it the very best that it can be. It is true that we still have a lot of room for improvement.

But this month I would like us to pause for a moment and think about what is RIGHT with the Southern Gospel Music business.

1. IT'S PURPOSE IS RIGHT
The purpose of Southern Gospel Music is to spread the good news of the Gospel in Song. All Christians have been given a commandment to go into all the world and declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Southern Gospel songs, singers, concert promoters, record companies, publishers booking agents, radio owners and DJs, trade magazines, are all about the business of making sure this Gospel gets heard. We all share in one unified purpose. That purpose is to make sure that the Gospel is spread as far and wide as we can possibly take it, to as many people as we can get to hear it. The purpose of Southern Gospel music is right.

2. IT'S MESSAGE IS RIGHT
The message of Southern Gospel Music is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our songs reflect the supremacy of Almighty God. Our music declares Bible truth without hesitation. Southern Gospel songs cover Genesis to Revelation. We tell the Old Testament law, and we sing about the birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection and second coming of Jesus Christ. This music declares that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It declares man's need for salvation through the blood sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary's cross. This music, that I so dearly love, also tells about an eternity that awaits for us at the end of this earthly journey. The message of Southern Gospel music is right.

3. IT'S LEADER IS RIGHT
Without Jesus, there is no Southern Gospel music. It is all about Him. And through the inspiration of His Holy Spirit, men and women are moved to write songs, record CDs, travel millions of miles, and present His gospel. Jesus Christ is the one who inspires and anoints everyone to successfully meet whatever challenge they face in their daily task of getting this Gospel to the world. He is truth and he is mercy. His love has no limit and grace has no measure. You can't beat him, and you can't outlive Him. Should He tarry His coming another 100 years, every person who holds a position of authority will be gone, and many will be forgotten. But Jesus will still be the reason the people will sing this music. He will still be at the helm of the ship. No one voted Him into power, and no will ever be able to vote him out.

The first page has not yet been turned on 2008. None of us know for sure what it will hold for us individually, or as an industry. But I do know that if we are still here twelve months from now, what is right about Southern Gospel Music today, will still be right as we look ahead into 2009.

Have a very merry and blessed Christmas.

Until next time, keep on writing!

Daryl Williams
http://www.darylwilliamstrio.net

Reader Comments

Deon Unthank's avatar Wow, Daryl, I really get tired of all the negative talk about what and who are wrong with SGM. This was such a refreshing article. Thanks for uplifting my favorite genre of music.

Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog

Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown



Commented by On 12/09/2007
What Is Right With Southern Gospel Music?
Daryl, that is one of the most positive questions posted on this site. Would it not be wonderful to see this thread go for a full year without one negative aspect of Gospel Music mentioned. You just might be on to something here. We all know improvements can and must be made but I would love to see them done in the background as opposed to taking them before the public. When issues are aired in public a few may see the positive side and roll with it but so many times the negative outweighs the good and we lose the very ones we were trying to bring to the fold.
As Deon said, this is refreshing and thanks for uplifting this great genre(and my favorite)of music.
Earl


Commented by On 12/09/2007
I agree with the others, Daryl. YEAAAA to you for a positive article. I fell in love with "Gospel" (we didn't even call it "Southern" then) quartet music in the 1950s, and I never have gotten over it...I just fall deeper! On its most ordinary day, SG music is still the best music in the world, by far. May it thrive and go on blessing folks till Jesus comes!!


Commented by On 12/10/2007
Great article, Daryl! You put the focus on what is truly important. We should always keep in mind what this music is really all about.
Troy


Commented by On 12/10/2007
What a refreshing article, Daryl!! There is still no other form of music that moves me like Southern Gospel...because, like you said, the purpose, message, and leader is right!!


Commented by On 12/11/2007
Daryl,
Sometimes it's easy to forget why we do what we do. Thanks for reminding us why we fell in love with Southern Gospel in the first place. I agree, it's nice to hear the possitive not just the negative:)


Commented by On 12/12/2007
<h4>That will preach!</h4>


Commented by Steve Allen On 12/13/2007
The Mike Lefevre qt recorded a song on their first project titled; That is why I sing Gospel Music". It says the same thing that Daryl said and I appreciate both because both are positive in theme.


Commented by On 12/17/2007
Daryl, I usually listen to you sing on Unfolding Majesty. I love Southern Gospel Music. I love to hear the lyrics that tell the story of Christ or a life being lived for Christ. Pray for people like me that struggle with life application to an extreme. Because I hear the lyrics I relate them to my life. At times I feel like they were written from something I was experiencing. Positive encouraging reminders of what you all are really singing about is helpful in keeping my focus on who and what you are really singing about. Thank you.
In Christ, Rebecca


Commented by On 12/29/2007
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