The news of Korn guitarist Brian Welch's conversion took the rock world by surprise, not to mention many of the band's fans. For youth and leaders involved with Georgia Baptist student ministries around the state, the report brought responses of shock, encouragement and hope.

 

First Church Cedartown

Many youth ministers took the news as a discussion starter among students. Chris Edwards, youth minister at First Baptist Cedartown, recounts the reaction of his youth.

"They knew about the band and how the music capitalizes on teenage aggression. A major hope was that Welch could keep his walk, because now he's in 'celebrity Christian' status," said Edwards.

 

Meadowdale Church, Calhoun

Youth at Meadow-dale Baptist Church in Calhoun commented on Welch's potential effect on Korn fans.

"He's planted a seed into the minds of his former band members and fans," said Laura Bennett, 16.

"His choice to make a drastic change in his life took a lot of guts for someone in his profession. He has the ability to influence so many people," agreed Maggie Dutton, a sophomore at Gordon Central High in Calhoun.

"It's a great example of Christ being able to change people," said Parks Masters, 16.

 

CrossRoads Church, Social Circle

For Randy Brown, minister of students and education at CrossRoads Church in Social Circle, the news came as a shock to his youth.

"Many of my students listen to Korn," he said. "Many did not know of his conversion and when I told them they were really surprised. I think it will have a profound effect on young people."

"[Welch's decision] is great, "said 16-year-old Matt Green, who has followed Korn for several years. "I wonder what effect that will have on the rest of the band."

In voicing his opinion longtime fan Josh Campbell, a student with Green at Social Circle High, had a different take.

"[Breaking up the band] is crazy. He would have an impact on the others if they had stayed together. Why does he have to leave because he accepted Christ? Why can't the others just accept Christ and keep the band together?"

 

Rosemont Heights Church, Waynesboro

In asking local youth for their opinion, student minister Wes Lawson of Rosemont Heights Baptist Church in Waynesboro reported that Welch's conversion could help in bringing hope to disenfranchised youth.

 

College Avenue Church, Douglas

In Douglas, students at College Avenue Baptist Church said Welch's decision is one capable of impacting not just fans, but also those not familiar with Korn.

"I'm proud of him for standing up for his daughter (see accompanying article) and quitting the band," said Erin Newell, 13. "He will help change the lifestyles of some people."

"It's really good that he's off drugs [and sees] Jesus is the only person who can help change your ways," added Kelly Teston, a student at nearby West Coffee Middle School.

"He's smart for quitting drugs and going to Jesus," agreed Blake Moore, a 15-year-old at Coffee High School.

"This is an inspiring story to anyone who thinks they could never be changed," stated Karen Roberts, 13. "Never underestimate the power of God."

"It's good that he thinks of his daughter and has Jesus in his life," said Janis McCullar, 13.

Edwards maintained that the talk with his students brought out other topics, such as caring for new believers, innovative methods of evangelism and the need for strong Christian mentors.

"Another thing realized is that you can never count anyone out," said Edwards. "We talked about how there are kids at school you might think would never want to come to church, but you would be wrong."

 

 

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