Music has always been a big influence in the lives of young people. Elvis, the Beatles, U2 and others have left a mark on their generations. Unfortunately that influence has not always been positive. As parents we need to constantly monitor what is going into our children's minds and souls. The music that they listen to is something that we need to take a very close look at. What's on your son's iPod? What are they downloading on the computer?

Christian radio is a great way to introduce your children and teens to music with a message that will help to build them up in their faith. The quality of Christian music and the talent on Christian radio rivals or exceeds many non Christian stations. Christian music has grown from Southern Gospel quartets and Christian folk music to include Christian Hip Hop, Christian Rock, Christian Punk, Christian Latino, etc. Whatever style of music that your teens are listening to, Christian radio plays it.

The difference between Christian radio and secular radio is not the sound. The difference is found in the lyrics and usually the lifestyle of the groups singing the songs. This is important to understand. It may all sound the same to you, and the people singing the music may look somewhat similar, but what they are singing about is worlds apart. The difference is the message.

Christian rap sounds like rap music, Christian rock sounds like rock music, Christian punk music sounds like punk music. The difference is in the lyrics. A listener related this story to me. She was traveling in her car with her teenage daughter on a Saturday night. The radio was tuned into our Christian radio station which plays Southern Gospel music in the morning. However, our programming on Saturday night is geared to teens and is a mix of Christian Rock and Christian Rap music. As they drove down the highway the daughter was enjoying the music and couldn't believe that her mom was listening to rap music, "her music". After several miles the daughter asked what station it was and was surprised to find out it was her mom's Christian radio station. The daughter now listens regularly. Not only is she being fed spiritually on the Word that is the lyrics but the ministry between the songs provides positive reinforcement to what she is learning at home and in her youth group.

This story illustrates an important point: many of our kids listen to secular music by default. They don't know that there is a Christian alternative. They don't know that they can listen to the same sound but hear a different message. As parents we can point them to the Christian music alternative to what they are listening to. By doing this we can ensure that the music they are listening to lines up with our Christian values and not the worldly values found in secular music.

How to Find Christian Music Your Kids Will Listen To

If you are having a difficult time finding Christian music that your teens and children might enjoy listening to,or don't know where to start your search, look in the local telephone book for a Christian radio station. They should be able to help you find what you are looking for. You could also visit your local Christian book store. They usually sell a variety of music and will be able to help you. Another good resource is the internet.

A key point to remember is that the music will sound similar to what you kids are already listening to. So if you don't like the sound of what they are listening to now, you probably won't like to sound of the Christian music alternative. Look past the sound to the message and rejoice that your kids are using ear buds!