Forrest Frank’s decision to avoid Christian award shows has stirred loud debate. Founder of StepFWD awards, O’Neil Dennis, welcomes Frank’s refusal to take the stage. It reminds us we must not worship the gift, but the source of the gift, he says
The highly successful artist Forrest Frank has sparked a crucial conversation about the place of earthly recognition in the kingdom of God.
Redirecting the Spotlight
Last week Frank directly addressed the curiosity surrounding his absence from major awards ceremonies. He articulated his stance without ambiguity. “I will not receive a trophy for something that is for Jesus and from Jesus.”
“I have decided to take a stance of non participation,” he said, explaining he wouldn’t be appearing at the upcoming Dove awards or Grammy awards. “I hope to be an example to the youth that our trophy is our salvation.”
This declaration immediately redirects the focus from the artist back to the author of the art. But I don’t believe Frank’s choice is a blanket rejection of the Christian music industry; it is a firm refusal to allow the culture of personal glory to eclipse the true, eternal reward - salvation through Christ.
This decision fundamentally encapsulates the need to recognise that all professional success, viral streams and accolades are utterly secondary to the heavenly prize.
The paradox of humility and honour
Frank’s actions offer a compelling, real-world interpretation of Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.”
While awards shows function as a mechanism for the community to “honour one another above yourselves,” Frank’s public act of humility illuminates the essential motive behind the recognition. By refusing to take the awards stage or even be in the room, Frank is actively seeking to honour God above all else, making a profound, public statement that no trophy can compete with the grace he has already received.
This act of humility paradoxically makes his public platform more powerful, as the spotlight becomes inescapably drawn to the truth he champions. Furthermore, his stand honours the Christian & Gospel community; when an artist sacrifices personal glory, they elevate the collective mission.
Solomon Buchi, a Christian podcaster, affirmed the core message, saying, “Forrest Frank, you’re a breath of fresh air. I’ve had these conversations for the longest time — is it ministry or industry? Who determines the best worship music? God bless you man.”
His conviction reminds us that if the award itself ever becomes the goal, we have inevitably missed the mark.
Seph Schulter, a fellow worship artist joined with similar encouragement writing, “@hiforrest massive respect for the ways you prioritise Jesus over everything. Thanks for sharing your heart here and pointing to our true treasure.”
CeCe Winans also encouraged Frank to, “Stay true to your convictions!! ❤️🙌🏽.”
However, the comments also featured a nuanced, balanced array of perspectives from peers who saw the awards stage as a valuable platform for influence and community gathering.
Christian rap artist Hulvey shared his conviction to attend, stating: “I also have been really impacted by previous Dove Award shows I’ve attended… I see the Doves as an opportunity as a beautiful reunion among Christian artists.”
Similarly, worship artist Jonathan Traylor chimed in, acknowledging the power in Frank’s eternal focus while also emphasising the opportunities in being platformed at award shows. “I believe it’s also okay to celebrate earthly accomplishments when they reflect the gifts God has given us and the impact for his kingdom. If our hearts are postured to give God glory, even an award can be an altar of praise, not a pedestal of pride.”
Finally, the Christian band Kings Kaleidoscope argued the simple solution is not to submit music for consideration in the first place, pointing to artist Frank Ocean as an example. “Then you have zero chance of winning,” the band wrote. “To be considered, you have to submit your music, which it looks like you or your label/publisher have. Why not just bypass that altogether? That’s what we’ve always done.”
Together, these voices and their varying perspectives highlight the vital tension for Christian creatives: the call to be humble while maximising influence for the kingdom.
Refocusing the reward
As the convener of the StepFWD Awards, I believe awards are not the finish line, but a mechanism for mutual devotion and encouragement. We honour the artists who serve their local congregations, who produce music that uplifts the weary, and who lead in their respective fields — a public expression of Romans 12:10 to say, “We see and honour your devotion.”
Forrest Frank’s commitment is a necessary recalibration for every person attending or watching our ceremony. His conviction reminds us that if the award itself ever becomes the goal, we have inevitably missed the mark.
The greatest service a Christian creative can render is not to secure the trophy, but to use the platform afforded by their gifts - nominated or not - to point unequivocally to Jesus Christ.
We celebrate the work, but we ultimately worship the source of the gift. It is through this radical refocusing that the Christian creative community truly flourishes in devotion and mutual honour.
The 5th annual StepFWD Awards will take place at Hackney Church on 22 November. Secure your tickets here
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