Steve Swanson: "Church, It's Time to Say Something!"

From the Desks of Steve Shultz and Julie A. Smith:

We have sure enjoyed featuring Worship Leader Steve Swanson during our Elijah List conferences and tours over the years. He is one who knows how to release the anointing and power of the Lord through his worship.

Steve Swanson recently sent in this word, and it is definitely a greatly needed word for the Body of Christ in this hour as he says:

So what's missing now? The voice of the Church! I don't want to sound critical, but this is Papa Steve saying, "It's time to say something!" Through the history of the US, music has reflected the voice of the generation in response to political decisions that impact our nation—for good and for bad.

Yes, music can shift the atmospheres and the culture...we've seen this before in decades past.

Take this word to heart and know that it is high time for the Church to speak up and say something in this hour. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

In Christ,

Steve Shultz and Julie A. Smith, Co-Editors
Elijah List Publications

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In 2019, I had the privilege of speaking at the Elijah List conference "What is God saying for 2019?"

Now, for me, this was a daunting task at best, and my nerves began to try to take over my thoughts. But I thought to myself, "Self, just do what you know. Just talk about worship and what God is telling you about the progression of where worship music is going." Again, a monumental task. I have been around for a long time and seen movements come and go, but there seemed to be a shift happening in the spirit, and we are realizing that now.

Church, It's Time to Say Something!

Now that was before everything changed in our world. Then we had riots, rumors of war, media opinions, etc. But one thing that remains a constant is that music reflects the times. If you think about it, the songs of the late '60s and early '70s were very much declaring a statement or rebuttal to what was happening in the political environment.

So what's missing now? The voice of the Church! I don't want to sound critical, but this is Papa Steve saying, "It's time to say something!" Through the history of the US, music has reflected the voice of the generation in response to political decisions that impact our nation—for good and for bad. (Photo via Unsplash)

This is the season for the Church to proclaim with its voice the message of peace, love, and hope for all the people. However, it may take on the voice of tough love, which is what we need in this nation. Yes, we are to glorify God! Yes, we are to lift His name up over the nations. Yes, we are to encounter Him in an intimate way. And, yes, we are to be changed by His presence in our lives. But this is the time to proclaim loudly, "There is only one God, and He is the answer for the world we live in!"

Let's start writing songs about His authority. Let's start writing songs about His rule and reign over all the earth! And probably most of all for this season, let us write songs that deal with the sin and corruption in our nation and the earth.

A Rising Counter Culture

There is a counter culture that is rising, and it's particularly attractive to our young people who are looking for answers. I'm not going to acknowledge it, but you know what I'm saying... Young people are confused and looking for answers, unsure of who they really are—whether they belong or not.

Releasing a Sound That Will Captivate This Generation

Several years ago, I spoke about the sound of a generation that would captivate the masses. If you look at how music evolves, what usually happens is eventually all the songs start sounding the same, until there is a breakthrough sound that transcends all other songs. It's a cycle. For instance, in the '50s, there was the sound of doo-wop; almost every song had that influence. Then, suddenly, the Beatles came along and transformed a generation.

If you look at music history, most of the songs are a reflection of the times the composer is living in. So given this knowledge, it is now the Church's time to release the sound of the times, the righteous culture that stands for truth and righteousness—not from a religious point of view, but a grassroots, down-to-earth reality that this generation can relate to. (Photo via Wallpaper Flare)

The airways are ripe. Everybody's searching for the next sound. I can hear part of it in a couple of country songs that are out right now. There is an uprising with the songwriters that will be heard. For instance, "Try That in a Small Town" by Jason Aldean is a declaration of unity and small town values. (By the way, they are trying to cancel this song. Hallelujah! Bullseye!) "Earth to God" by John Rich is a prayer from the earth to God, recognizing what a mess we are in. These songs are busting the charts!

Christian Songwriters, the Influence of Heaven Is Backing You!

Hello, Christian songwriters! It's time to say something and bring the message. Don't be worried about who you may offend. If they are offended, then they probably need to be. Don't get locked in to sanctuary songs, which are wonderful—but there is an opportunity, just like in the '60s, to shift a whole culture and move a holy nation to be born in a day!

The influence of Heaven is backing you up! So step out from the boat and walk on water. If we don't risk it, we won't reap the reward!

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Steve Swanson
Friends of the Bridegroom Worship Ministries
Email: steveswansonworship@gmail.com
Website: fobworshipmin.org

Steve Swanson is a favorite worship leader of many international ministries, and has been leading people in worship and praise throughout the world for many years. Steve brings expressive, powerful, anointing for encounter in worship, blended with intercession and prophecy, which creates an atmosphere of breakthrough and open heavens. His unique gifting and passion allow worshipers to experience freedom, joy, revelation and intimacy with the Lord. Steve has released over 40 worship CDs, and continues to record and produce cutting-edge worship projects. Steve and his wife Lisa oversee Friends of the Bridegroom Worship Ministries, and Art Mobile ministries dedicated to the release of creativity in worship, arts and healing.

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