Don Francisco: The veteran troubadour with a winning way in Bible narrative songs

Monday 1st February 1993

With a sell-out UK tour shortly to start, DON FRANCISCO demonstrates again his enduring popularity in the UK. Tony Cummings spoke to the veteran Christian music minister.



Continued from page 1

The question of particular music styles, and more specifically, the still continuing controversy over the rock 'n' roll beat is dealt with incisively, and with no small amount of wit on Don's 'Come Away' album with the song "Freedom To Move".

Over a hard-rocking rhythm Don points out that the anti-rock 'n' roll preachers are merely preaching a message of legalism.

"I've had that song on the back burner for a decade or so, ever since I got my first angry letter denouncing a song of mine for its satanic rhythm," admitted Don.

"I've struggled with the question of what is or is not appropriate in terms of Christian music but I finally reached a point where I felt I needed to make a statement. There is still an astonishing amount of prejudice in the churches concerning rock music. There are pastors preaching against rock in the States. There are pastors in Britain denouncing rock. There are even pastors in Russia preaching against rock music. Most of these brothers are well intentioned. It's just they cannot tell the difference between their personal taste in music and dress etc and REAL morality. Again, it's as the Bible reminds us - man looking on the outside while God looks at the heart.

"I understand the problem the anti-rock Christians have with some aspects of rock culture. I know Christian rock musicians who are outlandish in their dress - spandex, makeup etc. Now personally I don't want to dress like that. But it's important I don't pass judgment on personal matters of taste. Another reason for the anti-rock 'n1 roll legalism is, I believe, that there are some misguided folk in the church who believe that if something is giving enjoyment and fun it definitely can't be from God!"

On a personal level however Don has found that the brasher forms of rock have limited use in terms of ministry.

"Personally, in my songwriting I have found that the more rock 'n' roll or up tempo a song is the less capable it is to deliver deep spiritual truth. It has to be said that certain types of music aren't particularly appropriate for some ministry. It would be hard to envisage a thrash metal band playing with the Sunday morning choir. Or an operatic singer reaching out to South London street people."

Don Francisco is a veteran Christian musician. Since his first album in 1976 he has toured relentlessly. With such a deep commitment to ministry, how has he avoided that most understandable, the sadly common, malady of the itinerant minister of the gospel - spiritual burnout?

"The simple answer would be to say that God gives you strength to do what he has called you to do. I've learned over the years to guard myself as best I can. I try and spend quality time alone with the Lord and his word. I try not to involve myself in unnecessary and trivial social interaction. But my relationships at home have a key part to play. I work on these to the best of my ability. In a sense life on the road is very superficial and what is going on in my home life is where deeper things are being worked out."

I asked Don whether the role of the high-profile minister of the gospel left some more immature believers with a totally unrealistic expectation of him.

"Yes, very much so. You see, when the anointing comes on someone, to an audience or congregation the anointing can make that person seem almost superhuman. But of course when you step out of that anointing you're as flawed a human being as the next man."

Has Don tried to impart more discipline on the amount of time he's out on the road compared with the time he spends with wife and family?

"I'm now attempting to be much more strict in the number of engagements I accept. A too-full engagement book is something I've struggled with for years and years. I believe I've finally got a grip on it. In the past it's been very hard to say no when someone gets in touch and says 'please come and minister to us what the Spirit of God is saying' and that booking is nine months or a year ahead. It's easy to say yes.

"Then, when the engagement comes around I've only just got back from off the road and have hardly had time to wash the clothes I've been wearing! My dear wife deserves better than that. I believe I've got a grip on that situation now. Ask me again when I come to England again in November '94 and I'll tell you whether I really have sorted that one out!"

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