(Since writing this blog we have created a Godtalk Talent Quest Programme Planning Manual. It can be downloaded here – while the below still explains the vision concisely).

American Idol. Britains Got Talent. Talent quest are a big deal right now!

Would it be possible to get regional ‘Godtalk Regional Talent Quest’ (Creative Communication Competition) happening in your city – with invites to youth groups in towns nearby also?

In short…

  • A key larger church in your province to sponsor (host) the event is needed – so good lights and sound system are available for free (keeps the dollars simple).
  • Then you invite 10 to 40 youth ministries from the region to invite their youth groups and  school groups… to enter the competition – while also promoting invitations the evening concert that features the winners on the same day.

 

To define the objectives more specifically…

Goal 1: Encourage youth to use creative and cultural arts to communicate positive Christian messages in in their schools and community 

Goal 2: While providing an awesome evening concert that can serve as a combined outreach event (at which the category winners ‘perform’ – with testimony included, and then a clear yet simple message about God’s love and his invitation for us to  know and follow him).

Goal 3: To maximise it – you could potentially also motivate and equip them to engage spiritual conversations  with friends and in schools also

  • The idea here is that different aspects of outreach equipping could be done through short  (3 to 4 minute) thoughts shared between the daytime auditions while the stage is being set up for the next item.
    • Effective communication doesn’t need long messages.
    • (The youth leaders or others doing these short training talks  can therefore MODEL the skills of creative communication also)
  • This equipping would require a couple of gifted communicators committed to it – who prepare well.
  • (Godtalk.nz could help by supplying a range of different topics – with simple ideas enabling effective concise equipping talks – IF someone running a talent quest like this did want this component).

 

Competition categories could include:

  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Spoken word
  • 5 minute gospel preaching (for public environment)
  • Cultural performance
  • Original song
  • Band item
  • Artwork (painting / drawing / computer graphic)

Events could be further lifted (and achieve their wider catalytic purpose) through inclusion of

  • Videos of notable winning items from other provinces who are doing the same
  • Visiting performances by notable groups from other provinces competitions
  • Testimonies of youth who have come to faith
  • Testimonies of things youth have done as witnesses in their schools
  • Godtalk team members coming as guest speakers (e.g. Raki Wiringi or Dave Mann – or various others they know throughout the nation who are connected with this) to help with the creative training, motivation or gospel preaching where desired

In other words – THE WHOLE THING is about CREATIVE COMMUNICATION OF CHRISTIAN MESSAGES!

  • Nothing is in this programme doesn’t fit that definition!

And to note it – there is a clear distinctive here.

This isn’t about guests from other places coming to communicate with and entertain you. This is about (1) your own youth being on the main stages (2) bringing  Christian messages in a way that is suitable for a non-church audience. (Their involvement is, by itself, and outstanding training for them, and an experience they will remember).

 

If 100 ideas were considered – we suggest this one has a particularly high catalytic potential.

What do you think?

A programme template near the top of this page for download. We’d love to hear your thoughts, and would help where we could.