In 2016, TV viewers will have one last chance to choose an American Idol. The pop-music competition show, a television staple since 2002, will end after its fifteenth season. Once averaging over 20 million viewers each year from 2003 to 2011, the show has seen its audience (and ad revenue) decline in recent seasons. But, as of this writing, Fox plans Idol’s final season to be a celebration of what the show has contributed to pop music.

Like the show or not, its impact is inarguable. Many winners and finalists from past seasons are now famous, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Chris Daughtry, Katharine McPhee, Adam Lambert and Jordin Sparks. Some artists best known as Christian singers, including Colton Dixon and Mandisa, got their big breaks on Idol as well. The show also made a star of its host, Ryan Seacrest.

No doubt many youth with whom you minister have grown up watching Idol, and the show has been a cultural connection in LinC several times. Although it’s no longer a powerhouse, the show definitely has made its mark on the music industry.

A faith that sings

Music from the American Idol stage is ending, but there’s never been a shortage of song in the Christian church. God’s people have always made music an important part of faithful living. The psalms appear as poems in modern Bibles, but they were ancient Israel’s songs for community and personal worship. Jesus sang with his disciples, even on the night of his arrest (Mark 14:26). The earliest Christians used music to help them keep the faith in troubled times (for example, see Acts 16:25).

What matters more than the notes we sing, however, is the spirit in which we sing them. Not everyone enjoys making music, but God wants even those people to make a joyful noise! All Christians can offer “songs” of praise and service that please God.

Question of the day: How do you sing God's praise (even if you can't carry a tune)?
Focal Scriptures: Psalm 108; Colossians 3:12-17; Revelation 5:6-14

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.