FCA Brings Pop Music with Positive Message to Polk

David Coffin became involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Chase High School where he graduated in 1994. Since 1954 the inter-denominational organization worked with athletes in schools and on the professional level. At schools, that often means a group of students meets before or after school for prayer and bible study. Mr. Will Pack leads the FCA group at Polk County High School.

How did FCA help you?
David: When I was in school it helped to keep my focus on God and optimism even when practice got tough and it was hard to be a teenager.

How are you working with FCA as an adult?
David: Krucifyd Ministries was created eight years ago when I had the idea to get more contemporary Christian music to local students. About three months ago I really started putting this work into action. I made blind phone calls to agents to see what it would cost and what artists might be available to work with students. I also called several schools and Polk County High was the first to get excited and say "Yes! Let's do an event here" and put some energy behind it.

How did you arrange to bring Kevin Thornton to PCHS?
David: Color Me Badd was a popular group back in the 1990s when I was in High School. I was actually just browsing the internet looking for what they are doing now. I discovered Kevin Thornton's web site and discovered that he was now doing gospel music and tried to buy a copy of his new CD. There were some issues ordering from the website so I contacted his church. They gave me a number that turned out to be Kevin's cell phone and he answered. Not only did I end up receiving a signed copy of the CD, but we started discussing how we could get him here to perform. Eventually I ended up talking to his agent and worked it out to bring him here from Dallas, Texas.
We've also secured Reverend Gary Sherman, Jr. with the Praise Team from Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Wellford, SC to MC the event for us.

Mr. Pack, how did you get involved in this opportunity?
Mr. Pack: David approached me to get help to get the concert into our school through the FCA at Polk County .

How long have you been involved with FCA?
Mr. Pack: About 4-5 years here at PCHS. I was involved with FCA in high school and college and when I got here they weren't really doing much. I wanted to get it lively and we have 25-30 students who attend our meetings weekly now (over 30 the day I visited). I am passionate about Christ and felt called to shepherd these students.

What do you hope will come of this event?
Mr. Pack: It's something close to home for students to enjoy as well as learn from. His music and testimony are something they can use in their own lives. I listened to Color Me Badd when I was in school and am curious to hear his new sound and testimony about leaving the pop music world for gospel.

Why do you suppose Christian themes aren't part of the Pop Music world?
Mr. Pack: From a Christian standpoint the "world" lacks morals and the music industry uses the addictive and sensational to get to kids. They don't use the positive because it doesn't sell.

As part of the group Color Me Badd, Kevin Thornton (known then as KT) has tasted the success of American Pop music selling millions of albums and receiving various awards including a Grammy nomination. However, that fame came at a price for Thornton. With a number one hit like "I Wanna Sex You Up" he found his thoughts and actions pulled from his Christian upbringing into the addictions that plague many pop industry artists. In 1998 he made the choice to turn down a contract with the band that was worth potential millions working with Backstreet Boys and NSYNC producer Johnny Wright. After rededicating his life to God, in 2005 he released his first solo album titled "Conversion" produced by Rain On Me Productions. The album contains a mix of fresh sounding R&B, hip hop, and gospel tracks with lyrics that are filled with positive messages and praise. Now he is using his powerful voice and high energy stage presence to share God's love through testimony and song.

I spoke with several students who are volunteering their time and energy to the event by selling tickets, setting up the sound system, and working at the show. I asked them why they are excited about the upcoming concert.

Angelina Lilly: It's about having fun and letting go in fellowship.
Jessica Rodriguez: It's something new we haven't done.
Noah Hall: I'm fan of R&B and contemporary Christian music. I never heard Color Me Badd, but I'm interested in Kevin Thornton's current style of music. I'm hoping we'll have a full house of 700.
Jake Williams: I hope to get people interested in FCA. I hope that high school students from the area to come join us who we normally only get to see when we're competing at sporting events.
Angelina: Wow, I hadn't even thought of that. I'm going to get on it and get the word out!

Krucifyd Ministries and PCHS FCA hope to use this event as a stepping stone to bring more exciting contemporary Christian groups to the area. They'd love to bring artists such as Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, and Mercy Me right here to Polk County so the students don't have to travel to Charlotte or Greenville to gather with their peers and enjoy exciting live music that delivers a positive message.

The Kevin Thornton concert will be held 7pm Sat, Jan 26 at Polk County High School sponsored by the PCHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Buy tickets and get more information online at: www.krucifyd.org. Tickets are also available at the following outlets: Tryon Federal Bank in Columbus & Tryon, Mountain 1st Bank in Columbus, Forest City, & Hendersonville, Rutherford County Bank in Forest City, Christian Supply in Spartanburg, Eagles Landing in Hendersonville, and The Open Door at Blue Ridge Mall in Hendersonville.