The word entertainment is not found in the Bible at all. The word fun is never used in the Bible.  Christian life must always be a life of balance and moderation. There’s great art that compels you to think. I think that’s where the Stellar Awards and the Dove Awards are slipping behind.

I helped build one of the best gospel music sites and I expect better.

Here are 5 things I want both shows to do next year:

1- Claim back the bigness of the shows. Red carpet excitement and pre-show  talks with artists matter. There are fans of the music who are getting cheated out of the excitement.  The only time they get to see their favorites walk a red carpet is at the Grammy Awards before the actual show. Have folks check in on social media. I want that gig. Hey everyone in the biz has cried after one of my interviews.  We love fashion too and want to see the dresses too.  This will also allow Christian fashion designers the chance to show their designs.

2- Dress the show up in a great venue with pizazz.  Make sure that your performances are big. I think the Dove Awards is missing big on this one. Make these events fan events like iHeart, BET, AMA’s and Grammys. If it is a destination weekend event, you will pull new eyes and news age  demographics.

3- Move forward with the collaboration events. The Stellar Awards won big with the on stage collaborations. Make sure that all the songs of the year get performed and mix up the categories a little more. Try a social media vote, the way other awards shows do. You can even do product sponsorship.

4- Go live!  Find a weekend that is not a Holy weekend and go live. We could stand to have a show that is faithful and be broadcasted live. We deserve that. Please see  list item #1! I am so tired of looking at the shows cut up and edited. While I appreciate the edits I often feel the heart is missing.

5- Create a show that combines all genres, and faith entertainment and more. The audience reach would be amazing. One of the things that enjoy most about Orethapedia is that I can talk about, television,movies, books and music. We have had several stellar shows, movies and books arrive that need wider audiences.

In a day of depressing headlines and uncertainty all around us, good news is very welcome. What better news could there be than as the old hymn says: “The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives?” When Christians refer to the “Gospel” they are referring to the “good news”. Let’s make it less niche and more outreaching. Let’s up our game. Let’s help affirm  that there is a bigger base audience for advertisers to respect and reach.

One of the beautiful and joyful aspects of the message of salvation in Christ is that makes it such good news in a contemporary world. Let’s start to invest in that message.