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Different bands have different approaches to sharing their faith. Some labels or managers have advised artists to "tone down the Christian talk" in hopes of more mainstream appeal. But Rebecca, Alyssa, and Lauren Barlow aren't buying that speech. They're emphatic about being open with their faith on stage, and that's the driving theme of BarlowGirl's latest project, How Can We Be Silent. Drummer Lauren Barlow explains further why she and her sisters refuse to keep quiet when it comes to talking about their beliefs.

When it comes to declaring their faith from stage, Becca (left), Alyssa, and Lauren Barlow are anything but silent.

Your new album is titled How Can We Be Silent. What sparked that?

Lauren Barlow We didn't want this record to be about us girls. This is a call for our generation to be unashamed and to speak out about what God is calling us to—to show and tell the world around us about the hope of God. Sometimes it seems like Christians are always the first to quiet down, to just go with the idea that our lifestyles should speak for us and show God. I don't think we should only show people God through our lifestyles, but also through our words, because we have nothing to be ashamed of. God is speaking to us and we have the answer—the hope people are looking for. But not enough of us are speaking out.

So you're not simply offering a call to salvation.

Barlow No, it's not just about a call to salvation. We share in these songs and from stage about how God has picked us up in broken times and times when it felt like he was silent. It's about telling people there is hope.

Purity is also a big thing we're always outspoken about. We're pretty radical in some ways as we talk about not dating, and the idea of actually giving up your dreams for what God has for you. We're speaking about the radical things that God has done in our lives. Sure, people could hear us talk about drawing close to God and that could lead to salvation, but really this speaking out is about getting people to think about drawing closer to God for hope and direction.

Are you saying you gave up dreams for BarlowGirl? And is that what we hear in your radio single "Here's My Life"?

Barlow Yeah, we actually never wanted to do this. We didn't one day say, "Hey, let's start a band." It was never a big deal for us. Alyssa wanted to pursue Broadway, and Becca doesn't even like to be on stage—she wanted to pursue cosmetology or be a mechanic. I wanted to work at Sea World with dolphins. Each of us looked forward to leaving Chicago and moving on, living our lives in the way we thought we should live it.

But music has been in our family since the day we were born—traveling and doing services with our family. God eventually used it to grab hold of us. We felt him ask, "Will you be what I have created you to be?" I think many times we Christians get it backwards and pray, "This is what I want to do; please bless it." That's kind of the direction we were heading, until we felt this stirring in our hearts with songs that we thought we should be writing. It was almost like God came around the back door to get our attention by giving us songs to write. [Soon] it was like, "I think we're a band." We only played about seven shows before we signed with Fervent Records.

Now, I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I don't have any regrets. I still love animals and would love to pursue that, but God has allowed us to speak in people's lives through music. It isn't that I couldn't have spoken into people's lives working at Sea World. But over time, we've discovered that together, the three of us can create a stronger, greater impact. I see that now, and find myself so fulfilled and content.

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