The Singer and the Talent Show
The Rest of the Story
The Best of the Story
Over the last few years, competitive programs flood our televisions with an enticement to show off your talent and achieve your “15 minutes of fame.” Many viewers are present at the onstage event. Others watch from their comfy recliners at home. Audiences everywhere cheer on their favorites, never missing the next level of competition to see who has survived. Who will be the next “American Idol?” The next “Voice?”
We know that there are many talented people who attend church. Do churches have their own talent competitions? If they do, what is their purpose? Are there any benefits? Perhaps the question needs to be: Should churches have talent competitions? I don’t think that I have all the answers, but I would like to share what I have learned.
OK, so much for the introduction. So what in the world was I doing at a talent competition? It started like this – Although I retired about five years ago, my husband finally retired this past year. When I received an invitation from my church announcing a Senior Retreat, I knew that at long last, we were both available to attend. Then I noticed on the registration form that the retreat would include a talent show. I thought to myself, “What fun! What a great opportunity for ministry – I could sing a song.” Ah, but I did not receive the invitation until the day before the talent show entries had to be in, so I determined to just go and enjoy the retreat. A few days before the actual retreat, I received a confirmation letter that included a note telling us that we could still register for the talent show when we arrived at the campgrounds. I started to practice my song. When we arrived at the retreat, I registered for the talent show.
The first night, special singers and speakers encouraged us in our walk with the Lord. It was a wonderful evening. The talent show was scheduled for the next morning. When it was my turn, I sang – thinking that this show was nothing more than the opportunity to share my testimony and song – to minister to others.
At this point, I would like to share the testimony I gave that morning.
“Two weeks after I retired from teaching school, I received a phone call from my mom telling me that she had no food in her house and no money to buy food. It took me over two years to rescue her from the family member who was verbally and financially abusing her. The rescue was difficult, dangerous and many times impossible, but God helped me through every situation. I wrote this song to thank God for His amazing, unfailing love to me. The title of the song is Safe in Your Arms.”
The talent show was great, and we finished the morning with a picnic by the lake. After lunch, there were many activities available, but I chose to walk around and chat with friends. One dear friend said to me, “You know, if you win the talent show, you will get to go to the national competition.” Surprised, I told her that I did not know anything about that, and we continued to enjoy the day. Our evening schedule was filled with more singers and speakers to encourage us, which concluded another great evening.
The next morning, they announced the winners of the talent show. Did I win in the category of (Senior) Female Vocal Solo for the State of Florida? Yes, I was blessed to win. Many people shook my hand and congratulated me. Many told me that God blessed them and encouraged them through my song and testimony. It was my privilege to always direct any praise to God for His blessings to us. Among those who congratulated me were leaders in my church denomination. I told them, “Yes, the song was good, but my book is more important.” I recognized that God had placed me in a position that I would not normally have, and I stepped out in faith to make known what was really on my heart. My book, which is actually a two book set, is titled When Compassion Turns to Enabling and When Enabling and Alzheimer’s Collide. I told them that my books reveal much about enabling problems that are epidemic in our nation. (Enabling is protecting others from consequences and responsibilities, resulting in bad attitudes and behaviors – sometimes to the point of violence.) I told them that my books would help families and provide information to protect the elderly from abuse. The two leaders agreed to read my book. I did not know what the results would be, but I thanked God for providing an avenue of contact with people who could help me deliver my message of help and hope.
If I had known that the original talent show was a competition, I probably would not have competed. As Christians, we are not in competition with each other. We are called to work together, and through Christ, people are saved, broken hearts are healed, lives are restored and God is glorified. So me – in a talent competition? It is amazing how God orchestrates so many things in our lives.
Now the question: Would I compete in the national competition? That was a good question, for now I knew that the talent show was to be a competition. I really did not believe in Christian competitions. My husband and I discussed all of the various costs. I was not sure that our budget would accommodate the trip, but he reminded me that God provided opportunities for ministry and contacts with church leaders. God used the first talent show, and He could use the next talent show. With that, we knew we needed to go. We knew that God would provide the finances.
You need to know: When I asked for prayer, whether at church or from other Christian friends, I never asked people to pray that I would win in the national competition. I asked for God’s protection as we traveled and that His Will would be done.
The morning of the competition began with everyone joining together to sing praise songs – a very good beginning. During the seven hours of presentation, we heard many wonderfully talented singers and musicians. What a blessing. In between the “acts,” many, many jokes were told. Apparently during the morning there had been some comments about the continuous stream of humor, but we were reminded from the podium that this was not a church service, and that the retreat was not intended to be too spiritual. They were not allowing any testimonies before the songs were presented – just jokes. It was very sad.
The award presentations were scheduled for the following morning. Not all, but many of the ones I selected won in their categories. No, I did not win. But I was OK with that from the beginning. I was there for another purpose – to make contacts for my books. After the winners were announced, pictures were taken and prizes were awarded. The meeting did not last too long. Almost everyone had great distances to travel to reach their homes.
As our retreat came to a close, the remaining singers and musicians were instructed to walk to the front of the auditorium and get our certificates of participation. At that very moment, the word “LOSER!” flashed through my mind. Having walked with the Lord for many years, I knew exactly where that was coming from – the devil. I quickly dismissed the idea and refocused on God and His purpose. However, I almost did not walk up to the front to pick up my certificate. But then I realized, if mine was left on the table – with my name on it – they would wonder why I had not retrieved my certificate. So, I dutifully walked across the very crowded room to pick up my certificate. I did not open the folder until later. When I finally read the certificate, I discovered that my name was not on it. That was OK. I am not one to demand recognition. If God wants me to be recognized for something, He will ensure that it happens. It is what I read on the certificate that distressed me. The certificate read: This certifies that you participated in the 2016 Talent Competition and you are therefore awarded this certificate. Given this 28th day of April 2016 – That was it. You participated. The certificate didn’t even thank the person for being a participant. And then I wondered – how many other participants heard the word LOSER, but were unable to shake it off?
How could the Talent Show have been better? Thanks for asking.
1. How should the actual competition begin?
During ten of the years that I taught school, I coordinated the school-wide Spelling Bee. To set the students at ease, I always reminded them that they had already won the Spelling Bee in their own classrooms. They were already winners.
Now, let’s translate this into the Talent Show arena. If I was coordinating a Christian Talent Show, I would remind the participants that they have all won in their own states. They are all winners. And more than that, they are winners because God uses them to minister to others in their home churches. Yes! They are winners, and they are blessed.
2. During the talent show, I noticed that many people grew tired of the constant stream of jokes between “acts.” Instead, testimonies should have been allowed. They could have been brief, one or two minutes in length. Use a timer if you must, but do not silence God’s people. We have been silenced by the world – let it not be so in the church. If you are concerned that people will talk too long, have the participants write their testimony in 50 words or less. Then the MC can read the testimony as the person moves onstage to take the microphone. Christians grow weary from the emptiness of jokes, but they do not grow weary from hearing about God’s faithfulness and miracles in our lives.
3. When I thought about the cost of the national retreat, I thought – 1,000 people X $500 = $500,000. Actually, we traveled very frugally, and our cost was $700 for the week. (We paid for two of our hotel rooms with credit card points, breakfasts were free and we ate a lot of fast food and sandwiches. We stayed in a budget hotel the rest of the time.) If participants spent at least $500,000, during our retreat, I am not sure of the benefits of having such a retreat other than fame or seeing some old familiar faces. This is especially questionable when you consider that we were admonished that this was really not a spiritual retreat. I am not sure it is a good investment of time or money. My advice: with the world in confusion and lawlessness, the church must not waste any time on activities that are not spiritual. Yes, there can be some jokes, but pleasing God is far more important than keeping people entertained.
4. How should the competition end?
Before the awards are given, the participants should be reminded that they previously won in their own states. And more importantly, they are a valued part of the Body of Christ. I would say something like this:
As a part of the Body of Christ, we want you to know that we are so thankful for you and your service to our God. As you minister through music in your local churches, through Christ, you are ministering help and hope into every listening heart. You declare the Word of God through song, bringing down strongholds, healing broken hearts and setting the captives free. You are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but boldly proclaim through your music that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.
Ministering through music is a Holy Calling and should not be taken lightly. As Christians who minister through music, you must not stop or take your ease. We encourage you: Continue in His strength to proclaim to a lost and dying world that Jesus is still the answer for whatever is wrong in their lives. Through Jesus Christ, they can be saved. Oh Christian, you are a valuable part of the Body of Christ. Continue to serve God with your whole heart. Remain faithful, finish strong and give all the glory to God.
May God’s blessings be upon you: May God increase the Holy Anointing that is on your ministry and on your life. May God multiply your talents and skills to be used in His service. May God equip you for every good work He has called you to do. May you always have a thankful heart that glorifies our God.
Forget the participant certificates. Send those who minister through music back to their home churches with a blessing and a word of encouragement. You could even type it onto a certificate; now that would be a certificate worth keeping.
The Rest of the Story:
What happened to the two church leaders who said that they would read my books? When I saw them at the talent show, they each told me that they had been too busy, very busy. So I asked if there was someone else to whom I should have given the books. They assured me that they were the right individuals (in our denomination). Their areas of ministry included families and senior adults, thus confirming that God provided the right people to initially receive those books at the State of Florida Talent Show. Again, they said that they would read the books.
Now, for the Best of the Story:
Once all awards were given, most of the participants headed for home.
The hotel, which had been filled with participants, was nearly empty. Due to needing two days to complete the trip, my husband and I stayed the rest of that afternoon. We planned to get up early and start for home in the morning.
I knew that God had arranged for me to be at the first talent show. The first talent show allowed me to share my books with church leaders. But what was His purpose for me being at the national competition? That last morning, before we headed for home, we went down for the free breakfast in the dining area of the hotel. One of the choir directors was also having breakfast. We had briefly chatted with her the morning before the competition, and I had been able to share a portion of my testimony. That last morning, I asked her if she would consider taking my book home with her to give to her pastor. About that time a member of her choir entered the room and sat with us at the table. The choir director told me that she would be glad to give the book to her pastor. The choir member took the book and glanced through it. She announced, “Now I know why I came to the competition.” She told us that she was having trouble with family members and that she desperately needed the book. By this time, other people were coming into the breakfast area. Many were looking at the book and saying that they just had to have a copy of the book. Before you know it, people were in tears, hugging each other – so happy to get a copy of the book. It was an amazing move of God. There were two other couples there that day. One was a pastor and his wife, and one was from my own state. They both took copies of the book home to their churches. I would never have had the opportunity to share the message God has so placed on my heart, if I had not attended the national competition. God’s purpose became very clear to me.
What about you? Perhaps you need my book. Read the following to find out.
Are you concerned about the future of your family members? You love them, and you know they need help. Compassion rises up in you, and the next thing you know you are taking charge, fixing things, and making things right. Have you become an enabler to maintain sanity in your home? How can you recognize when compassion turns to enabling? When is it time to draw the line? How can you give without becoming a victim?
Today, most families in America have at least one family member who lives on the edge of disaster. You are not alone. Through these books, you will learn Bible-based answers and strategies to restore your family to caring relationships and responsible living. Your lives are about to change!
Dr. Mary Willock presents a message of help and hope in the 2 book set:
When Compassion Turns to Enabling
When Enabling and Alzheimer’s Collide.
Learn more about Mary at www.marywillock.net.
The 2 book set is available at Amazon.com.
Mary is available to speak at your church on this very important topic.
© Mary Willock, 2014 - 2020
You have permission to print copies of this article for use in your personal or church related ministry.
The Rest of the Story
The Best of the Story
Over the last few years, competitive programs flood our televisions with an enticement to show off your talent and achieve your “15 minutes of fame.” Many viewers are present at the onstage event. Others watch from their comfy recliners at home. Audiences everywhere cheer on their favorites, never missing the next level of competition to see who has survived. Who will be the next “American Idol?” The next “Voice?”
We know that there are many talented people who attend church. Do churches have their own talent competitions? If they do, what is their purpose? Are there any benefits? Perhaps the question needs to be: Should churches have talent competitions? I don’t think that I have all the answers, but I would like to share what I have learned.
OK, so much for the introduction. So what in the world was I doing at a talent competition? It started like this – Although I retired about five years ago, my husband finally retired this past year. When I received an invitation from my church announcing a Senior Retreat, I knew that at long last, we were both available to attend. Then I noticed on the registration form that the retreat would include a talent show. I thought to myself, “What fun! What a great opportunity for ministry – I could sing a song.” Ah, but I did not receive the invitation until the day before the talent show entries had to be in, so I determined to just go and enjoy the retreat. A few days before the actual retreat, I received a confirmation letter that included a note telling us that we could still register for the talent show when we arrived at the campgrounds. I started to practice my song. When we arrived at the retreat, I registered for the talent show.
The first night, special singers and speakers encouraged us in our walk with the Lord. It was a wonderful evening. The talent show was scheduled for the next morning. When it was my turn, I sang – thinking that this show was nothing more than the opportunity to share my testimony and song – to minister to others.
At this point, I would like to share the testimony I gave that morning.
“Two weeks after I retired from teaching school, I received a phone call from my mom telling me that she had no food in her house and no money to buy food. It took me over two years to rescue her from the family member who was verbally and financially abusing her. The rescue was difficult, dangerous and many times impossible, but God helped me through every situation. I wrote this song to thank God for His amazing, unfailing love to me. The title of the song is Safe in Your Arms.”
The talent show was great, and we finished the morning with a picnic by the lake. After lunch, there were many activities available, but I chose to walk around and chat with friends. One dear friend said to me, “You know, if you win the talent show, you will get to go to the national competition.” Surprised, I told her that I did not know anything about that, and we continued to enjoy the day. Our evening schedule was filled with more singers and speakers to encourage us, which concluded another great evening.
The next morning, they announced the winners of the talent show. Did I win in the category of (Senior) Female Vocal Solo for the State of Florida? Yes, I was blessed to win. Many people shook my hand and congratulated me. Many told me that God blessed them and encouraged them through my song and testimony. It was my privilege to always direct any praise to God for His blessings to us. Among those who congratulated me were leaders in my church denomination. I told them, “Yes, the song was good, but my book is more important.” I recognized that God had placed me in a position that I would not normally have, and I stepped out in faith to make known what was really on my heart. My book, which is actually a two book set, is titled When Compassion Turns to Enabling and When Enabling and Alzheimer’s Collide. I told them that my books reveal much about enabling problems that are epidemic in our nation. (Enabling is protecting others from consequences and responsibilities, resulting in bad attitudes and behaviors – sometimes to the point of violence.) I told them that my books would help families and provide information to protect the elderly from abuse. The two leaders agreed to read my book. I did not know what the results would be, but I thanked God for providing an avenue of contact with people who could help me deliver my message of help and hope.
If I had known that the original talent show was a competition, I probably would not have competed. As Christians, we are not in competition with each other. We are called to work together, and through Christ, people are saved, broken hearts are healed, lives are restored and God is glorified. So me – in a talent competition? It is amazing how God orchestrates so many things in our lives.
Now the question: Would I compete in the national competition? That was a good question, for now I knew that the talent show was to be a competition. I really did not believe in Christian competitions. My husband and I discussed all of the various costs. I was not sure that our budget would accommodate the trip, but he reminded me that God provided opportunities for ministry and contacts with church leaders. God used the first talent show, and He could use the next talent show. With that, we knew we needed to go. We knew that God would provide the finances.
You need to know: When I asked for prayer, whether at church or from other Christian friends, I never asked people to pray that I would win in the national competition. I asked for God’s protection as we traveled and that His Will would be done.
The morning of the competition began with everyone joining together to sing praise songs – a very good beginning. During the seven hours of presentation, we heard many wonderfully talented singers and musicians. What a blessing. In between the “acts,” many, many jokes were told. Apparently during the morning there had been some comments about the continuous stream of humor, but we were reminded from the podium that this was not a church service, and that the retreat was not intended to be too spiritual. They were not allowing any testimonies before the songs were presented – just jokes. It was very sad.
The award presentations were scheduled for the following morning. Not all, but many of the ones I selected won in their categories. No, I did not win. But I was OK with that from the beginning. I was there for another purpose – to make contacts for my books. After the winners were announced, pictures were taken and prizes were awarded. The meeting did not last too long. Almost everyone had great distances to travel to reach their homes.
As our retreat came to a close, the remaining singers and musicians were instructed to walk to the front of the auditorium and get our certificates of participation. At that very moment, the word “LOSER!” flashed through my mind. Having walked with the Lord for many years, I knew exactly where that was coming from – the devil. I quickly dismissed the idea and refocused on God and His purpose. However, I almost did not walk up to the front to pick up my certificate. But then I realized, if mine was left on the table – with my name on it – they would wonder why I had not retrieved my certificate. So, I dutifully walked across the very crowded room to pick up my certificate. I did not open the folder until later. When I finally read the certificate, I discovered that my name was not on it. That was OK. I am not one to demand recognition. If God wants me to be recognized for something, He will ensure that it happens. It is what I read on the certificate that distressed me. The certificate read: This certifies that you participated in the 2016 Talent Competition and you are therefore awarded this certificate. Given this 28th day of April 2016 – That was it. You participated. The certificate didn’t even thank the person for being a participant. And then I wondered – how many other participants heard the word LOSER, but were unable to shake it off?
How could the Talent Show have been better? Thanks for asking.
1. How should the actual competition begin?
During ten of the years that I taught school, I coordinated the school-wide Spelling Bee. To set the students at ease, I always reminded them that they had already won the Spelling Bee in their own classrooms. They were already winners.
Now, let’s translate this into the Talent Show arena. If I was coordinating a Christian Talent Show, I would remind the participants that they have all won in their own states. They are all winners. And more than that, they are winners because God uses them to minister to others in their home churches. Yes! They are winners, and they are blessed.
2. During the talent show, I noticed that many people grew tired of the constant stream of jokes between “acts.” Instead, testimonies should have been allowed. They could have been brief, one or two minutes in length. Use a timer if you must, but do not silence God’s people. We have been silenced by the world – let it not be so in the church. If you are concerned that people will talk too long, have the participants write their testimony in 50 words or less. Then the MC can read the testimony as the person moves onstage to take the microphone. Christians grow weary from the emptiness of jokes, but they do not grow weary from hearing about God’s faithfulness and miracles in our lives.
3. When I thought about the cost of the national retreat, I thought – 1,000 people X $500 = $500,000. Actually, we traveled very frugally, and our cost was $700 for the week. (We paid for two of our hotel rooms with credit card points, breakfasts were free and we ate a lot of fast food and sandwiches. We stayed in a budget hotel the rest of the time.) If participants spent at least $500,000, during our retreat, I am not sure of the benefits of having such a retreat other than fame or seeing some old familiar faces. This is especially questionable when you consider that we were admonished that this was really not a spiritual retreat. I am not sure it is a good investment of time or money. My advice: with the world in confusion and lawlessness, the church must not waste any time on activities that are not spiritual. Yes, there can be some jokes, but pleasing God is far more important than keeping people entertained.
4. How should the competition end?
Before the awards are given, the participants should be reminded that they previously won in their own states. And more importantly, they are a valued part of the Body of Christ. I would say something like this:
As a part of the Body of Christ, we want you to know that we are so thankful for you and your service to our God. As you minister through music in your local churches, through Christ, you are ministering help and hope into every listening heart. You declare the Word of God through song, bringing down strongholds, healing broken hearts and setting the captives free. You are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but boldly proclaim through your music that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.
Ministering through music is a Holy Calling and should not be taken lightly. As Christians who minister through music, you must not stop or take your ease. We encourage you: Continue in His strength to proclaim to a lost and dying world that Jesus is still the answer for whatever is wrong in their lives. Through Jesus Christ, they can be saved. Oh Christian, you are a valuable part of the Body of Christ. Continue to serve God with your whole heart. Remain faithful, finish strong and give all the glory to God.
May God’s blessings be upon you: May God increase the Holy Anointing that is on your ministry and on your life. May God multiply your talents and skills to be used in His service. May God equip you for every good work He has called you to do. May you always have a thankful heart that glorifies our God.
Forget the participant certificates. Send those who minister through music back to their home churches with a blessing and a word of encouragement. You could even type it onto a certificate; now that would be a certificate worth keeping.
The Rest of the Story:
What happened to the two church leaders who said that they would read my books? When I saw them at the talent show, they each told me that they had been too busy, very busy. So I asked if there was someone else to whom I should have given the books. They assured me that they were the right individuals (in our denomination). Their areas of ministry included families and senior adults, thus confirming that God provided the right people to initially receive those books at the State of Florida Talent Show. Again, they said that they would read the books.
Now, for the Best of the Story:
Once all awards were given, most of the participants headed for home.
The hotel, which had been filled with participants, was nearly empty. Due to needing two days to complete the trip, my husband and I stayed the rest of that afternoon. We planned to get up early and start for home in the morning.
I knew that God had arranged for me to be at the first talent show. The first talent show allowed me to share my books with church leaders. But what was His purpose for me being at the national competition? That last morning, before we headed for home, we went down for the free breakfast in the dining area of the hotel. One of the choir directors was also having breakfast. We had briefly chatted with her the morning before the competition, and I had been able to share a portion of my testimony. That last morning, I asked her if she would consider taking my book home with her to give to her pastor. About that time a member of her choir entered the room and sat with us at the table. The choir director told me that she would be glad to give the book to her pastor. The choir member took the book and glanced through it. She announced, “Now I know why I came to the competition.” She told us that she was having trouble with family members and that she desperately needed the book. By this time, other people were coming into the breakfast area. Many were looking at the book and saying that they just had to have a copy of the book. Before you know it, people were in tears, hugging each other – so happy to get a copy of the book. It was an amazing move of God. There were two other couples there that day. One was a pastor and his wife, and one was from my own state. They both took copies of the book home to their churches. I would never have had the opportunity to share the message God has so placed on my heart, if I had not attended the national competition. God’s purpose became very clear to me.
What about you? Perhaps you need my book. Read the following to find out.
Are you concerned about the future of your family members? You love them, and you know they need help. Compassion rises up in you, and the next thing you know you are taking charge, fixing things, and making things right. Have you become an enabler to maintain sanity in your home? How can you recognize when compassion turns to enabling? When is it time to draw the line? How can you give without becoming a victim?
Today, most families in America have at least one family member who lives on the edge of disaster. You are not alone. Through these books, you will learn Bible-based answers and strategies to restore your family to caring relationships and responsible living. Your lives are about to change!
Dr. Mary Willock presents a message of help and hope in the 2 book set:
When Compassion Turns to Enabling
When Enabling and Alzheimer’s Collide.
Learn more about Mary at www.marywillock.net.
The 2 book set is available at Amazon.com.
Mary is available to speak at your church on this very important topic.
© Mary Willock, 2014 - 2020
You have permission to print copies of this article for use in your personal or church related ministry.