Questions and Answers with Raul Ries

Youth - Cont.

Q. Do you think that cutting-edge, contemporary Christian music is a tool to reach the younger generation?

A. Yes, music is a strong influence in our world and we need to give young people a Godly alternative to the music they are listening to. Christian musicians have learned from the secular world. Once we learn what the world is doing, we modify it, make it better, and use it as an instrument for righteousness. We need to be on the edge, which means that the music may not fit in a church setting. Because of this, we must be ready to be criticized and put down. I don’t believe in compromising the Gospel or the Word of God. I do believe that God can use this generation’s music to reach the kids as it was done during the Jesus People Movement with the hippies.


Q. Is the church out of touch with the younger generation?

A. I think much of the Christian community is out of touch with the youth. The church is not relating to them on their level. We have become too Christianized, with our church lingo and why of doing things. When people who are "different" come into the church and are not received with the love of Christ they are turned off, and I see that. When I became a Christian years ago, I went to Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and I was welcomed. Even though I was angry, violent and aggressive, I was accepted at that church. My life began to change as Christ and His Word transformed me. I think kids are turned off by what they see in our churches today. I also see God doing a whole new work among the youth today, but only in churches that receive them with open arms in spite of their differences. Many of our youth today are looking for the unconditional love and acceptance found in Jesus Christ.