I don't think we will ever escape the celebrity status in music. Period. The music captures us so completely that we look to the source of that music (the artist) and exalt them. The skew happens there; the artist (in this case Sean) is not the real author or creator. God the Father is the beginning and the end. So we're struggling as a Christian culture to grasp how we reguard artistry, and how artists themselves carry themselves and the massive stage they occupy. I've been a writer/worship leader for a long, long time and I've had a chance to get to know several of these men. Most of them are simply amazing, gracious, humble, good humans whom God has chosen to put on that massive stage. Not all of them. I believe Sean is one of the good ones.

​ @scottharrison7182 Hey Scott, thanks for sharing. I believe you when you say that Sean is a good one. I didn't mean to say Sean isn't. But from my limited perspective, it's really hard to see how the culture he inhabits and promotes is not celebrity culture. And, making room for complexity, I think it's perfectly reasonable to believe he is a good guy and means well while believing he is the epitome of celebrity culture. I've been to Passion (lift conference) and I've seen him sing and play. I've seen the piano in the middle of the stage with the dramatic entry... I've seen the lights and the screens. It's all big and incredibly produced and flashy. Do they mean well and are they worshiping God? Yes! Is it celebrity culture? I mean, what's the difference between a passion event and a coldplay or any other big concert? Size and money in some ways, for sure, but the form is basically the same. Now, again, I am not a musician and I am not in the middle of the action, so again, my perspective is limited, but it is not hard to imagine a culture of worship in which big and flashy and cool and hip and trendy are not centered and prioritized.

@@chinchicharrin Man, this is a good perspective. I love your thoughts and I think your honesty is inspiring. I hear everything you're saying, and what I think we're hearing is the struggle and battle within Sean about exactly what you're saying. I've listened to this podcast a couple of times because it's so rich in things I've embraced as a leader and implemented in our teams. One of the worst things about Christian music, is the expectations and pressure on you as a "signed artist." It can be frustrating, and you can feel encouraged to do things that speak more to influence, hype, artistry, exposure and visual impact than moments of intimacy and leadership toward God and the presence of the Holy Spirit. I can't comment on Sean's heart, but I think we're hearing the inner battle. I also know that when an artist steps into a conference or large concert venue, there is sometimes an overarching "scene" that they're involved in, and there is a great possibility that stepping into that arena/setting puts you into a place where that's the way it's gonna go for that particular experience. I don't know that, and I think our artistry needs to take a back seat to character and caring for experiences. Again, for me personally, I'm hearing that from Sean in this, and I am inspired by it. It'll be interesting to see how he expresses his new music in public forums and concerts/conferences, and to see how this narrative plays out in his stage presence. I love this conversation bro. Again, just my thoughts.

I appreciate that!

His name on all his CDs Ron Kenoly. It his professional name. That is what most would call him. Bishop Paul Morton has that on his albums. Mr Clean Bishop Richard White but Marvin or Cee-Cee Winans. It depends on your professional name unless maybe at a church service.