What comes to mind when you think of summer?  Barbeques, pool parties, ice cream, fishing, beaches, family trips… but for some of us, summer is synonymous with going to a concert or music festival.  Several years ago, I was introduced to the band Disciple at Cornerstone Music Fest in Busnell, Illinois.  I am not one who really gets into heavy metal or hardcore rock, but I really liked their music (especially their older stuff).  What really hit me though, was the message the lead singer Kevin Young (no relation) gave at the end of the show.  He basically gave an alter call, and there was a good response from the crowd.

Now, you may say “only Christians attend Christian concerts.”  Believe me, this is not true.  I saw some people doing some very ungodly things at Cornerstone.  I think a lot of Christian young people invite friends they may never consider inviting to church to a Christian concert, because it is not overtly preachy or judgmental.

Sure, there is the controversial subject of what constitutes Christian music, and how a band should act or what their songs should say.  But in the end, all of that does not matter to me (at least for this blog post).  I just try to do my best to judge their lyrics and actions in light of the Word, and get past the look or sound of the band.

One thing that can’t be denied is Disciple’s commitment to reaching people at their concerts.  Every concert, Kevin provides an opportunity to speak to people’s hearts and lead them to Christ.  He may not do it in the most traditional way, but it is effective.  For nearly the past two decades, thousands, if not tens of thousands have come to Christ through their music.

Here are a couple of videos of Kevin Young’s preachin’ at his concerts:

Let’s pray for and support bands that reach people.  I view their work in the same light as an evangelist holding a crusade meeting or street outreach.  In the end our goals remain the same.  Reach the lost.