Missionary Broadcasting.com

I have rarely ever written a company to thank them for their service or product. I suppose I have to be really impressed with something before I feel the need to directly address its provider. Yesterday I wrote a heartfelt thanks to a business I just discovered on the internet. The music I purchased from them is more than just a product in my view, it is more like a gentle reminder of the transformation God has wrought in my life these past few years. I felt perhaps I ought to post it here to give you some insight on the changes that have taken place in our family since leaving the modern Christian radio movement.

Dear Friends at Sacred Audio.com,

I am writing this correspondence in the early hours of Christmas morning from Fairbanks, Alaska. I just became a customer a few moments ago, and I want to tell you how glad I am.

I received a gift card for Christmas that I had hoped to use for buying music. Therefore I went about searching the internet for quality Christian songs I could download. I must admit I found very few until I came upon your site.

My interest in these kind of sacred Christian songs is fairly new. I spent ten years in Christian broadcasting and was used to hearing mostly “contemporary” music. Then through a series of experiences and many hours in God’s word I was turned in a new direction. I am now a loving, but vocal critic of modern Christian radio, and the style of music it promotes.

I left Christian radio in 2003, and have purchased almost no music at all since then. I felt I needed some time to develop new guidelines for myself in this area before doing so. The three songs I purchased from you this morning make up the beginning of my “new” music collection.

If you continue providing your service, and God allows me to do so, I will purchase all my new songs from you. You provide high quality recordings in a convenient manner, at a good price. Best of all, the songs are Christ-honoring and consistent with Biblical principles. Thank you for being a part of my testimony. I will do all God allows me to do in recommending your service to others.

Sincerely in Christ,

Chris Harper

As I listened to the songs I purchased, I thought about all God takes us through in order to change our habits and tastes. I could have never understood a letter like this a few years ago. I chose then to listen to music I enjoyed, and had few thoughts about the philosophies they represented. Well, those days are forever over for me. Today I realize the responsibility I have to be circumspect in all I consume, understanding that worldly influences should have no hold on my life, even if they wear a Christian label.

I would encourage you to visit Sacred Audio.com, and perhaps download a few songs. You will recognize the difference in an instant, and possibly understand more fully my point. Those who are still confused may also want to look into a book I recommend called Why I Left the Contemporary Christian Music Movement by Dan Lucarini. It tells the author’s personal story of transformation from “Worship Leader” to defender of the conservative approach. I trust either resource will help you consider the matter more thoroughly for yourself.

(This article was originally published on December 26, 2006.)