Benefits of Membership
in the Christian Bluegrass Association

One may ask, “So what do I get for being a member? Discounts at Bluegrass Festivals? A slick magazine every month? Discounts for strings, picks? T-Shirts with matching jogging suits?”

I would like to say “Yes!” to all of the above. At some point, many of these benefits may be available. (I need the exercise, so the jogging suit sounds particularly good to me!)

Currently, in terms of things tangible, the ‘benefits’ are The Sticker, Membership Card, and an Informational Website. I like my sticker! I display it proudly on my guitar case! Is this enough?

Here we are, a relatively new organization that has a mission to provide chapel services at Bluegrass festivals. In starting this ministry we recognized that although chapel services are common to many festivals in the USA, many festivals do not offer them. We know that many Bluegrass fans would attend a chapel service if offered this opportunity. Many would even consider lengthening their stay at a festival through Sunday or Monday, without feeling as if they’ve missed church.

We have also found that many good people, especially in California, recognize the diversity of faiths attending festivals. Thus, some festival decision makers are very cautious about scheduling a chapel service due to a possible negative effect of offending festival attendees. This is a tricky situation that your Board of the Christian Bluegrass Association constantly discusses. This will be an ongoing discussion, and we welcome the dialogue. We need your input. We need your participation.

We recognize that the Christian Bluegrass Association is in the process of building relationships with festival promoters and volunteers. We recognize that building relationships take time and effort. One cannot walk up to a stranger and say “Trust me, we will provide a great Chapel Service!” We must build relationships that fit the personalities we encounter, and we must build relationships that fit the culture of the local Bluegrass community. Trust will develop as we are sensitive and change to the needs of others. The last thing we want to do is be an adversary to those in our Bluegrass family.

So, what are the benefits of membership? Besides the Membership card, Sticker, and Website what can we offer our members? Here’s my take:

• Bring Honor to our Savior Jesus by working to set aside a time for worship at Bluegrass Festivals.
• Belonging to, and identifying with, a group of like-minded believers.
• Serve other believers by providing a chapel service.
• Preserve the culture of Gospel music in Bluegrass.
• Put a friendly face in peoples’ minds, of who, and what a Christian is.
• Show people that those of different denominations can agree and be unified in a public way.
• Show that Bluegrass Gospel music is more than just nostalgic sentiment. Show real people, really believing and worshipping, in a real way.
• Praying for those that are searching for God’s grace.
• Build relationships by showing Christianity as winsome, gracious, hospitable, and friendly.

So, please join the Christian Bluegrass Association, or renew your membership. Please pray for all of us in the Association, as we work to build trusting relationships that allow Chapel Services at your favorite Bluegrass Festivals!

Sincerely,
Earl T. Pitman
Treasurer, Christian Bluegrass Association