Just about every Christian out there has listened to Christian radio stations at one time or another. No matter what kind of music you enjoy or where you live, Christian music can be a nice break from the other kinds of entertainment that are out there. Have you ever thought about how stations like K-LOVE and Air1 pay the bills?
Unlike your typical local station, Christian radio stations typically fund themselves through the contributions of their listeners and perhaps another smaller avenue. With all of the different causes that are out there, why should Christians feel the need to support the music stations playing Christian music?
Let’s talk about a few reasons why you should support these stations and how you can help.
Did you know that the Bible instructs us to be generous? There are many verses that teach us to care for the orphans, widows, and the disabled. In fact, Jesus even says in Matthew 25 that whatever we do for those in need, we are doing for Him.
“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit You?’
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:37-40
We are also shown in the Bible that it is important to tithe to your local church (this comes first, financially). Generosity is not simply a money issue, however. Sometimes the best thing you can do to help someone is to offer your time.
There are many reasons why Christians are called to be generous, but one of the main ideas is that we shouldn’t be overly attached to the things of this world. If we see our every resource as a gift from God that He can use as He wishes, we’re more inclined to part ways with them if it means helping others.
You may be thinking at this point, “I understand taking care of the poor and helpless, but how does that translate to Christian radio stations?” There are many charities and other groups out there needing contributions as well, so it’s a fair question. At the end of the day, no one is asking you to prioritize one cause over another or anything like that. Where you give your money is between you and God. Do what you feel is right by Him.
Now that we’ve established the need for generosity, let’s look at some of the ways that Christian radio stations help believers.
We know. Kind of obvious, right? As we watch technology rapidly change and improve all around us, though, Christian radio stations are still the easiest way to find Christian music in your life. In the case of K-LOVE, there are smartphone apps for listening, a website for streaming, and the good ole-fashioned radio in your car.
Speaking of that car, we sure do spend a lot of time in it each week. Depending on where you live and what your job situation is like, you might spend three hours round trip getting to work each day. That’s a long time to be stuck in one place.
We know there are a few of you out there listening to podcasts or audiobooks, but the vast majority of drivers still turn to the radio for their entertainment in the car. In fact, roughly 60% of Americans listen to their car radios each day. That’s a whole lot of people, especially considering how much technology is out there.
Since we know most people are listening to their radios, it’s a fair bet that most Christians also get their daily fix from Christian radio stations. That’s because these stations provide the only outlet for Christian music lovers to find encouraging, faith-filled music. It can be difficult to find family music for your daily commute, so these stations can be helpful for drivers with young passengers.
There’s nothing wrong with listening to something that isn’t strictly “Christian,” but most Christians will at least check on religious radio stations from time to time during their drive. What would you do if that possibility went away because no one was supporting the station?
If you’ve been listening to Christian music for any amount of time, there’s a good chance that you have a list of artists whose work you really enjoy. Christian radio stations are the main outlet for acts like these to find an audience for their music.
How would you know about the new single from Danny Gokey or Natalie Grant if your station of choice didn’t tell you all about it?
On top of keeping you up to date on your favorite artists, these stations are also an outlet for helping you to find new bands and songs to love. If not for Christian radio, you may not have heard Zach Williams’ breakout hit, “Chain Breaker,” for months or even longer.
With so much of today’s entertainment focused on secular TV, movies, and music, stations like K-LOVE are one of the only outlets that Christian artists have to share what they do. If people don’t support these stations by listening or donating, we may not have as many great Christian bands around in the future.
We’ve already discussed how these stations can be helpful for finding appropriate music for your family, but there is so much more to these media entities than just playing music. For starters, one of the best ways to find out about Christian concerts coming to your town is through your local Christian station. By hearing an announcement on the radio or looking at the website’s events calendar, you now know that Jordan Feliz is playing at a church just down the road.
Finding local concerts is great, but what else is there? Depending on which Christian radio station you frequent, there are several features to be found through the corresponding website or smartphone app. Through the K-LOVE app, you can receive encouraging Scripture, converse with other listeners, and find out more about an artist whose music you heard.
Going back to what is actually played on the radio, music isn’t the only thing that these stations offer their listeners. Depending on which station you’re listening to and at what time, you might find an expert sharing the Christian perspective on a hot button issue or hear a call-in show that helps people find counsel on a personal matter.
Christian radio stations play an important part in Christian entertainment. As non-secular options grow and find their religious audience, we begin to develop a pop culture that is all our own. When it comes to living in the world but not of the world, it’s helpful to have an entertainment option where the whole family can safely enjoy music or movies. These stations have long been available for Christians to find new music or just a friendly voice for the ride to work.
Believers should support these institutions because no one else will. No other group of people is using the service as much as Christians do, of course. Likewise, if Christian radio stations were to fall off the face of the earth, no one would be negatively affected as much as Christians. If we aren’t willing to pay even the smallest of amounts for Christian media, then we simply won’t have any wholesome entertainment available to us.
If you’re a fan of Christian music, then the K-LOVE Fan Awards is the ultimate weekend for you and your family. For three days, all of the biggest names in Christian movies, music, books, and more are in one place celebrating a year of amazing talent. Don’t miss the chance to see all of your favorite artists in one place. Click on the link below to find out how you can attend the K-LOVE Fan Awards.
We know that making travel plans for you and your family can be a bit of a hassle. That’s why we wrote our own Nashville Travel Guide to help you out. Tennessee’s state capital is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, so come see what all the fuss is about.
