“Contemporary Christian Music”

With this word, american commentators designate the style which was established in the ‘70s. Till then, american evangelicals sang traditional hymns, spirituals, gospel hymns and songs.
In the ‘60s, influenced by the Anglican Church (Geoffrey Beaumont) and the Roman Church (Second Vatican Council), evangelical churches began accepting popular rhythms and instruments.
In contradiction to the leftist movement (“Peace Movement”), evangelical youth began a revivalist movement (“Jesus Movement”), because they felt the traditional worship practices were out-of-date. Those who were musicians sought to develop new ways of composing and expression to move youth masses attracted by evangelistic campaigns. This new style, “contemporary”, different from the “traditional”, incorporated more popular music (jazz, blues, rock, rap, punk), which were imported by evangelical youth into Latin America (“Gospel-Rock” – “Rock Evangélico), Europe and, finally, into the whole Christian world.
This happened because musical leaders at the time (or, in those periods) did not succeed in educationg the young people in how to discern the difference between religious and profane (secular) music.
Another factor was the conversion of secular musicians who quickly, and naturally, carried over their rhythms and styles into their new christian environment, which were welcomed as new and good. At the same time, christian youth were being influenced by popular music, as such.