Carman’s doing the listening

It’s great to bring your music to cheering arena crowds. But performing in smaller venues, such as church settings, offers Carman a flexibility that bigger places can’t match.

The contemporary Christian musician, actor, writer and speaker has set records for the size of his audiences. More than 80,000 people, a record for a Christian concert, attended an outdoor show he performed in Charlotte, N.C.

“When you’re in a small group, you can go into much more detail,” Carman said. “When you’re in an arena concert, everything is measured out to the minute. There’s no room for flexibility. You can ad lib, but it will cost you.”

So tonight’s performance at Covenant Church of God will give him a chance to reach listeners on a more intimate scale.

“It’s much more effective, ministerially and personally,” he said. “It’s the difference between watching Jay Leno on television and having dinner with him.”

It’s important to him to tailor his delivery to the audience. The message of hope and salvation is the same, but finding the right way to reach each audience takes some research.

Before the concert, he’s the one doing the listening. If he’s going to be performing in a city that’s slammed with high unemployment, for instance, he’ll focus on “God’s provision and how to access God’s provision,” he said.

“You put things together based on what you know will be effective,” Carman said. “People respond more to the speaking than to the music. The talk is current; the song may be fifteen years old.”

In his shows, Carman weaves his songs, spoken-word segments, drama and more into a comprehensive stage show.

“It’s speaking, it’s music, it’s all of the above,” Carman said. “If I call it a concert, they come in with a concert mentality. It’s the expectation that makes the difference.

“Music always prepares the heart for what’s being said.”

In more intimate church settings, the performer, who usually tours with a crew of 50 to 60 people, likes to bring the church’s own band into the show whenever possible. He’ll play his guitar. When audience members see their friends and neighbors sharing a stage with him, it adds a sense of familiarity that deepens the bond.

AT a glance

Carman: For Real — For Now

7:30 tonight

Covenant Church of God

Guaranteed seating pass is $5

973-5536