Rockers for Christ

In Southeast Missouri, Christianity is king. But most rockers shuns the piety for hard partying and hedonism.

OFF Magazine found that's not always the case. A vibrant community of Christian rock musicians live and play in the area, delivering a spiritual message through song. We took four of them and asked them to open up for a quick interview.

Aaron Picar

Aaron Picar

Age: 24

Hometown: Cape Girardeau

Genre: Acoustic/Folk, Indie

How did you get into playing Christian Music?

A lot of it was that I was pulled into my former youth group's band. I was their roadie, played with them, worked with them on their songs. Then, I just started playing more.

Why did you stop playing with your old band?

It's just me now, because they're living, going to college, so I decided to come out on my own.

Who are your influences?

A lot of people just a few include Bill Cerveny, Bill Mallone, U2, Red Rain, and Radiohead.

How do you feel about secular music?

I enjoy it, I think that there is spiritual music in there that you have to dig for, most people just don't think about it, but if they looked they'd see it.

Why do you play Christian Music?

It is a part of who I am, its how God expresses himself through me, and he let's people see how I'm living through him.

How do you feel about the Christian bands that have become mainstream such as Switchfoot?

I think it's great that many Christian acts are getting mainstream attention. It brings the Gospel to people who wouldn't normally go to church, in ways that are relevant and artistically excellent.

Honestly the best "Christian" band in recent years has been U2. Sure you won't see them winning any Dove awards, but what they've done to bring the African AIDS Crisis, fair trade, social injustices, etc., to the forefront of the cultural awareness has been nothing short of godly. They've taken up causes that the Church has traditionally championed.

You always here the cliché that Christian music has to have the words God or Jesus in every song. How do you feel about that and does your music incorporate that?

There are two things I avoid in my craft: One are clichés the other is Christian-ese. Most listeners don't know what it means to be saved or born again, so if I go on and on and on about that sorta stuff, I'll likely lose my listeners.

When I began songwriting I asked my good friend and favorite musician Billy Cerveny how do I do this as a Christian. What he told me, I've always followed, "Seek God and write what comes out. If it's a praise song, that's cool. If it's a story song that doesn't mention Jesus, that's cool. It's all about sharing what He has put on your heart to share."

I don't think I've ever mentioned Jesus in a song, but He's there. He has a way of haunting me, of showing up in the darkest and most unexpected of places when I'm not looking for Him. I've begun writing songs with God being the furthest thing from my mind, but by the end He'll show up and bring everything to Him.

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Jeremy Verhines

Jeremy Verhines

Age: 32

Family: A wife and 3 children (lailany 6, Madison 4, Jeremiah 3)

New McKendree United Methodist South Campus Worship Leader

Originally From: Orange County, Calif.

Genre: Alternative, soul and contemporary

How did you get into playing Christian Music?

About 15 years ago, I gave my life to Christ. I had always been into music and one day I decided to pick up a bass guitar. At the time I went to get my guitar the only available teacher was a worship leader.

What made you become a Christian?

I was about 14 years old and at the time, spent most all of my energy skateboarding anytime, anywhere and everywhere. It was just like any other day, I was having a great time skating a session with my cousin Dana Smith and good friend Kurby Pullum in good ole downtown Jackson. If I can remember right it was very late at night and this guy, Butch Gast, came up to us and shared the message of the gospel. We all accepted Christ into our hearts that night

When did you start playing Christian music?

I started playing in 1993, and one year later I started singing. I never knew I could sing before, now I am a solo vocalist.

How do you feel about secular music?

I like it, but it depends. I don't like any secular music that brings you down. I believe that God gives everybody talent to help people, and music that brings a person down is not doing that.

CD currently out: "Coming of A New Day," features Jadon Lavick and by John Wilson of the Orange County Supertone.

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Joe Morrocco

Joe Morrocco

Age: 25

Family: One Little Girl named Isabella about a year old now, wife

Century Methodist Youth Minister

Genre: Emo, alternative folk

How did you get into playing Christian Music?

I've basically been singing my entire life at church. I started playing guitar in high school, then joined some rock bands. I also went to college for vocal performance. Now, I am the youth minister at my church.

Why do you play Christian Music?

I believe that God creates people with purpose and nobody is an accident. We are all created through him with talents, he instilled music through me. I can express what God has done in me, and where I'm at in my life. It is my mode of communication.

How do you feel about secular music?

Some of the secular music out there is pretty good, but I don't like music just done for the radio. Music should be passionate and have meaning.

Who are your influences?

Emery, Jars of Clay, Spoken, Underoath, Thousand Foot Krutch, Coplaid, Mae

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Ryan Corn

Ryan Corn

Age: 22

Hometown: Scott City

Genre: Acoustic/alternative/pop

How did you get into playing Christian Music?

I became Christian at 7. I was always a natural singer, and I learned all the Christian songs from singing along with them. Music is a part of who I am and I love playing for people.

Why do you play Christian music?

The music is just who I am, because it is things that I am. It is the feelings of my life and human experiences with God.

Who are your influences?

John Mayer is my biggest influence the use of his lyrics inspires me to write. I also like Coldplay, but I try not to model anyone's sound.

How do you feel about secular music?

A lot of the music out there is very progressive loaded with inspired lyrics. I don't always like everything; it just depends on who it is and what they are saying.

How do you feel about the Christian bands that have become mainstream such as Switchfoot?

I believe each band must be looked at individually. I've actually been a fan of Switchfoot for quite sometime now, even before their jump to mainstream. The only difference I've noticed is that I now find the Switchfoot CD on a different shelf in Best Buy. It has rightfully been placed in the Rock section where it should've been from the start. I don't believe that their music or message has changed at all. They've simply extended their arms out a bit farther to invite a lost and dying world into something worth living for.

You always here the cliché that Christian music has to have the words God or Jesus in every song. How do you feel about that and does your music incorporate that?

I believe that Christian music's ultimate purpose is to bring glory to God. Whether directly through the lyrics or through inspiring thoughts and questions that lead a person to explore his or her own existence, the end product of Christian music is to simply point to Jesus Christ. Regardless of the lyrics or musical style, when an artist writes, plays or sings with this intent, Christian music is formed.

Do you ever play for secular audiences or are most of your performances done for church-related things?

I play for anyone who will listen to me whether it's in the local coffee shop or at my home church.

"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." 1 Corinthians 9:22