Contemporary Christian music (CCM), also called Christian pop or sometimes inspirational music, is a type of modern popular music connected to Christian beliefs. It focuses on lyrics about Christianity and uses musical styles from Christian music. This genre began in the United States during the 1960s, influenced by a religious movement called the Jesus movement revival. People involved in this movement started creating music in popular styles, such as rock, hip-hop, and country, instead of using traditional church music like hymns or gospel songs. At first, this music was called "Jesus music," but today the term is used more broadly to describe pop, rock, alternative rock, hip-hop, metal, worship music, punk, Latin, electronic dance, R&B gospel, and country styles.
Since its start in the United States, CCM has become popular worldwide. It appears on many music charts, such as Billboard’s Christian Albums, Christian Songs, Hot Christian AC, Christian CHR, Soft AC/Inspirational, and Christian Digital Songs. It is also listed on the UK’s Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart. Top CCM artists often appear on Billboard’s overall music chart, the Billboard 200. On iTunes, CCM is grouped under the Christian and gospel category, and on Google Play Music, it is labeled as Christian/Gospel.
History
In the 1950s, many churches were not sure about rock and roll music because they thought it might lead people to do things that were not allowed. However, as churches tried to reach more people, they began using music styles similar to rock and roll in their worship.
This music became known as contemporary Christian music, or CCM, because of the Jesus movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was first called Jesus music. At that time, many young people who had been part of the counterculture movement began believing in Jesus. They wanted to live a life that was not based on drugs, free sex, or extreme politics. Some of these people were called "Jesus people." During the 1970s, Christian music became an industry on its own. "Jesus music" used instruments and sang about love and peace, which later became songs about loving God. Paul Wohlegemuth, who wrote a book about church music, said that by the 1970s, rock-influenced music would be widely accepted in churches. Its loud rhythms would become more refined, and its earlier connection to non-religious music would be forgotten.
Evangelical artists helped develop CCM in the 1960s. They created different styles, such as Christian rock, Christian hip-hop, Christian punk, and Christian metal. These artists were influenced by the Jesus movement, which was an evangelical response to the counterculture movement. One example was Calvary Chapel, which started Maranatha Music in 1971. This group used popular music styles in their worship. The Dove Awards, an annual event that honors Christian music, was created in 1969 by the Gospel Music Association in Memphis, Tennessee.
Some people criticized CCM when it first started. For example, Bob Jones University discouraged its students from listening to CCM.
Larry Norman is often called the "father of Christian rock" because he helped create a new genre that mixed rock music with Christian messages. Though some people did not like his music at first, he continued to make songs that challenged the church. He is remembered for being the first to combine rock and roll with Christian lyrics. In 1969, two albums were released that are considered the first complete "Jesus rock" albums: Upon This Rock by Larry Norman and Mylon – We Believe by Mylon LeFevre. These albums blended gospel music with southern rock, unlike traditional gospel music.
Other pioneers of this movement included Andraé Crouch and the Disciples, the Imperials, Michael Omartian, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Phil Keaggy, Love Song, Barry McGuire, Evie, Paul Clark, Randy Matthews, Randy Stonehill, and Keith Green. By the 1980s, the Jesus music culture had grown into a large industry. Artists like Benny Hester, Amy Grant, DC Talk, Michael W. Smith, Stryper, and Jars of Clay found success on mainstream radio.
CCM became popular in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1978, CCM Magazine began covering contemporary Christian music artists and spiritual themes. It later started online publications in 2009.
Themes in CCM include praise and worship, faith, encouragement, and prayer. Songs also focus on devotion, inspiration, redemption, reconciliation, and renewal. Many people listen to CCM for comfort during difficult times. The lyrics and messages in CCM songs have shared positive Christian messages for many years. Some songs aim to spread the message of Jesus to non-Christians, while others focus on praising and worshiping Jesus. One of the earliest goals of CCM was to share the news of Jesus with people who did not know him. CCM also helps strengthen the faith of Christians.
Evangelical record labels supported the growth of CCM. In Christian rock, Sparrow Records was founded in 1976 in the United States by Billy Ray Hearn, a graduate of Baylor University. Hillsong Music, started in 1991 by Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia, has had songs translated into many languages and has influenced churches worldwide.
In Christian hip-hop, TobyMac, Todd Collins, and Joey Elwood created Gotee Records in 1994. Later, in 2004, Lecrae and Ben Washer started Reach Records, which helped develop Christian hip-hop.
CCM musicians and fans have worked to share their music in places where religious music was not usually heard. For example, MercyMe’s song I Can Only Imagine became popular in 1999 despite its clear Christian message. In 2018, Lauren Daigle’s song You Say also became a hit.
A 2009 study showed that 64% of churches that adopted CCM in the past five years saw an increase in attendance of 2% or more.
CCM has influences from folk, gospel, pop, and rock music. Genres like soft rock, folk rock, alternative, and hip-hop have also shaped CCM.
Charismatic churches have played a major role in creating CCM and are among the largest producers of this music. CCM has expanded into subgenres like Christian punk, Christian hardcore, Christian metal, and Christian hip-hop. These styles are sometimes not considered CCM but are still part of its broader category. Contemporary worship music is also included in modern CCM. This type of music is both recorded and performed during church services.
In the 2000s, a new style of worship music with strong theological themes emerged, especially in Baptist, Reformed, and traditional non-denominational Protestant churches. Artists like Shane & Shane, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Sovereign Grace Music, Matt Boswell, and Aaron Keyes have helped shape this style. This music is now used in many churches and is also available on streaming services.
A 2023 study showed that nearly all of the top 25 most popular songs used by churches between 2010 and 2020 came from three large church music groups: Hillsong Worship (from Hillsong Church), Bethel Music (from Bethel Church), and Elevation Worship (from Elevation Church).
Controversy
Brian Schwertley, a writer from the Reformed Presbyterian tradition, stated in 2001 that including Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) in a worship service breaks the second commandment and the regulative principle of worship. He explained that CCM adds human-made elements, such as lyrics and instrumental music, to the way God wants people to worship Him, as described in the Bible.
Donald Ellsworth, the author of Christian Music in Contemporary Witness, said the church’s role is not to help people avoid real life. Instead, the church should address modern challenges using proper, biblically supported methods.
According to Vice magazine, CCM has often acted as a part of the Christian right’s efforts to promote certain ideas. These ideas include topics like the war on drugs, Christian nationalism, mission trips, school prayer, and views on the LGBT community.
Some well-known music groups have refused to be called "Christian music," including Needtobreathe and Mutemath. Mutemath even took legal action against their record label for labeling them as Christian music. Needtobreathe told Rolling Stone that labels can be limiting, and the "Christian music" label is especially restrictive. They explained that people might skip their music because of the label. The band also said they turned down all Christian record deals at first. After waiting for a few years, they signed with Atlantic Records, which they have been with since. They emphasized that they wanted their music to be available to everyone.
Growth and decline
Contemporary Christian album sales rose from $31 million in 1996 to $44 million in 2000. Following EMI's acquisition of Sparrow Records in 1996, sales grew by 100% by 2002. By 2014, Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) sales had decreased to $17 million.