The Evolution of Gospel Music: A Call for Boldness in Faith

Gospel music used to be about one thing—glorifying Jesus Christ. It wasn’t about blending in, seeking approval, or watering down the message. It was about worship, unashamed and unfiltered. But somewhere along the way, things started shifting. Artists who once stood firm in their faith began stepping into secular arenas, Christian rappers started hiding their faith in vague lyrics, and churches began mimicking the world instead of standing apart from it. Enough is enough. It’s time for these self-proclaimed Christians to take a stand.

Marvin Sapp’s R&B Exploration: What Are We Doing?

When I heard that gospel legend Marvin Sapp was releasing an R&B EP, If I Were an R&B Singer, my heart sank. Here’s a man who has given us powerful, Christ-centered music now experimenting with a genre that often glorifies everything but God. And he’s not the only one. Deitrick Haddon, Jordan Armstrong, and others have followed suit, dipping their toes into the secular scene. Why? To reach more people? Or to gain more worldly fame?

I don’t believe this is about winning souls, because if it were, why not bring people to gospel music instead of taking gospel artists to secular genres? Gospel music should be about telling people about Jesus. I don’t recall that ever being the goal of R&B music.

I’m all for artists being creative, but not at the expense of their faith. When gospel artists cross over into secular music, they risk compromising the very message that made them who they are. Why does it feel like we’re mixing a little Jesus with a little bit of the world?

Why Do Gospel Artists Keep Doing This?

Let’s be honest: the pull of fame, recognition, and money is strong. Too many gospel artists start in the church, then get a taste of mainstream success and suddenly want to appeal to everyone. But the gospel has never been about appealing to the masses. It’s about standing for Christ, even when it’s unpopular.

If the message of Jesus is no longer clear in your music, then what are you really singing for? Are you reaching souls, or are you just reaching for a bigger audience?

The Kirk Franklin, Deitrick Haddon & William Murphy Problem

Kirk Franklin has always pushed boundaries, but hearing him say, "Put on some Jay-Z or Biggie," instead of pointing to gospel or Christian rap is disappointing. Why do we need validation from the world? Why can’t we be hype for Jesus?

Then there’s Deitrick Haddon, a pastor, who released Greatest Gift, an R&B Christmas EP. One of the songs, Make Love on Christmas, doesn’t belong in a gospel artist’s catalog—let alone in a pastor’s. Shouldn’t marriage intimacy remain private rather than being packaged for public entertainment? What happened to setting an example of holiness?

And let’s talk about William Murphy, lead pastor of the dReam Center Church of Atlanta. On New Year’s Eve 2023, clips from his Sunday night service went viral as the congregation was seen dancing to the rap songs Walk It Out and Swag Surfin’. The internet was divided—some praised it as making church relatable, while others were outraged, saying it blurred the lines between worship and the club scene.

Murphy defended the moment, saying, "It’s my conviction that when people walk into church, that it should not be as if they walk into a foreign country. That church should have some point of relativity where when people walk in they feel like, ‘Okay, this does actually have something to do with my life.’”

But here’s the problem—when the church looks exactly like the world, where is the transformation? One woman shared how she had come to church that night looking for a refuge from that very environment, only to find herself back in what felt like a club. That is the danger of still loving the world or trying to have one foot in it. It turns away potential believers and confuses new believers who are seeking real change.

Christian Rap: Why Are We Ashamed of Jesus?

Christian rap has become almost unrecognizable. Many CHH artists barely mention Jesus in their songs anymore, making it hard to tell if their music is even Christian. Why are we so afraid to say the name of Jesus?

KB, a Christian rapper, tackled this issue head-on in his song The Art of Drifting. He raps:

You don't love the church no more / You don't wanna serve no more / You just love the perks homeboy / And counting money from your merch homeboy...

This song struck a nerve because it calls out the shift in focus. Instead of using their platform to minister, some Christian artists have turned their faith into a business. KB even admitted during a concert at The Museum of the Bible that he had to take a step back when he found himself addicted to the cheers and applause. He realized his relationship with Jesus mattered more than any stage or performance.

That’s the level of accountability we need in gospel music today. Artists need to remember that their calling is about leading people to Christ, not just selling records and filling seats.

Jesus IS Enough—So Why Do We Want More?

The deeper issue is this: do we truly believe Jesus is enough? Or are we constantly looking for something more? The Bible calls us to be set apart. But too many Christian artists are doing the opposite—blending in, chasing mainstream success, and watering down their faith for acceptance.

This is why news like Marvin Sapp’s R&B project frustrates me. It’s why seeing churches turn into club scenes disgusts me. Way of Truth Evangelistic Ministries Inc. is about living authentically for Christ, being fully devoted to Him, and encouraging others to do the same. But how can we call others to a higher standard when we ourselves won’t stand firm?

Final Thoughts: Make a Stand

Gospel music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a ministry. It should uplift, transform, and point people to Jesus. But as the lines between gospel and secular continue to blur, I’m asking: where are the artists who will boldly proclaim the name of Jesus? Where are the churches that will stand apart from the world instead of mimicking it?

It’s time for self-proclaimed Christian artists to stop straddling the fence. Either stand for Christ or stop pretending. Because the world’s approval is fleeting, but the impact of real gospel music will last forever.

What do you think about gospel artists crossing into secular music?

• 0%It’s a great way to reach more people.
• 0%It’s concerning; gospel music should remain separate.
• 0%I don’t mind as long as they still glorify God.
• 0%I hadn’t really thought about it before.

And if you’re tired of watered-down Christianity, share this with someone who needs to hear it!