Shaun Groves
So much easier than typing right now. Not much shorter for you. Sorry…
Isn’t It Hypocritical To Make A Record? from Shaun Groves on Vimeo.
That link again: bit.ly/MakeARecord
68 comments on “Isn’t It Hypocritical To Make A Record?”
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Sarah says:
Watched the whole thing. Well thought out answer to a legitimate question. I happen to think your sphere of influence has the potential to grow exponentially with this new project. This is a message the church needs to hear, and maybe they need to hear it from you.
Angie says:
Sarah just said more succinctly everything we wanted to say. May God bless your project and ministries. We know you’re serving Him, not yourself, so it’s gonna be great!
JessicaB says:
I like the broken handed gesturing for emphasis. : )
Lindsay says:
It was just really, really good to hear your voice. 🙂 There’s something wonderful about hearing you, instead of just reading you.
Thank you for specifying the goals of this record…i can now be more specific in my prayers for the record.
Thank you, also, for giving us the opportunity to participate in reaching these goals. I feel blessed to be “co-laboring” with you and your family.
Shaun Groves says:
Ugh, I hate my voice. But thanks for listening and for praying.
Angie says:
Although, honestly, the hair was a bit distracting, ha!!! That is a cool mohawk…
Christine says:
I have to disagree with one point… There may be many others making records but the world DOES NEED YOU making music because yours comes from a heart that reflects His own, passionate about the ‘least of these’. And that is rare.
Amy D. says:
🙂 Great answers to great questions. It was like listening to my favorite uncle talk.
I did duck the first time your hand came up. I thought it was coming for me.
jen says:
Thank you for sharing your answers to the hard questions with all of us.
Just my opinion, but I think the world *does* need music that is going to do what you said – take this conversation a step further. Music is so often a cultural leader.
The broken handed gesturing made me think that you never mentioned what the doc said at your appointment – surgery? Long healing time? Short? Or did you post it, and I just missed it?
Jenna B. says:
Thank you for this. Praying for you.
Tim Whitman says:
Shaun,
Normally I’m the first one to do a second take at anyones request to fund something that could be viewed as for their own benefit.
But as an encouragement. Since July ’01 I’ve listened to your music. It’s help me get through some hard times.
I also had the chance to learn from you during the ikon days at TPC, went with the group one night after when you took a bunch of college kids to be a choir on your White Flag album. Why does this matter? Because that’s something I’ll never forget. During a time when I felt worthless and not accepted I got to go be a part of that album. You didn’t think so highly of yourself and what you do to be separate from all the non “rockstars” and I thank you for that. It was and is still a huge deal in my life. I’m excited for this album to be complete. Not just for my own listening, but because of what you said in your response video. I appreciate you being legit in ministry and thank you again for doing so.
Shaun Groves says:
I miss teaching Ikon! Great hear from you, Tim.
And you guys were a great choir. Maybe a reunion is in order for this record…
Linda says:
Winsome, wise, and tactful.
I think a new record will really build momentum and be a channel for your Compassion work to come. I’m thankful that your godly friends have helped you to see that.
I appreciate your always striving for integrity in all you do. Full disclosure and honest answers.
I’m an unemployed high school teacher right now, but 2 things I promise to do once I get a job: Sponsor a child and donate towards your record.
Melody Joy King says:
Having never met you in person, I have to say the normalcy of your voice made you seem less “rockstar” like and easier to relate to, so don’t hate it too much. 😉 I think your message was worded well and delivered with heartfelt honesty. I have no doubt that God has big plans for this record and will accomplish much in lives all over the world through it! I am very much looking forward to hearing it myself. I loved the record the song “Welcome Home” is on and still enjoy it. Many blessings to you and yours. 🙂
Krissy says:
Great answer to a good question. What is a “far left theologian”?
Shaun Groves says:
Without naming names…
I’d put liberation theology into that category, for instance. These theologians are to be applauded for understanding the gospel of Jesus has right-now implications for the rich and poor, for the oppressed and sick and orphaned etc. But they have often reduced Jesus to a humanitarian who isn’t all that concerned with my soul and eternity. Some even argue there is no hell. Others denounce the atonement and advocate universalism.
As I understand the bible, God is concerned with body and soul, right now and forever: the kingdom is already here and not yet fully arrived.
So a guy who reduces the gospel to the right-now and the physical and questions orthodox central beliefs like the identity of Jesus and his work on the cross is far to the left of where I’m coming from.
Cool?
Sara McNutt says:
This is a great definition. This movement has caused me no lack of anxiety and frustration because of the number of people leaving orthodox Christianity to embrace it. But it’s not new and God’s power and glory and truth are not reduced by it. MY justice complex however, wants to name names. 🙂
Krissy says:
Thanks for the explanation. I guess what confuses me is when terms like “far left” are used in talking about theology, since my mind always goes to politics when I hear that. And I know that liberation theology has played its part in politics… But now I know what you meant, so thanks a lot of clarifying.
Katie says:
Shaun-
It hurts my heart to hear you say the world doesn’t need more of your music. I don’t think that’s true! God has given you a gift . . . use it.
Artistic expression from your soul to the Lord is always a worthy cause. So, from one songwriter to another – Sing to the Lord!!
-Katie
Shaun Groves says:
I appreciate the kind words but…
When I started it was me and Steven Curtis and Chris Rice filling the role of guy with guitar on the radio. Everyone else was a girl or a band. Then came Jeremy Camp and Matthew West and Tomlin and…there are plenty of very talented guys with guitars. Sure, I’m not an exact replica of any of them but the world hasn’t been hurting for guys with guitars!
But, again, thanks. It’s nice to be wanted even if I’m not needed ; )
Lindsay says:
I, for one, miss the days when Shaun and the first Chris played on the radio. 🙂
Jackalynn says:
tut tut you play the piano too!! Remember welcome home? piano hello you’re more than just a guitar man.
Brandon says:
Random Question Shaun. What type of camera do you for pics and video? The quality is impressive!
If you are able to reply, it is much appreciated.
Shaun Groves says:
I’m using a Nikon D-7000. Saved up over a year of per diem for that and it’s been well worth it.
I got it originally because I was having to choose between lugging a DSLR or video camera around on ,a href=”http://compassionbloggers.com”>overseas blogging trips. Now that my hand’s busted it’s going to be even more useful for blogging at home…since typing even this short comment is taking me a while. ; )
Megan @ Faith Like Mustard says:
For the record (no pun intended), I never thought of it as hypocritical. It is your platform that is used to a) draw people to Him b) get people to become Compassion sponsors. So you have to spend a little money…big deal. You have gotten over 15,000 sponsors for Compassion over the years. That’s almost $700,000 PER YEAR in sponsorship dollars!! Strictly on mathematical terms, I’d say $21,000 for a record is a pretty good investment deal.
Shaun Groves says:
Huh. I’ve never done the math before.
15,000 sponsors generously giving $38 every month is $6,840,000 given per year. That’s if they’re all still sponsoring right now…and that’s not likely. But still.
Wow.
rebecca in etx says:
Hey Shaun, sorry to interrupt your reply here, but your statement ‘and that’s not likely.’ hit me hard. Do you have any idea, or percentage, of how many people sign up to sponsor and then don’t continue? for even one year?
that makes me sad, very sad
thanks
rebecca
Shaun Groves says:
I don’t have those numbers. But it’s realistic to assume not every sponsor will be able to continue sponsoring their child until they graduate from the program.
Megan @ Faith Like Mustard says:
Okay…so I left off a zero which just further reinforces my point! 😉
Danielle says:
Rebecca, this was posted in the comment section on one of Compassion’s blog posts last year:
Here is the average length of sponsorship per country, in days-
Bangladesh – 294
Bolivia – 997
Brazil – 875
Burkina Faso – 318
Colombia – 873
Dominican Republic – 1,003
East India – 486
East Indonesia – 304
Ecuador – 988
El Salvador – 737
Ethiopia – 963
Ghana – 239
Guatemala – 820
Haiti – 1,117
Honduras – 663
India – 932
Indonesia – 893
Kenya – 1,154
Mexico – 710
Nicaragua – 384
Peru – 914
Philippines – 1,035
Rwanda – 1,070
Tanzania – 520
Thailand – 1,024
Uganda – 1,116
Courtesy of Compassion International: http://blog.compassion.com/where-do-you-sponsor-a-child/#ixzz17Avvz5Si
Thomas says:
It is sad to see the length of those sponsorship numbers. I know there are many factors that determine how long a child is sponsored, but I thought the length would have been longer.
I willing to bet those numbers would be better if the sponsors wrote more letters to the children they sponsor. The more I write the child I sponsor the more he write me.
After two years of writing about once a month to the child I sponsor he is beginning to open up and write about his friends, family and everyday life. Over the last few letters he wrote about his favorite color, his favorite vegetable, and even told me that his friend said hi and asked if I could pray for his friend and his family.
And Shaun, I know you being the soft rock star that you need to have a hip cool hair cut, but it scared me to see it for the first time when I first saw this post. I will admit that it does make you look younger though.
Thomas
Nikki says:
It is sad to note that so many sponsorships are so short…one thing to remember though, is that sometimes the sponsorships end when the children leave the program. That has happened to us a couple times. 🙁
JessicaB says:
I was thinking about this sponsorship math again. And really, you just don’t know how far reaching your affect into people’s lives and hearts might be going. The number might actually be much larger than this.
For example, you came to my church nearly a year and a half ago. Yes, I sponsored one child that day But since then, I’ve sponsored two more (yes, another one this week!) and I finally have my first correspondence child, too.
But your records will only count me as one And, from a lot of the other sponsors I’ve met online this year, I’ve learned there’s an epidemic level of sponsoritis that runs pretty deep through the group. Some times it takes while to take hold. It took me over a year to contract the disease. But now I’ve got it bad. And there is no cure, the only alternative is to feed the letter writing beast!
My point is, you very well may have helped many more children than your realize find sponsors. My Shila in India, and Kakra in Ghana have you to thank for introducing me to my Columbian Ana. And you came to my intimidating little traditional church on the very brink of your great depression.
So, I reckon the point I’m dancing around is, “Be encouraged!”.
(I hate when people say that. It’s so weird.)
But be it anyway! Cause God is using you. Even when you’re not feeling it.
So there.
JessicaB says:
I was also very impressed with your math skillz, Megan!
shayne says:
Well done. Well spoken.
You’ve already received tons of encouragement here but I’ll add my 2 pennies to the conversation as well.
As a songwriter you are well aware that certain audiences for certain songs. Some are meant for the nations, and some are just for you and God.
Same goes for performers. I believe that everyone in the world needs to hear this message, no doubt. But I also believe that there are certain people out there that for some reason, the Lord will use your voice, your song, to pierce their darkness. You will reach where Third Day or Casting Crowns or Smitty have not been able to. So friend (may I call you that even though we only know each other via this blog?) open your mouth and sing.
Sorry for hijacking your comments section.
Pete Wilson says:
Well said Shaun!!
Shawna says:
What is all of the fuss here? Who thinks you are a hippie critic??
Shaun, I have never heard you criticize hippies.
Matter of face, you champion the shoe-less, home-less Jesus loving crowd, we should all approach the cross as shoe-less, home-less children on our face! We should also share a need when we have a need and give when we have something to give!
I am with you brother! 😉
Now, go make that music because it is just another tool to use for the children!
Adam says:
Very well handled. I am recovering from an over rationalized brain that often thinks if it doesn’t make sense to me, it must not be of God. The beauty of how God moves in ones life is that we are often called to do things that don’t always seem to make much sense. Taking 5 years off in order to raise funds for others and then asking for money to make an album may not seem to make sense…but if God is opening that door, we can approach with caution, but when we see it is His plan…we must run through it.
Karina says:
My thoughts:
When you talked about the Kingdom being expanded I immediately thought of the parable of the talents. Each servant was given a certain amount of ‘talents’ to be used while the Master was away to expand/increase the kingdom. The amount they were given was variable but the expectation of what they were to do with it was not.
In light of that I really think it’s counterproductive for you to say that you are less talented than other musicians or that the world doesn’t need more music. You were given what you were given to make the most of it.
Secondly (by way of encouragement), I’d like to point out, because it’s fresh in my mind from my Bible study this week, God rarely uses the most talented, strongest, best looking, most together people to accomplish His biggest works. He uses the weak, the old, the young, the smallest, the timid, the tongue-tied, the sinful, people with hang ups and thorns. Because His power is made perfect in weakness. And when the weak accomplish much for the Kingdom God gets all the glory because everyone knows that the weak didn’t do it without God.
I’m glad for you to be back in the studio, because I think we’re about to see God work, BIG! And it only took you 5 years to come to it. It’s taken me 20!
Marla Taviano says:
Thanks for sharing that, Shaun. I love what you’re doing (Compassion, music, bringing the justice discussion to the conservative right), and I’m totally behind you. I can’t give right now, but I can pray and I will.
Jeanna Baker says:
Shaun,
It may seem like it isnt needed in your eyes, but there are things your eyes do not see. It has been almost nine years since, in a state of sin, depression, and poverty both financially and spiritually, I splurged on your CD “Invitation to Eavesdrop”. Your music, as well as others, spurred me to reconnect with someone who had every right to hate me forever. We married that year, two messed up souls hoping we could love eachother forever. Eight years, three kids, and countless fights later, my husband and I have both asked God into our hearts and are looking at what we might do in our future walk with him. My husband is going to go back to school when he returns from this deployment so he can learn french fluently! “Why?”, is the question our family asks, although the answer I give only confuses them more. My husband and I understand it and that is all we need. The why is because when my husband retires he wants/needs to do missions in the french speaking countries of northern Africa. More amazingly is that this year, on the very day that I emailed my husband to tell him I had decided to go to school to major in Practical Theology and minor in Human Services, he emails me to say that he has asked God in his heart. So, please, don’t say the world doesn’t need your music. Don’t put God in that box. I am one person who made a heart wrenching decision nine years ago to reach out based on what I felt from your music. Now there are two more people choosing to walk the path God is laying out for us. The world needs God to work through your music! I may not be able to financially support this endeavor, but if you are recording in Nashville and would allow me, I would love to volunteer my time. Although I am not musically inclined, I am real good at those sorry jobs no one else wants to do, six years in the military gave me that much. 🙂
Shaun Groves says:
You’ve given me something worth so much more than money, Jeanna. Thank you.
CardsFan says:
I appreciate your candor and grace in addressing the question. I don’t believe anyone expressing their gifts and calling in an effort to bring glory to God, make him known, and follow Him in truth can really be considered a hypocrite.
Yesterday, I had a couple of hours in the airport waiting for a flight. I listened to I2E and White Flag and thought about how much I would be looking forward to a new album/CD/whatever the kids are calling it these days! Can’t wait.
Last thought – please don’t beat anyone with that club on the end of your arm!!
Sarah says:
So I’ve still been thinking about this, and wanted to add another thought…
here’s the thing: as much as we would want to ignore it, there’s still a part of Compassion that is (by necessity) very much a business. And there’s still a part of your music ministry that is very much a business.
As much as people want to have you come & share & do concerts, you almost HAVE to come out with new music to stay relevant & sought after (from a music business point of view). People won’t want to book even a free concert if no one’s ever heard of the person, you know?
So the way I see it, if you want to continue doing what you’ve been doing at the rate/impact you’ve been doing it, you almost NEED to make a new record.
It’s being a wise steward of your time, talents, resources… and business. And Compassion’s as well.
Shaun Groves says:
Agreed. Very very true.
JavaJoy says:
when I first started reading this blog a couple of years ago, I had heard you say something to the effect that teaching was more important to you than making music. I was saddened to hear that, because your music, more than any other artist, inspires me to grow in my faith. Now that I am a regular reader of this blog, I find the same inspiration in your writing AND I greatly appreciate all of your reader’s comments also, because they remind me that I am part of the body of Christ, which is especially welcome when I feel like I’m drowning in a sea of secular attitudes. So I am thrilled about the new music and the larger audience that it will bring!
Tanya Robinson says:
My question is this….what products does it take to make your hair do that? 🙂
Can’t wait for the new album!
Beth says:
Being one who also remembers the “first Chris” and you being played on the radio much more often, I too think it’s time for a new record. Not because I want to hear more of you on the radio, but because you NEED to be heard more by others who haven’t heard from you on the radio in a long time (or not at all). The message God has given you to deliver is not unique, but it’s uniquely done. It’s important and it’s life-changing for thousands. My family has been far more blessed by our sponsorship of our three kids than the three kids have been.
I also think this record needs to be made because people who do know your music need more great music with which to help deliver your message. You’ve been to my city 3 times in the last 6 years. All three times have been great. I want to bring you back for a 4th visit, but the lack of “new material” makes that tough according to your booking manager. There are people here who still need to hear the message you’re delivering and who still need to be blessed by the sponsorship of a Compassion Child. They also need more great music.
Beth
Jackalynn says:
Hey Beth I entirely agree with you. I also think that when Shaun finally does release his new album we should take it on ourselves to write, email, text, demand, and even “threaten” Christian radio stations to play Shaun’s new music.
Why do I say “threaten”? I don’t mean it in a mean way I mean we simply mention that if they don’t play said music we take our business else where is what I mean by “threaten”.
And why even should we “threaten”? For the simple reason that I can remember once reading on Shlog that Shaun himself went and had lunch with a big wig of one of the top Christan radio chains in the US ah I believe it was called The Fish. It was back when Shaun first released “White Flag” and I believe the guy was the President of the company. The Prez turned him down flat saying something to the effect that the people tuning in were not intelligent enough to understand Shaun’s music. Shaun ended up paying for lunch and getting turned down in the process. Thus I say “threaten” as a matter of fact after that I stopped listening to that radio station and took my business over to another Christian radio station. So people if we’re really going to support this and get this record done we’re gonna have to storm the radio station gates and not take no for an answer even if it means buying the sorry people a copy of the CD!
keith says:
1. I need new music.
2. You’re a great artist. I don’t listen to the radio anymore, but I still listen to “Twilight.” It’s better. You’re better. Looking forward to the new record.
Kelli says:
I’m just now listening to this. Such a great answer. One of the things I appreciate most about your blogging, or vlogging, is your willingness to openly and gracefully answer questions or concerns people have. It’s very genuine and a great challenge for all of us.
As for making a new reccord, the Lord has been working on my heart a lot in the last year and a half as I’ve grappled with what I should be doing with the gifts and talents that He’s given me. So often I fear that by pursuing them I am somehow being selfish. I love to write. I love to sing. I’m pretty good at both of those things. And yet…I have a family and small children and sometimes it feels very selfish to pursue those things that I love. However, what I’ve learned is that God honors a humble heart who is seeking to bring Him glory. And from the very bottom of my heart, I long to honor God. I want to bring Him glory through my writing, through song, as a mother and as a wife. Whether my platform is large or small doesn’t matter as long as I bring Him glory.
Your music and your heart for making music are very God honoring. And I can’t see anything hypocritical in that. I am praying that God continues to widen your sphere of influence to His glory through this record. Thanks for sharing. Sorry for the sermonette. 🙂
oh amanda says:
Finally sat down to watch this video and (didn’t read the comments so I may be repeating…) I SO think an album is necessary! If you can make an album that attracts 1000s of people and even makes 10s of 1000s of dollars, then you ARE doing more for kids. The 21,000 that we raise will be a tiny seed to do more than ever! Isn’t that what God said? 30, 60 or 100x? Well, maybe it wasn’t in regards to records, per se. But I think the idea is the same! With your heart and desires, God will use it! And the more you keep your self out there, the more you will attract others!
Love it! Praying for you and the album!
Thomas Dalke says:
No Shaun I don’t think it’s hypocritical of you to make a record or to ask people to sponser your project. Given your generoisty with sharing your music so freely on your blog. I think it might be hypocritical to question your doing so in light of what I’ve seen and heard and been blessed by so far on your blog. For you yourself know your own heart and motives and if your conscience is clear than brother go forward in faith and make some glorious rocking or if you like mello music! And may God be glorifed; the church edified, and people everywhere be blessed by it all.