Newsboys balance celebrity status with grace and Christ-like responsibility

In the discussion about Christian music, there's always a question lingering in the back of my mind: how do you balance being a Christian music

celebrity with biblical, Christian faith?

Sure, there are a lot of bands who sing about Jesus, and there are a lot of bands made up of Christians who offer great entertainment without a

specific faith message. But can an entertaining, top notch, mainstream-quality rock band be open and bold about their faith and still attract fans?

You better believe it, and one band that's been doing it for years is the Newsboys. Not only have they garnered multiple Dove Awards and

Grammy nominations, four RIAA certified Gold CDs, sold more than five million records, and scored 22 #1 radio hits, they're passionately dedicated

to sharing the gospel around the world.

Frontman Peter Furler has the ability to captivate the audience with his amazing vocals and dynamic stage presence, and then stand before a

crowd of thousands, who sit hushed in silence, as he passionately shares the truth about sin and redemption. I've seen it myself, and have

always been amazed at the band's dedication to offering quality entertainment and a no-nonsense approach to Christ. Furler speaks truth, and

does it in love and without any hesitation.

The band recently performed a "Reach" event in Tucson, Arizona at the Tucson Electric Park. The event was sponsored by Family Life Radio and

was open to the public and totally free of charge, offering a night of entertaining music as well as a solid presentation of the gospel.

One volunteer named Dale told me that an estimated 14,000 people were in attendance, with many coming forward to make commitments to Christ.

He said traffic was backed up on the interstate for miles and miles as people tried to get into the show.

I'm not surprised. The Newsboys put on one heck of a show, and if you can see it for free, and bring a friend who can hear about Jesus, it's

worth waiting in traffic to get in.

But what makes the Newsboys great isn't only what you see on stage. They're passionate about not just spreading the word of the gospel, but

also getting their hands dirty, from their work in with Baja Christian Ministries in Baja, Mexico building houses for the poor to their volunteer work

with Ethnographic Media, serving as a film crew for the making of the documentary "Miss HIV."

Even when the band can't actually share a gospel message during the show, they still are able to be godly light to the world. "We played a show

in Morocco not long ago for about 15,000 Muslims, and it was like something out of Indiana Jones," recalls Furler. "Snake charmers, people eating

eyeballs, etc. This is a place where the name of Jesus will get you killed! Nevertheless, His name went out subtly through our songs, and when it

did it was probably the loudest His name had been spoken there in ages. It's a dark place, for certain. But we were able to love these people by

just living with them for a few days. That's what it's about."

The band has focused attention on helping their fans not just hear about Jesus, but delve deeper in to a study of God's work, not just evangelizing

but making disciples.

All of which proves only one thing: Yes, Christians music artists can be celebrities, and when they handle that status with responsibility and

grace, they can reach the world with the gospel.

Chrisian Music News Source