Ok, I'll admit it.  American Idol is a guilty pleasure.  But, it's a guilty pleasure millions of Americans share.  Why?  1 - Because we love good singing. 2 - Because in our hearts we think we can sing and wish it was us up there. 3 - It's funny watching all the people who think they can sing, (but can't) make a fool of themselves on TV.  OK, I'll be the first to admit that I watch for some of those reasons.  You know why those people spend hours and hours camping out at American Idol auditions only to get on TV and be told "Dude, it's not for you." ?  Because no one ever told them the truth about singing. I have been singing for over 20 years.  I teach voice and have trained many choirs.  Let me tell you what your family, friends and church folk have not or will not tell you.

1: YOU MUST BE CALLED BY GOD to be an effective singer.  (2nd Chronicles) Singing is as serious a Ministry as the preached Word, used  by God to encourage, uplift, inspire and convict.  I have heard many singers with the most beautiful sounding voices, but their singing doesn't move anybody.  No one is healed, delivered or touched by the anointing.  They are just entertained by the beauty of the gift.

2:  THE CHOIR IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY.  Let me say that again.  The Choir is not for everybody.  When I go to work with a choir for the first time, I usually make that statement.  People are shocked that I would say such a thing, but it is the honest truth. 

These are the people who the Choir is NOT for: 

• a - You have a diva or superstar mentality.  (You have to sing all the songs or you get mad. It's about YOU and not the souls of God's people. You will not honestly encourage or support another good singer.)
• b- You do not possess the ability to sing well. (You do not have good timing.  You don't know how to stay on pitch.  You are tone-deaf. etc.)
• c - You don't have the stamina/zeal to put the work into being an excellent singer. (You always have to leave rehearsal early or can't make it to rehearsal but still want to sing on Sunday Morning or sing for the program. - or - you don't rehearse during the week or take care of your voice and before you sing, you tell the audience, "Just pray for me.  Take this in love."
• d - You are unenthusiastic when singing.  If your audience does not see you even moved by what you're singing, trust, they won't be moved.  This is one of the main problems with church choirs and singers that I encounter. They are not enthusiastic about what they are singing. You know one reason why Beyonce is so popular?  She is a very enthusiastic singer.  When she sings, she shows her passion for what she is singing and it moves people.

  3 - TO BE AN EFFECTIVE Gospel singer, you MUST BE BORN AGAIN (John 3:3) and you must be living the life when no one is looking.  If you possess this, I guarantee you God will move through you.  Though you still have to do the work,He will take your voice to another level you never imagined. 

From my Christian journey and over 20 years experience singing and training singers, this is what I have learned.  I hope you prayerfully consider my observations so that you will become the singer HE is looking for in these last days.  God Bless!