Long before social justice became the stuff of popular reality TV programming, a slew of Christian artists have proven again and again that compassion and art can co-exist in meaningful ways that truly make a difference. Now catch up with several of your favorite artists as we find out the latest on their humanitarian initiatives.

Unlike the sex, drugs and rock & roll mantra that characterizes the bulk of the mainstream music scene, Christian artists have always pursued their art with a decidedly left of center goal—to make a difference in the world for the Kingdom.

Of course, making a difference looks a little different for everyone involved. For some, it’s playing redemption songs in smoky bars in front of a standing-room-only crowd. For others, it’s headlining a summer music festival for a crowd of rowdy teenagers on their annual youth group trip.

And lately, there’s been an ever-increasing movement of artists who’ve taken stock of the world beyond the familiar highways and byways of America and spoken on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised in Africa, India and beyond, an experience that continues to breathe new life into their respective ministries.

On the Road Again?

As glamorous as life on the road may seem to someone who doesn’t spend the majority of his/her time on a tour bus, it’s far from easy. After all, there’s only so much fast food and games of Guitar Hero that someone can really enjoy before wondering what the point is. And when a band has traveled as much as Jars of Clay has in its decade-plus career, there has to be a greater purpose beyond playing music. “The stakes always felt high,” says Jars guitarist Stephen Mason. “We reached a critical point where we really had to ask ourselves what the trade-off was for traveling and performing, considering we were leaving our communities and families back home.”

As the band began examining these deeper questions, several of the guys’ mentors and friends began talking to them about global issues—AIDS, poverty, persecution—and the Church’s role in serving those who didn’t have a voice. In 2002, the band’s first trip to Africa followed and finally, “our faith had a focus,” according to Mason.

“Something just clicked when we went to Africa,” he shares. “This was true worship as Isaiah and James explain so well, not just offering sacrifices, but caring for widows and orphans.”

As a result of the band’s new focus, Mason says, “Everything was more urgent—fatherhood, songwriting, touring and this conversation we’d stepped into where faith meets a broken and messy world full of God’s people.”

But unlike those summer camp experiences where something potentially life-changing happens and eventually fades once someone’s back in the real world, staying on the sidelines wasn’t an option for Mason & Co.