In response to a question...

Regarding my comment about the Christian talent search as being 'wrong on mutliple levels', Kerry posted the following in the comments section.

Through your blog, I just heard about this contest and don't have any opinion about it one way or the other. Can you fill me in on how this is bad on many different levels? In a sense, isn't IHOP kind of like a Christian talent search? Tryouts, being accepted or turned down? Just curious as to your opinion. And how would winning this talent search make these people any different than other Christian recording artists who have gotten where they are in the more traditional manner?

I thought the questions were put forth in such a great spirit that I wanted to answer them in a place more visable than the comments section. I'll approach them out of order beacuse I think one builds on the other.

And how would winning this talent search make these people any different than other Christian recording artists who have gotten where they are in the more traditional manner?
It probably doesn't. This does not console me in the slightest. In my opinion, the Christian recording industry is for the most part, an abysmal pit. It is populated - not entirely, but certainly significantly - by writers and musicians who gravitate to it because it is a smaller market and therefore easier to become well known in. As is generally not good art. Again, these are broad strokes and there are huge exceptions to the rule.

In a sense, isn't IHOP kind of like a Christian talent search? Tryouts, being accepted or turned down?
I can understand how some would feel that way, until you consider that the more successful you get at IHOP, the more opportunities you have to play...in the same room....for free...with no 'over the top' recognition. While some certainly are drawn to IHOP for the opportunity to be seen, most of them don't last because musicians and singers are not the point of the meeting. The reason for tryouts is easy - we have X number of opportunities (room) for players and more people than that who want to play. In a perfect world there would be room for everyone, but in our world, a very bad player affects as many as 800 people who are trying to engage. The best musicians provide a base of sound and get out of the way - again, not Star Searchish.

Can you fill me in on how this is bad on many different levels?
It suggested that the best way to get 'ahead' in ministry is to beat other people out. It reinforces the idea that 'ahead' in ministry is a recording contract. It rewards vocal talent or musicanship independant of proof of character. And it's tacky.

All that being said, I'm sure this event is full of wonderful people who love Jesus. And a few sharks. In other words, just like most of the church. :)