Skillet Band Shed Christian Title; 'I Leave 'Christian' Out... I Don't Want to Alienate' Says Lead Singer (VIDEO) Jeannie Law May 09, 2014 10:08 AM EDT

Everyday more and more artists or bands in the Christian industry speak about shedding the title of "Christian." In an interview with STLtoday, front man of the band Skillet, John Cooper, went into greater detail about why he and his band prefer to avoid using the word "Christian."

"I just tell people I'm in a hard-rock band. I leave 'Christian' out," he told STLtoday. "A lot of people don't know what Christian rock is, or they think it's only for Christian people. We're not a band that only sings to Christian people. I meet tons of fans, and I've had fans that said, 'I'm an atheist and I love your message.' "

The rocker stated he does not however want anyone to think he is hiding his faith.

"I want to make it clear Skillet is never embarrassed about the fact we're in the Christian music industry or that we're a Christian band," he explained. "Everywhere we play, I talk about my faith. I leave the 'Christian' off because I don't want to alienate."

Cooper told the publication that attracting the mainstream is key for the group, and he stated Skillet is the most openly crossover Christian rock band since Stryper. Although he does not want to use the label "Christian," Cooper believes the Lord called him to tell people about Jesus.

"Ever since I became a Christian at 5, I knew God called me to tell people about Christ," he said. "I began telling people about Christ when I was 5, and I always wanted to do that with my music. I wanted to tell the world about Jesus, but the world wasn't buying my records. Only Christians were."

Cooper clarified his reason for seeking a mainstream market, "I needed to be open to doing things outside of the Christian music world. It's important to get the message to those who don't want to get out to church."

The bands latest release is their album Rise, which follows 2009's Awake.

"It's a story from start to finish on how crazy and violent the world has become," he described when asked about the theme of Rise. "Every week, every month, something tragic is happening. It may be an act of God or a school shooting or a bombing. It's an inspiration album telling people there is hope and you can rise above all of these things."

The album is told through the story of a youth "coming into adulthood and reaching out to God to help him have faith in a dark world. He's a fictional kid, a little bit of everybody's kid."

The band Skillet made a breakthrough in 2006, because of social media. MySpace.com exposed the act to new listeners, whether they were Christian music fans or not.

The popular band is a four-person, co-ed band, including Cooper, his wife Korey, lead guitarist Seth Morrison, and drummer Jen Ledger. According to the band's Wikipedia they have sold over two million albums in the U.S. alone, and are known for a relentless touring schedule.

Skillet is currently on the road on a Christian music tour with some of the artists that share in his view of the "Christian" label. The line up includes TobyMac, LeCrae, Capital Kings, Tedashii, and We As Human.

He ends the interview with STLtoday by saying, "The bill is strong and the timing is right. It's an edgy lineup for Christian music."

What are your thoughts on Christians shedding the title because they want to appeal to a mainstream audience? Is it an effective way to win the lost or is it jeopardizing the validity of the Christian artists? Leave your comments below.