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Another CCM Artist Turns Atheist
July 2, 2021
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It’s not every day you come across someone in the Contemporary Christian Music industry so hurt that they’re ready to give up on God. In March 2021 I had such an encounter. I’ve been waiting to share because I wanted to some time to pass…for perspective, and to see if this person would change their mind.
HE DIDN’T CHANGE HIS MIND
What follows is an unedited email conversation that I believe is so important for everyone in the CCM industry to read.
ARTIST: “Hey Todd. Another week with no adds! It’s all good but I’m done wasting anymore energy with this circus they call Christian radio. I’ve never been chasing money but was trying to make a positive difference in the world. Clearly this Christian radio is all about cash only. I’m out! You can delete my release from All Access. All the best to you and your family!”
TODD: “Man. I'm sorry. I wish your experience was better. Really.”
ARTIST: “You know it’s time to get out when the Christian radio world finally converted me to an Atheist! I deleted my Twitter and Facebook as well. Take care.”
TODD: “Are you being serious about the Atheist part?”
ARTIST: “Yes, I deleted everything and also requested a take down off all my music. I don’t wanna be attached to anything ‘Christian’ moving forward.”
A FEW MINUTES LATER IN ANOTHER EMAIL
ARTIST: “Sorry Todd. I don’t wanna come across as angry and irrational. I’m okay with turning the page on music. I invested close to $500,000 over the last 10 years trying to make a difference. It is what it is. What really set me off is the actions of 99% of the ‘Christians’ in this industry - they drove me to become an unbeliever. Maybe just getting away from them will one day allow me to restore my faith, but as long as I’m involved in this racket - impossible. I hope this helps clear things up a bit.”
TODD: “I understand. I do. Someone who was recently ‘restructured’ from a job I’ve had to fight with all of my being to forgive (for my sake) and choose to pivot and move on. It's hard not to have feelings of anger and wake up each day not questioning who God is while wondering why this has happened.
This business is unfortunately ruthless at times, filled with selfishness, and people who protect their corner of the world to a fault. I'm all for you stepping away from that to heal. I pray that God pursues you and gives you something that fulfills you and allows you to see Him through the ugliness of us. Best to you. Really. I hate that you hurt. I'm here if you ever need someone to talk about all of this crap.”
ARTIST: “Thanks Todd, I appreciate your words! My wife was also let go in January so I can relate from that perspective. Jesus walked the higher road, turned the other cheek and they crucified him. I guess I was just super-naive to think that money, greed, and power wouldn’t be the cornerstone of ‘Christian’ music. Boy was I wrong!!! Like I said, maybe one day my faith will be restored but for now it’s non-existent. If God had our backs, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. Ironically, I was constantly ridiculed for putting out Christian music--as scripture says ‘the gospel is foolishness to those that perish.’ Boy was I a fool! Thanks again and good luck moving forward!”
SO, WHY SHARE THIS?
I don’t know about you, but I want to be able to look in the mirror and not be the person in the CCM industry that he described looking back at me. I hope you feel the same.Todd Stach is the Christian Format Editor at AllAccess.com as well as the Owner of a Consulting & Coaching service at beyond615.com where his goal is to help build confidence with clarity and creativity.
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