We recently had the opportunity to host Carman in Chat. Read what he had to share!
Carman Ministries - Guest5 asks, What inspired you to write the song, "Champion"?
Carman says, Champion was an inspiration that was based on 3 things: I was inspired by watching Rocky III and Star Wars and the song, "We shall behold him." At the time those 2 movies were captivating the attention of the nation. Also we shall behold him sung by Sandi Patty was capturing the interest of the entire body of Christ. So I prayed that the Lord would give me a song that would combine the elements of all 3 and that's what Champion was birthed from.
Guest5 asks, Carman, I love your song, "Witches Invitation". Is it based at all on a true story?
Carman says, It is a true story, but it didn't happen to me. It happened to an evangelist friend of mine He gave a testimony at our church one night exactly as it happened in the song I was so moved by it that I took the hour sermon he preached and worked for 2 months to get it down to 6 months of dialogue. And then we worked for about a month to score it musically like it was a movie. It came out very unique and effective.
Blue_eyes35 asks, in getting ready for a concerts, do you do voice exercises??
Carman says, Actually, not really. If I had a voice like Sandi Patty or Lionel Harris or even Steve Green, it would be a different story. But for me the thing that allows me to be the most effective in my vocalizing is a good nights rest. When I don't get enough sleep my voice gets scratchy and hoarse.
Hsksokie asks, will you act in another movie?
Carman says, If the right part comes along I would love to. But for a Christian who is committed to glorifying Christ through the arts it is very difficult. I have to write the scripts myself. I do have a script that is being turned into a novel and will be out within a few months. It'll be an action adventure...
Blue_eyes35 asks, Besides singing and acting, do you have any other talents or hobbies?
Carman says, I love to work out... I could spend almost all day in the gym if I didn't have anything else to do. I've gotten involved with Ju Jit Su and it's been a lot of fun. It's like complicated wrestling. I like it because I don't get hit.
Dew asks, Do you feel restricted in any way when you do a movie or music about Jesus?
Carman says, In Hollywood there's always restrictions... It's pretty simple... no Jesus, no God, no Bible after that everything's a war. Every script, every television series... if it has Christianity in it, it is immediately restricted. Hollywood is a big restriction when it comes to the Gospel. Most of the Christians in Hollywood know each other because there are so few. There are a handful of support groups and Bible studies to encourage each other's faith. It's a very difficult business for a Christian to be involved in.
Tabby2002 asks, Who has been most influential in your life and why?
Carman says, The person who most likely influenced my life as a whole to the point of actual change was Andre Crouch. In the late 60s and 70s he was the embodiment of the Christian music scene. His music led me to the Lord. So I would have to say he has been the most influential.
Tabby2002 asks, If you couldn't be involved in music and acting...what do you think you would be doing, or would like to do?
Carman says, I've done well over 20 records and toured for 20 years. So it would be exciting to be involved full time in a new art form to glorify the Lord. Acting and making movies would be second nature to me.
Guest11 asks, Where do you feel the Body of Christ is coming up short as far as reaching the youth for Christ?
Carman says, The number one way to effect the youth generation is through music. If you look down through history and see the effectiveness of everybody from Frank Sinatra to Elvis to the Beatles to the Bee Gees to Michael Jackson through even Ricky Martin, the musicians have captivated the attention of a young generation like no one else. In Christian music most of the contemporary Christian artists are trying to get pop hits. In doing so, they are taking out the gospel from their music with the hopes of it being more acceptable to a wider audience. What is actually happening is it is making the one thing that we have that is the most effective in captivating the attention of a young generation, ineffective. The trumpet must blow a clear sound so we know whether we are to advance or retreat. The music that is being trumpeted through most of contemporary Christian music today is not blowing a clear sound.
Blue_eyes35 asks, what is you favorite story in the bible??
Carman says, I like the story of Moses because he made some pretty big mistakes and even though he felt like it was all over God used him still in the later stages of his life to fulfill his purposes. Moses is an encouragement to us all.
Guest11 asks, Do you find if you don't read the Word and pray in the morning ...it's hard to "find" time the rest of the day?
Carman says, Always. David inspired us in Psalm 5 to seek the Lord in the morning because the day begins to throw responsibilities at us and push our time and energy in a different direction. Morning is always the best time. I think it's always good to get directions before you go on a trip too.
Tabby2002 asks, How much of your life is spent in prayer?
Carman says, That's almost an impossible question to answer because at different times of your life you pray more than at other times. But I will say it is an important part and without it I would be a mess.
Neshka asks, In regards to your song "faith enough" Do you really believe its "how" much faith you have? When Jesus says even if you have the faith of a mustard seed then that is enough?
Carman says, A mustard seed grows as our faith grows. I don't think that Jesus wanted us to only have the faith of a mustard seed and then stop it there. Once you plant that seed it begins to grow and produces more faith. But if all you have is the faith of a grain of a mustard seed then you can move a mountain. Imagine if you had the faith of two grains.
a2j4ever asks, hi Carman I heard you out did yourself on the new special airing this Sunday night what is new with this special?
Carman says, We did a whole different thing with our staging. We added LCD screens which is like having a backdrop that moves with live action. It's very sophisticated and I've never seen it done before in a Christian presentation in a concert. We've also added some new songs and new styles of choreography that we've never done nor seen before. It is very thematic and educational concerning the Godly roots of our nation. You will definitely see and hear things you've never heard.
Zoe2 asks, will you be doing any more specials like the Red, White and Blue spectacular on TBN?
Carman says, We're planning on for Halloween as well. We've already filmed the live segments of it and we will now proceed to do the roll in segments which is the on location filming. My goal is to paint a clear picture of the real meaning of Halloween. Where it originated and what perspective Christians are supposed to have towards it. Plus we have a few surprises planned... but you'll have to wait. *smiles*
lkslorby asks, Do you ever go to concerts yourself?
Carman says, I go to concerts whenever I can. Whenever someone comes into town and I am not working I always go and see them... whoever they are... even if it’s just to show support for another artist.
Hopenluv asks, Carman I heard you say on TBN you have a chatroom on your website. What’s it like??
Carman says, In our website in the members only section we have our own private chat room, which is pretty unusual. I go in there personally quite often and talk to people from all over the country. It’s a lot of fun. Many times we have had intense discussions on popular topics of the day and sometimes we trade jokes back and forth. It's different every time but its a lot of fun and it gives me a chance to talk to people one on one that I would never have a chance to meet otherwise. It is very addictive too. *smiles*
Godsgirl_mod says, Carman do you have anything to say in closing?
Carman says, I look forward to seeing people come and visit us at http://www.carman.org where you'll find we have all sorts of surprises and dozens of areas of ministry. These were created just to reach those who love to surf the net. Many people have been saved through altar calls that I have filmed and put on the web site. People can log into these for free. It really has become a whole other avenue of ministry.
Godsgirl_mod says, Carman, could you close us in a prayer for our country?
Carman says, Dear heavenly Father...
We thank you tonight for the godly heritage you've instilled in the foundations of this great nation. You said in your word, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." We pray tonight that you will raise up people of all walks of life... of all generations to proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In whatever their chosen vocation is. This is our prayer and hope for a blessed nation.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Carman says, Thanks for coming everyone!
Carman waves at everyone.
