Aug 2, 2019 3 min read

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Pastor Christopher Dodson, of Crosspoint Assembly of God in Carmichaels, shared lessons with his youth group in a different way on Wednesday, July 17. That evening, he auditioned at the 2019 WTAE Summerfest Pittsburgh Idol for a chance to be part of American Idol.

Dodson sang “You Say” by Christian music singer and songwriter Lauren Daigle. He and the 11 other entrants performed in front of a crowd and panel of judges at Kennywood Park, over the course of three nights.

One singer was chosen each night and the three finalists competed for the silver ticket on Thursday, July 18. The winner will have a chance to sing in front of American Idol’s executive producers.

While Dodson didn’t make the cut, he said it served as a reminder of how fortunate he is.

“[It] was a fun and opportunity-driven competition. My performance, however, could have been better,” Dodson said. “I lacked in a few areas and let nerves get hold of me.”

His relationship with music is similar to many people’s, who use it, he said, “to bring them from a dark place and into the light.”

However, Dodson’s connection is also religious; It starts and ends with worship.

“Being on stage and in front of the panel of judges that I got to be in front of reminded me of how blessed I truly am,” Dodson said. “Blessed to have a singing voice to glorify God, blessed to have been given to opportunity to further my music career.”

As a pastor, his goal is to spread the word of God, but music had not been his chosen way to reach people until recently, when Phyllis Woods, the mother of a youth group participant, suggested he tried auditioning for Pittsburgh Idol. After submitting a 30-second video clip of him singing for a chance to participate, Dodson’s path had changed.

“I have always had the desire to sing, but not until now have I desired to reach people through the use of worship music,” he said. “I no longer can sing to just sing. I sing to worship and to spread the word of God.”

Moreover, he said his recent experience taught a lesson to his 15 youth group members who followed him to Pittsburgh to support him. The lesson was on the importance of following your dreams.

“The youth group I have the opportunity to lead went along on the journey with me and I felt much more confident with them there because they know my heart and support me every step of the way,” Dodson said.

After his time in the competition ended, Dodson went back to his habitual worshiping and, although he now has a new view about the role of music in his career, he is leaving his next steps to God’s will. Including the possibility of competing in Pittsburgh Idol again next year.

“As the youth group kids were able to witness me pursue my dream, I pray that they see that every dream can be pursued but to always keep God’s will and purpose for your life at the forefront,” he said. “Although I didn’t win, they know and understand that I have accepted the loss because the calling I have on my life to reach more teenagers to come into a relationship with Christ is my number one.”

For more information on Crosspoint Assembly of God, call 724-966-9203 or visit www.crosspointaog.com.