How Contemporary Christian Music Went Mainstream

From Jesus Movement to playlists

CCM was born in the late 60s-70s with the Jesus Movement: guitars in church, simple lyrics and lots of folk-rock. Today it lives in pop, rock and even hip-hop playlists with the same faith focus.

Concert-style churches and streaming

Hillsong, Elevation or Bethel fill arenas while artists like Lauren Daigle or Lecrae also spin on mainstream radio. Streaming blew the doors open and mashed genres together.

Devotion without stiffness

The vibe is vertical (worship) but the tone is close: short songs, catchy hooks, and lyrics about doubt, hope and community. Music for Sunday and for your workout playlist.