5 Crazy Things Christian Artists Are Doing for Jesus

I’ve seen articles about all the horrible things Christians do. Have you seen the headlines?

9 Stupid Things Christians Say

20 Things Christians Do in Church that Annoy Me

The 10 Dumbest Things a Christian Can Do

Newsflash: we all do dumb things. But these headlines (and this is just a sampling) got me thinking about all the crazy things Christians are doing for Jesus in the entertainment industry. And by crazy, I mean crazy good.

For the purpose of this list, we are going to define crazy as: “being out of the ordinary; absurdly fond; passionately preoccupied.”[1]

Here we go: 5 Crazy Things Christian Artists Are Doing for Jesus

1. Playing Christian Music in Strip Clubs
   Two weeks ago I wrote an article about Lecrae’s hip-hop album being featured in strip clubs. I’d say that’s a good way to start off my crazy-good list. The rap-artist’s Rehab CD was distributed by Scarlet Hope founder, Rachelle Star, to strip clubs where the ministry shares the love of Jesus with women who work in the clubs. The lyrics are relevant. The music upbeat. What DJ wouldn’t love it? Read the full article learn how the music is already having an impact.
2. Unabashedly Proclaiming Faith on Live Television
   For KING & Country performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live on March 25 and weren’t shy about their faith, belting out a song from their most album, “Fix My Eyes.” The upbeat lyrics include phrases like, “In the light of Your glory and grace; I’ll set my sights upon Heaven; I’m fixing my eyes on You, on You.” Luke Smallbone, one of the lead singers, concluded the song by raising his tambourine above his head—a subtle tribute to the band’s number-one fan.
3. Infusing the Gospel in Paintings
   Six Christian artists on the outskirts of Beijing have made it a mission to evangelize through art. Together they paint, pray and fellowship in hopes of influencing their primarily Buddhist culture[2] with the love of Jesus.
4. Taking the Entertainment Industry Head-On
   Actors, Models and Talent for Christ (AMTC) started out as a secular company. But as soon Carey Lewis Arban, the company’s CEO, found Christ, that all changed. The company-turned-ministry now prepares performers spiritually, so they can turn their profession into a mission field. At first, the big names in Tinseltown questioned the bold move, but soon discovered that AMTC churned out well-equipped and talented actors just as they had done in years past. Arban told the Christian Post in 2011, “I think it’s undeniable that bad is bold in the entertainment industry, so good must be bolder. God is raising an army of performers to stand up for Him, to represent Him as ambassadors of Jesus Christ in a world that is desperately seeking truth. Not everyone knows that they’re seeking Jesus, but they know they’re seeking truth, and that’s a great opening.”[3]
5. Preaching Christ in Lyric
   Country artists like Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood are among the greats in their genre. While you won’t hear them on your Christian radio station, both artists (and many like them), are sharing their faith through their lyrics. Carrie Underwood’s latest, “Something in the Water” is a declaration of faith. She told NBC’s Today Show, “I’m not the first person to sing about God, Jesus, faith, any of that, and I won’t be the last. And it won’t be the last for me, either. If you don’t like it, change the channel.”[4]

Faith isn’t dead in the entertainment industry, because God is making His name known by equipping those willing to be sent. These are just a few examples of how Christians are using art, theater, and song to reach others for Christ.

Are you being radical for the kingdom? Tell us about it in the comments below.

[1] “Crazy.” Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2015.

[2] “Chinese Religions, Beliefs: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism.”TravelChinaGuide.com. TravelChinaGuide.com, n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2015.

[3] Schapiro, Jeff. “Talent Company Makes an Impact for Christ in the Entertainment Business.” Christianpost.com. Christian Post, 15 Nov. 2011. Web. 27 Apr. 2015.

[4] Law, Jeannie. “Country Stars Keep God in the Mainstream Spotlight Despite Counter Cultural Industry; Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban & More.” BREATHEcast. N.p., 24 Apr. 2015. Web. 27 Apr. 2015.