What do you think?
Rate this book
Why I Left The Contemporary Christian Music Movement: Confessions of a Former Worship Leader
For many churches today, music has become one of the most important factors in both their mode of worship and their attempts to reach unbelievers with the gospel. Writing from his own personal experience as a former worship leader, Dan Lucarini questions the use of contemporary music in the worship of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and shows why he believes many churches have been deceived into using ever-increasing worldly means to 'reach the lost'. He has seen at first hand how an emphasis on music, and the ultimate move towards rock music in particular, has caused divisions in the church, and turned the emphasis in worship away from the Lord towards ourselves.
This warm and heartfelt account is intended to highlight these dangers and to help churches wishing to reverse this trend return God to his rightful place as the centre of our worship.
This warm and heartfelt account is intended to highlight these dangers and to help churches wishing to reverse this trend return God to his rightful place as the centre of our worship.
144 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2002
10 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 9, 2021
I'll start off by saying that I'm a classically-trained musician (clarinet and piano), and have participated in and led contemporary worship bands since I was a kid, as well as participating in church choirs and traditional services also since I was a kid. I'm not coming at this as simply a fan of CCM but also as an educated musician. This was a book that was recommended to me by a church musician who opposed CCM in the church, so I've had this book for some time. I read it back then and wasn't convinced. I re-read it now because I'm going to be participating in a debate on CCM in April so I'm studying the issue to prepare. Now having the benefit of studying logic and philosophy on top of music, I'm even less convinced by Lucarini now.
This book is, frankly, very poorly argued and the Biblical exegesis is also very poor. If you are looking for a book to really help you understand the debate and what smart CCM supporters argue (rather than the simplistic treatment that Lucarini gives them in his book), you should probably look elsewhere.
One of the major issues with this book is that Lucarini does not provide any studies to bolster his arguments about what pro-CCM people actually believe or say. He relies on his own personal experience and then assumes that all interactions with pro-CCM people are actually the same, and that pro-CCM people all think the same way. This is, of course, a logical fallacy called hasty generalization. We'll need more than Lucarini's individual experiences to convince us he knows what he's talking about.
I won't exhaustively critique his book, but I'll give you a few examples of the poor reasoning and poor Scriptural exegesis contained in the book.
One of Lucarini's recurring arguments in the book is that we should avoid CCM because it's based in rock music and rock music is associated with pagan practices. The Israelites were severely punished for mixing pagan worship practices in with their own worship practices, so we should refrain from incorporating music based in rock and jazz styles from our services. The problem with this argument, though, is that it proves too much. If Lucarini's argument is correct, then we should refrain from reading in church, because reading (e.g. romance novels) can be associated with pagan practices, and the abundance of sex in rock music is one of Lucarini's issues with rock. Also, we should avoid using music altogether, because music, itself, is also associated with these pagan practices. You don't need a rock beat. There have been sensual/sexual songs written with just piano or guitar, and even full-on rock songs can be scaled down to an acoustic version. So this argument isn't very good in arguing that CCM has no place in the church.
Another argument Lucarini makes is that traditional music supporters have some guidelines to follow but contemporary music supporters have none. This is, of course, completely false. I have been to contemporary worship seminars where speakers talk about the kinds of music we should choose for corporate worship and the kinds of music we should avoid, and how a worship band should present themselves on Sunday morning. Lucarini simply makes a slippery slope fallacy by arguing that bringing in contemporary worship will just lead to more and more questionable material from the worship band.
Another of Lucarini's arguments is that the beat associated with rock and other rock-like styles just appeals to our flesh and will result in more and more obscene behavior from members of the band. Again, this couldn't be further from the truth. Sometimes thing like this does happen, but it's not a result of the music. In the church I grew up in, the contemporary worship leader ran off with the pastor's wife. That was clearly an immoral thing to do, but Lucarini has a lot more work to do if he wants to prove that CCM was directly responsible for that. After all, I've never ran off with a pastor's wife. We even have a female in our group that sings with us and I have never sexually assaulted her. In fact, despite Lucarini's insistence to the contrary, we even have somewhat of a dress code when we play on Sunday mornings (no shorts or open-toed shoes). Also, Lucarini acknowledges that these sorts of sins can crop up in any environment, but he weasels his way out of the implication by simply saying that CCM specifically creates an atmosphere that *fosters* this behavior, so it's not the same thing. It's not just some free-for-all of debauchery in our services just because we use styles of music that people outside the church also enjoy.
An example of Lucarini's poor exegesis:
On p. 53, Lucarini writes the following: "That is why every Christian should learn to use a Hebrew and Greek lexicon such as Strong's Concordance. With all the great Bible study books and software, we do not have to become Greek or Hebrew scholars to gain more insight into the words of God." This is actually very bad advice. I have a Strong's Concordance on my bookshelf. But you can't just gain insight into the words of God by looking at one individual word. Lucarini apparently doesn't understand how translation works -- it's as much art as it is a science. You don't just translate individual words, you have to take the words in context. Words often have multiple meanings, as Lucarini even mentions when he tries to translate words, and which meaning is intended depends on the context in which the word appears, just as it does in English. So if you don't know Greek or Hebrew, you are doing the text a disservice by trying to act as translator. Read Exegetical Fallacies by D.A. Carson for more on how poor translation can result in bad theology.
Lucarini uses this to his advantage. He writes several ways a word can be translated, and then chooses the translation that works best for his overall idea, not the translation that works best in the context of the passage. One example is on p. 58, in which he argues that 1 Peter 2:17 says that we are to fear God, but we don't really fear God like we used to. Now we think to "fear God" means to respect God. But the word used in the original Greek is *phobos*, which means "to frighten", "to be alarmed", "to be in awe of", "to revere", "to be sore afraid", "to fear exceedingly". Here's the issue: three of those definitions are not about "being in fear of". Phobos can also mean "to be alarmed, "to be in awe of", or "to revere", the last two being a form of respect. So Lucarini has not made his case; in fact, he has also made the case for those he thinks have misunderstood it. The problem is that you won't know which definition Peter had in mind without translating the entire passage, yet Lucarini just uses the definitions that work for his own argument.
Lucarini claims to love the believers he disagrees with enough to want to show them the truth. The problem is that at almost every turn, Lucarini is accusing them of lying and being dismissive of the concerns of pro-traditional music supporters. His actions betray his own words. Lucarini also poisons the well many times throughout the book by treading pro-traditional music supporters as kind people who are only trying to preserve their way of life and pro-CCM supporters as these oppressive people who are trying to run the church their way and are responsible for churches splitting up. The problem is that my experience is the exact opposite. The church I grew up in split twice, and once was over music. It wasn't me that led to the split, it was the traditional music leader who didn't want CCM in the church and wanted things ran his way. And when I raised a reasonable question about his intentions at a church meeting, my concern was brushed away and my question all but ignored. Lucarini does not accurately represent anyone in this debate.
As I said, this was not an exhaustive discussion of the book. But it should be enough to show that this book does not provide a meaningful contribution to the discussion on contemporary worship music. For that, you should look elsewhere.
This book is, frankly, very poorly argued and the Biblical exegesis is also very poor. If you are looking for a book to really help you understand the debate and what smart CCM supporters argue (rather than the simplistic treatment that Lucarini gives them in his book), you should probably look elsewhere.
One of the major issues with this book is that Lucarini does not provide any studies to bolster his arguments about what pro-CCM people actually believe or say. He relies on his own personal experience and then assumes that all interactions with pro-CCM people are actually the same, and that pro-CCM people all think the same way. This is, of course, a logical fallacy called hasty generalization. We'll need more than Lucarini's individual experiences to convince us he knows what he's talking about.
I won't exhaustively critique his book, but I'll give you a few examples of the poor reasoning and poor Scriptural exegesis contained in the book.
One of Lucarini's recurring arguments in the book is that we should avoid CCM because it's based in rock music and rock music is associated with pagan practices. The Israelites were severely punished for mixing pagan worship practices in with their own worship practices, so we should refrain from incorporating music based in rock and jazz styles from our services. The problem with this argument, though, is that it proves too much. If Lucarini's argument is correct, then we should refrain from reading in church, because reading (e.g. romance novels) can be associated with pagan practices, and the abundance of sex in rock music is one of Lucarini's issues with rock. Also, we should avoid using music altogether, because music, itself, is also associated with these pagan practices. You don't need a rock beat. There have been sensual/sexual songs written with just piano or guitar, and even full-on rock songs can be scaled down to an acoustic version. So this argument isn't very good in arguing that CCM has no place in the church.
Another argument Lucarini makes is that traditional music supporters have some guidelines to follow but contemporary music supporters have none. This is, of course, completely false. I have been to contemporary worship seminars where speakers talk about the kinds of music we should choose for corporate worship and the kinds of music we should avoid, and how a worship band should present themselves on Sunday morning. Lucarini simply makes a slippery slope fallacy by arguing that bringing in contemporary worship will just lead to more and more questionable material from the worship band.
Another of Lucarini's arguments is that the beat associated with rock and other rock-like styles just appeals to our flesh and will result in more and more obscene behavior from members of the band. Again, this couldn't be further from the truth. Sometimes thing like this does happen, but it's not a result of the music. In the church I grew up in, the contemporary worship leader ran off with the pastor's wife. That was clearly an immoral thing to do, but Lucarini has a lot more work to do if he wants to prove that CCM was directly responsible for that. After all, I've never ran off with a pastor's wife. We even have a female in our group that sings with us and I have never sexually assaulted her. In fact, despite Lucarini's insistence to the contrary, we even have somewhat of a dress code when we play on Sunday mornings (no shorts or open-toed shoes). Also, Lucarini acknowledges that these sorts of sins can crop up in any environment, but he weasels his way out of the implication by simply saying that CCM specifically creates an atmosphere that *fosters* this behavior, so it's not the same thing. It's not just some free-for-all of debauchery in our services just because we use styles of music that people outside the church also enjoy.
An example of Lucarini's poor exegesis:
On p. 53, Lucarini writes the following: "That is why every Christian should learn to use a Hebrew and Greek lexicon such as Strong's Concordance. With all the great Bible study books and software, we do not have to become Greek or Hebrew scholars to gain more insight into the words of God." This is actually very bad advice. I have a Strong's Concordance on my bookshelf. But you can't just gain insight into the words of God by looking at one individual word. Lucarini apparently doesn't understand how translation works -- it's as much art as it is a science. You don't just translate individual words, you have to take the words in context. Words often have multiple meanings, as Lucarini even mentions when he tries to translate words, and which meaning is intended depends on the context in which the word appears, just as it does in English. So if you don't know Greek or Hebrew, you are doing the text a disservice by trying to act as translator. Read Exegetical Fallacies by D.A. Carson for more on how poor translation can result in bad theology.
Lucarini uses this to his advantage. He writes several ways a word can be translated, and then chooses the translation that works best for his overall idea, not the translation that works best in the context of the passage. One example is on p. 58, in which he argues that 1 Peter 2:17 says that we are to fear God, but we don't really fear God like we used to. Now we think to "fear God" means to respect God. But the word used in the original Greek is *phobos*, which means "to frighten", "to be alarmed", "to be in awe of", "to revere", "to be sore afraid", "to fear exceedingly". Here's the issue: three of those definitions are not about "being in fear of". Phobos can also mean "to be alarmed, "to be in awe of", or "to revere", the last two being a form of respect. So Lucarini has not made his case; in fact, he has also made the case for those he thinks have misunderstood it. The problem is that you won't know which definition Peter had in mind without translating the entire passage, yet Lucarini just uses the definitions that work for his own argument.
Lucarini claims to love the believers he disagrees with enough to want to show them the truth. The problem is that at almost every turn, Lucarini is accusing them of lying and being dismissive of the concerns of pro-traditional music supporters. His actions betray his own words. Lucarini also poisons the well many times throughout the book by treading pro-traditional music supporters as kind people who are only trying to preserve their way of life and pro-CCM supporters as these oppressive people who are trying to run the church their way and are responsible for churches splitting up. The problem is that my experience is the exact opposite. The church I grew up in split twice, and once was over music. It wasn't me that led to the split, it was the traditional music leader who didn't want CCM in the church and wanted things ran his way. And when I raised a reasonable question about his intentions at a church meeting, my concern was brushed away and my question all but ignored. Lucarini does not accurately represent anyone in this debate.
As I said, this was not an exhaustive discussion of the book. But it should be enough to show that this book does not provide a meaningful contribution to the discussion on contemporary worship music. For that, you should look elsewhere.
November 26, 2010
I was so blessed as I read this book! I appreciate the fact that Mr. Lucarini bases his decisions on obedience to the Word of God, in his desire to live a holy and sanctified life that is pleasing to the Lord in all things. It is rare to find a book where the author is so painfully honest about his struggles with such a hot-button issue. Dan Lucarini doesn't just give his own opinion, but liberally uses the Word of God as a basis for his beliefs. I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to live a godly life!!
September 3, 2022
2.5 stars
This was recommended to me after I loved Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns: How Pop Culture Rewrote the Hymnal, but I found that book to be far more valuable on the topic of Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) and its place within the Church. The bulk of Lucarini's argument comes from his personal experience, relying heavily on his interpretation of rock culture. While I agree that hymns should be the focus of music ministry, I was shaking my head at his depiction of churches that hold contemporary services as almost akin to nightclubs and full of sensuality, leading to sexuality immorality between praise team members. What churches was he involved in?
There were some Scripture references to back up his points, but his argument was full of eisegesis all the while pointing out this aspect of arguments that are pro -CCM. I was also incredibly annoyed that for a book focused on truly worshipping God, none of the pronouns used in reference to Him were capitalized. Overall, this read like notes to a PowerPoint presentation from the 1990s that went on long beyond the attention span of the audience.
This was recommended to me after I loved Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns: How Pop Culture Rewrote the Hymnal, but I found that book to be far more valuable on the topic of Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) and its place within the Church. The bulk of Lucarini's argument comes from his personal experience, relying heavily on his interpretation of rock culture. While I agree that hymns should be the focus of music ministry, I was shaking my head at his depiction of churches that hold contemporary services as almost akin to nightclubs and full of sensuality, leading to sexuality immorality between praise team members. What churches was he involved in?
There were some Scripture references to back up his points, but his argument was full of eisegesis all the while pointing out this aspect of arguments that are pro -CCM. I was also incredibly annoyed that for a book focused on truly worshipping God, none of the pronouns used in reference to Him were capitalized. Overall, this read like notes to a PowerPoint presentation from the 1990s that went on long beyond the attention span of the audience.
May 6, 2019
This is not a great book. It's not even a good book in many ways. It's poorly written, far too personal (it reads like something of an extended blog post), and theologically legalistic. For all of that, it does offer something of value, in that the author comes out of a deep "contemporary Christian music" and "contemporary worship" background, and he is able to offer an insider's critique behind the scenes. There are some telling insights to be found in that, although nothing startling new. The weakness of the book is the author's primary conviction that rock music as a whole, and anything with a rock beat, is not only inappropriate for Christian worship but inherently evil under any and all circumstances. In any case, it's a relatively short book and a fast read. For those interested in the topic, it's worth the effort, however wince-inducing some of the chapters and writing may be.
August 11, 2011
I appreciate that the author comes from within the CCM movement; it makes his concerns more compelling to me. I also understand that his background before coming to Christ bring certain associations to his mind when he hears certain styles of music while I, who have never been to a bar or a night club, have no such memories when I hear a particular beat. Of course, his past makes him a weaker brother in this area, and thus biblically requires me to not use songs in his presence that would draw him into sinful memories.
I too eschew the worldliness in much of the CCM industry, and have long expressed my dislike of the pouting, angry, or sultry appearances of the singers on album covers. "Does that expression look like love, joy, or peace to you?" I'd ask. I've been disgusted by a singer on a local TV station shrieking, "Holy! Holy!" while doing hip thrusts toward the audience. WHAT? Do you even know what the word "holy" means?
However, in the end, it does seem to come down to a matter of conscience. I'm glad he agrees that we should use contemporary music (a new song) as well as hymns, as long as it doesn't have CCM influences. This is where it becomes a gray area. He says if you're not sure if a song has a backbeat, email him and he'll tell you. Well, every Christian has the Spirit of God, and I'm not comfortable with setting him up as the arbiter of acceptable Christian music. I wish he had listed some of what he considers acceptable contemporary music to give me an idea of what he thinks fits his citeria (although I understand how an author might not want to be pinned down on this). If his only choices for contemporary music would be Mac Lynch and Ron Hamilton, I would find that disappointing and unnecessarily limiting, but I would know where he's coming from. As it is, he lists several songs near the beginning like "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" and "Give Thanks." These were songs his congregation first began using. By the end of the book, it's unclear whether he thinks these are acceptable or not. I wish he had come out clearly with a list.
He does list what he thinks an acceptable service will have and not have. One thing he doesn't want is a projector with words only. Personally, I like seeing the music in front of me, but if it comes down to not using a song because it's not in our hymnal or having to put words only up on a screen, I'd go with the words! Although our hymnal has 801 hymns, it doesn't have "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," "Victory in Jesus," or "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." I WANT to sing those songs, and if you tell me to just buy different hymnals, I'll tell you that you haven't priced hymnals lately!
I also have a problem with how he tends to portray Traditionalists as godly and spiritual while the Contemporaries are worldly and uncaring. It's not that one-sided. I've met many Traditionalists who seem full of hatred, who are NOT "easy to be entreated", and who do not want to be moved out of their complacency. They see any change as a threat. The author doesn't deal with this attitude in his book. To me, these type of people are also worldly because they hide a heart far from God behind a shell of conformity to traditional church practices. Of course, dealing with this was probably outside the realm of this book, but I still found it a bit one-sided.
I'll also admit that I'm not a professional musician, so whenever someone says that a certain song is MEANT for guitar, intimating that it should not be sung in church with a piano, I just roll my eyes. I'm a pianist, and I enjoy playing choruses of praise to God and singing along. Maybe someone with a trained ear would say, "That doesn't sound right," but I don't hear any problem with the joyful noise I'm making along with my congregation of 100 or so people. I don't like the exclusivity or snobbery that is sometimes conveyed by the trained musician. I'm actually not sure if I got that impression from this book in particular, but it's something often written by people opposed to CCM so I'm mentioning it here.
He says that using hymns is usually safe and sound, and all you have to do with those hymns which are theologically unsound is to use discernment. "Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater," he says. Well, I'm wondering if he does the same thing, throwing out all CCM. Just wondering. I actually might be 95% in agreement with him, but because he doesn't get specific about which contemporary songs are OK, I can't be sure. "Contemporary songs are acceptable, as long as the emphasis is not a syncopated beat, but on melody and harmony," he writes. Honestly, I just wish he'd come out and said, "THESE specific popular songs have a beat which I consider worldly; these others do not." I know it's better sometimes just to present the philosophy and not get specific, but I like examples.
One detail that I appreciated was his observation that when he would include Scripture in his messages to other CCM musicians, some would criticize him. He points out that we should be wary of any Christian who does not love the Word. He also follows this by warning us to always use the Bible accurately and not out of context to club other people into agreeing with our opinion. I really agree with this! You cannot be truly worshipping God if you do not revere His Word. One of the things I love about certain praise choruses is that they are taken directly from Scripture. We must be people of the Word!
I too eschew the worldliness in much of the CCM industry, and have long expressed my dislike of the pouting, angry, or sultry appearances of the singers on album covers. "Does that expression look like love, joy, or peace to you?" I'd ask. I've been disgusted by a singer on a local TV station shrieking, "Holy! Holy!" while doing hip thrusts toward the audience. WHAT? Do you even know what the word "holy" means?
However, in the end, it does seem to come down to a matter of conscience. I'm glad he agrees that we should use contemporary music (a new song) as well as hymns, as long as it doesn't have CCM influences. This is where it becomes a gray area. He says if you're not sure if a song has a backbeat, email him and he'll tell you. Well, every Christian has the Spirit of God, and I'm not comfortable with setting him up as the arbiter of acceptable Christian music. I wish he had listed some of what he considers acceptable contemporary music to give me an idea of what he thinks fits his citeria (although I understand how an author might not want to be pinned down on this). If his only choices for contemporary music would be Mac Lynch and Ron Hamilton, I would find that disappointing and unnecessarily limiting, but I would know where he's coming from. As it is, he lists several songs near the beginning like "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" and "Give Thanks." These were songs his congregation first began using. By the end of the book, it's unclear whether he thinks these are acceptable or not. I wish he had come out clearly with a list.
He does list what he thinks an acceptable service will have and not have. One thing he doesn't want is a projector with words only. Personally, I like seeing the music in front of me, but if it comes down to not using a song because it's not in our hymnal or having to put words only up on a screen, I'd go with the words! Although our hymnal has 801 hymns, it doesn't have "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," "Victory in Jesus," or "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." I WANT to sing those songs, and if you tell me to just buy different hymnals, I'll tell you that you haven't priced hymnals lately!
I also have a problem with how he tends to portray Traditionalists as godly and spiritual while the Contemporaries are worldly and uncaring. It's not that one-sided. I've met many Traditionalists who seem full of hatred, who are NOT "easy to be entreated", and who do not want to be moved out of their complacency. They see any change as a threat. The author doesn't deal with this attitude in his book. To me, these type of people are also worldly because they hide a heart far from God behind a shell of conformity to traditional church practices. Of course, dealing with this was probably outside the realm of this book, but I still found it a bit one-sided.
I'll also admit that I'm not a professional musician, so whenever someone says that a certain song is MEANT for guitar, intimating that it should not be sung in church with a piano, I just roll my eyes. I'm a pianist, and I enjoy playing choruses of praise to God and singing along. Maybe someone with a trained ear would say, "That doesn't sound right," but I don't hear any problem with the joyful noise I'm making along with my congregation of 100 or so people. I don't like the exclusivity or snobbery that is sometimes conveyed by the trained musician. I'm actually not sure if I got that impression from this book in particular, but it's something often written by people opposed to CCM so I'm mentioning it here.
He says that using hymns is usually safe and sound, and all you have to do with those hymns which are theologically unsound is to use discernment. "Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater," he says. Well, I'm wondering if he does the same thing, throwing out all CCM. Just wondering. I actually might be 95% in agreement with him, but because he doesn't get specific about which contemporary songs are OK, I can't be sure. "Contemporary songs are acceptable, as long as the emphasis is not a syncopated beat, but on melody and harmony," he writes. Honestly, I just wish he'd come out and said, "THESE specific popular songs have a beat which I consider worldly; these others do not." I know it's better sometimes just to present the philosophy and not get specific, but I like examples.
One detail that I appreciated was his observation that when he would include Scripture in his messages to other CCM musicians, some would criticize him. He points out that we should be wary of any Christian who does not love the Word. He also follows this by warning us to always use the Bible accurately and not out of context to club other people into agreeing with our opinion. I really agree with this! You cannot be truly worshipping God if you do not revere His Word. One of the things I love about certain praise choruses is that they are taken directly from Scripture. We must be people of the Word!
March 23, 2025
Huge respect to anyone bold enough to take on the organized Mafia! 😂
I have friends on all sides of this: users, deniers, and all shades of triers. I’m strong on the side of “let’s see the fruit.” 1. That takes a while—sometimes generations, but also 2. I’m sympathetic to those who point to the bad fruit on “my” side.
This book is about the fruit from the inside, and I’m not convinced our churches are better for moving this way. Some new music is good and likely necessary and even biblical, but it doesn’t seem that most churches have a clear anchor for their decisions.
Good book I read years ago but realized I never added to Goodreads.
I have friends on all sides of this: users, deniers, and all shades of triers. I’m strong on the side of “let’s see the fruit.” 1. That takes a while—sometimes generations, but also 2. I’m sympathetic to those who point to the bad fruit on “my” side.
This book is about the fruit from the inside, and I’m not convinced our churches are better for moving this way. Some new music is good and likely necessary and even biblical, but it doesn’t seem that most churches have a clear anchor for their decisions.
Good book I read years ago but realized I never added to Goodreads.
February 16, 2017
I read this because I've been trying to understand what's wrong with ccm (christian contemporary music). I have family members that don't and won't use ccm in their church for worship, listen to it, and have nothing to do with it at all! (Their church uses hymns for worship.)
I wanted to understand why they made this decision, so a pastor lent me this book to read while I was out of town.
This book had a lot of good pointers, but I'm still struggling to understand. I agree that ccm should not be used in church for worship, but I don't see anything wrong with listening to ccm on the radio (as long as it is not rock, heavy metal, etc). When I'm discouraged, and I'm listening to the radio, there's that song that just comes on the radio that I really needed, such as For King and Country's 'Priceless'
I'm thinking about what was said in the book, and praying I'll be a godly young woman for the Lord.
I wanted to understand why they made this decision, so a pastor lent me this book to read while I was out of town.
This book had a lot of good pointers, but I'm still struggling to understand. I agree that ccm should not be used in church for worship, but I don't see anything wrong with listening to ccm on the radio (as long as it is not rock, heavy metal, etc). When I'm discouraged, and I'm listening to the radio, there's that song that just comes on the radio that I really needed, such as For King and Country's 'Priceless'
I'm thinking about what was said in the book, and praying I'll be a godly young woman for the Lord.
May 18, 2013
I read it because I am a contemporary worship leader and because it was endorsed by Ligon Duncan, a scholar who I admire for being true to scripture.
This book was a wonderful practice in eisegesis and false interpretation. If you read the Bible in context, there's just no way to arrive at the conclusions that the author does. He basically intends to convince church leaders to do away with any instrument except for organ and piano during their congregational meetings. This poses a big question. Why does he seek to outlaw those instruments that are clearly mentioned in scripture (horns, drums, lyres...), while simultaneously justifying the use of instruments that aren't (piano, organ)? Because he is simply trying to push the agenda of his denomination.
This is an older book and I think that Ligon Duncan's beliefs have changed a bit since the time it was written.
This book was a wonderful practice in eisegesis and false interpretation. If you read the Bible in context, there's just no way to arrive at the conclusions that the author does. He basically intends to convince church leaders to do away with any instrument except for organ and piano during their congregational meetings. This poses a big question. Why does he seek to outlaw those instruments that are clearly mentioned in scripture (horns, drums, lyres...), while simultaneously justifying the use of instruments that aren't (piano, organ)? Because he is simply trying to push the agenda of his denomination.
This is an older book and I think that Ligon Duncan's beliefs have changed a bit since the time it was written.
November 24, 2011
Another book that every Christian in America should take the time to read. Christians were sold a bill of goods when they allowed contemporary music into the church. Find out what the problem is in this excellent book.
August 16, 2012
Great book. Must read for every pastor.
January 29, 2023
AN ‘INSIDER’ CRITIQUES THE CCM MOVEMENT
Author Dan Lucarini wrote in the first chapter of this 2002 book, “I am a former contemporary praise and worship leader. I was… simply a foot soldier wo spent several years inside the movement… leading churches through the difficult transition from traditional services into contemporary praise and worship… I thought it was the right thing to do for God and for the church. Two years ago I left the movement after God opened my eyes to the deception and dangers within it. I am telling my story because I want to … warn churches with traditional music services where they are heading if they are considering a switch to a contemporary worship service… This book will help them to answer the proponents of CCN and to refute their arguments.” (Pg. 15)
He observes, “have you noticed who usually lead s the campaign for CCM acceptance? The Contemporary musicians do! We musicians have the most to gain from a change and we have a vested interest in the outcome. Why? In churches that use traditional styles, the vast majority of contemporary musicians are not involved in music leadership. I wonder how many have felt left out… But the situation is reversed when CCM is brought into the church… With very few exceptions, the Traditional music leadership does not survive the transition and Contemporary musicians take over the music ministry.” (Pg. 26)
He recounts, “Under my direction, the worship services progressed from a blend of hymns and ‘easy-listening’ choruses to a completely contemporary service… There were musicians on the team who wanted to extend the boundaries of acceptability and try edgier material. ‘Edgier’ is a common term used by Contemporaries to describe music that takes the listeners to the ‘edge’ of their comfort zone, stretching them beyond their pre-conceived notions of appropriateness. Some of the singers wanted to use the new Vineyard praise and worship music that contained a great deal of repetition and beat. The lyrics reflected a charismatic theology that should have no place in a Baptist church.” (Pg. 30-31)
He explains, “I want to summarize the reasons I had to leave the CCM scene. Firstly, I could no longer accept the premises undergirding the CCM philosophy… Secondly, when I saw what the bible teaches about true worship and what it really means to be in the presence of God, I became sickened at the way my generation so glibly used profane and vulgar music accompanied by a vulgar dress to offer up worship and praise to a holy God… Thirdly… I needed to separate from the temptations that were ever-present in the CCM setting… Fourthly, I saw that we were I danger of becoming the same hypocrites we accused the Traditionals of being… somehow we did not notice that our own CCM services had become numbingly the same, week after week.” (Pg. 34-35)
He continue, “The Traditionals had some guidelines to restrain them, but Contemporaries have no rules, so when things become too familiar they bring in louder, jazzier and more questionable material. That is one of the curses upon CC; the music will continually be on the slippery slope and worship leaders will be forced to accept ANY musical style, no matter how disgraceful. I had to get away from that.” (Pg. 35)\
He argues, “Is the rock music style used in so much CCM associated with any particular moral dimension? I argue that it is unequivocably associated with immorality, especially promiscuous and adulterous sex, glorification of drugs, and rebellion against authority… I mean the music style itself. Decades of rock music in our culture have permanently stamped that style with the dimension of immorality. Changing the lyrics and substituting Christian musicians cannot remove that stigma.” (Pg. 91)
He concludes, “I have written this book because Judy [his wife] and I want to rescue the butterflies that were wounded and hut in the storm of the Contemporary Praise & Worship movement… I also hope that leaders and followers of this movement had had their eyes opened by God to see the spiritual and emotional damage caused by the CCM storm.” (Pg. 138)
This book will be of great interest to critics of CCM.
Author Dan Lucarini wrote in the first chapter of this 2002 book, “I am a former contemporary praise and worship leader. I was… simply a foot soldier wo spent several years inside the movement… leading churches through the difficult transition from traditional services into contemporary praise and worship… I thought it was the right thing to do for God and for the church. Two years ago I left the movement after God opened my eyes to the deception and dangers within it. I am telling my story because I want to … warn churches with traditional music services where they are heading if they are considering a switch to a contemporary worship service… This book will help them to answer the proponents of CCN and to refute their arguments.” (Pg. 15)
He observes, “have you noticed who usually lead s the campaign for CCM acceptance? The Contemporary musicians do! We musicians have the most to gain from a change and we have a vested interest in the outcome. Why? In churches that use traditional styles, the vast majority of contemporary musicians are not involved in music leadership. I wonder how many have felt left out… But the situation is reversed when CCM is brought into the church… With very few exceptions, the Traditional music leadership does not survive the transition and Contemporary musicians take over the music ministry.” (Pg. 26)
He recounts, “Under my direction, the worship services progressed from a blend of hymns and ‘easy-listening’ choruses to a completely contemporary service… There were musicians on the team who wanted to extend the boundaries of acceptability and try edgier material. ‘Edgier’ is a common term used by Contemporaries to describe music that takes the listeners to the ‘edge’ of their comfort zone, stretching them beyond their pre-conceived notions of appropriateness. Some of the singers wanted to use the new Vineyard praise and worship music that contained a great deal of repetition and beat. The lyrics reflected a charismatic theology that should have no place in a Baptist church.” (Pg. 30-31)
He explains, “I want to summarize the reasons I had to leave the CCM scene. Firstly, I could no longer accept the premises undergirding the CCM philosophy… Secondly, when I saw what the bible teaches about true worship and what it really means to be in the presence of God, I became sickened at the way my generation so glibly used profane and vulgar music accompanied by a vulgar dress to offer up worship and praise to a holy God… Thirdly… I needed to separate from the temptations that were ever-present in the CCM setting… Fourthly, I saw that we were I danger of becoming the same hypocrites we accused the Traditionals of being… somehow we did not notice that our own CCM services had become numbingly the same, week after week.” (Pg. 34-35)
He continue, “The Traditionals had some guidelines to restrain them, but Contemporaries have no rules, so when things become too familiar they bring in louder, jazzier and more questionable material. That is one of the curses upon CC; the music will continually be on the slippery slope and worship leaders will be forced to accept ANY musical style, no matter how disgraceful. I had to get away from that.” (Pg. 35)\
He argues, “Is the rock music style used in so much CCM associated with any particular moral dimension? I argue that it is unequivocably associated with immorality, especially promiscuous and adulterous sex, glorification of drugs, and rebellion against authority… I mean the music style itself. Decades of rock music in our culture have permanently stamped that style with the dimension of immorality. Changing the lyrics and substituting Christian musicians cannot remove that stigma.” (Pg. 91)
He concludes, “I have written this book because Judy [his wife] and I want to rescue the butterflies that were wounded and hut in the storm of the Contemporary Praise & Worship movement… I also hope that leaders and followers of this movement had had their eyes opened by God to see the spiritual and emotional damage caused by the CCM storm.” (Pg. 138)
This book will be of great interest to critics of CCM.
June 20, 2022
I write this as someone who believes only hymns and Psalms should be sang in corporate worship, but who also listens to rock music outside of corporate worship.
This book contains a lot of personal and anecdotal evidence, thus it makes a lot of assertions with little to no argumentation or research to substantiate the claim since it is from "lived experience."
Sometimes the assertion may be on point: Those who seek to bring CCM into worship end up driving away the sheep without listening to their concerns which the opposite of what pastors should do according to Scripture (p. 77).
More often than not the assertion is not on point: The problem is rock music and its worldly associations rather than the heart of the people who create those worldly associations (theme throughout the book).
Rock music is easy to pick on because of well-known acts like Ozzy Osborne, KISS, AC/DC, etc. But the author's same arguments could be used for other musical styles, even classical music where composers were involved in sexual immorality, drugs, alcohol, etc. If its guilt by association for rock music, it should also be guilt by association for other styles, including ones we deem "safe." Thus, the author if he took his argument against rock music to its logical conclusion we would have no music either in or outside the church. It would do away with music completely but Scripture teaches us that music is a gift from God.
Chapter 9 on music not being amoral is laughable and contains very little argumentation beyond "somebody wrote that music therefore the music itself, apart from the lyrics, is not amoral."
Overall, I cannot recommend this book even though I agree CCM has no place in corporate worship. I am surprised Evangelical Press would publish such a low quality book and that Dr. Ligon Duncan woukd endorse it. If you want a better book, I would suggest "Why Johnny Can't Sing" by T. David Gordon.
This book contains a lot of personal and anecdotal evidence, thus it makes a lot of assertions with little to no argumentation or research to substantiate the claim since it is from "lived experience."
Sometimes the assertion may be on point: Those who seek to bring CCM into worship end up driving away the sheep without listening to their concerns which the opposite of what pastors should do according to Scripture (p. 77).
More often than not the assertion is not on point: The problem is rock music and its worldly associations rather than the heart of the people who create those worldly associations (theme throughout the book).
Rock music is easy to pick on because of well-known acts like Ozzy Osborne, KISS, AC/DC, etc. But the author's same arguments could be used for other musical styles, even classical music where composers were involved in sexual immorality, drugs, alcohol, etc. If its guilt by association for rock music, it should also be guilt by association for other styles, including ones we deem "safe." Thus, the author if he took his argument against rock music to its logical conclusion we would have no music either in or outside the church. It would do away with music completely but Scripture teaches us that music is a gift from God.
Chapter 9 on music not being amoral is laughable and contains very little argumentation beyond "somebody wrote that music therefore the music itself, apart from the lyrics, is not amoral."
Overall, I cannot recommend this book even though I agree CCM has no place in corporate worship. I am surprised Evangelical Press would publish such a low quality book and that Dr. Ligon Duncan woukd endorse it. If you want a better book, I would suggest "Why Johnny Can't Sing" by T. David Gordon.
September 8, 2022
First off, I liked the book. I have been on the fence for a little while about what I believe on this issue. I will admit that I enjoy both the traditional hymns and CCM. I started the book wanting answers to two questions:
1. Are there any good arguments for why we should not have CCM in church worship?
2. Is there biblical support for why CCM should not be used in worship?
The book answered both questions. On the first question, Lucarini does provide some good arguments in defense of why CCM should not be used in worship. On the second question, he admitted, “The truth is the Bible does not specifically mention rock music or any other contemporary music style…That is why this clever little challenge wins many arguments by quickly silencing the person who opposes CCM use” (96). While his arguments are good, I see no harm in CCM, because there is no biblical support to show that it does.
1. Are there any good arguments for why we should not have CCM in church worship?
2. Is there biblical support for why CCM should not be used in worship?
The book answered both questions. On the first question, Lucarini does provide some good arguments in defense of why CCM should not be used in worship. On the second question, he admitted, “The truth is the Bible does not specifically mention rock music or any other contemporary music style…That is why this clever little challenge wins many arguments by quickly silencing the person who opposes CCM use” (96). While his arguments are good, I see no harm in CCM, because there is no biblical support to show that it does.
July 6, 2025
As a music minister in a conservative, traditional Baptist church, I was curious how this book would present the harm done by CCM style music. Essentially, if the sound is beat driven, performance based, and edgy, then it must be a better way to reach the lost that are already used to that style. The problem is that CCM artists and praise bands attempt to mimic the dress, singing style and rebellion of their “idols” in the secular music world. This basically leaves God out of the time spent in a church that is meant to draw us closer to him. Is God pleased should drive the music ministry and worship service. I like the perspective of someone who has seen both sides of the issue. I think the biblical authority for his argument could have been stronger. But overall, a good case for keeping the world out of the local church.
February 7, 2020
As someone who has always enjoyed Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), this book had some great, eye-opening concepts! He does tend to lump people together, traditionalists as kind & holy; contemporaries as dismissive & misleading.
I definitely understand why people can get frustrated by the groupings, because there are exceptions on both sides. Lucarini’s honest explanation of what is happening in SO MANY CHURCHES is heartfelt, encouraging, & has the potential to transform worship in churches. However, a young millennial, I can say that, thought I’m not a music minister, I have experienced MANY of the same attitudes from contemporaries that Lucarini has.
I truly believe all Christians need to continually examine their beliefs, attitudes, and implementation of worship!
I definitely understand why people can get frustrated by the groupings, because there are exceptions on both sides. Lucarini’s honest explanation of what is happening in SO MANY CHURCHES is heartfelt, encouraging, & has the potential to transform worship in churches. However, a young millennial, I can say that, thought I’m not a music minister, I have experienced MANY of the same attitudes from contemporaries that Lucarini has.
I truly believe all Christians need to continually examine their beliefs, attitudes, and implementation of worship!
February 11, 2021
This is the excellent testimony of a man who figured out that the Contemporary Christian Music movement is not God-honoring. True believers in Christ are called to be separated from the world, to get along with them but not to pick up their ways that many times deny God's power or authority. This book has nothing to do with legalism. Properly defined, legalism is the addition of some kind of work to be done to merit salvation, instead of simple repentance from our ways to turn to Christ in faith, relying solely on His grace to receive forgiveness of sins. This is a must read for anyone who listens to music, but especially for those who perform special music in church services.
March 16, 2022
This book addresses a highly controversial topic in churches today: the area of music. It is written in a simple, conversational way. Throughout, Lucarini is in no way rude or dismissive in this written stance on music. However, he fails to prove how exactly CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) is inherently wrong for a church to utilize. He condemns it as "guilty by association" because similar styles have been associated with immorality and questionable practices. He does make some good points in a Bible-based fashion. This is a read to start into with an open mind. Lord, give us Your wisdom in this matter!
June 3, 2022
A little dated now but still sound. Lucarini was involved in the forefront of the "worship wars" as they transitioned from traditional to contemporary worship in the 1990's. I recall when the book first came out that it made quite a splash in conservative and fundamentalist circles. The information and analysis is still good when you recall when it was written and its intended audience. There are much more other works that deal with the subject more technically or more with more exegesis from Scripture. There are elements to the history and philosophy of praise and worship or contemporary worship that were not well defined at the time but are better understood and explained now.
July 8, 2025
Another book on Christian music I read. By far, this is the easiest to read and most practical one about the evil of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). The author listed many arguments from the contemporary side to justify their use of CCM style in church worship. If you are a supporter of CCM or praise and worship, this book is worth reading and essential for reconsidering. You will find how the author replies to those arguments with compelling evidence. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn more about authentic worship through real Christian music.
April 2, 2020
Someone recommended that I read this book several years ago. I didn’t believe that CCM was wrong before I read this book, and after seeing the flawed logic of the author, I was even less convinced afterwards.
The only reason I would recommend anyone read this book is if you want to see the poor logic behind this belief system. It helped me see this, hence the extra star :)
The only reason I would recommend anyone read this book is if you want to see the poor logic behind this belief system. It helped me see this, hence the extra star :)
June 17, 2018
An important book for church life, and worship leaders in particular.
March 31, 2021
schwach.
December 31, 2021
This is clear writing, and I agree with the author's opinion. In some ways I didn't think his points were explained or supported clearly enough. But he is right.
December 16, 2023
Mr. Lucarini sure has some good points, but I have a huge problem with how he argued here. In this he shares the same subjective point of view as the CCM he tries to battle.
September 21, 2024
Very informative!! I really appreciate the fact that he backs up a lot of his writing with Scripture and his own experience.
October 24, 2024
3 for having a lot of good stuff, but mixed in with some aged arguments and some contradictory opinions separated by a chapter. The book really dates itself as a product of the early aughts
March 10, 2017
worth reading.
July 6, 2009
Well...I can tell that Dan Lucarini definitely means well in his confessions. He wants nothing but the best for Christians and the Church. I commend him for being willing to take a stand for his convictions.
However...I very much dislike the division of Christians over non-doctrinal issues. Sure, there are definitely churches out there that abuse the idea of worship and turn it into feel-good entertainment. And of course, there are plenty of Christians who are too willing to bend standards to cater to popular demands. But...to judge all forms of contemporary music guilty merely by association? To generalize and say that the acceptance of Contemporary Christian Music automatically means bowing to the whims of the worshippers? To demand the return to hymns as the best and truest form of worship? I just don't think Lucarini is in a position to judge all churches, all Christians, and all musical presentations.
Because it is an art form, music will be perceived differently by different people. Not *everyone* thinks of sex and drugs when rock music comes on. My goodness, you might as well agree to ban the b diminished chord, because it sounds perverse and unnatural or something...
In all seriousness...there are probably Christians who will be led astray by contemporary music. There are, however, plenty who will not. And in regards to music and all other areas of life, Christians need to stay united by Christ, whether they are in favor of traditional or contemporary music. The point of worship is not the music, whether traditional or contemporary. Worship is about glorifying God and putting Him first.
I think Lucarini puts forth a very convincing argument for why he must leave the Contemporary Christian music movement. I'm not convinced or supportive of his claims that contemporary Christian music is inherently wrong.
(But hey, this book was completely worth it for ONE DOLLAR!! Here's to used curriculum sales! I love good, cheap finds...)
However...I very much dislike the division of Christians over non-doctrinal issues. Sure, there are definitely churches out there that abuse the idea of worship and turn it into feel-good entertainment. And of course, there are plenty of Christians who are too willing to bend standards to cater to popular demands. But...to judge all forms of contemporary music guilty merely by association? To generalize and say that the acceptance of Contemporary Christian Music automatically means bowing to the whims of the worshippers? To demand the return to hymns as the best and truest form of worship? I just don't think Lucarini is in a position to judge all churches, all Christians, and all musical presentations.
Because it is an art form, music will be perceived differently by different people. Not *everyone* thinks of sex and drugs when rock music comes on. My goodness, you might as well agree to ban the b diminished chord, because it sounds perverse and unnatural or something...
In all seriousness...there are probably Christians who will be led astray by contemporary music. There are, however, plenty who will not. And in regards to music and all other areas of life, Christians need to stay united by Christ, whether they are in favor of traditional or contemporary music. The point of worship is not the music, whether traditional or contemporary. Worship is about glorifying God and putting Him first.
I think Lucarini puts forth a very convincing argument for why he must leave the Contemporary Christian music movement. I'm not convinced or supportive of his claims that contemporary Christian music is inherently wrong.
(But hey, this book was completely worth it for ONE DOLLAR!! Here's to used curriculum sales! I love good, cheap finds...)
March 21, 2016
Why I Left The Contemporary Christian Music Movement: Confessions of a former worship leader
I was a little apprehensive about reading this book because it's such a hot button topic now a days. I didn't really know what to expect. CCM is something I never really liked even before I knew what a Praise and Worship service was. (And, indeed, I didn't know until I read this book and began to research it a little on my own.) So, I think my perspective is fairly fresh and objective. I have no reason to doubt anything Lucarini says in this book and I can't even really say I'm surprised at the real life situations laid out in therein. I don't agree with everything Lucarini says, in that because he's come to fear his own vulnerabilities (with good reason) he tends to project them onto everyone else. But, it's done so out of love. In fact, this whole book is done with the utmost respect and love to all Christians. I think it should be read by everyone because I think that there's a lot of truth in it. It's even a voice of reason. Everyone who is mature in their faith should be able to put their emotions aside long enough to read this book and judge for themselves.
I was a little apprehensive about reading this book because it's such a hot button topic now a days. I didn't really know what to expect. CCM is something I never really liked even before I knew what a Praise and Worship service was. (And, indeed, I didn't know until I read this book and began to research it a little on my own.) So, I think my perspective is fairly fresh and objective. I have no reason to doubt anything Lucarini says in this book and I can't even really say I'm surprised at the real life situations laid out in therein. I don't agree with everything Lucarini says, in that because he's come to fear his own vulnerabilities (with good reason) he tends to project them onto everyone else. But, it's done so out of love. In fact, this whole book is done with the utmost respect and love to all Christians. I think it should be read by everyone because I think that there's a lot of truth in it. It's even a voice of reason. Everyone who is mature in their faith should be able to put their emotions aside long enough to read this book and judge for themselves.
September 28, 2016
Interesting perspective from 2002. I disliked the so-called contemporary style for the same reason I dislike pop music: it lacks meaning and beauty. I do believe that as of July 2016, a lot of the "contemporary" praise songs have improved in meaning as well as beauty, though they continue to often be difficult to sing along with or to remember after the band goes home. My niece couldn't remember any of the "songs" she learned all week at Praise Camp because she didn't take the band home with her. Pop music is odd in that it is extremely simple musically, yet challenging to sing and recall later due to the style. I must also remark that this book was published before the Getty/Townend phenomenon of "modern hymn" writing and the revival of hymns by thirty- and fortysomething vocalists who grew up on hymns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews