My story this week about Rocketown's booking what might be considered "satanic" bands has caused more than a little discussion about when ministries cross the lines to reach out to kids.
I've been to Rocketown, and it really is a fantastic facility; but I also understand why people question the whole "we're a Christian ministry but we book satanic bands to reach out to kids" mentality.
I got an email today from Nashville writer Tracy Moore, who wrote a great story about Rocketown for Nashville Scene in 2007.
In the article, Moore offers a glimpse into why Rocketown books shows like the upcoming Black Dahlia Murder, Toxic Holocaust, Skeletonwitch, and Trap Them show:
"Christian bands are not going to bring the kids we want to minister to," says Ben Cissell, pastor at Rocketown and former drummer for Audio Adrenaline, in the 2007 article. "We're called to do shows and minister to kids that churches can't reach ... We bring in those bands so we can show these kids what Rocketown is, show them our programs, and build relationships with these kids. So sometimes we cross that boundary."
In her email, Moore told me that at first she too questioned the whole Christian club booking mainstream bands.
"But spending time there with Cissell and the kids there," she wrote, "I realized that not only is it an overwhelmingly decent place, that it makes sense to reach out to kids on their terms, in their world, with the challenges they really face. Anything else is going to be a kind of antiseptic facsimile. I saw them really try to engage kids about the actual world those kids know. And they pretty much use those shows as teaching moments and mentoring moments."
She agrees that there's a point where you can cross the line, but talking about Rocketown, she adds, "I think they do a pretty good job hovering right where they should."
If you've never been to Rocketown, Moore's article, while a few years old, will give you a very good sense of what a night at the club might be like. You can judge for yourself whether or not Rocketown's ministry allows them to reach out to kids who might slip through the cracks otherwise.
There are not right or wrong answers on this. I do think, though, that it's worth discussing, buy not to criticize. It's important that we pray for ministries where God may not have called us, but also hold each other accountable. Discussing issues like this helps us keep (or adjust) our perspective.
RELATED POSTS:
Rocketown's Black Dahlia Murder Show: give me your recaps of the show!
The Rocketown controversy gets spotlight by News 2 in Nashville
Christian club Rocketown plays host to night of 'satanic' rock
Rocketown and secular bands: some thoughts from the other side of the issue
VIDEO: Rocketown's 2009 fundraising campaign
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Keith - I watched the video link that you posted, and after watching it would like to commend you on making an effort to research the bands your children are listening to. Was your son wanting to go to the concert at Rocketown to see a band he already listens to? Or was he simply trying to find something to do on a Tuesday night? If he is already listening to the music then I think the concert itself should not be your concern.
In regards to your question, "Does Rocketown need to have more accountability on the acts they bring in?", I would say no. That is the job of parents. Rocketown is not affiliated with any denomination or Church. Rocketown does not claim to be a "Christian Music Venue" (which I think would imply Christian-only bands), but simply "shares Christ’s love with youth through creative programs and mentoring relationships" http://rocketown.com/about. They are there to LOVE these people... these kids... no mater what band they are in or listen to.
Some of the shows at Rocketown may be too much for you or your family, but Rocketown provides a drug/alcohol free, supervised, and safe place for those who want to see the music. I don't know if you actually understand the value here. This is something that I wish I had as a kid... and would have helped me and many of my friends tremendously. It may seem a little "rough" or be "pushing the boundaries" to some Christians who have not experienced life outside the Church, but that is not who I think Rocketown is trying to help. Rocketown is helping those who never would step foot in a Church, who don't subscribe to religion, who don't believe in God, who have never read the Bible... and that is a lot of people; the people "of the world" that Christians are called to love. They need help too... someone to talk to, someone to listen, and someone to love them.
And you know what - they are serving many people who love God, who attend church, who believe in Allah, who believe in nothing... They are not excluding anyone. If Rocketown was a venue that played only "Christian" music then it would never succeed... even in the Christian Music Capital of the world. The Church does not want to touch these "satanic" bands or kids with a 10ft pole; just perhaps with a loud speaker or maybe some hateful "you are going to hell" comments. And so I think Rocketown is doing something great here.
I didn't mean for this to go so long. Sorry! Just my thoughts...
Hi Robert, thanks for your well thought out post. I can see your point, but I still believe Rocketown is in error bringing in hard core anti-christian satanic based bands to their venue. Its my opinion, and Im sticking to it. So, how does Rocketown share the love of christ while condoning the message of these bands? By being nice?
Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one (KJV)
.. notice the words? .. "NOT ONE" (Gal 3:3)
You can argue ministry principles with the Lord if you like, but one does have to wonder just what you are winning kids too, that really counts. Either you believe in righteous (clean) methods of truth or they are denied. It is an indisputable fact that Jesus was always careful to instruct his disciples in such matters. To otherwise ignore His guidelines for ministry methods (and that would include any form of outreach defined under the heading of reaching people) is to be in dire need of mending the nets. I hope you reconsider. Please realize, the aspirations of men and the inspirations of the Holy Spirit are light years apart and when it comes to spiritual need. You may feel you're on the cutting edge of being contemporary but there is nothing new under the sun in terms of carnal nature of man in any age. Therefore, the same need for purity and holiness to be empowered with the anointing of the Lord that breaks every yoke. Jesus was commissioned that way, how can we be different?
Did you go to the show? Give me your recap here:
http://blog.beliefnet.com/gospelsoundcheck/2009/10/rocketowns-black-dahlia-murder.html
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck blog
It is my hope that all of you who are reading this are as passionate about your relationship with Christ as you are about your defense of Rocketown, music, and freedom.
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