Why is Success in Christian Music Polarizing?

Lauren Daigle has crossed over to mainstream success to both the praise
and jeers of believers

For those of you that have been lost in the excitement CCM artist Lauren Daigle has taken the music world by storm. Daigle's 3rd studio album, Look Up Child, sat pretty at #3 in the Billboard 200 which (for those who don't know) covers EVERY genre of music. To achieve this she sold over 115,000 units (pure album sales, streams, etc). It's the highest selling Christian album since Hard Love by NEEDTOBREATHE in 2016. It's also the highest-charting Christian album by a woman since LeAnn Rimes You Light Up My Life back in 97'! Her album beat the likes of Drake and even pop sensation Ariana Grande in the charts at the time of its release. There are plenty more accolades. Lauren has since then caught the attention of mainstream media being covered by the likes of Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly amongst others. Lauren also has performed on several mainstream (or if you're super conservative "secular") platforms which where some of the backlashes comes in.

Lauren Daigle with Ellen DeGeneres after her performance

Lauren recently performed on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. Ellen is arguably the world's most famous LGBTQ celebrity and if you're a believer, you know that lifestyle isn't one that's agreed within the Christian belief. However, this did not stop Lauren from doing an absolutely stellar job on the show but many people felt the need to bash her for being on such a "wicked" platform. Lauren's response was simple. In a nutshell, she simply stated that if we begin to draw lines on who we can and cannot associate with we "miss the heart of God entirely" which in all honesty, I totally agree with. In terms of Christian artists (Worshippers), the initial goal should be to reach as many people as we can with the good news of the Gospel. If we just stick to the 4 corners of the church we'll never really get any traction going. It'll be like shining a flashlight in a well-lit room. In my opinion, Lauren is adhering to the scripture where it speaks of the great commission. In the end, her music will not save anyone (or any Gospel/Christian music for that matter). That ability solely belongs to Jesus but it can LEAD people to Christ. Why is it though we constantly choose to attack our family in the faith when they become noticed by the system of the world and begin to be on their stages, their concerts, their events, etc? Shouldn't we be happy that there's someone in the midst of that mess spreading the message of the Gospel?

Lecrae & Tori Kelly performing their song I'll Find You on
Good Morning America

Gospel music veteran Kirk Franklin shares the stage with
Chance the Rapper at the 2017 Grammy's

Is it a sense of jealousy? Are we mad because it's not us? Is it concern because there is temptation in the world and we fear the person in question may go astray? I think it's a mix of both. There are always going to be people jealous of what God does and who he chooses. That includes people in the church, especially those in worship. Though we know the goal is always to lift the name of God up many do desire full-time ministry and to be able to live off that work. When we see people like Lauren Daigle, Lecrae, Skillet, Kirk Franklin, TobyMac, Kim Walker, David Crowder, Kari Jobe, Andy Mineo and more not only succeed but thrive in their positions we begin to wonder what deals did they make or what's going on behind the scenes to get them where they're at and suddenly success in Christian music becomes "ungodly." I understand the other side, the concern. Just as we can influence others to come to Christ it's also very possible for those on "the other side" to influence us if we're not spiritually prepared. Fame, sales, sold out shows can certainly inflate one's ego and no matter how spiritual your songs may be, you're still most certainly susceptible to sin and fall. Problem is when we see a well-known artist of the faith fall we're so quick to kick dirt in their eye instead of praying for them, rebuking them in love or even accepting their humanity. They're in the flesh just as much as we are. There's already a lot of pressure when you become "famous" as your life is now examined under a microscope and people are watching everything you do and say on camera, online, on radio and of course social media.

I'm not saying I always agree with what some of these artists do but I'm never upset or jealous that they're on "the other side" because, well, we need them there. Let's face facts. It's likely that not every single worshipper who desires full time will ever meet the likes of Adele, Bruno Mars, Drake Or Ariana Grande. We should focus on where we are NOW and if the Father opens the doors for a larger platform, great! To his name be the glory. When it's NOT you but rather somebody else, rejoice! And if that person is able to cross over into the mainstream, CELEBRATE them and cover them in prayer. Don't harbor jealousy, hate or envy.

What do you think?

Was Lauren wrong for being on The Ellen Show?

Should Christian/Gospel artists stay away from Mainstream/Secular venues?

Should Christian/Gospel artists share the same stage as Mainstream artists?

Is there a difference between artists and ministers or can artistry and ministry blend seamlessly?

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