American Idol - use for Outreach
5/6/2008
Season after season, American Idol continues to top TV viewing charts. Surprisingly, in the midst of its broad-based popularity, this season the show took the unprecedented step of broadcasting Jesus’ name far and wide. But not without stirring up some controversy along the way.
Whether you are an avid American Idol fan (for whom this is old news), or one of the less enlightened just getting up to speed on this story, the recent rendition of the boldly Christian song, Shout to the Lord, sung by the final 8 Idol contestants, provides some serious opportunities for spiritual conversation. The final 8 initially performed the song on the fundraiser Idol Gives Back, but substituted the word ‘Shepherd’ for ‘Jesus’ in the lyrics. After the ensuing uproar over this editorial ‘political correctness’, the contestants opted to perform the song the following night and include Jesus’ name in the lyrics.
The buzz this created points to the reality that Jesus’ name can be controversial ground in the public square! But we know that one day Jesus’ name will be honored without reservation – no holding back! Check out these verses from Philippians 2:8-11:
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
With so many people tuned in to the cultural phenom of American Idol, you will easily find frequent openings for using it to talk about spiritual truths. Here are some suggestions to get your conversations headed in a spiritual direction.
American Idol anticipation will continue to escalate in the next few weeks as the countdown to the next AI winner continues. Use it to share your faith!
Jane Dratz serves as Editor for Dare 2 Share Ministries (D2S) in Arvada, Colorado, a ministry committed to energizing and equipping teenagers to know, live, share and own their faith in Jesus. For more information about D2S, please visit www.dare2share.org.
Whether you are an avid American Idol fan (for whom this is old news), or one of the less enlightened just getting up to speed on this story, the recent rendition of the boldly Christian song, Shout to the Lord, sung by the final 8 Idol contestants, provides some serious opportunities for spiritual conversation. The final 8 initially performed the song on the fundraiser Idol Gives Back, but substituted the word ‘Shepherd’ for ‘Jesus’ in the lyrics. After the ensuing uproar over this editorial ‘political correctness’, the contestants opted to perform the song the following night and include Jesus’ name in the lyrics.
The buzz this created points to the reality that Jesus’ name can be controversial ground in the public square! But we know that one day Jesus’ name will be honored without reservation – no holding back! Check out these verses from Philippians 2:8-11:
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
With so many people tuned in to the cultural phenom of American Idol, you will easily find frequent openings for using it to talk about spiritual truths. Here are some suggestions to get your conversations headed in a spiritual direction.
- Why do you think American Idol is so popular?
- Do you think people love rooting for the underdog? Share how Jesus is the ultimate example of caring for the underdog, the lost and the broken.
- Do you ever imagine what it would be like to have your own 15 minutes (or a TV season) of fame? Do you think everyone wants to be loved and valued by others for who they are? Share how God has already demonstrated his love for us as our Heavenly Father.
- Did you follow the Shout to the Lord wording changes – with Jesus and Shepherd? What was your reaction?
American Idol anticipation will continue to escalate in the next few weeks as the countdown to the next AI winner continues. Use it to share your faith!
Jane Dratz serves as Editor for Dare 2 Share Ministries (D2S) in Arvada, Colorado, a ministry committed to energizing and equipping teenagers to know, live, share and own their faith in Jesus. For more information about D2S, please visit www.dare2share.org.
Conversation
The Remnant I See A Word
The Remnant I See
A Word From the Team Leader
I see a remnant coming forth as a rod out of the womb of God, which shall stand for pennant of all of the people, and to her shall the hopeless seek hope.
I see a remnant walking in knowledge and the fear of God, preparing the highways for the King to travel on so as to perfect the purpose of God.
I see a remnant that will become the wineskin that will facilitate, maintain, and sustain all the moves of God in this generation and beyond
I see a remnant where the insignificant, and all those who are in distress, and all those who are indebted, and are discontented receiving life and purpose for their lives.
I see a remnant where the older men and women, the younger man and women plus the children are prepared to fully cooperate with God in order to make the kingdoms of this world becomes the Kingdom of our God and His Christ to rein for ever and ever.
I see a remnant where resurrection life is released to every dead soul, situations, and problem.
I see a remnant where the spirit of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discernment is released in an indescribable and unprecedented way for the advancement of the Kingdom and the full development of the children of the Kingdom.
I see a remnant that is always hungry and thirsty for the viable presence of God for His directions, His glorious purpose for the now generation, His good plans for His children, His pattern for the remnant and His power to accomplish all of the above.
I see a remnant that is Biblically and Radically Word-Based; the Holy Scripture is the only standard for their life and direction.
I see a remnant that have the ability to see the great future, prepare themselves for the future and they themselves becoming the future.
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