Christian Music Broadcasters' Momentum 2023 Radio Conference Starts Wednesday

"When I was young, my family endured several church splits. My parents seemed so strong through it all, and they set an amazing example for me, showing me what it looked like to gracefully navigate what many have come to call "church hurt. However, I’ve recently grown aware of my own indifference toward those on the fringes who seem unable to “get over it,” move on, keep pushing, or keep serving after being wounded. Over the past few years, as I’ve experienced some church hurt in my adult life, God has given me a tender heart for those who remain wounded, and who still need help and healing. When I wrote the song “Church Hurt,” I knew it would stir up much bigger conversations than I could cover in a four-minute song. Songs have a way of cracking hearts open and drawing them toward healing. That’s why I wrote the seven-day devotional, Life After Church Hurt, to pull people into those bigger conversations, and hopefully lead them toward healing." - Matt Hammitt

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve all been in a dark place. It was like, ‘Man, I’m not sure if the world will come back’. In my case, I didn’t know if I’d ever tour again. The twins were born in the same year I lost my main source of income — which is touring. It was scary. If I’ve ever been afraid, I know there’s someone who loves me and will guide me through – God is my light – to help strengthen me as well as keep me going. It’s such a fun song, but its message is what I love most about it.” - Colton Dixon

"When our tears and knees both hit the ground and we're feeling the weight of life, sometimes we're tempted to think God has forgotten us. ‘Has He forgotten the desires of my heart? God, I see You working in other people's lives, but what about mine?' My prayer is that this song serves as a reminder to your station’s listeners that you are never forgotten, never forsaken, never abandoned. That God is close to you in this exact moment. That whatever you’re going through will never be wasted." - Tasha Layton

When I left my record deal when I was younger, I felt like I had disappointed God and ruined His plan for my life. And now I know that all He wanted to say the whole time, all he wanted me to know, was that I am a child of God first and foremost, and that is all the purpose I’ll ever need to have. I don’t need to be impressive or important to the world because He has already called me His; He’s already called me a “somebody.” - Rachael Lampa