Category — GMWA

Black Gospel music has long been a draw to get people into the institutionalized church. Many people will come to a church to hear the choir sing before they will come to hear the preacher preach.  New competition shows like How Sweet the Sound are now elevating the spiritually nebulous choir to greater prominence as representatives of the black church, while sex and money scandals are diminishing the role of  the preacher.

GCM Watch has covered the rampant homosexuality entrenched in the Black Gospel music industry before here and  here .  However, you should be aware that industry workers are using the “new cart method” of traveling gospel music/comedy tours, gospel music artists appearing on late night talk-shows, and gospel music artists  partnering with ungodly secular artists allegedly to “reach the youth”.

What is new cart method? If you read 1 Chronicles 13 ,it tells how King David used a new cart to bring the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem,  following the pattern of the Philistines who used a new cart to transport the ark of the covenant. The Philistines didn’t know any better because they were unaware of the methods and restrictions of transporting the Ark which literally housed the presence of God.  As King, David should have known better, because Israel were covenant people.  The scripture records that as the ark was being moved it almost fell to the ground. But a man named Uzzah instinctively reached to steady it. When his hand touched it, he was killed instantly . Judgment was swift because King David didn’t seek the proper order of the Lord. Uzzah was the son of Abinadab where the ark of the covenant had been stored at his fathers house for years. He had been around the ark nearly all his life, however he was ignorant and didn’t understand that God required his commands to be followed to the letter. And in his zeal without knowledge it cost him his life.

Deadly mix: strange fire, gospel music and new carts

As reported by gcmwatch, you have Mary Mary toured with R&B artist Maxwell and made guest appearances on BET’s 106 and Park,  Kirk Franklin and Steve Harvey (yes the one with the profane mouth) are now together on a “gospel comedy tour”.  A slew of gospel music artists are now making foot kissing missions to the foul mouthed comedian Monique. Who are they?  Kirk Franklin ,  Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp , Tye Tribbett , Deitrick Haddon, Vickie Winans, Bebe and Cece Winans, Shirely Caesar, David and Tamela Mann to name a few.

In the process of attempting to be relevant to the world, to make church hip and cool, the gospel music industry has put the glory of God on new carts to win the world’s acceptance. Instead of relying on the Holy Spirit to convict lost sinners in the world to repent and be saved, acceptance and false love seems to be the goal. Gospel music is a means to the end of achieving that acceptance.

Defending Mary Mary’s worldly partnerships, a person commenting on Facebook said, “the church needs more relevant music that would draw young people”. That’s a major error circulating with black gospel devotees. It elevates music/entertainment over Jesus Christ and over scripture as the guide for so-called evangelism. But didn’t Jesus say if “I be lifted up from the earth I will draw all men unto Him.” Church folk have lifted up their gospel idols more than Jesus Christ, and the results reflect that.  It has produced a spiritually shallow,  carnal minded Christians.  The new cart method creates opposition to Five-Fold ministry which is the proper order of the Church to equip and edify the saints. Utimately, God’s gifts are to bring the body of Christ to maturity so that we’re not tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. Music does have a place in the church, but it was not intended to  usurp the authority of Jesus Christ and his governmental gifts.

The proper order of music ministry

After the mess the gospel music industry has caused with its illegitimate “ministry”, concerned music ministers should seek to right the cart using God’s proper order within the Church.

1. Singers should sing unto the Lord, and should praise Him in the beauty of holiness(2 Chromicles 20:21). They should be separated from the world unto God. Both singers and musicians should have an inward disposition of reverence and purity, and resists all that offends the holy nature of God(1 Chronicles 16:29).

2. Songs sung in the House of God should be unto the Lord, and not for entertainment purposes to entertain the flesh and people(1 Chronicles 25:7). Songs that are sung should glorify God.

3.  True minstrels/musicians help set spiritual atmosphere for the supernatural which does not include thrill seeking song that appeal to the flesh (2 Kings 3:15).

4. Singing and the use of musical instruments being sung and played unto the Lord should be used for spiritual warfare (2 Chronicles 20:20-24; 1 Samuel 16:23).

5. The church should only accept  songs and music which are —like scripture— inspired by the  Holy Spirit ( Ephesians 5:19 ; 1 Chronicles 25:1-6).

6.  A difference between holy and unholy should always be the standard in music. Gospel music artist who claim to love God, should not partner with those who promote ungodliness, sexual immorality and use gratuitous profanity. (1 John 2:15-16 ; 2 Chronicles 19:2).

7.  The cult of celebrity should be destroyed as quickly as possible at its roots. True singers and musicians of God reflect Jesus and serve people, instead of  demanding service and accolades. (Mark 10:45).

8. Use singing and music to lead people into true sacrifice unto the Lord( Hebrews 13:15).

Pastors, leaders, church singers, and church musicians must repent from the new cart method, sanctify and follow the order of the Lord . To avoid God’s  judgment, HIS church must return to holy living.  Its a disgrace to our Lord to lead people into entertainment based false worship of people and gifts. Jesus wants back into your church. Now.

The GospelFlava.com interview with gospel music industry worker Kurt Carr is a very interesting read. Circa 2005, the interview is a promotion of his “One Church” album, but its also a revealing window into the flawed theology motivating industry workers like Carr. Thus, their music becomes a product of their misinterpretation and misapplication of God’s word.  First, Carr erroneously claims music is what God will use to bring Christians together.

In my prayer time, while I was seeking God about the new CD, he compelled me to reach those people that he has given their ear to me. That’s where the concept of the album came from. It has a profound message that needs to be conveyed. Jesus prayed to the Father that we would be one, as He and the Father are one. My friend Tommy Tenney said that it’s an unanswered prayer that Jesus prayed. It’s true because there is still so much division in the body of Christ. We have to do something about it, and I believe that music is the key that is going to draw us all together.” [source]

People like Carr seem to see unity and as an end unto itself. That’s one of the key tenets of the diaprax heresy. Consequently, I have seen no scriptural basis to support an assertion that music will bring God’s people into true unity. How can that be especially when the main vehicles for releasing such music are infected with sin, compromise and perversity? Look here, here and here for examples.  If biblical unity is to be achieved it cannot be based on anything which excludes God’s word as the primary unifier.

But that’s only one of the rather unsettling beliefs Carr reveals in this interview. He complains that African Americans “dont pay enough homage” to our ancestors compared to the Jews. When asked by GF why he felt it so important to show “props” to people who paved the way for him, Carr claimed his “homage” to James Cleveland and Walter Hawkins was to make amends for our lack of ancestor connectedness.

I feel that it’s crucial to do that. To me, that’s what is wrong with our people. We don’t give enough respect and homage to our ancestors. Take the Jews for instance. I grew up in Connecticut, and I went to a private school there. It was mostly —I would say 98% —Jewish. I am real familiar with the Jewish culture, and how their whole lives are about their ancestors, their families, their background. Every week in school, we would hear something about the Holocaust. Unfortunately, our people are not as set on that. We talk about it, but whatever.

So, if the church was more like Jews and learned to respect and honor people like Cleveland despite his evil legacy, then God would unite us?  Im not sure about you, but I wasn’t aware that Cleveland, Hawkins and [Albertina] Walker had been elevated to ancestor status in the black community. The problem with Carr’s analogy is that Jews murdered in the Holocaust were innocent victims of a madman. James Cleveland had a sexual demon. We know he infected at least  one young man with AIDS and corrupted the lives of countless others. That’s worthy of “respect and honor”?

Then there’s Carr’s bizarre comparison to Michael Jackson in the interview.

One time I went to do a workshop in Japan, and there were about 800 people in the choir. I couldn’t believe it. When I walked out on stage, they were acting like I was Michael Jackson. Girls were fainting. It was crazy. God showed me, “I’m not doing this to edify you. I’m doing this that you can edify me.” A lot of those people sing the music, but they’re not Christians. God used us that night. The anointing fell. People were speaking in tongues, and didn’t realize what they were doing. They don’t even understand what I am saying, but it’s the music —the substance and the heart of the music —that’s going to change them and lead them to conversion.”

Non Christians were speaking in tongues and didn’t know it?  Carr says the [Japanese] people had no clue about what he was saying, but that “the music” changed them. That’s not how the scripture says it should happen. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:13-15

I’m not sure what disturbs me more: the blatant false beliefs or the Michael Jackson comparisons.

After Jackson’s pedophilia trial, Carr sent out an email promo saying that God was on Jackson’s side. Further, he claimed “God obviously has a work for Michael Jackson to do.” Of course you know Jackson later fled to Bahrain and converted to Islam one week after being sued by Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa for $7 million. Abdulla contends he gave a broke Jackson the money to help him after his trial.

In the articles, Carr drops familiar names that have appeared here on GCM Watch. Look at the connections and see for yourself this is not of God. This idolatrous music uses Jesus’ name, but in practice they deny him. From such, turn away. Carr has a new album out now entitled “Just the beginning”. We’ll be watching to see what he says is his motivation behind this one.

Related: Kurt Carr interview with Blackgospel.com

I love music which touches my soul and I know you do too. And I love music which inspires and brings out the best in me so that I may glorify God with my life.

One of the biggest issues I see with so-called gospel music these days is that it contains very little gospel and is heavy on the motivation/inspiration side. If I’ve been reading it right, the gospel not only motivate, it convicts. As a matter of fact, it convicts before it motivates. Too much of the religious music today is designed to chart or be the next “big hit” rather than to be a true reflection of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The other glaring problem is that the “artists” (I hate using that word, but its appropriate considering its a product of the industry rather than ministry) have faulty biblical perspectives or no biblical training at all, even though some call themselves ministers. We’ve documented case after case of that here.

Perhaps this is why contemporary gospel music seems to be just church theatrics and show tunes. It appeals to the flesh and carnality, but has little to no value for the soul. Of course, some of the preaching is the same. Perhaps that’s why I am putting this challenge out there.

I know so many people who struggle with homosexuality, but we have few, if any, songs which specifically reach these brothers and sisters to inspire them and let them know their issue isn’t an invisible one. There are hundreds and hundreds of songs which inspire people in all types of life struggles, and I’m challenging those gifted and anointed in music ministry to step up and allow the Holy Spirit to give them the words and music which will reach this forgotten demographic of the church. Its time that the music of the gospel reflected all the issues of life addressed by the gospel. To that end, I am issuing my 180 Challenge to all gospel music ministers, singer-songwriters, musicians, producers.

I actually launched the challenge on Myspace on November 16th and it will end May 15, 2009.

As the graphic notes, I’m not offering any contracts, prize money, trophies, media appearances, industry hook-ups or the likes. The main reason is because I want to see it be an act of service to the kingdom of God, not a carrot-stick, reality show escapade.

I have two basic requirements to ask:
1. The song must be scripturally sound
2. The song should include elements of praise, holiness and discipline

I don’t know where God will take this, but I just wanted to be obedient in issuing the call. I welcome your constructive comments if you think of anything to improve this challenge. I also welcome any promotion you can help with.

Gay Christian Movement Watch is seeking first hand accounts and personal narratives of several categories of individuals who have had personal experience with gay churches and organizations. 

First,  GCM Watch is seeking testimonials of former members of gay churches namely: Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC), any affiliate churches of The Fellowship (Bishop Yvette Flunder), Unity Fellowship Church Movement  or any independent gay church. In addition, if you were part of an “affirming” or “inclusive” church, but left because you no longer accepted its false doctrines, please contact GCM Watch as soon as possible.

Secondly, if you have visited, but never joined a gay/affirming/inclusive church your personal narrative of that experience is also welcomed.

Third, if you know of someone who fits the criteria above, forward this information to them and ask them to contact GCM Watch.

These personal narratives are being sought to provide a balanced and truthful counter to the lies currently being promoted by gay churches about biblical sexual morality. These organizations promise an overabundance of love, value and acceptance but what are they actually delivering to  hurting and confused people? 

• Contact GCM Watch at gcmwatch@yahoo.com
• Partial list of “affirming/inclusive” religious organizations here and here.

This announcement will repost each month.

“I want to stay in the music business through promoting gospel music and upgrading the quality and performance of gospel music.” —Rev. James Cleveland, 1932-1991

A friend in Dallas attended the 2006 Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) and reported that our worst fears are confirmed. Church gays who flaunt, priss and parade, are the stars of the show at the event.

I wrote about the GMWA and its controversial founder James Cleveland in my book Touching A Dead Man. The stories I compiled revealed a picture of a man whose sexual appetite for young males could have been the reason why he created the GMWA. Cleveland, who as we reported earlier died of AIDS, was in my opinion, a sexual monster who ruined and debased the very musical expression intended to uplift people. Its still a shock that anyone would “celebrate” such a profane life.

Bishop Yvette Flunder remarked at the Atlanta Love and Acceptance conference that if all of the gays in the church were taken out, the church wouldn’t have any music. Laughing, she said the church would be left with maybe one or two songs that nobody wanted to sing. I think that’s a lie. An arrogant lie. But gay religionists do love gospel music. The problem is they don’t love The Gospel. That’s a major problem. Singing the gospel you refuse to obey or submit to is an abomination. Offering up “strange fire“, as the Bible calls it, and a deadly venture to those who do it.

Black gays and their rocky love/hate relationship with the church is a bonified mess. That’s on both sides of the fence. The war is fueled by the voodoo-like beliefs of the black gay community’s spokespersons like E. Lynn Harris. Harris said the inspiration for his last book I say a little prayer was what he “saw happening in the black church. The homophobia. The black gay and lesbian people not having a place to go and get their spiritual needs fulfilled.”

Harris and people like him dont understand that the church is not a place to come and get your needs met. Especially when your “needs” are incongruent with God’s will for your life. Unwilling to repent of their sexual sin, Harris instead wants to create the type of church which allows his sin to be accepted and celebrated. After all, this is what he considers meeting his “spiritual needs.”

But back to Dallas and the GMWA convention. “Bro C” told me:

“I had the pleasure, or should I say displeasure of going to the Gospel Music Workshop of America and it was a hot mess. Trust me, it is everything you said and more in your book confirming what goes around at that convention. A friend of a friend (which is still in the life[style] who is a choir director for the New Orleans chapter) saw two young men walking out of the Hyatt Regency hotel in visible pink thongs right here in Dallas. I went to three of the concerts and I was not happy, but it actually hurt a bit.”

I know what you’re saying. If he knew it was like that, why go? Well, ignoring sin only allows people to lie about what’s really going on with no witness to refute it. Some people still think the GMWA is a great place to let their youth go to. Last night, on the Word Network, Kirk Franklin gave the GWMA convention a glowing review, saying it was a great place to come and chill.

The GWMA’s motto is “The convention where everybody is somebody.” That’s an intentionally large umbrella to accomodate the divergent lifestyles of the singers and musicians. For instance, at the 2006 Dallas meeting, Cheryl Gamble (CoCo) of the 90s R&B group Sisters With Voices (SWV) was hailed [cached] at the GWMA for “returning to gospel music.” But the very next month, the same group were featured performers at New York “Black Pride” along with this man. Yes, that’s a man. Yet, Gamble told the GMWA that she never left gospel music. “I’ve always been active in my church,” she said. “Church was more than a breeding ground for me to sing. It’s where I nurture my soul. It’s a lifestyle for me.”

The broader question actually brings us back to the basics. Is what God said about sex and sexuality applicable in contemporary life? If we can shuck His restrictions on that, what’s to stop us from shucking any of His restrictions on anything simply because we no longer feel its relevant? The GMWA is a glaring example of “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof”. The Bible warns us: from such turn away.

A MUST READ: The 20 Million Dollar Pyamid: What Does GMWA Glorify?

Does murder make you a saint?

It certainly deserves sympathy for the family of a murder victim, but what of the individual’s openly sexual lifestyle while proclaiming to be a Christian?

The case of murdered choir director and church deacon Donald Young has begun to push a broader plethora of questions out into the open about how the church should to respond to people who live their lives in defiance of biblically defined sexual morality, but yet claim to be a committed Christian.

Young, an openly gay choir director at Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s home church in Chicago was found shot to death in his apartment by a roommate (the roommate found him) early on December 23, 2007. The shooting is still unsolved. While tragic in its own right, what about the greater tragedy of soul lost in sin? If one gains the world, but loses his soul, what has he profited?

According to a Chicagoland source, Young was also a director for the Gospel Music Workshop of America’s Male Chorus. We reported on its founder and the heavy homosexualized atmosphere at the GMWA here. Louisville songwriter Ralph Ford also talked about his shocking first time visit to the GMWA. The GMWA may have blood on its hands, too. So far its “bereavement page” has no mention of Young.

In an interview with the local CBS affiliate, the media services director at Trinity United Church of Christ, pastored by the controversial Dr. Jeremiah Wright, said “Young did live an openly gay lifestyle; that was his choice.” (our italics) The interview was in response to Chicago area gays demanding to know whether they were being stalked by some serial killer.

But what a peculiar statement. Wright and church have openly advocated for homosexual relationships, but it seems like the director was attempting to distance the church from Young who had been its rather celebrated choir director for almost 20 years. Can a church tell its members that homosexuality isn’t a sin, celebrate and promote those who accept it and then when tragedy strikes claim “it was his choice”? Is this what “liberation theology” produces?

What caused us to take a second look at this situation was a comment on The Black Gospel Blog which carried the story. “It’s sad to hear that a Saint’s life was lost to crime.” wrote the commenter. Just an ignorant remark? Or have we come to the point that a person’s ungodly sexual lifestyle is not a factor in determining their entrance into the kingdom of God? That seems to be the sentiment on another black gospel music forum where Young’s openly gay lifestyle was all but ignored.

Have the requirements for entrance into the kingdom of God changed?

1 Cor 6:9-10 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (NIV)

After reading this, how would you answer the question “can a person be as sure of who is going to hell as those going to heaven”?