Saints and Sinners
I just bought the Bellsburg Project, featuring the songs of Rich
Mullins. It is beautiful. I’m a fan of Rich Mullins, and Andrew
Peterson is part of this project – so there was no way I wasn’t
all-in. But as I was listening, I wanted to know more about some of
the other artists involved.
I remember having a
coffee with one of the musicians on this project a few years ago, and
as we talked the conversation naturally veered to the vision of
Dragonwood. (I won’t name-drop, and I will keep the gender neutral
as I write.) That person shared that Dragonwood might be a place
where, once developed, Christian artists might come and receive
doctrinal training. As this person understood the role accepted by
those behind the microphone. It was clear from his/ her perspective
that Christian Musicians are, at their core, short-term missionaries
– and they are not equipped.
It was explained
that Christian musicians are trained in music, yet they are not
trained in doctrine, theology or even the main tenants of the faith.
It was shared (it sure is difficult to keep a person’s gender out
of a sentence), that musicians love the performance, and appreciate
those who come to hear their songs. They value the interactions
after concerts, and during those times will frequently hear
gut-wrenching stories. As such, Christian musicians become
short-term pastors – and they are not equipped. They need to be.
I was reminded about Paul, and his very clear warning to not place new believers into positions of responsibility within the church, as they may become full of themselves; self-delusional and self-important. 1 Timothy 3:6 (LSB) – "...and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil."
As musicians find a following, record more and more songs, and have
an industry throw their financial backing behind their name – they
need to be mature in their faith as they are in a position of
spiritual leadership. They have been warned; they are in danger.
I haven’t
researched all the names of those who performed on the Bellsburg
Project, but some of them have succumbed: Audrey Assad deconstructed her faith, and Kevin Max has
also apostatized. Derek Webb is a hot mess, having affairs while
proclaiming the name of Jesus, and Jason Gray has proudly shared about how
he had been following Richard Rohr. All of this saddens me.
I’m not looking
for perfection from the artists I enjoy; we are all sinners. It’s
just that our only hope is in Christ, and these people, by
singing the songs of Rich Mullins, know the TRUTH that can transform us into saints. Repentance is the key
to that very faith. Any person who claims the name of Christ without having repented is first deluding themselves, and second
misrepresenting Jesus. Jesus Himself calls us to repentance even before
He calls us to believe.
Mark
1:14-15 (LSB) – Now after John had been delivered up into custody,
Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying,
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent
and believe in the gospel.”
It could
be understood that, “repent and
believe” simply go hand-in-glove, and
not one before the other. Either
way, repentance is the key
to belief. There
is evidence that
follows when faith leads. Jesus Himself described it
in Matthew 7:24-25 (LSB) – “Therefore
everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them, may be compared
to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
And the rain descended, and the rivers came, and the winds blew and
fell against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been
founded on the rock.”
Maybe Dragonwood will eventually be used to train such musically gifted short-term missionaries. Yet no matter how God wants to use this land, or me, He will guard it for His purposes – as He guards me. The outcome is not up to me, but daily obedience is. It is my prayer that my faith endures to the end, and that I be kept safe in Him.
The lyrics to Rich Mullins’ ‘new’ song, Holy Pretenders, is a fitting conclusion:
Down here at the bar, talking politics, everybody’s got the inside angle.
You think you know so well about how the world could be fixed;
it’s just your own life’s problems that you can’t handle.
And no one can hear you crying; no one can see your pain.
You keep it all inside, so let on in and feel with the game
That you play with those saints and sinners; no one knows who’s who.
Everybody’s got secrets to keep. Holy pretenders been trying to fill God’s shoes,
when they haven’t got the right sized-feet.
Up in the churches with the bishops and all, preaching in the name of Jesus.
Just show yourself interested in the god of spiritual talk, and keeping your clientele prestigious.
And no one can see you shaking. You’re too proud to let it out,
like God would ever forsake you if you ever confessed your doubt.
You’re one of them saints and sinners. No one knows who’s who.
Everybody’s got secrets to keep. Holy pretenders been trying to fill God’s shoes,
and haven’t got the right sized-feet.
I know I’m one of us too. I worked out my own game-plan.
I’m frozen with fear like you. Oh Lord won’t You hold me me in one of Your hands.
Us saints and sinners with nothing but pain to lose.
We’ve given up all the secrets we keep. All of us holy pretenders, we could never fill your shoes.
Help us, Lord, to follow in your footsteps. Help us, Lord, to follow in your footsteps.