Forrest Frank recently announced that he will no longer participate in awards shows–including the Doves and the Grammys–saying he feels a deep conviction about receiving recognition for something that ultimately belongs to Jesus. In his own words, Forrest shared, "I'm convicted, personally, that a line that I can draw is that I will not receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus and for Jesus."
His heart is sincere. His desire to keep the focus on Christ is admirable. Forrest went on to say, "As Christians, it's hard to know where the line in the sand is between being in the world and not of the world. I feel a conviction to go even a step further–I don't know if I even want to step on the stage; I don't know if I want to step in the room."
That's an honest reflection of what many Christian artists wrestle with: how to stay humble and Christ-centered while navigating platforms that can easily become self-focused. His desire to draw a line–to make sure his worship doesn't turn into performance–is something we can all respect.
But while I deeply honor Forrest's conviction, I also believe stepping away from community isn't the answer.
Community Built the Stage He Stands On
At NewReleaseToday, we've run The We Love Christian Music Awards for more than a decade. We've seen what awards can be–and what they should be–when they exist in their proper place. They're not about ego, fame, or spotlighting human achievement. They're about celebrating what God is doing through His people, in every style of music, across every corner of the world.
And it's important to remember–Forrest's incredible reach, his streaming success, and the opportunities he now has were built on the back of an industry that has many decades of building before him. From radio stations and Christian media sites like NewReleaseToday that amplify his message, to worship leaders, producers, and fans who have faithfully supported faith-driven art, countless people have helped create the platforms that allow today's artists to share their music and their message with the world.
Community is the soil that faith-based art grows from.
This past week at the GMA Dove Awards, host Tauren Wells radiated a message that seemed to echo the tension Forrest is navigating. He reminded the audience: "Without Jesus, we have no songs to sing. Without Jesus, we have no stories to tell... we have nothing."
He didn't name Forrest, but the emphasis was unmistakable: the platform–whether stage, award, or spotlight–is meaningful only because of the One who gives us voice and purpose.
That said, Forrest's rise has been remarkable. He's built a thriving music career in record time–largely through his own creativity, authenticity, and connection with a generation hungry for real faith and honest art. He's collaborated with fellow Christian artists, lifted up stories of redemption, and used his voice to point people to Jesus. That's something to be admired.
But independence shouldn't equal isolation. Awards shows, when done with humility and purpose, are not about glorifying artists–they're about gathering the family. They give fans who may never attend a concert the chance to see their favorite artists perform. They unite people through songs that bring hope and truth. And when done right, Jesus is always lifted higher than the stage, the spotlight, or the trophy.
The Heart and the Platform
Forrest's heart in this is clear. He said, "I hope to be an example to the youth that the trophy is our salvation. The trophy is that my name is listed in the Book of Life, and I get to have eternal life. What good is a piece of metal going to do compared to that?"
He's right–there's no earthly award that compares to the eternal reward found in Christ. But awards themselves aren't the issue. The danger isn't in receiving acknowledgment; it's in where we direct that acknowledgment.
There's nothing wrong with being recognized for hard work and excellence. Scripture reminds us that "every good and perfect gift is from above." The ability to write, sing, and inspire through music comes from God–and when artists use those gifts to glorify Him, acknowledging that publicly can be a powerful witness.
That's why I believe Forrest's heart is right, but his conclusion may be wrong. Awards don't have to distract from God's glory–they can amplify it. They remind the world that faith and creativity can coexist, and that Christian music continues to impact lives far beyond church walls.
It also raises an important question about consistency. Forrest says he feels convicted about accepting a physical trophy–but what about the other forms of reward that come with his success? He sells out arenas, has earned millions in streaming royalties, and sells sweatshirts for over $100 each. None of that is wrong–he’s worked hard, and God has clearly blessed his efforts. But it does prompt a fair reflection: if the concern is about earthly recognition, where exactly do we draw that line? Success, income, and influence are all forms of reward too, and it feels harder to point that reward back to Jesus after an online merch transaction. Again, the question isn’t whether we receive the reward–it’s what we do with it.
Respecting Conviction, Inviting Community
Forrest also said, "This is not a refusal to be a light in dark places... this is a refusal to go on stages and get awards. I already got the greatest award of all time."
And that's a truth worth holding onto–but it doesn't have to mean rejecting opportunities for community. When artists gather, share, perform, and celebrate one another, Christ is magnified in that unity.
As an awards community, we'll always honor an artist's conviction. But if Forrest chooses to sit out, it will make it difficult to nominate or celebrate him moving forward. It's not punishment–it's simply respecting his decision to bow out of participation.
Still, I hope he reconsiders. Forrest isn't flying solo. He's part of something much greater–a growing movement of artists, fans, and believers using music to point the world to Jesus. He's helped advance that movement in new and exciting ways, and we want to see him continue to embrace it–not isolate from it.
Because at the end of the day, this isn't about trophies. It's about testimony. And we believe those stories are best told together.
Kevin McNeese started NRT in 2002 and has worked in the industry since 1999 in one form or another. He has been a fan of Christian music since 1991.
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