Contemporary Christian music charts in the 1980’s were dominated by the likes of Sandi Patti, Amy Grant, Twila Paris and the Imperials. In the 1990’s, Point Of Grace, DC Talk, Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith led the way. But what about this decade? A look at the chart data reveals an interesting landscape in contemporary Christian music from the years 2000 to 2007. The following information was compiled from the CCM Update and Radio & Records Christian AC airplay charts:

MercyMe, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, and Mark Schultz have all charted seven number one songs so far this decade. Avalon and Casting Crowns are right behind with six number one songs apiece. “East To West", the latest release by Casting Crowns looks to be a lock to reach the summit, thus moving them into a 5-way tie at the top. Finally, Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin, Rachel Lampa, and the Newsboys round out the top ten with four number ones each.

When analyzing the number of weeks spent in the top spot, Casting Crowns is currently on top with 48 weeks notched in the top spot so far this decade. MercyMe is second with 39 weeks at number one. “Bring The Rain" is currently holding down the top spot adding to their total each week. Next in line is Jeremy Camp with 33 weeks at number one. Steven Curtis Chapman has spent 32 weeks in the top spot and may soon add to the total with “Miracle Of The Moment". Rounding out the top ten are Third Day (28 weeks), Mark Schultz (25 weeks), Chris Tomlin (22 weeks), Avalon (17 weeks), Newsboys (12 weeks), and Rachel Lampa (8 weeks).

Jeremy Camp has scored the longest running number one song so far this decade with "Take You Back". It spent a remarkable 15 weeks at number one back in the spring of 2005. Chris Tomlin’s “Made To Worship" topped the charts for 14 weeks last fall. “Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns began its 13 week run at the top in November of 2004. “Praise You In This Storm" and “Lifesong" both by Casting Crowns, “Walk By Faith" by Jeremy Camp, “Word Of God Speak" by MercyMe, and “Mountain Of God" by Third Day each enjoyed a 10 week run at number one.

Regardless of how the final quarter of the decade plays out, the clear winners are the millions of fans who have been blessed by a plethora of phenomenal Christian music.

To see the complete list of all the number one Christian AC songs of the decade and the current Christian Top 40 chart check out www.topchristianhits.org.