It's Been a Minute Is Christianity cool again?
Jul 23, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, a reporter for Christianity Today and an adjunct professor, delves into the rise of Christian music on mainstream charts. She uncovers the phenomenon of 'barstool conversion rock' and its blend of conservative culture and masculinity. The conversation also highlights the evolution of contemporary Christian music from the 1980s, the influence of megachurches, and the role of African American artists. They explore how these dynamics shape the music industry and its cultural impact today.
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CCM as a Media Ecosystem
- Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) acts more like a media ecosystem than a single genre.
- It mirrors mainstream radio style but avoids objectionable content like sex and drugs.
Cross-Cultural Gospel Groups
- Contemporary gospel artists like Maverick City and Elevation Worship are cross-cultural groups.
- They bridge Black and white Christian music audiences, which is unusual and impactful.
Post-Streaming CCM Surge
- CCM has multiple surges, including Amy Grant in the 1980s and Switchfoot in the 2000s.
- Current surge is the first major post-streaming era breakthrough in Christian music.