The lead singer of We Are Messengers, Darren Mulligan, expressed concern about the influence of celebrity culture within churches, suggesting they focus more on Jesus. This remark came in light of allegations of sexual misconduct against former lead singer Michael Tate. In a social media post on Thursday, Mulligan shared, “My heart breaks for all those who are broken, and yes, it’s deplorable,” further emphasizing the need for justice.
Despite receiving multiple Dove Award nominations and a K-Love Fan Award in 2019, Mulligan noted that he’s become accustomed to placing Christian celebrities on pedestals. He argued that artists in the contemporary Christian music (CCM) scene should embody humility and sincerity. “For those of us creating art and trust, we must adhere to a higher standard,” he wrote. “The industry’s constant quest for fame and fortune can easily lead to corruption.” He further encouraged making Jesus the true hero of the faith narrative.
In a video accompanying his post, Mulligan commented that Christians often turn people, whether men or women, into heroes, saying, “We created celebrities from people who God blessed with a bit of talent.” He stressed that, while they want listeners to engage with their music, the ultimate goal is for them to know God and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
“And eventually, we want to present that Jesus is not some weak figure relying on cheap grace, but rather, a strong savior,” he added. Mulligan admitted he’s reluctant to discuss this topic, expressing fatigue over how quickly some voices with platforms share hasty thoughts—“We’re like some kind of wizard,” he remarked.
While he noted that not everyone in the CCM industry fully embraces their calling, he highlighted the presence of remarkable individuals who are struggling, lonely, or hurt. “Pray for all those affected, pray for our industry,” he urged, hoping they can continue to keep Jesus as the central figure in their stories.
