Should Christian Rappers Be Held To The Same Standards As Pastors?

[@BlessGodStudios]

Learn about The Bless God Summit Here: www.blessgodsummit.com

[@LukeHopp]

Christian artists CAN teach, that doesn’t make them teachers tho. part of the beauty of chh is the diversity. for example, aha and hulvey both love Jesus. aha approaches it very differently than hulvey does and that’s okay. both artists have elements of “teaching” in their music, but that doesn’t put them on the same level of a pastor. art is used to process feelings and emotions, so christian artists should not be held to the standard that they have to give a sermon in each song

[@donovanscott8401]

Shouldn’t all Christians be held to the standards of the Bible?

[@carsonthehill2033]

Yes but pastors should be held to a higher standard

[@Mommythief0069]

Yes and no Yes if you mean it in an idealistic manner like ideally Christians would not sin. No if you mean in practicality given the entire purpose behind the resurrection of Jesus That's just me tho

[@proverbs31university]

Look up James 3:1

[@mayra40]

@@donovanscott8401 ABSOLUTELY !!!

[@donovanscott8401]

I was challenged, there were many good points in this video and it caused me to reflect on my own walk and how I view Christian content and content creators maybe because it’s super discouraging when you see people fall down but then you have to remember you’re following Christ and not people. We do need to have more grace, I know I’ve been given more grace that I deserve at many points in my life, I do have some pushback. Ruslan is right we need to be fellowshipping and engaged with word abiding, Spirit filled church. And that’s an individual responsibility - IMO - But: If you are making money off of Jesus Christ and your brand is built around being a believer then yes you need to be held to the same standards as a pastor. In the instance of the new Christian that wants to write songs about Jesus by all means do it and then sing it to Jesus in private. After discipleship etc etc if you’re supposed to be out there in public like that then God will lead you to share and his Spirit will sustain you as you lean on him and seek His kingdom As Christian’s our lives are meant to bless God so if we can’t hold ourselves to the highest standard and be consistent, go be anonymous. The Bible calls us to be set apart and warns us that we’ll be hated but there has been such a commercialisation of faith that that very labels that have witches and rituals have a gospel arm to capture as much of the market and achieve commercial success and we eat it up, I know I do or did. Also the amount of “Christian” content creators out there throwing out weird new agey theology/doctrine etc is scary and it’s causing people to fall which is why we have James 3:1 it’s enough to say pluck out your eye if it cause you to sin but what about when you cause others to sin because you misrepresent God and cause his people to fall? Content creators saying I smoke weed and worship God amongst other things. Yes there’s grace and mercy but you’re called to be Holy and if you’re leading people and your not maintaining a standard, best to step down, go do something else that engages your creativity where you can allow God to work on you in anonymity. Unfortunately creatives have egos as well and if Jesus had to show up and say drop your channel and follow me or stop releasing music and worship me in private for a season or indefinitely, how many could do that?

[@Thunder-vm2ug]

Jon also made the point that anyone can become viral in todays world. If a 14 year old has a Christian hit and starts to make music are you gonna hold that 14 year old to same standard as a pastor?

[@danielmitchell4691]

Big love Ruslan from South Africa, wish I could attend the conference !!

[@mrjinglejonny]

if someone claims that Christian rap artists should be held to the standard of a pastor, shouldn't worship artists be also held to that standard? therefore, if worship artists and Christian rap artists are held to the same standard, shouldn't that standard be the Bible?

[@thomasthebankengine818]

I’m a happy devoted Catholic man, 34 years old with all the faith in the world. It makes me very sad all of the in-fighting amongst God’s children. God calls us to love one another, HE AND HE ALONE will judge. ❤🙏

[@93greenstrat]

Christian rappers are entertainers. Ministry may occur, but artists are not equivalent to pastors (granted that there are artists who are also pastors).

[@sampurposemusic]

Exactly Ruslan 💯👏🏾

[@Seekingchristdaily]

Christian rapper is not synonymous with pastor.. but it should be synonymous with minister. All Christians are called to minister, new Christians included. That’s different from being a shepherd and being held to those standards, but you should use whatever your outlet/gift is to minister about the gospel.

[@JVTRUTH]

With all due respect, these dudes are deacons within the body. They dont have to be secret Christians. They can still give glory to God without teaching and espousing doctrine. They just want to make music and be an "artist" but they cant have the cake and eat it too, with that comes the position of a rolemodel and leader. It just comes with the territory. At the end of the day if they dont want to be held to the standard of an elder or deacon then thats something they need to pray about and ask God if thats really what He wants them to do. At the end of the day its not about what we want for ourselves and our goals and aspirations, its about building up the next man and seeking our brothers wellbeing. Art is a passion and sometimes we need to sideline our passions and be accountable to our brothers. If God did indeed give them this gift, it was given to glorify Him and to edify the body. Just my 2 cents for what its worth.

[@rpoetic]

I wrote a long thread but read yours and it summed up exactly what I was getting at. Pick a lane already is how many feel. I think people are really wanting accountability. My only addition is I think Ruslan is making a big leap on the "no pastor" commentary.

[@JVTRUTH]

@rpoetic I agree, I hear "I'm just a human being" as if being a pastor, deacon, or elder makes some one superhuman. And are they saying they don't want to be held accountable, they just want to have fun? Christian culture in the US really needs to get back to a sense of holiness and being set apart, of reverence and accountability, devotion and piety, myself included ( pointing 👉 1 finger with 3 pointed right back at me)

[@elijahknight5520]

I don’t believe it should be the same standard simply because of influence. From my perspective, people think that Christians with a large enough influence are supposed to be held to the standards of a pastor even though they aren’t pastors. They equate influence to being a pastor.

[@UlyssesSmith3youtubeENT]

Simply, YES. I consider not just Christian rappers but Christian artist and musicians to be leaders because it should not be only about the music, as a matter of fact it should be secondary. Thats why i kinda worry about the younger crop of Christian musicians especially rappers. As talented and good they may be, I hope that christ ministering the gospel and glorifying God is the core and center of their music. Thats why when that one rapper said he does music not ministry was alarming! It gives credence to people who say Christian rappers just using Christianity and Christian music to prop themselves and possibly get a record deal with a mainstream secular company.

[@MrChinofig]

I would say no as held to the standards as pastors imo

[@needaladyfriend1]

Good message, Ruslan

[@bigswisschh]

There is ignorance in the space from the fans! But also from the artists. But picking on Dyl is the wrong move. Christian artists have a duty though. They are influencers. They can influence young Christians. Now do they need to have seminary degrees and held to the biblical standard of an elder? No but they should still be held to the biblical standard of the Church body

[@mayra40]

They should be held to the standards of God's word so yes is my answer

[@proverbs31university]

James 3:1 explains it all

[@calebhoward8350]

FACTS: make sure you have your own devotional and you own local church. Not one without the other.

[@LutherPelzer]

I think it's weird that Christians hold pastors to a much higher standard. Miles actually said something like, "people put us up to the standard of pastors, but we're human too!" (like pastors aren't human?) This might have come out wrong but illustrates the modern Christian over-reliance on pastors. It's like a normal Christian can do whatever but if you're a pastor you have to be perfect, when in reality we're all called to give our entire lives to God. We all have different gifts. Some are good at rapping, and they can use that to expand the kingdom. Pastoral leadership isn't the only God-given gift or calling.

[@UlyssesSmith3youtubeENT]

Thats because it's biblical that they are held to a higher standard even by God himself.

[@aerogers4117]

They should be held to the same standard as other styles of christian musicians. But usually they are not pastors or teachers. I'm not looking to CCM for theological leading. That being said, I would hope they would desire and strive to use their publicity to represent God to the highest standard they can. And that should be the case for all who profess Jesus Christ as Lord.

[@HenryBonful23]

I like your contribution, thank you🙏

[@tibesofficial]

As I Christian rapper myself I'm experiencing similar challenges but in a very different country (Hungary). Unfortunately I don't think this contradiction from society point of view can be resolved until artists in general (even in the secular world) will be reviewed as role models and their opinion will be counted more by regular people than an expert's view. I'm not saying that this is justifying to view Christian artists as pastors at all, but it's hard to change this many people's perspective on the situation. I think the best we can do to live as biblical life as possible while not putting on ourselves unbearable burdens based on expectations from others

[@Fernandosantanajr83]

They should indeed be held to the same standards. They're shepherds. Music has so much sway, for example, when i started getting into Christianity, wordly hip hop had to go. 116, bizzle, bumps inf, lecrae, tedashi, and all those dudes made it easier to transition

[@KenBeeKJV]

GOT EM! Hebrews 10:24-25 ain’t a suggestion

[@laquebra24]

Amen Ruslan

[@ComedianBobFarrell]

This topic is interesting and the topic has been around since Christian music has been a thing. Great job Ruslan.

[@yonibuni2423]

Very well explained.💯👏🏽

[@proverbs31university]

Exactly Ruslan!

[@NoBokee]

Christian Rappers should be held to the same standards as their name says.. Christian... You may start at one point in your growth but you must grow closer to Christ .. you must lead a Christ like life in word and deed.. The pastor is not the standard Christ is the standard and the bible is the manual..

[@MFPmarcus]

No one who isn’t learned or ordained in the scriptures should be teaching. Rappers rap, teachers teach.

[@ahmadharris8330]

Idk why this is a conversation. Just let these men and women make music for the Lord and stop hatin. They are reaching people in a way that other forms of drawing people to Christ and Christianity can't. They don't need to be pastors they are disciples of Christ, and we all should be. The problem is that some of our brothers and sisters that we share the same Holy Spirit with don't like the way they are being called to be fishers of men (humanity).

[@andre0baskin]

Have Christian musicians ever been held to the same standards as clergy? No. We seem to forget that the "great hymns of the church" are the ones that have stood the test of time, and plenty of other hymns have fallen by the wayside. This is an old issue, all be it for a new genre.

[@KFish-bw1om]

Here's a better question that I think WAY more Christians should be asking. Should Christians be putting so much effort into imitating the world? People don't like being confronted with that question, because it convicts them, but that's exactly why we need it. We need to catch ourselves, and each other, when we love the world too much. What good is brotherly correction if it's not good for this?

[@jeremiahwhitney6868]

Do you believe that making Christian music in other genres imitates the world?

[@mmccorm30]

Understandable from both sides. I dont really consider them "teachers". Idk anyone who tries to get their theological teachings from music, lol. We are ALL called to share the Gospel. There's no guidelines on who can do that and in which way. These guys are simply sharing the gospel. That said; they have pursued a career path that is very public and has made them the face of something important. I believe they should carry more pressure and make sure you take seriously who it is you are representing. Their words and actions will carry more weight than the regular person.

[@thebounceph]

Most of these haters are old closed minded people. They would say that rappers shouldn't do this, shouldn't do that. They want to basically rap the words in the Bible word for word or not use it in rap songs at all. They are also the same people who love to listen old Christian songs which are popularize by Elvis Presley or written by popular old artist who are even worst that these Christian Rappers in representing Jesus in their lives. No wonder Jesus was persecuted by His own people, we are doing the same with our own.

[@WiltSmo-em1ho]

Which is Better Catholic or Orthodox... RUSLAN KD

[@ronkyyshgrant6699]

We are thought to preach the world of God

[@d.t.richardson3762]

I encourage everyone to go read Colossians 3:16. It speaks on these issues specifically. At the end of the day, the message of Christ should & must dwell in all believers “richly” I think that answers the questions of should CHH rappers be held to the same standard of pastors. 1 & 2 Timothy also gives warnings & standards about teachers/overseeers. Just my humble 2 cents.

[@jouful127]

Christian artists/Rappers/ Songwriters should be held to a similar or an equivalent standard as pastors because of their influence and the impact they have on people. Music is the language everyone speaks and connects to. The impact and influence that music has on the human soul and our perceptions of the world and ourselves is profound. Similar to how the teachings and sermons of a Pastor impacts their congregations theology and understanding of God. Christian artists and songwriters have the same influence in the body of Christ and the world. A lot of Christian artists music sometimes has even greater reach of the world depending on who the artists is. So if these Christian artists don’t have a biblically and theologically sufficient perspective or theology of God, then it’s going to be reflected in their music and lyrics. In other words, Christian music forms our theology, it can either be negatively or positively.

[@kamrynbacon928]

all i can say is this, which to me was obvious: Rap music is Art. A rapper , is someone who practices the art of music, and applies whatever it is they may apply to that art form, to make it their own original (some more than others) creation. Any Christian rapper, who is actually a christian (looking at you, Dyllie.) is going to take christian beliefs e.t.c. and apply it to their chosen (and in this context probably God-given) art form. Using time, talent, and treasure, appropriately to help spread the message of the Gospel. A Pastor is someone who spends their time studying the word of God, The tradition of the church and its applicable meaning(s) to the congregation, and then delivering a message that is fully intended to spark a specific change in anywhere from just 1, all the way up to entire congregations. They also make themselves available for private discussions and teachings on furthering your knowledge and comprehension of God's word. CLEARLY, Pastors are held to a higher standard as it applies to really contextualizing scripture. A rapper is someone who you choose to listen to in your spare time or in happy or sad moments with people, to help kind of nudge you in a direction. Its the difference in the Mechanic who built your car, and the guy who installed your sweet stereo system. One of those guys you go to to GET TO CHURCH, the other one makes your ride to church pretty fun. only one of those guys has a skill that also helps you get to work.

[@calebgrant661]

It's not the same but there is a lot of overlap. In the fact that Pastors are held to biblical stadards. Having one wife, managing your household well, not being quarrelsome, having pure speech, being able to communicate the truths of scripture, etc. All Christians should be able to do these but pastors do have more added onto that. There are a lot of things pastors do that Christians should imitate even if they don't have a leadership position.

[@prestonlawrence6364]

Debates and stuff like this will forever hold the space of Christian based music back and Christianity in general. It's too critical and too judgemental. I've witnessed believers be so critical towards things such as Christian rap but support the secular. Christian rappers are not teachers, they are more so a form of evangelism than teachers. There is a reason we have a 5 fold ministry which includes Teachers, Pastors, Evangelists, Prophets, and Apostolic. The goal overall for us as believers is to spread God's word, help win/ lead souls to Christ, and live a life that is pleasing to God. On judgement day, everyone will have to answer to his or her own sins and stand before God.

[@jaykaizen5648]

But the weird thing is, how come we don't hear these conversations for some gospel artists in the CCM genre of the gospel?🤔 I admit that I do look at gospel artists like they're ministers. After all, its all some sort of ministry. I don't look at them as pastors.

[@markbutler1615]

If you want to a have influence over others you need to be held to a higher standard regardless of your position or title. Simply because anyone wanting to guide or influence His flock better know that He expects and higher standards for his leaders. And You don’t need to be a pastor to be a leader.

[@rdashdee]

There are a lot of notable points but ultimately aren’t we all held to the standard of Christ? New believers or pastors aren’t we all held to the same standards?

[@SpiritFilledDisciple]

Anyone who claims to know, follow, or represent Jesus Christ should be held to the standards of the Bible.

[@REDLightMinistries]

If the Pastor or the Christian Rapper are doing it for their Fame and Glory than they are the same. Plenty of fake Pastors pretending to be perfect when the only perfect person was our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All Christians need to be held to the same standard, if you simply talk the talk and don’t walk the walk you may just be a hypocrite not a believer of Jesus Christ.

[@jesuszuniga2397]

Rappers and Protestant Pastors possess the same amount of authority.. None

[@bobjoe1849]

Really, who cares about the alternative hard rock band Skillet got some of the same drama for performing in secular places. Yet they managed to open the minds of some people to the Gospel through their music.

[@seekdilight]

Pastors no, but they are teachers, no? I think Ruslan has a faulty premise (that those without a local pastor are looking to rappers to fill that void)... What about those that attend a local church but still see these Christian "celebrities" as teachers of sorts.. that's the issue I see. Christian celebrities in the culture (KZbinrs, musicians, influencers etc..) sometimes have more influence than the local pastor, especially for social media-driven youth. So while I agree they shouldn't be seen as pastors, that doesn't change the fact that they are being seen as teachers by some. If we are told to be mindful of our behavior because of how it may impact weaker believers just in everyday living, how much more mindful should christian rappers/influencers be of their words+actions given how big their audience is?

[@nikw1611]

As much as I respect the work they do with the praise and worship, my answer is No they have their standards separately , pastors are pastors for a reason and chosen to be they bring depth into understanding of God’s word, pastors are chosen to hold the authority not musicians. Musicians have a different standard of praise and worship a spiritual , uplifting understanding to praise God. Two different standards. They are NOT one and the same.

[@lajuanjohnsonbtc9634]

Held to the same standard ,NO. Pastors do so much more than teach and have a biblical list of qualifications they must meet. Should rappers be checked to see if they are promoting false doctrine or poor theology? Yes, I also think every Christian should be checked for these things

[@NathanRich-v8v]

I may be missing something I haven’t been following the issue so I’m sorry if I’m making a mistake but it doesn’t seem like they’re saying that u either have to be a secret Christian or you have to be a pastor To me it seems more like they’re saying, just don’t make theological conclusions or judgments in your song talking about God, but also trying not to claim a teaching or authoritative role like a pastor For example Neal McDonough isn’t just a catholic actor. He does roles for secular movies. But he’s also bold in his Catholic faith. He’s not making theological statement or making claims about God in his work but he is still not a secret Christian. I think there is a reasonable middle ground

[@incorruptibleword4513]

Being called Christian means nothing. Obeying messiah is what it means to be a believer in the sight of God

[@irondiver2034]

First we should all strive to be better Christians, in that we bring the light into the world. Then the question is are you a Christian that happens to be an artist. Or are you specifically a Christian artist. One is a ministry the other is not. I don’t mind listening to secular music that is wholesome with good lyrics and melodies. But I separate that from worship music. I have been a church’s where the worship leader or soloist will some song that has vague references to Jesus or God, that’s not worship music. It might be a wonderful song and praise God for talent of the individual, but those songs are better for a concert or a performance elsewhere. Again are you in ministry or not, intent matters. But as I have stated all of us should strive to be the best representatives of what Christ has done in our lives.

[@BarsAndBeatsEntertainment]

mann at most it could be related to a worship leader and even than it's not accurate

[@DsCompilations]

But I thought you said it's ideal to make music that reverences God

[@kylekemper4217]

There’s a sentiment here that you’re blinded to that I think is correct. Idk how to put it into words.

[@Mrjlw1994]

COOK!!! 6:18 - 6:34

[@shanewilson2484]

What standards do Pastors uphold?

[@aerogers4117]

1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9

[@KamiSlayer86]

True

[@kylekemper4217]

I think you’re ranting against and arguing with a shadow that isn’t what is behind this desire.

[@DidymusBenYahweh]

Most of these same Christians probably don’t read their Bibles and have no clue what a Pastor is smh! There is no such thing as a Worship Pastor biblically. Bottom line, if you don’t like the music, don’t listen to it. Also, stop glorifying these artists and idolizing them.

[@iamrebeccaanne]

IMO there are way too many Christian Rappers and Content Creators are too easily swayed by the money 💴 and not focused on the message so it is watered down and then there is no message except they got a bunch of Christians to bop to their song or like their video but their heart is focused on the wrong things. Being in the public eye and getting the attention and fame is more or becomes more important to them - then we no longer hear or see Jesus just a person who wants views likes and revenue then see God doing a work in someone because their message was anointed with the truth of the Holy Spirit

[@CarloGarza-s7c]

They have the same or in some cases probably more influence than pastors. Sooo I would say YES! 🤷🏽‍♂️🙏🏼

[@christianserna9528]

Nope....