Christian Radio - My companion
When I listen to Christian radio it soothes my soul, helps me through a tough day, picks me up, offers encouraging words when I’m down, and keeps my mind on things above and away from the distractions of the world.
Christian radio comes in various forms. There is contemporary, which plays Top 40-style spiritual music, such as Third Day, Newsboys, Point of Grace, FFH, Katinas, just to name a few. They also do play a mix of classic contemporary, gospel and praise and worship music. The best word to describe this would be “variety.” They also have DJ personalities, national and local news, traffic reports, weather updates, and events announcements, much like a secular station would. This style of Christian radio also has different programming, such as a Top 20 countdown, lunch time classics, nigh time rock jams, request time, and preaching and teaching which can last from thirty seconds to thirty minutes.
Conservative or traditional Christian radio is another form. These stations would play mainly gospel music like the Gaithers and other gospel groups, and maybe some low key worship music, but mostly gospel. Their DJs are usually very dry and monotone; they are there to inform, not to entertain. Conservative Christian radio has a lot of preaching and teaching programming like Tony Evans and James Dobson among others covering things from building up the body of Christ, parenting, marriage and finances. This type of station is not for mere entertainment, it is for spreading the Gospel and edifying the church.
Another type of Christian radio is praise and worship which is a blend of contemporary and traditional. They don’t play Top 40 or traditional, just praise and worship music. The artists heard on these stations could be Daryl Evans, Anthony Skinner, the David Crowder Band, Rita Springer, and Chris Tomlin. There is also preaching and teaching programs on these stations. Much like the conservative style, praise and worship stations are not for entertainment but to glorify God, educate his people, and spread the gospel.
When I work alone, Christian radio is my companion. I can worship and learn while I am working and can often feel God’s presence, which is a great comfort and gets me through a tough day. If I am not working alone, those around me are exposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and they know where I stand.
I prefer contemporary or praise and worship Christian radio over conservative or traditional stations, but you can decide which you prefer.