So Wednesday afternoon my friend, Derek Bruner from Cross Point, called me with the weirdest pastoral request I’ve ever gotten. He asked me if I would be willing to come down and go backstage at the Poison concert to meet with C.C. DeVille (their lead guitarist). Apparently C.C. has just become a Christian and was wondering if I would be willing to bring him some messages he could listen to on the road, as well as just encourage him, and answer a few questions.
I figured it wouldn’t be a good idea to be hanging out backstage at a Poison concert without taking one of our elders, Brian Alexander. We had an awesome night. While I’m certainly going to keep the bulk of our conversations private, there were a few things I feel comfortable sharing.
This guy has an amazing heart. We spent some time with him pre-concert and before he went to get ready to go on stage he said, “Pete would you watch the show tonight and tell me if you see me do anything that would not be honoring to God.” Are you kidding me????
After the concert we had a creative team meeting with him where we suggested a few different ways he could interweave the story of what God is doing in his life through his music. The entire experience was surreal, to say the least.
You can watch the video below to hear C.C. discuss such topics as cussing, elder meetings, accountability and guitar hero. It’s almost six minutes long, but you won’t be disappointed.
the unofficial pastor to poison,
Pete
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/1313066]
Also part of Creative Chaos
Is it just me, or do you and C.C. look like twins with different hairstyles???
Isn’t God AMAZING!!!!
(that’s not a question … it’s a declaration!)
Thanks for sharing the video, Pete. I’m so blessed.
To say I am jealous is an understatement. That was awesome to see. Thanks for posting that video.
@Giant Idiot, You’re with me next time. As you might imagine there were several times Brian really embarrassed me. Especially when he tried to hold me and sway to “every rose”.
I’m with Brandi..you two look a lot alike
Sounds like that was a great opportunity for God to use you to minister — and for to help C.C. minister, too — isn’t it amazing what God can do?
I’ve said you were a rockstar Pastor before but you just gave that title a whole new meaning! Dude, that is so freaking awesome! What a tremendous opportunity. I’m so thrilled for you…totally jealous…but thrilled.
Kerazy!
Guess it’s an official Poison day today.
Eeeeeeeeeeeevry roooooooooosssseee….
extremely cool – and so amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing. Simply amazing.
just when you thought you couldn’t get any cooler….you gotta be freakin kiddin me. Poison? Man you are a rock star.
That’s awesome! So glad to hear that he’s being discipled and mentored in his new faith. What a great and exciting adventure you got to share with him!!!!
Hmmmm…..I wonder if CC will stop playing songs like “Talk Dirty to Me” or will stop playing lyrics like these:
“Long legs and short skirts
These girls hit me where it hurts
I can’t wait to get my hands on them
I won’t give up until they give in” – Lyrics from the Song “I Want Action”.
Sorry Pete, if CC has truly repented then I think his conscience and yes even the Holy Spirit should and would convict him that he needs to walk away from such lurid songs. Light and Darkness can not coexist. At least when Brian “Head” Welch from Korn was saved he first realized he could no longer mix such lyrics and the “rockstar” lifestyle with that of Christ. As a Pastor did you really sit through such songs and not think to yourself – Hey CC we really need to talk brother about you playing and promoting lyrics that promote illicit sex and degrades women? Sounds to me Pete your just another Pastor who is more interested in being a pastor to “celebrities” rather than promoting the Truth! Sad!
@Prespilot68 Oh yeah, that’s exactly what Pete should have done. He should have pulled out the list of “Christian Do’s and Don’ts” and turn him into a “good little Christian.”
Or….he could just let the Holy Spirit work in his life in HIS way and in HIS time. Hmmm…what to do?
Prespilot68, I’m really sad about your replies. Pete is a man with a lot of integrity. Let’s try to build each other up.
I wanna be Pete Wilson when I grow up…
@Prespilot68, Hmmm, what would Jesus say to people like you about people like CC? I wonder? Maybe Matthew 9 can shed some light?
(NLT)Verse 10 Jesus is eating with “disreputable” sinners. Vs 11 “When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” 9:12 “When Jesus heard this he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do.” 13 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
The teacher has spoken…
pete…what an awesome experience to reach out to someone who asked for it. he asked for you to come and counsel him. how cool. little bit to do with the cc thing more to do with the helping another person thing. you had an awesome opportunity to talk with cc deville…i would’ve liked ot be a fly on the wall…nah, i’d like to meet him too! need not worry about what the previous poster said. cc is just starting his walk and we learn as we go. to say that he needs to stop singing all of his songs is a little crazy. yeah some lyrics are a bit yucky, but are we all completely innocent of saying or listening to something inappropriate? as christians we need to pray for people not chastize them. be encouraging. be possitive and if need be, suggest a better way.
oh…as the official pastor to poison, you and cc look like a fit…same stylist?
really…great post
@Prespilot68, While I’m not going to directly answer all of your statements I’m afraid you are drawing lots of false conclusions and making lots of assumptions.
Why can’t we just Luke 15 this deal and celebrate that another prodigal son has returned home.
The process of sanctification is one that will and should happen in his life over time.
We actually spent a great deal of time talking about the issues you mentioned. He is very much wrestling with these issues. His very statement was “This is tough, because the whole ‘rock star deal’ in many ways runs totally opposed to what Christ is calling me to do.”
There are songs he has cut. There are lyrics he’s not singing.
I just pray he can be surrounded by a group of believers who will graciously walk with him and help Christ be formed in him rather than stand back and make assumptions and throw stones.
From Pogo Pete to Pastor to Poison – Very cool!
I will definitely lift up CC and his new journey with Christ in my prayers. Thanks for being who Jesus called us to be.
Wow man… the story of a pastor in Nashville. I’m telling ya… I’m coming down to hang with you guys one day.
As the “responsible party” involved for getting Pete to the show, I thought I should address prespilot68′s question also.
As Pete said in the blog, there were MANY things said that aren’t shared here, such as CC cutting one song out of the set that he use to sing. Keep in mind, CC has only been a Christian for a very short time. He’s learning about things about conviction, God’s grace, and how his new walk with Jesus is impacting his daily life. There were many times in the show were CC didn’t sing lyrics to songs because of their content, that’s not something that’s mentioned here.
I actually received a call yesterday just telling us what an impact that was made on CC’s life by our visit the other night. CC now has the last 7 or so Crosspoint Series, as well as 2 books and CDs that I brought him. God is going to do amazing things through CC, and I’m humbled to be a part of the journey.
If God could speak through a donkey in the Bible, he can definitely speak through one guitar player in Poison.
thanks for the info addition derek.
…Keep in mind, CC has only been a Christian for a very short time. He’s learning about things about conviction, God’s grace, and how his new walk with Jesus is impacting his daily life.
that’s exactly what i was thinking when i posted.
Wow… what an awesome experience. Its so cool to see how God can work on so many different peoples hearts. Who knows how God will use CC. How cool would it be if the whole Poison gang got saved.
I think Derek had a great point. “CC has only been a Christian for a very short time. He’s learning about things about conviction, God’s grace, and how his new walk with Jesus is impacting his daily life.” It’s something that we learn as Christians. I mean if you new to this whole thing.. your not gonna know everything in a matter of days. God has his own timing and works on peoples hearts in the manner that He chooses. Wow.. that is awesome..
not a typical commenter here, but i’ve got to add my “wow..God is awesome” to the mix. every time someone begins their new life with Christ, it’s worth celebrating, rockstar or not. YAY Jesus!
pretty dope.
Wow! That’s amazing! I LOVE that God is working this way!
I am going to go ahead and say that Prespilot68 is the new name that Saduj Suraci (have to read it backwards) is using. I love how this commenter made some rather large assumptions on everything that went on that night between CC and the Cross Point contingent and what is going on in CC’s walk. You know what the poet said about assuming don’t you?
Derek thanks for shedding more light on what went on that night.
I hope the same thing happens with Prince (The Artist, whatever his name is at the moment, I don’t get to follow him anymore) but I really would love to listen to his music for eternity, (all cleaned up and God-glorifying) so I hope God saves him too.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cool!
I want to be you when I grow up…..here’s hoping Slash becomes a believer and calls me. I think it’s pretty dang amazing that God’s working in the life of this guy and I think God will use CC in some amazing ways in the future. By the way, if Poison’s lyrics are so “lurid”, how does dude know them? I think God was placing you in a situation that you couldn’t pass up to minister to one of his kids.
Well said everyone, I love what Derek said about the Donkey, Classic. Also, Derek has a good view on his blog on the back story of how this all came about. Thank again Derek.
@pete wilson, embarrassed you??? Just because I knew every word, knew everyone’s name and told you what CD the songs came off of. You think a guy that calls himself Giant Idiot is going to embarrass you less??
As for what happened in “Every Rose” I remembered you huddled up in a ball weeping.
Wow, that is really exciting. He needs accountability and space though. The Church tends to follow society and breed a celebrity culture. Sometimes, in the past, a public persona like CC (nor Brian Welch as mentioned ) will get co-opted by fellow believers snd put under a microscope.
Take Bob Dylan for instance. In the book “No Compromise” there are details about his “conversion to Christ” and then his disgust with people in the Church trying to use him just like the people in his stage environment. He produced the Album “Saved” but it’s a real mystery what the fruit of that one or two year period has been.
This is stellar! I am pumped that God put you in such an amazing spot to hang out with CC. Pretty cool that he has a desire to grow as a Christian and that you had the opportunity to be part of that process. I will not even waste my time responding to PresPilot68 because that is exactly what they want. Seems to me that taking the focus off what God is doing and putting it on yourself is much more offensive to God than a Poison Concert? Just a thought.
Pete,
What an amazing God we serve. Thank you for being so willing to take time to help C.C. and disciple him.
Having been in and around the music biz years ago, I can tell you first hand it is not easy…even as a Christian band.
It’s great that C.C. has someone that he can talk to and be accountable to.
I will be praying for him and you as well.
@Josh good point about Prespilot why let him steal the joy of CC’s life and his journey to show people God’s love. I say let’s stop the Pres talk, Derek already got him anyway.
Brian
It’s too bad Vh1 scrapped “Where are they now?” They did an episode with Poison years ago (right around the reunion tour) and CC had just finished rehab or something like that. He went through some very dark and difficult times.
It would be awesome if they could do a “Where are they now?” Vol. 2 where CC would have the opportunity to share how God has blessed and is blessing him.
That was so worth watching! It actually made me cry. God actively and hotly pursues people everywhere, with all backgrounds. In the video, CC definitely came across as having a precious spirit. His salvation, along with every saved soul is a celebration in Heaven.
@Prespilot68 u will turn off far more seekers with your harsh criticism and judgementalism than Pete ever will, backstage at a Poison concert, discussing his lottery ticket, or CC will. Some of your points are valid, but when they are not delivered in love, they certainly aren’t received in love. Do you want people to be saved? Or do you just enjoy pointing the finger? There is only one true judge of us, and it is not you. If you see behaviors that you feel are harmful to the body of Christ, you can pull that person aside over a neutral cup of coffee and speak love into them, and give them a chance to share their heart. (I bet this is what Pete & Brian did with CC, in private). Disguising yourself behind a made up name with no link for the ability for tender discussion suggests you are hiding something. This is a safe community who can love you despite your repeated attempts to stir things up. Be yourself and let people love you.
I am in tears. I find God’s ways to be simply amazing. Pete, thank you for being willing to be “out of the box” in the days we live in and STILL uphold the standard of truth and holiness. Some sow, others water, but it is GOD who gives the increase. What a blessing!
Dude! That is stinkin’ amazing! What a great opportunity to have an influence… You’re awesome man.
happy birthday?
This was truly an awesome post today! You go Pete…pastor to Poison! How wonderful that you have built a relationship with Him and that you will be able to watch Him grow more and more in Christ. I can’t wait to hear more about him in the future. I’m sure he’ll keep in close contact with you! Our worship band will love to hear this!!
Pete!!! This is awesome! i have another friend who walks with some rock stars like CC and it’s a tough road…but…God has them right where he wants them and they know it and it’s cool.
Awesomeness.
That rocks!
Oh my goodness, what a small world. I went to school with Derek Bruner and we were in the youth group together at church!! He is very well connected to so many people!
Sounds like a fun concert.
Thanks for your comment! I’ve been chatting back and forth with your wife! We seem to have several things in common:) Have a great day.
Very cool
I dig the video.
BTW upon your recommendation I went out and bought the flip video. I took a bunch of video of our son’s basketball games last weekend and later today I’m going to try to edit them. :: crossing fingers that part is as easy as shooting it ::
I love to see God at work in ways that we could never have imagined Him working. God is so much bigger than we ever give Him credit for. And more often than not when someone becomes too ingrained with “religion” they forget that Jesus was about building relationships.
Thanks for sharing your new relationship with us. I will be praying for CC.
I see your next hair style…..go for it dude!
P. Pete,
That was excellent! The Poison Pastor!!!!!
PP, this is so great. I love how God connects people!!
This is awesome Pete! You really do ROCK! BTW…. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Awesome Pete! It’s amazing to see how God put you two together. Rock on!
Very cool and Happy Birthday!!!
Here’s a funny little Poison story: my dad owned a Mcdonalds in Mobile, AL and Poison stopped in for lunch on their way to a concert in Biloxi (back in 1988). My dad happened to be there while they were dining and they went up and introduced themselves to him. Bret Michaels said “we could eat at the finest restaurant in town, but we just love Mcdonalds!” My dad, of course did not have a clue who these guys were and came home that night and said, ” I just met the nicest group of gentlemen. They were so polite! They are from a band called Poison or something.” I of course freaked out and could not believe he did not get me an autograph! I will be praying for C.C. and am excited to watch as God begins the process of sanctification in his life. I am taking a guess that we won’t be hearing him sing “Look What the Cat Dragged In” any time soon!
that’s so cool!
And I thought Hanging out with Oz Fox was cool
Very cool!! See what I mean bro. You’re a rockstar dude! LOL
peace
-jesse
I got so excited when I received notice of this.
I grew up under the influence of bands like Poison, Van Halen, Motley Crue, etc. And not having a good fatherly or Christian influence in my life, Rock & Roll, drinking, drugs and womanizing became my escape. I’ve experienced the sin and pain of that path.
However, Christ never gave up on me. He lovingly and gently pulled me from the lies and deception of the evil one. He did this by showing me the joy, peace, and love in Christians that he put in my path. It wasn’t by judgmental Bible thumpers.
So, it is with GREAT joy that I celebrate with the heavens, CC’s salvation! Welcome to the family CC! Your journey with Christ will be more amazing than you can imagine!
I never leave a comment, but read your blog daily. And may I just say that I love it…..LOVE IT! For me, it’s good to know that pastor’s are real people too. The fact that you share a little of yourself with us, your “Blogland Congregation”, is what makes me come back for more.
And how cool is it to have the chance to minister to someone that is TRYING to change their life around, especially when that someone is someone like CC DeVille. No, that doesn’t mean that he is any more important than the “Everyday Person” that you minister to daily. But then again…. YOU never said it was any different. It’s some/one of your readers that make that assumption.
My question is this…. Why is there ALWAYS that one person that feels that he/she needs to find fault in what you do/say? Your real, and you deal with real life events just like the rest of us. Your not perfect, nor do you protray yourself as that. For the ones always finding fault…. GET A LIFE. In my humble opinion, your comments (Prespilot68) are not very “Christian Like” either and I can assure you that I for one would not be led to Christ listening to you always finding fault in others.
Noone is perfect, and Christianity is not a process that is done overnight. So my hats off to you, Pastor Pete! I think that it’s pretty cool that you took this opportunity to share the gospel with a lost sheep that is trying to find his way. From the very beginning of the post you said that you were not sharing everything that was said, nor should we expect you to. As well, we shouldn’t assume what you didn’t say either!
I just wish that I lived in your area so that I could attend your church and learn from you myself. Cross Point seems like a great place to be.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
I don’t even know who poison is , but this is the coolest story I have heard in a long time. Talking about meeting a person where they are at! And the fact that he was open to hearing you….God is awesome. But mostly the fact that you were willing to go without judgement speaks a lot about you.
That is what it is all about….. thanks for sharing…. very encouraging for all of us Christ-followers
In the war with Satan for ‘soul control’ you’re always on the front lines. That’s one of the things I really admire about you as my pastor.
Pete, you are an awesome person and pastor. Carey and I feel priveledged to be a part of Cross Point and under your leadership. We are thrilled you had the opportunity to minister to CC. And as for prespilot (or whatever his name is) we should simply pray for him and remember that, “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Ro. 8:11
this is super RAD!!!!!
was that the best birthday present ever???
Lovn it!!!!!
So…..is Bret still w/ the band or what? I know he does solo stuff but I didn’t know if he was still in. Regardless, so daggone cool it’s not funny.
LOVE the POISON!!!
wow!! this is really AMAZING!! iu would have never imagined.. ha thats proof that God is wonderful, and powerful, and works in mysterious ways.. i dont know you pete.. but CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Dude. That is so rockin’ awesome. Way to be a vessel, bruthah.
My favorite part of that video, in fact it got me a little choked up, was when CC asked you if he had any questions, if you would help him… There was something so real about that moment, something that even reminded me of the time after I had just gotten saved… I am so glad that you are the Pastor he sought out Pete, because I just dont know if there could be a better fit. Thanks for being you! I hope someday I actually get to see you preach… until then, I will just watch in awe while you walk.
Be blessed,
Scott Mocha
That’s awesome, Pete! I think it’s great that he can have a friend like you to encourage him and pray for him. Thanks for sharing!
We need more guys like C.C DeVille doin’ their thing and honoring God while they do it. It’s cool to see God changing hearts and lives like this.
I can’t get over that dude’s teeth….they are ‘white as snow’!!! Sure sign he knows Jesus! Great stuff PW.
“Apparently C.C. has just become a Christian and was wondering if I would be willing to bring him some messages he could listen to on the road, as well as just encourage him, and answer a few questions”
That’s amazing…far more eager to know God than me most the times, I must sadly admit.
I stoked for you. I may photoshop my face in over yours on that pic.
amazing. I’ve had ‘Every Rose’ in my head for over two weeks, and now I log onto my computer and see this!! Our God is amazing . . . and he’s using you, Pete, in many ways. A sure sign that you really are called to be right where you are!
Blessings,
Emily
C.C. DeVille! AWESOME!
I like the way you roll, Pastor Pete
I can’t wait to get home so I can listen to the interview. (I don’t have speakers at work.)
SICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SICK SICK SICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that is amazing, pete. stinkin’ amazing.
Wow! I think how ‘easy’ of a decision to accept Christ was for me — I had grown up in church. The majority of my family and friends and environment were and have been Christian. How wonderful this story is — CC going against the grain of all he has known to begin living for the One he now knows is Truth and Life and the Ultimate Rock Party =) Thank you for sharing this. A new believer – how sweet it is to watch their hearts be transformed as they understand more about JESUS and forgiveness and GRACE – the old passing away… very cool. Pete, thanks for loving people like you do!!
Dang, Pete. What an awesome movement of God! I am in a hotel room in Orlando on business, watching this. Tears haven’t dropped on my computer like this since Brett Favre announced his retirement (just kidding). But honestly, THIS WAS INSANE! I’m committing to pray for CC and oh, what God must have planned for him as he has opportunities to reach out in the name of Jesus around him! INSANE!! Did I mention this was INSANE???
That totally ROCKS! I am totally excited for you….and for CC! (Okay, and REALLY jealous that you got to hang out with him.) I sent a little blog love you way too.
I would just like to say that I think it’s AMAZING that CC has found Christ. This is a guy who’s life has been a car wreck that the world has gawked at for a long time. You are absolutely right….we need to be celebrating that this Prodigal Son has come home.
When I first became a Christian, a mere 7 years ago, I was reluctant to give up some of the worldly things I had been doing. As I drew closer to Christ…He laid the desire on my heart to give these things up. It wasn’t other believers casting stones at me…it was the Holy Spirit alone.
What an incredible journey that God has you on, Pete. Stay humble. Stay real. God has amazing plans for you!
very awesome pete. of course he doesn’t play guitar hero…its not the same.
Gee, put you and @5thstreet together and look what happens. Glad you had a great time and a Happy Birthday!
Pete
I will also pray for CC and the impack that you have made on that young man and God is watching.
Nice shot of the security guard’s butt!
I pray for people like CC all the time. Juest like each prodigal child it’s time to celebrate and continue to pray for CC on his journey…
Thanks for being there…
PETE WILSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is SO WRONG ON EVERY LEVEL YOU HAVE EVER TAKEN!!!!! You absolutely know how much I LOVE Bret Michaels!!! WHY WHY WHY??????
Not feeling the love here, bro….. NO MORE LOTTERY TICKETS FOR YOU!
(not really, and I hope you had a very HAPPY B-DAY)
On a real note….I’m so glad you’re mentoring CC – GOD has plans that NO ONE can thwart!! YOU KEEP GOING P2!!
I TOTALLY LOVE YOU….now, hook me up will ya??
You have skyrocketed to coolest pastor on the planet.
I’ll be praying for CC. Amazing story! Thanks for sharing the moments that you did. Also, thanks for keeping private what you kept private. We don’t need to know everything he talked with you about. I love that you went, that he wanted you there, and that God is making waves in his life. Awesome and Bravo to everyone involved.
Heidi Reed
Pete
Great post. What a great opportunity to be a pastor. I’m thrilled with your interaction with CC. The reason new believers are nervous like CC came across is because christians have a tendancy to be judgemental. Thanks for representing and not judging CC. You are now his human lifeline. I know you’ll take it very serious.
Lichty
Dude-I just watched that whole thing with my mouth wide open. I loved this band from 7th grade on. Oh man, can I go with you next time?
First of all I have to say that this whole scenario and several things about it are freaking amazing! Also, I would have paid good money to have gone to that with you guys.
I beleive that God’s desire is to capture the best of the best that the world has and make them His just so that He through us can influence a culture for Christ. He will reach more than most of us ever could. Isn’t God amazing!
Nice! I actually got a bit teary watching the video. I love when God gets a hold of people.
It’s nice to be blogging with the “official pastor of poison” Haha!
PRAISE GOD!! I am jumping out of my skin!! I could cry..C.C. Deville got saved!! I am SO stoked beyond words. I wish I could hug him seriously! PRAISE God. I can’t believe how much joy has filled my heart! Hallelujah!
WOW! That is awesome! I love how God works. Praying that C.C. will continue to grow in faith and stay strong. Kinda cool to leave a message on the blog of the “unofficial pastor to poison”!
Let me be very clear here – when someone comes to the Lord with a REPENTFUL Heart it means that the person has identified they are a sinner (along with their sins) and have TURNED FROM THEIR SINS! Its not that they will “repent” over time. Repentances is a total surrender to God – there is no “partial” surrender in repentance. Again, light cannot coexist with darkness. This means no matter what, a person Loves the Lord more than anything else – including their job, former passions, etc.
Yes, Jesus indeed ate with sinners, but if you recall he also told the woman found in adultery to “GO AND SIN NO MORE” (not “hey just stop whenever it feels convenient to ya”). CC Deville needs to put down his guitar and walk away from this group who has promoted a lifestyle of Sex and debauchery (I should know as I too was once a Poison fan and I am very well aware of their music and genre). If CC Deville says he doesn’t realize that singing about promiscuous sex is wrong then I would say he no longer has a conscience or I would have to question his authenticity of repentance. To say you have a changed heart and continue to stand up in front of thousands of fans who are there to indulge themselves in such behavior and activities has me somewhat baffled. CC should be very much aware of the lyrics he is singing or playing. Furthermore, does one really think the Holy Spirit will dwell within someone for a long period of time whereby this type of stuff is being played night after night?? – eventually two things will happen – either CC will have to walk away from this due to persistent conviction from God, or he mourn God’s Spirit and CC becomes once again an apostate.
Let’s maybe put this in a different light. Let’s say it was a stripper who had gotten “saved” and she told you Pete that she was going to continue to “strip” as a “Christian”. Would you treat her the same as you did CC here?? Would you really tell her to work this out over time, or would you question the authenticity of her repentance??? My point here is repentance is a changed heart and therefore one will no longer to continue in sins that are so obvious – such as playing for a group that sings about “getting it on” and degrading women. Repentance means to CHANGE your HEART and thus your WILL. Pete – if CC comes back to you in a month or two and says “you know what Pete I am going to continue to play with Poison and I see no problem doing so” – would you not have a problem with this???
Awesome!!! Can you have CC call Vince Neil (the first love of my life) and help him out? I love Vince and hate where his life is.
Prespilot68, don’t you have some venom to spread somewhere else? Surly you have some sinner to yell at or something? While you are at it hit them with your Bible too.
Sometimes I wonder why people in the world don’t want to even look at Christianity and a pompous jerk like you opens your mouth and it’s clear to me why.
Do us all a favor, do the church a favor, do yourself a favor. Shut up!!!
K, so here’s my thought’s on this whole dealeo. I have randomly prayed for celebrities here and there throughout the years…Britney, Angelina, whoever…and I can’t remember if I ever prayed for CC or not…but I do know that I will from now on. I promise you that. Him and all his Poison peeps. Is it just me, or has his whole voice and face changed? Seriously…it’s like he is less hollow. I myself have been a Poison fan since forever…they stinkin rock (oh yes, I know all the lyrics) and have seen him in the news throughout the years and now and he seems all filled up. Yay! As to the other question out there in the comments as to “What does CC do now?” Dang! My two cents is that he should continue to rock it. He is one of the best guitar players ever…and to be in the position that he is in – to influence and genuinely love his BFF’s (boys in the band and on the road…whom we would never have access to) is phenomenal. He can now use his talents to honor God rather then honoring himself. He has access to people and an audience that normal people (you and I) would never see or speak to. Wasn’t it just last year that Ricky Stix was in some sort of trouble himself? Who better to speak love and wisdom into his life? Dang. What an honor for CC to be in that place. I don’t know why all of us are acting like a bunch of aliens. Like he becomes a Christian and all of a sudden he can’t do his job? Did you guys quit your job at Starbucks or Wal-Mart when you became a Christian? Probably not. So why would he quit his day job when God called him to the Cross? That is weird for me that people would think that he should.
Pastor Pete, Hoping you don’t mind. I posted your picture on my blog. It is an incredible GodSpot.
Pete that is so awesome!!
Prespilot68, you obviously have never met Pete before and you don’t know what a caring heart he truly has. Have you thought that maybe God has not given C.C. the “go ahead” to leave the band? God has a plan for him that you or I know nothing about – which might involve him staying in the band for awhile longer. There are people that might become Christians as a result, who would maybe never come to know Christ if he just up and quits the band. And as far as the lottery ticket, you must have missed the point that a friend gave it to Pete. He did not go out and buy it.
Dear ‘Unofficial Pastor of Poison’,
ARE
YOU
KIDDING
ME??????
As usual- YOU ROCK!! What an awesome way to Spread God’s Love! Praying for you and CC…
Thanks for sharing a great story of God’s grace. Very, very cool.
To Kristlapplesauce & “Tiredofllthecrap”
Let me say that I love saint and sinners alike and hope that ALL come to redemption and repentance. What can be more loving than to preach the gospel of repentance and redemption from SIN!
For those who say that CC Deville should stay in the band to be an influence on others is naive. If CC is a new convert then he is still a “Babe” in Christ, then he should really be more focused at this point in growing in the Lord rather than trying to save others. Besides, it is only God who can illuminate the heart and the mind to the truth. Indeed we can plant seeds into other peoples hearts, but CC can do nothing on his own. Besides, what would be more influential, CC staying or walking away from this band? By walking away this would send a clear message that He is indeed turning from this lifestyle and is a New Creature and is making a full effort not to support such lyrics and behavior.
PS “Tiredofallthecrap” – Who is spewing forth venom here?? Maybe you need to think about how hateful YOUR Sounding? All I am saying is repentance is the measure of a changed heart. Let us not forget THATS what the GOSPEL is really about – Repent from sin and LOVE GOD with all your heart, soul and mind.
Thank you for stepping up where WE couldn’t!
Happy Birthday!
Yeah…I am pretty sure that to isolate oneself/yourself/myself when we become believers and associate only with other believers is not what Christ had in mind when He told us to go and love people. I am still kinda confused on why any of us think we have a say so on what Mr. Deville should do with his future anyways. Did he ask for our opinion? No. I am pretty sure he did not. But whatever. I will be responsible for me and love through prayer. Rock on Poison Peeps. You guys are freakin rad. Rock on blog peeps…I love you. Rock on Prespilot68, I don’t know why you are upset…but I am glad you are here and I hope that you are feeling some love too so Rock on.
Ok Pete….this rocks. No pun intended.
Huge Poison Fan back in the day..CC is amazing….The Pastor for Poison, has a ring to it!
Idolatry. That’s going to be his biggest change.
The Church is full of subtle idolatry though. We are bombarded with it.
kristlapplesauce
I am not saying be isolated – where did I ever say that? As Paul clearly instructed that people who are new to the faith are to be instructed and nurtured by more mature believers. To be brought into maturity. Would you want to throw a new convert into the role of a pastor only a month or two after they were saved? Of course not. My point is that we need to surround new believers and nurture them in the wisdom of the Lord and not expect them to be the one sole person in the midst of a traveling Rock band to influence and led them to the Lord. Yes, he can be an influence, but we must realize that everyone has a conscience and have been bombarded by their own minds for years to do right (Romans 1:19). Besides, what part of “don’t yoke yourself with unbelievers” don’t you seem to get? Especially someone who is so new in their conversion? Would a drug dealer who has recently been saved stay in the drug business to “influence” others?? Should a porn star stay in the porn industry to “influence” others……
Who are you to say what God’s will for his life is? Like I said before, if God has not given him the “green light” to exit from the band, then he is to stay there until it is his time to leave. It’s that way with any situation.
@prespilot68 or Sudaj Suraci or whoever you are. I am sure there are porn stars who stay in the biz to influence others.
Um, I am not so sure what else to say…but since I like to talk I will keep this conversation afloat. I seem to be in the mindset that God equips us for the situations He allows us to be in. It is no surprise to God that CC has developed these relationships/friendships for years now and has now in his own life become a believer…just like it wasn’t a big fat surprise for God when I surrendered my life back in the day. But I can tell you this much; I am sure happy that God kept me planted in some of the friendships/relationships I was established in when I was saved because I learned and grew from them (believers and unbelievers alike) throughout the years and have had the amazing privilege of walking with some of them to the Cross. I doubt I would have had that opportunity if I “pulled out” of my life and out of all those relationships upon my own conversion and waited until maturity to share Christ. Dang. I would still be waiting if that were the case…and sadly, so would they.
Wouldn’t it be funny if prespilot68 is actually Pete trying to play devil’s advocate?
this is good.
WOW! That is awesome news to hear. How neat for you to be able to minister to him. WOW!! That is totally AWESOME!!! It will be neat to see how God will use him these coming years.
As a wife of a professional musician this is AWESOME!! I can’t wait for the hubby to see this! We grew up on poison and it just melts my heart to see God at work in ALL walks of life!!!
On a side note, this was a wonderful gift to read this morning as I just watch the So You Think You Can Dance show last night and the guest artist sang her “hit” song about kissing girls. I was a bit disheartened as to the state of the music industry world and this really lifted my spirits! Rock ON!!!!!
@prespilot Wasn’t Saul (aka Paul) a new “convert” in Christ when he started his ministry (Acts 9),it does say he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus no real number there of when it is ok to start witnessing to people so I guess that is discussion for another time. Now mind you Saul did change jobs after his conversion, he quit killing Christians and started preaching the gospel…..pres, I love you in Christ friend and don’t want to get in a religious rumble with you, we could go back and forth pulling scripture, I repect your opinion.
Got an update about Louie and Tomlin!
http://human3rror.com/2008/07/11/passion-church-louie-speaks/
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah {breath}
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!
my heart is leaping here. my face is melting.
mr. c.c. poison, sir… we’ll all pray for you!
and, pete… if i’m going to continue reading your blog you are going to have to warn me about the posts that are going to completely mess me up and make me late to stuff. {thanks}
God rocks – - seriously!!!
THIS
IS
AWESOME!!!!
I haven’t even watched the vid yet and I am all goose bumpy and tingly! And then PRESPILOT had to go spoil it. After about the second comment all I heard was the “wah wah wah” from Charlie Brown.
Wow, PresP doesn’t have a link.
Hmmmm….
It’s amazing to me the time spent by some trying to find fault in the fact that someone has given their life to Christ. Tell me, has anyone that has written in this been pure yesterday, today, the last hour?? C.C. now has the Holy Spirit. Many real Christians in Paul’s day heard from the Holy Spirit, through Paul and the other diciples (which we can read) giving direction, correction and so on. Christians who judge, I wonder if they are Christians at all, I will love you just the same. By the way, Bible battles are for the weak, the Holy Spirit is here to make you strong!! Use your Bible to draw close to our amazing God!! I just became a Poison fan, like when I became a Kansas fan!!
This is the most amazing thing ever! I’m too young to remember them back in the day, but I love them now. haha.
Jalack – FYI Paul spent 3 yrs in the desert growing in wisdom and knowledge of the Lord before EVER once stepping foot into a synagogue or before preaching (Gal 1:13-18). Even though Paul was very well versed in Judaic law, the Lord still saw it fit for him to grow even more before staring his ministry.
Bob Clatterbuck – I am not finding “fault” here, all I am saying is what is the mark of true repentance? If I repent of my sin and therefore now hate sin and Love God, what desire do I then have with those things that were once of the flesh. Let us put away the things of the flesh and take upon the things of the Spirit.
I don’t usually jump into these conversations, but I wanted to interject something here.
prespilot68, first of all do you have a blog? Maybe we could take some of this conversation over to your place and continue the dialogue.
second, you mentioned something to Bob just now. You asked, “what is the mark of true repentance?” and you went on to say, “If I repent of my sin and therefore now hate sin and Love God, what desire do I then have with those things that were once of the flesh. Let us put away the things of the flesh and take upon the things of the Spirit.”
In my opinion this is a very “works” oriented view to who the Holy Spirit is in our lives. When we repent and are filled, we are not instantly changed, except to be filled with the one that does the changing. We don’t change ourselves. The Bible is clear that apart from god we can do nothing. The Spirit leads and guides and renews. Washing the inside of the cup first is a great metaphor. this is a process of being made new in Christ. It is not instant.
If you watched the video, CC was very clearly a man that is looking for direction. And, he is clearly a man that is in love with the God that is now changing Him. did you see CC’s response when Pete gave his umber to him. He was humble and anxious. He was concerned that if he did call, Pete would not be available. He needed that assurance from Pete. Pete gave it to him. CC is a man that is being changed from the inside out.
Scriptures say we are known by our fruit. CC is a man that is now going through the process of learning to bear fruit. He has obviously already made some decisions that have changed his life. Drinking, Drugs even cussing. he is seeing how these things are no longer appropriate for his life and I believe it is the Spirit that is guiding him through this process and now God has dropped someone like Pete in his lap so that he can have accountability and guidance.
We shouldn’t speculate where CC is in his faith, except to say that we can very obviously see a man early in his faith, broken and ready for direction. I will be praying for CC. I think there are some amazing things ahead of him.
Something I needed to say, regarding CC’s involvement in the band.
As CC grows in his faith, there will be things that he doesn’t see as issues today, but will see down the road. But, through spiritual guidance and accountability with people like Pete and the Spirit working within him, this will happen in God’s time.
Wow…. this is quite a discussion going on! I can see both sides of it here… both sides have a point but perhaps the “sharing in love” is lacking at times??!
First, we should rejoice at how God can reach anyone at anytime. Do we really believe that Jesus can save anyone? I know that this is something I sometimes struggle to believe.
I remember saying we should pray that Osama Bin Laden would get saved after 9/11 and some people got mad at me! Is there some people we think aren’t “worthy” of Christ’s forgiveness? None of us are worthy! We all deserve hell.
I guess the other thing I wanted to add is that there are, no doubt, things in C.C.’s life that he needs to change. I have been a Christian many years and there are sins that I need to surrender over and over again. It’s part of the growth process.
God is good, God is faithful. We need to be faithful with what has been entrusted to us and pray that God’s Spirit would work in all our lives to bring us to full maturity in Christ, wherever we are in our walk.
My friend Steve always wanted to write a book “My Jesus smelled like Cigarette Smoke” just to remind people of the crowd that Jesus hung around with, that his disciples hung around with.
I will be praying for C.C. and for you, Pete. Thanks for being faithful to the ministry God has called you to. Stay strong and stay humble.
(And I love your kids!)
You had me at “I use ear plugs cause I’m an old guy.” Me too. I like my hearing.
prespilot68 you said, “FYI Paul spent 3 yrs in the desert growing in wisdom and knowledge of the Lord before EVER once stepping foot into a synagogue or before preaching (Gal 1:13-18).”
Sorry to contradict, but if you had looked at the reference given in Acts 9:19b-20 “Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” (New Living Translation)
It seems to me that we too easily forget about Grace. Let’s leave the work of C.C’s growth in his new walk of faith in the hands of the Holy Spirit and those that have been placed in his life to guide him! Or else we will be in danger of playing the part of the older brother in the prodigal story! “If not for the grace of God, there go I!”
Instead, lets celebrate the Home coming of our younger brother! Never been a Poison fan, but C.C’s on my prayer list now!
I love this! I love this church more every week! I am a rocker at heart…
But I have to know if you wore your new sunglasses to the show?
That is freaking awesome Pete!!
as a lifelong c.c. deville fan (and poison) and a CHRISTIAN>.. this makes me feel more than awesome. I just saw them here in salt lake city last week. I me cc in 91 and he is an awesome and genuine person. I know he has been done some terrible roads and I know he is new dad too. I am so excited for him and I pray he will be able to live for Christ and do what he loves too. I also pray the rest of the band gets saved as well. This has made my day. That’s awesome… you are the pastor to POISON! SWEET!!!
I think we all need to give prespilot68, CC, and @pete a little grace here. Most of us have been on both ends of conversations like this.
(except being the unoffical pastor to poison which is soooo stinkin cool…) anyway, God will work it out for CC, @pete, and prespilot68. I don’t think my job description as a follower of Christ allows me to judge any of them.
(except being the unoffical pastor to poison which is soooo stinkin cool…)
I called my 27 year old son this morning and told him to look at the blog. He has known Pete for 15 or so years but hasn’t seen him in a long time. He and his son, age 9, are BIG guitar hero guys and I thought he would really appreciate it. I was right. He did and I could hear soemthing in his voice that made me realize the Holy Spirit was using that video for His glory.
I don’t know how much sinning a new Christian is allowed to do. I don’t because I don’t know how much an old Christian is allowed to do either. All I know for sure is God will sort it all out in the end and I have to press on and try to live as much like Christ as possible each moment of my life. Some moments are much better than others.
@pete, I love you but more than anything I love the way Christ comes through you.
I am working on a logo for you something like “The Artist” has P2P. Pastor to Poison. I will get with your “Celebrity Pastor Marketing Group” and go over the details.
This is an incredible community of believers!
good granny… i am still so excited about cc being saved. I already commented on this earlier, but i’ve been rejoicing all day… let’s all pray for him. It’s hard enough keeping God’s standards in the regular world, can you imagine the “rockstar” world. Also, pray for the rest of the band. That they would be supportive and that they would come to the Lord as well. I’m so excited to see my teen age heart throb come to know the Lord! Jesus loves rockers too.
unreal opportunity! Way to go Pete…praying for you guys in Nashville!
Thank you for sharing this story, truly we serve a loving God.
It is great to see that no matter where you are or who you are, we all hold each other up and accountability is afforded to each of us who seeks it.
holy freaking crap!
DONT NEED NOTHING …BUT A GOOD TIME!
Hi, my husband showed this to me. It is so awesome in the real sense of the word. What a responsibility! We have a friend that played with in a big time 70′s and 80′s band. When he got saved, he totally walked away. He plays a really mean guitar for God now! Lots of prayer for CC DeVille and Pastor Pete.
Very cool, man. What an experience it would have been. The closest I’ve ever been to that is when I hung out with Nickel Creek in the bus after a small show in southern Indiana. We talked “church” briefly and they talked beer mostly!
Brook Sarver
http://www.two10eleven.com
This is a much different Poison that I partied with in the 80′s!! To God Be The Glory!!!
Alice Cooper, Poison…who’s next ????
It’s awesome to see God working in CC’s life, to see the changes in him, and his passion for God. I’m excited that God Connected Pete and CC, that he will be there as a resource as he has questions, and needs some encouragement.
Thanks for posting this Pete.
That’s too cool! When I saw them last year, CC played his latest song called “I Hate Every Bone in Your Body But Mine”! God rocks.
Awesome news. I’ve had that relationship with a very famous rapper. Kind of strange, actually I agree it is very surreal. If you ever need a rap star to bust a Psalm like David let me know. I’d love for him to be in more churches!
AMEN! What an awesome story.
Isn’t it amazing how we ALL have a story…each one different, but we are all on the same road as He calls us unto Him. We just took a different path to get to His!
Praying for CC! G
i really can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said, but wow, that is seriously awesome. seriously.
This is awesome. Especially as a father with a young son that loves Guitar Hero
I agree with one of the other comments that when he asked you if he could could call you anytime he had a question was just awesome. ROCK ON!!
Wow. . . I didn’t read all the comments here but I did see some lregalistic judgment calls on one hand and declarations that real salvation has taken place. Both might be premature, however, and I am not casting a vote. I am to old to be called a child of the 80′s, but when someone professes Christ and openly asks for guidance in front of his/her ‘peers’, no matter what that means, it’s a pretty positive indication. Over the years, (I’m old, you see) I have seen genuine celebrity conversions and others that seemed doubtful. It is not my place to cast a vote either way, but it IS my duty to pray, and remember Revelation 5:12, verse 9 in particular. Resulting fruit will speak for itself. On what basis or authority to I make any comment at all, especially to caution against ‘casting votes’ in the matter? this prodigal returned home to his Lord while serving with US Army Special Forces (Green Berets, in case it’s unclear), wrestled with remaining in such an envorinment and especially serving on an SF “A” team with some pretty rough customers who flatly denied God and were sincere advocates of the ‘Kill ‘em all and let God sort ‘em out) philosophy (included a time as the Team lead NCO). After my return ‘home’, I served another 18 years in the SF environment while being very open about my faith. It was a very challenging time as a believer, and very rewarding.
That is just unbelievably wonderful.
I am a little puzzled at the hesitancy of some to be encouraging. At times it seems as though we are looking for some evidence that the person mumbled the magic incatation, and if they didn’t then the incatation didn’t stick. There is little in this video to indicate that CC is anything other than desiring to give glory to God and be obedient. True Godly sorrow, repentance, and faith in Jesus Christ, thankfully, looks different from faith to faith, and yet the righteousness of God is revealed in his saving action in various people from various walks of life. Though swearing is not to be ignored, it is also a somewhat subjective space on the scale of sanctification, cursing non-stop was a huge part of my life and after walking with Jesus for about 4 years I found that my ongoing conviction about it had changed to action, that I was prompted in my spirit just before I was about to curse, and thereby God purified me of that.
If his life with the band is a serious hindrance (Heb 12:1) then he should definitely leave it. If not, then perhaps he should stay, in whatever capacity. Some of the content of the music may be considered an issue, but for cryin out loud, he wants to be obedient to the word of God and glorify the name of Jesus, and he is just figuring this out! Could he be a false convert? Sure! So could I or any of you if we do not persevere in Christ and thereby prove that God had saved us (Heb 3:14) in the death and resurrection of our beautiful Lord, Jesus Christ and always be pursuing holiness (Heb 12:14).
As with a bartender friend of mine who was an alcoholic, God did not completely take away his desire for alcohol, and my friend believed that was so that he would depend on him constantly and not get too comfortable after his deliverance (2 Cor 12:9-10). He wanted to stay and witness to his friends, but the temptation of familiar sounds, smells, and sins was just too much for him to remain. Let’s praise God that he saves the most unlikely of people (like me) and pray for CC’s perseverance, praying for his diligence in making his calling and election sure (1 Peter 1:10-16).
In 1989 I was DJ-ing a dance and a junior-high kid came up to me and asked if I had any classic Poison. now that’s funny.
In 1989 I was DJ-ing a dance and a junior-high kid came up to me and asked if I had any classic Poison. now that’s funny.
Good words, Jason!
Friends,
For those of you who are enraptured by the story of C.C. DeVille’s conversion, and who are already see visions of cross-shaped sugar plums dancing in your heads, it’ll be worth your while to research the back story of Brian Welch, former Korn guitarist. What happened to Brian Welch, the guitarist for Korn, as he began to live out his Christian life in the nu-metal subculture may well inform CC (and those close to him) as he begins his journey in the faith. Though Poison isn’t exactly nu-metal, the Poison and Korn venues are in many ways alike. Consequently, CC’s going to be facing some very similar (and, incidentally, very tough) decisions on his journey to the Celestial City.
May I humbly suggest something? Before the Christian subculture ordains C.C., publishes a book, makes a movie, and develops a Phil Keaggy endorsed version of Guitar Hero, it will be wise to remember that Mr. Deville’s fame as a guitarist does not change the fact that he is, in the words of Scripture, “a novice”; a new believer – nothing more. His fame, talent and position don’t exempt him from the process of sanctification. Rather, they make him an attractive target for the evil one, who goes about “like a lion seeking whom he may devour”.
In nature the roaring lion picks off the weak, the sick, and the young. CC is young in his faith – a perfect target for Satan. Therefore, as fellow believers you who know him are to protect this young believer from the enemy. This includes the enemy within the church – Tares who would abuse and exploit CC for their own selfish ends. In particular the Christian publishing/media organ needs to resist the temptation to make a fast buck by forcing a novice into their limelight in order to “prove” how powerful Jesus is (as if He needs an endorsement.:-) On a personal level, neither are we to live out our pet dreams and cravings for notoriety through some vicarious connection to another’s fame (or infamy.)
In the ancient Church, the catechumenates – (new believers, still being taught the faith) were often delayed from participating in Holy Communion for as long as three years, so great was the concern for their spiritual health in wrongly taking the supper. In contrast, in the modern Church it appears that one can go from debauchery to conversion to ordination, publication, and the pulpit in a matter of months…usually with disastrous results for the person and the church.
CC is a new branch grafted onto the Tree of life…nothing more. Of course, thinking Christians who read his story are grateful for genuine fruits of repentance! The unpleasant truth is, whatever the stars in our eyes, God is no respecter of persons. CC has only now become significant in God’s economy, and only because of Christ’s redemptive work – same as every redeemed person. The other inconvenient truth is this; in large measure he has only potential as a bearer of true fruits. Now the real work of sanctification can begin, if you who are gathered around him will only step back and let it happen. Your charge is to water with the Word, guard with prayer, and nurture the young graft by your life examples of purity, modesty, chastity, and charity. As you exercise these quiet disciplines of patience, real growth can begin. Meanwhile, do not rush to hang heavy pre-packaged fruit-style ornaments onto the young and weak branch in some misguided effort to create the next “amazing Christian conversion” phenomenon.
CBG
Slight p.s.
Please don’t read anything into my euphamistic reference to Phil Keaggy – a gentle person and Christian of genuine integrity…Phil is sincere in the truest sense of the word. I referenced him only in the sense of having watched the Christian music industry use and sometimes abuse his work; alternately fawning “me-too” and re-telling mytical Jimi Hendrix statements for sales effect, and then rejecting his work when he was “too old to look cool” anymore. Phil’s a great guy, and would be a great resource for CC, if only someone could connect the two.