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Sunday Edition


18
Jul
2008
Southern Gospel’s Dirty Word


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Reader Comments

Great article, Deon.

I always know I'm in for an experience whenever a group gets on stage and says, "Now, we didn't come to entertain." They're usually correct.


Commented by On 07/19/2008
You're absolutely right. What is really sad is that the church's aversion to good, wholesome, Christian "entertainment" has made the world's pull on our young people even stronger. They will be entertained...one way or another. Back in the late sixties while my teenage peers were shopping for the prom and planning to "tie one on" on prom night for "entertainment", my sister and I were making plans to go see the Imperials at the old Kingsland Theatre. The auditorium was packed...with young people just like us...and we were truly entertained. We were in a safe environment with solid values. Nothin' wrong with that. Janice


Commented by On 07/22/2008
Exactly, Janice. I teach the teens and am youth pastor at my church. I learned a long time ago that teens won't listen to a "lecture" in Sunday School. You have to make it enjoyable for them. I let them pick the topics we talk about and even stray from the subject we're on if it helps them to stay interested. If I'm "entertaining" them, so be it. At least they're learning. That's more important than my lesson notes.


Commented by On 07/22/2008
The thing people don't realize though is most of the groups performing now with tracks have more "band" music in them than live bands. I still believe in entertaining people, but you still need the flexibility of being able to follow the leadership of the Lord in your program. In our programs we find that people get into the service more when we use live music. I don't see anything wrong with entertaining people, but you still need to get His message across to them.


Commented by On 07/22/2008
I have to agree with that as well.


Commented by On 07/22/2008
Elaine Harcourt's avatar Well said, Deon. I go to singings for blessings but I, also, go for entertainment. A good program gives me both.

God is good all the time & all the time God is good. 

Elaine Harcourt



Commented by On 07/23/2008
T Rodgers is right. I'm not against entertainment. but we always must be open to the leading of the Lord at all times no matter where we're at. And LIVE bands help that tremendously. We need to get the LIVE bands back. I just can't stand tracks. They're very limiting and restraining.


Commented by On 07/23/2008
Excellent article. Christians have many reasons to rejoice and we should show it by having a great time and receiving a powerful message. Glory to God that we can do that! That's the beauty of the Southern Gospel heritage, isn't it? Let's not focus on what we can and cannot stand about the delivery of the message and focus on what those who need a fresh Word are looking for. If that's praise and worship or full gospel or live band or bluegrass or instrumental or accapella or great vocals with tracks or opera...it's ALL good as long as we are moving people with God's word. It's a blessing to be about God's work sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ no matter the form. I thank God for both live musicians and those who provide tracks so vocalists can reach more people.


Commented by Ezekiel33 On 07/23/2008
I understand that it is hard to keep a band, or group together these days because the churches are hard pressed against the loud drums and guitars in the church. My son plays drums for us, we all play different instruments also, but I feel if I dont use what God has blessed me with then He will take it away and give to someone else. The world has tried to get to my son with his drums, but He stands firm on serving the Lord with his talent, to serve as entertainment for Christians and to praise Him for who He is!


Commented by On 07/23/2008
Actually, you have some time line discrepancies as far as I know. From the history I am aware of and live recordings etc. The Stamps and Oaks (if no one else) had live bands around the mid sixties or so with full drums being added around 1970.


Commented by On 07/23/2008
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