Who knew that what started as a small musical genre with cheesy beats and rhymes that sounded preschool would ever become the global phenom that we now refer to as hip hop? This once scoffed at form of communication has now become the voice and look for a generation that is angry and violent. Don’t get me wrong, the deep sense of rhythm in me is tickled to no end with now masterful combinations of music and beat, but this sound has a dark side that is not really hidden to anyone and yet is openly accepted by everyone. Yea, there were some grandma’s and such that objected to the violent, profane, and unspeakable perversion that were blatantly attached with hip hop from its earliest days, but those voices were drowned out quickly with the applause of the secular world for the ability to communicate things previously unsaid and unspoken to a generation ready for something new. The days of pink hair and tight pants had come to an end and there was an underlying tone of anger that needed to be expressed. This powerful force of deep down madness led us to the place of today where rap is king and rock is a distant afterthought.
The relevance of these observations is to lay a foundation for what is prophetically on my heart today. My spirit began to be grieved when I saw this hip hop culture began to invade the last asylum of purity and sanctity within the precious Church of Jesus Christ. I remember of hearing in shock of a West Coast youth ministry that was blasting out the filth of one DMX before and after the service. As much as this shocked me at first, things would slide far further down the slope of hip hop’s slippery slope to degradation with youth services themed after rap’s latest anthem and dances emulated within the bounds of youth ministry that were birthed in perverse innuendo. The final phase of this wicked force in our midst has come with the modern day examples of leadership to this generation deciding to pull up a pants leg, put on a “wife beater”, and wear a hat sideways as if to emulate the whole “gangster” look. Since when did terms like “hustler” (which is used to describe pimps or dealers on the street) become something acceptable and even cool in the ranks of the youth ministry elite? Since when did satanic cults led by rap moguls such as JZ become material to be played and promoted to a young generation desperately needing to defeat the lure of the world? Here’s the point:
Would Jesus be impressed with our modern day creativity if He showed up to a service where shades of hip hop were everywhere and themes from its latest songs had become the very focus of the meeting? Would our Savior who died on the Cross bless our attempts to be “relative” because the things that have marked His church for 2000 years such as anointing, holiness, and peculiarity are no longer effective? Would we be able to explain to the Apostle Paul or Peter why we have green lighted a young generation of would-be believers to listen and participate in the latest of secular offerings? Yea, we can say we changed the words but we’ve in effect endorsed it. Yea, it was all meant in fun and yet we have drawn attention to some of the most foul and profane ramblings to ever be put to song and beat. This all has to stop!
Call me “old school,” but I don’t buy that we need one ounce of hip hop culture in our youth ministries. I know our example as leaders is more precious than to kid ourselves into thinking we are actually “gangster” because we throw around a little lingo and portray our image to be just like the world with a little God mixed in every now and then. I believe according to the Scriptures that we have an obligation to “flee even the appearance of evil” and do all within our power and more to lead a life led by the Spirit that disdains anything the enemy would use to blatantly promote his agenda of rage, riot, and rape. I know this is a strong word but it is something that must be said before more young people are led astray and shipwrecked in their faith. Yes, you may be able to handle it all as a big joke, but what about the weak consciences and tender curiosity of those that look up to you? What about those who see your tweet meant for a select few that goes out to tens of thousands watching students? We MUST see the big picture here!
I leave you with a simple Scripture that says it all to me from the Apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 11:1 “And you should imitate me as I imitate Christ.” Pray on this and I believe you will come to the same place of indignation toward a sneaky enemy who hates the Church and the young generation that is its future.