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Recording artist Jennifer Knapp didn't grow up immersed in Christian theology and Scripture. But the deep spiritual truths she communicates through her song lyrics on albums such as Kansas and her latest, The Way I Am (Gotee), show she's a grounded and mature believer.
Jennifer became a Christian in college, where she began writing folksy/rock music about her faith that struck listeners as raw, deep, and genuine. After performing in local coffee shops and cutting her first independent album, Jennifer was signed by Gotee Records in 1997 and two years later won a Dove Award for "Best New Artist of the Year." She now has released three records, performed at the acclaimed mainstream women's music festival, Lilith Fair, and sold more than one million albums. TCW caught up with Jennifer to ask her about her faith and music.
Explain how you became a Christian.
When I first went to college, I partied a lot. Then I met a few Christians. I even knew a believer who would go barhopping with me—just to be my friend. I was surprised she went, but I was more intrigued that she was the same godly person no matter where she was—in church or at a bar.
She gave me the opportunity to ask questions about her faith in Christ. I even had the chance to say, "You're full of it; I don't know why you believe this stuff." But my friend let me have my voice. I practically accepted Christ on a dare. I wanted to know if Christ's message was true for me. And it is! He's changed my life radically—I gave up partying and started pouring my thoughts on faith into my music.
How have you tried to get the gospel across to your generation?
Gen-Xers want details. From reality-based TV to graphic movies, we want to know even the most gruesome fine points. So on my last album, The Way I Am, I decided to focus more on Christ's humanity and get into the nuts and bolts of his ministry, death, and resurrection. Jesus walked down streets and people cut him off in the market. He had problems just like everyone else. You start to realize, It's an amazingly humble thing for God to become man—and then to be crucified. And on top of that, for me to be able to say, "Yes, I want God to have humbled himself for me." Taking a close look at Christ's life makes me see how incredible his sacrifice was.
What's one thing God's teaching you?
That evangelism ultimately doesn't depend on us, but on the Holy Spirit. It's amazing how the simple gospel message has so much power. Knowing that gives me courage to be vocal. It's not what I say—it's what Jesus says and does through me. Realizing salvation comes through Christ alone has made a huge impact on me.
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Singer/songwrite |
Copyright 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian Woman magazine.
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