Christian jam grew into behemoth

Winter Jam started with a pretty humble goal: The guys in the Christian band NewSong wanted to find a way to get fans to fight through the cold and come to winter concerts.

So, they teamed up with another headlining Christian act and hit the road in January 1994. It went so well they did it again, and again, and kept adding more acts.

Winter Jam 2008 comes to the World Arena on Sunday night, and the 15th version has grown into a monster. Seven bands will take the stage for whirlwind sets, led by Christian megastars MercyMe (who hit mainstream success with “I Can Only Imagine”).

Young Christian stars join them, with the pyrotechnic-fueled rock of Skillet and the sister act BarlowGirl. And new voices get a showcase, such as “American Idol” finalist Mandisa. There are even BMX riders and skaters.

“It’s one of those things that God just smiled on,” said Billy Goodwin of NewSong, from his home in Georgia.

NewSong’s stature has grown, too. Starting as the church band at Morningside Baptist Church in Valdosta, Ga., in the early ’80s, the group can claim 20 No. 1 Christian singles, seven Dove Award nominations, and crossover success with the 2001 tear-jerker “The Christmas Shoes.”

“The biggest advantage for us with that ‘Christmas Shoes’ song was it opened up a whole new audience for us,” Goodwin said. “It’s opened our eyes to how big the world is outside the church, and it’s given us a new fire to reach out.”

NewSong members keep an eye on buzz and radio play, and try to get a combo of established acts, up-and-comers, and talented unknowns for their winter jaunts. “We set our sights as high as we can set ’em, and go out and ask, and they usually say yes,” he said.

Touring with top acts each year such as MercyMe and Steven Curtis Chapman keeps the band sharp.

“It’s almost like playing on a football team. If they’re out there scoring more touchdowns, you want to figure out how you can score more touchdowns,” Goodwin said. “Iron sharpens iron. It’s good for everybody.”

In 2007, Winter Jam racked up attendance of 275,000, 38,000 religious conversions, and raised enough money to sponsor 4,700 orphans through Holt International’s Waiting Child Program.

About the only thing about Winter Jam that hasn’t grown is the price tag, which is $10 at the door, or free if you don’t have it. Giving away tickets generally isn’t good business.

“It’s a risk. You never know how it’s going to end up until the night’s over,” Goodwin said. “It’s a big step of faith.”

details

Winter Jam 2008 Tour Spectacular

Where: World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd. When: 6 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $10, suggested donation Lineup: MercyMe, NewSong, BarlowGirl, Skillet, Mandisa (from “American Idol”), pureNRG, Group 1 Crew, Connersvine, Real Encounter’s Xtreme BMX/Skate Team, and speaker Tony Nolan