The Next Gen Preacher Search

I saw this "competition" from my alma mater and wondering about it. (IT might be a Good thing but communicates something different) Found here: https://www.pepperdine.edu/spiritual-life/church-relations/ngps/ They travel to CA and get coached by a team, and of course if "Win" can preach to many as 25 000. (Who wouldn't want that, right?). Here are some of the issuesI have with this idea: 

1. It turns preaching into the NEXT BIG THING - competition, celebrity mega pastor, Idol, Got talent thing rather than a calling. 

2. It wastes money. Sure 2 students and their professors go cross country to "compete" with others - is it good stewardship? 

3. What does this say to others in the preaching program? (Oh, these students are better than you and well forget you and ministry you'll never make it)

 4. Does this communicate reality? Preaching ministry is more than Speaking. What about pastoral, administrative etc. 

5. What about the small church? Fact is 85% od churches are small ... and for a Christian University to elevate Certain students, or Certain "Mega Stars" tends to send the wrong message. (one of the things I currently like about guys like Bob Russell, Ben Merold, and Wayne Smith was their zeal and down to earth manner in which they never thought themselves as arriving but concern for the church Big and small. 

6. What about emphasis on mentoring? (Backto point 4 Reality) There are some things post-secondary education (Bible College/Seminary) doesn't teach you. Even guys that think they aren't going into "Preaching" need some exposure to Field Work. (Ministry isn't for sissies afterall) 

7. The next "Gen Preach" Search needs to be more about Calling, than communicating. Sometimes the best preaching is done outside the pulpit. You can have a Great communicator but that doesn't make a "Great" preacher. The best preachers I know would never necessarily speak on a National Level but be Jesus in shoes. 

8. Preaching does change lives. Preaching isn't this competition. It takes God's Word and communicates it to others for life change. How beautiful are the feet that bring good news? Let's celebrate all the beautiful feet not just the ones wearing certain Shoes.

 9. I think the early preachers of the church weren't the best communicators but God used them anyways. The Apostles changed the World upside down. 

10. Some of the early Restoration Leaders had different preaching styles. (Compare Campbell to Stone). 

Yes, we should celebrating the "Preaching Ministry" but somehow I don't think "This Search" is the way to do it. 

Thoughts?