Discussing
American Idol -- from pulpit to stage and back

"I was very careful to play the song in a way that allowed people to sing easily and to not take their focus off of what they were doing..."

"My playing has to support congregational singing – it’s me who’s singing along with them, not the other way around."

I hope every church musician who reads this makes note of these statements. As someone in the congregation, I can attest to how unsettling it is to be left behind as the worship leader forgets about the rest of us and goes off on their own private worship trip.

Really good thoughts here.
The temptation to be the "holy" rockstar is one of the things I dislike about a lot of modern church music. As for American Idol, I think its time is well over.

This reminded me of an article I read a few years ago in the NYT about church music. It said that the church was the only place people in a certain town could go to hear live music. I wonder if the kinds of open mics or bar shows where musicians used to get started are fewer and farther between anymore. (Not to mention that the church crowd provides less opportunity for heckling or smoke inhalation...)

great reflection. vey balanced view. if i may, i'd like to add that in church, it is the heart that matters to God the most. of course the skills and competency are a given, but for the offer of praise to be acceptable, i believe that are hearts and subsequently, our minds and hands and feet and body must revel in the awesome wonder for our audience of One. and i think it applies not just to the worship leader and the band but also of the congregation. not much of an American Idol fan but the christian contestants i guess can make a significant impact not just with their excellent singing skills but more so with their deeds and words pointing toward their Lord.

have a blessed day!

A friend just sent me the song "Stand by Me" and it was a collaberation of many people all over the world. Imagine that we as a people gather together to praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, both in word and song. I like the song Stand by Me as I know my God stands by me to help me in all that I do. He will also stand by you and all that you have to do is ask and believe. I do make a joyful noise to the Lord. In God's Grace John

In my life, I have attended different denominations of churches. Some were very traditional, while others preached against that very thing warning to not fall into traditional practices so as to always worship God in a fresh new way. Praise and worship is how each service begins at my church home. Being an amiteur musician myself, while having a degree in Audio Technology sometimes makes worship difficult without critiquing musical skills and sound quality. As for American Idol, I have followed it since Season 3 and think its days are numbered. I am pleased to see more and more contestants wearing their faith on their sleeve. If they make it to the finals or are noticed by the right people in the Christian music business, it will be a great catalyst in spreading God's message. I think ever since Mandisa forgave Simon, he is SLIGHTLY more respectful of the contestants.

There shouldn't be any difference i think. Songs and the talent of singing are both gifts from God and shall be used to glorify God. Singing in the church and singing in American Idol is completely the same when the posture of one's heart is right before the lord. I mean that your heart is postured to praising the Lord whoever the audience and wherever you're singing. I'm yes to Kris Allen! Hope he becomes succesful and use his talent in spreading God's Word not necessarily through the lyrics of the song he's singing but most importantly through his life.

Your Daily Word