From Publishers Weekly

In what may be the first-ever reference work of its kind, the 1,000-page Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music profiles Christian musicians, songwriters and producers, in addition to secular artists whose faith has influenced their music. Author Mark Allan Powell (who is actually a New Testament scholar of considerable repute)States he wandered into a Christian bookstore five years ago and discovered that more than a quarter of the shelf space was devoted to contemporary Christian music. There was not, however, a single book on the subject a lacuna that’ll be amply corrected by this enormous, funny, informative tome. Powell is a man of considerable opinions, whether he is defending Amy Grant’s album Behind the Eyes as possibly the most painfully honest recording ever produced by any artist or arguing about the impact of Rich Mullins’s tragically short career. On a basic level, the book will be utilized as an encyclopedia by people who con (more…)

Confessions of a former worship leader For many churches today, music has become one of the most important factors in both their mode of worship and their attempts to reach unbelievers with the gospe

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Review

“The Dutch translation of The Contemporary Christian Music Debate has been of tremendous help to many church leaders in Holland who struggle with issues of modern styles and worship. The combination of solid research with a gentle manner has a way of opening otherwise closed minds.” — Arjan van den Bijgaart, Manager Ecovata PublishersAs a professor, I am constantly concerned with equipping my students with a scriptural perspective of slicing edge issues in today’s youth culture. When it comes to music, I have yet to find a more balanced and thorough work on the subject. — Dr. Bill Jones, president, Columbia International University

What’s the ideal worship style for my ministry? Traditional hymns? Country? Rock? Rap? Discover insights from the bible, missions, psychology, and the entertaininghistory of our hymns. Go beyond emotional appeals to ‘the way we’ve always done it’ and ‘what the praise team likes.’ Josh McDowell: ‘A well-doc (more…)

Review

“Comprehensive and well-researched.” — Church History“Has much to offer in the way of articulating a thorough cultural analysis of the fragmented reality of CCM.” — Sojouners
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Review

“A groundbreaking, inclusive, carefully reasoned, and thoroughly objective study of Contemporary Christian music.– Choice” — Choice”Argues that debates over ‘authenticity,’ and which musicians truly define the genre, are more intense in Christian music because of the artists’ deeply held beliefs.– Chronicle of Higher Education” — Chronicle of Higher Education”Comprehensive and well-researched.– Church History” — Church History”Presents a picture of C-Pop splintered into factions yet fundamentally united by its roots in American evangelicalism and commercial popular music.– First Things” — First Things”The authors’ expertise is self-evident and their references to scholarly, popular, and industry liter (more…)