Shalom, shalom to all in the name of Jesus!
For some time now, there has been a proliferation of Gospel music contests across different parts of the world. These competitions bring together Christians to compete, with the goal of gaining public recognition, winning prizes, and emerging as the so-called "next gospel star."
This trend has also led to an increasing number of Gospel Music Awards, where titles such as "Best Worship Song," "Best Praise Song," "Best Videogram of the Year," and many others are awarded. While I acknowledge that the initiators of these events may have had good intentions, to encourage and support those gifted in singing, the question remains: Is this truly the way of God?
It is important to understand that worship and praise are not limited to singing; rather, singing is just one means of expressing them. However, over time, many Gospel music competitions have emerged, structured just like secular contests, with first, second, and third-place winners. These competitions rely on public votes to determine the "best" Gospel songs, mimicking the world’s systems, such as The Voice, American Idol, Nigerian Idol, and many others.
But after carefully studying the Scriptures and observing the patterns of these contests, I have come to realize that not everything that appears good is godly.
In 2 Samuel 7:1-13, David purposed in his heart to build a temple for the Lord. This was a noble and seemingly righteous desire. Even the prophet Nathan initially approved of it. However, after seeking the Lord, Nathan received divine instruction that David was not the one chosen to build the temple, God had appointed Solomon instead.
This teaches us that even good intentions must align with God’s will and His appointed timing. The same principle applies to these Gospel music contests.
Have These Contests Produced True Gospel Ministers?
We must ask: How many of the winners of these Gospel music competitions have stood the test of time? How many of them have become lasting, anointed voices in the body of Christ?
If we examine history, we will realize that most of the great Gospel ministers we admire today did not emerge through competitions. Rather, they were trained by God in the secret place, in the wilderness, in their personal walk with Him.
In Luke 1:80, the Bible says concerning John the Baptist:
"And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel."
The same pattern is seen in the lives of many Gospel ministers. God prepares His servants in private before revealing them in public. However, these competitions seek to prematurely expose people whom God may not yet be done preparing.
Let us be honest: much of what we see in Gospel music today is patterned after secular music.
Some years ago, worldly musicians introduced dark, fiery, and dramatic aesthetics in their music videos. Before long, we started seeing the same elements in Gospel music videos. This competition-driven culture has caused many Christian musicians to focus more on style, voice, and technique rather than spiritual content and divine anointing.
Excellence is good, but excellence without divine approval leads to destruction.
If these contests were truly a means of identifying God's chosen ministers, why do we see so many competition winners fade into obscurity after a short time? The truth is, it is not competitions that make Gospel artists last, it is content, the anointing, and God’s timing.
Let me ask a question: Has winning prizes become the main motivation for those who claim to sing for the Lord?
If we study the hymns that have stood the test of time, songs like Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, It Is Well With My Soul, none of these were written by people who competed in Gospel music contests. The composers of these songs may not have had the best voices, but their songs were inspired by deep encounters with God.
If today's standards had been applied in the past, ministers like Don Moen, Nathaniel Bassey, Michael W. Smith, and Sinach might never have been known. These people were not revealed through contests; they were revealed through their personal walk with God.
The Bible warns in Proverbs 14:12:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."
Many young people today rush into the spotlight through Gospel competitions before God is done refining them. But premature exposure leads to casualties. Many of these young singers are theologically bankrupt, they may have great voices, but they lack a solid foundation in the Word of God.
If God has not released someone, who are we to force them into the public eye?
The Bible says in 1 Timothy 5:22, "Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure."
We must be careful not to promote people before their time, lest we lead them to spiritual destruction.
It is time for the Church to re-examine the concept of Gospel music competitions.
Are these contests truly of God?
Are we seeking to glorify God, or are we simply trying to match what the world is doing?
Have prizes and fame become more important than anointing and impact?
It is time to return to God’s way. The Gospel music ministry is not about who can sing the best, but about who is truly called, trained, and released by God for His purpose.
Let us allow God to train His servants in the wilderness before their time of manifestation. Let us stop chasing worldly validation and start seeking divine approval.
May the Lord give us wisdom and understanding.
Pastor Samuel Ali
#thevoiceofthechurch
Church Info
0 Comments