Should We Be Singing These Songs?
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Bethel. Hillsong. Elevation Worship. These three names produce the most-sung worship music in churches around the world and some of the most heated theological debate you'll find in modern Christianity. In this episode, we break down exactly why these organizations attract so much controversy, what the real theological concerns are, and why none of it seems to slow down how often their songs show up on Sunday setlists. The truth that the loudest critics online represent a tiny fraction of what's actually happening in churches every week.
This is research we've gathered from across the internet, voices on both sides, data from real churches, and perspectives from working worship leaders.
We're not here to hand down a verdict. We're here to open this up for discussion, because this topic deserves more than a hot take. Whether you sing these songs every Sunday or you've been told to avoid them, we want to hear where you land. Drop your take in the comments. This conversation needs more voices in it.
About Worship Artistry:
Worship Artistry helps you bring your best in worship, whatever your skill level. We are an online worship teaching resource that features 5-piece, label-approved arrangements, tutorials, and technique lessons for guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals. Our library has over 700 licensed worship songs by over 100 artists including Hillsong, Passion, Bethel, Elevation, and more.
Sign up for a FREE trial: https://worshipartistry.com/?utm_medium=social&utm_so…
Web: https://worshipartistry.com
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This is research we've gathered from across the internet, voices on both sides, data from real churches, and perspectives from working worship leaders.
We're not here to hand down a verdict. We're here to open this up for discussion, because this topic deserves more than a hot take. Whether you sing these songs every Sunday or you've been told to avoid them, we want to hear where you land. Drop your take in the comments. This conversation needs more voices in it.
About Worship Artistry:
Worship Artistry helps you bring your best in worship, whatever your skill level. We are an online worship teaching resource that features 5-piece, label-approved arrangements, tutorials, and technique lessons for guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals. Our library has over 700 licensed worship songs by over 100 artists including Hillsong, Passion, Bethel, Elevation, and more.
Sign up for a FREE trial: https://worshipartistry.com/?utm_medium=social&utm_so…
Web: https://worshipartistry.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worshipartistry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worshipartistry
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@worshipartistry
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@rickB127
Good discussion. As a worship team member for over 25 years I’ve played and sung about every style from Hymnal to Hillsong. I’m sometimes conflicted about some of the lyrics that are “I” “me” “my” centered or have cringy unbiblical themes. But overall, as others have pointed out, even some our old hymn writers had sketchy pasts. I’ve been told some of the melodies were also borrowed from drinking songs and such. Appreciate you guys!
10 likes
@aaronlee6423
I’ve been writing songs for about eight years now and I love to see a video about how you guys get into writing with other people and working with labels to create songs for the church! As much as I’ve been around churches and worship pastors, that doesn’t really seem to be something people talk about
@CaptFfiltar
Thank you for this great discussion!! One thing for me as a worship leader that I always try to do is make sure that the songs we sing at church can be backed up by scripture. There are a lot of just feel good songs, but if it can’t be backed up by scripture I do not like to program that song. I always try to make sure that the songs will point the church to God and his goodness and his mercies over us.
2 likes
@benmcgilvery2204
Great topic to cover and thank you guys for doing it so well! I’ve definitely come across similar perspectives of how certain worship houses/artists are scorched earth and should be avoided/eliminated from rotation, but the truth of the words and message of the lyrics are most important - if it points to the truth and person of Jesus then it’s a simple yes or no (very well said!). I see it like a modern day version of being a Pharisee in some ways - come up with lots of subjective requirements to be an “acceptable” source of worship music, whereas Scripture is FULL of examples of how God has used broken and sinful men and women to communicate His message to His people…as imperfect as His messengers can be, His perfect word somehow still shines through - Amen!
@Boues91
great discussion! thank you guys
@Spladoinkle
The problem is this: Most people don't understand just how important unity is in the body of Christ and even though this stuff really isn't core gospel stuff (literally the only rule the NT Church had about Gentiles avoiding things for instance was to avoid food sacrificed to idols for the reason of being unified as believers rather than divided) people will take a hard stance on one side or another. Many believers would rather tear down than build up. I'm sure even this comment will get some flack at least and it's sad.
3 likes
@landonoliver
Great video. This helps a lot. Thank you.
@WalkNJ
great convo...I think Healer was from the Planetshakers...there is also a nuance or additional piece, one thing is if the church is teaching some "fringe" stuff, and another if they have been supressing or covering up not ok behavior...that definitely leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but its a good thing to talk about
1 likes
@utah_zach
If the gospel is presented consistently and strongly in other areas of church (preaching, community, service, etc.) then I believe that it's OK to sing some theologically "lighter" songs mixed with good ones.
Spurgeon's church went through a similar struggle while assembling their own hymnal in the 1800s. I appreciate his (lengthy) quote on the matter, which is boiled down to "our church is enriched by the song and it's true, so we'll sing it."
2 likes
@jasonshaw2065
Every worship leader should have some criteria for picking songs that teach and inspire. If you've never found a song you disagree with, you might need to take your shepherding role a little more seriously. Good discussion thanks.
If you haven't watched The Secrets of Hillsong on Hulu, it's worth your time. Even if it doesn't change your song choices. It's a cautionary tale for all church leaders.
If you're only doing songs from the big mega ministries, you might be missing out on great songs from smaller ministries. Gettys, CityAlight, Indelible Grace and Porter's Gate have great songs with a wider range of styles and depth.
1 likes
@rodgoodbrand5359
Should we be supporting these organizations and their leadership is the real question in my opinion.
@MountHermeneuticsPodcast
This is a great conversation, and I appreciate you guys bringing this up. I am reminded of the discussion in 1 Corinthians 8-10 where Paul is talking about being at a dinner, and worrying about whether or not the food was prepared/sacrificed to idols/other gods.
I believe, that at the end of the day, the spirit/intent is what rings through. Worship will never be textbook perfect. I like to think that if we are putting our heart into the music, he is glorified and honored.
1 likes
@willhall_93
The way I see it, I don’t let anyone’s sin discount the good that they have done. Nobody is perfect and we shouldn’t put artists on such high pedestals. Obviously, the songs we see in church should be biblically accurate but when people decide to not do songs because the artist messed up is silly to me. Don’t get me wrong, there needs to be accountability for someone living in. We should strive to give grace to anyone trying to be more like Jesus.
1 likes
@cbailey089
is part of the problem that radio is largely controlled by one large network? opportunities to break in for air play are scarce
@prsquarepaul
Thanx guys for the thoughtful discussion. It is easy to write off songs from the Big-3 because of concerns about the source. For me, I am suspicious of their songs because the percentage of me focussed songs seems too high. I don't have the tools to quantify it but the impression remains. I do think your comments about having worked across denominations should be fleshed out more, even thinking about how the general body of songs reflect the denominations theology. Clearly the typical song from Sovereign Grace is different from the typical song from Elevation. The songs reflect the theology of the organizations and the worship values each embodies. I would also say that these five songs closely align with the preaching style and content of each organization. My own bias is that a worship pastor lead the congregation to go deeper theologically and move ratio of me focussed songs more in favor of God focused songs. That is not a value all organizations share, and I for one have made peace with that.
1 likes
@ToneForTheKing
Interesting you mentioned Israel and Lakewood. It is hard to unsee or forget aspects of a song once you know the author’s darkest secrets (Israel’s long term infidelity and extra marital drama!). Truth is by our fruits we are all measured and if it wasn’t by the blood of Jesus we would all be doomed! I am refreshed that the Lord still uses broken people to reach out other broken people. There’s hope for him to use me as well! I will see Perfection when I hug my Abba. Honestly if I knew your secrets I would think twice about listening to your podcast 🤣😂
2 likes
@deniseciofani7727
I absolutely love this discussion and I think conversation is what we need. Not rigid dos and don’ts. There are certain songs where I do not like a certain line or idea because it doesn’t line up with what I know to be true. I steer clear of those. ALSO, since I lead worship for kids, there are songs that connect more with them. We have a couple high energy songs that don’t even mention God in the lyrics 😮 I also like to encourage them to praise and worship with songs that have less “I”, “me”, and “my” centered lyrics. I think that is also key - knowing your congregation and what will lead them closer to Jesus. Thanks again for this wonderful conversation!! 🎶 🎹
@lessonsforworship
The biggest factor for a lot of churches from a leadership standpoint, is the “gateway” that’s created into these ministries from the songs. Which asks, “Does this song inadvertently expose our congregation to errant beliefs?”
Bethel for example, there are 4 primary concerns (last I looked):
1. Christology: Teachings by senior leadership (mainly Bill Johnson) suggest Jesus performed miracles solely as a man in right relationship with God, rather than out of His divine nature. You don’t see this on the “what we believe” section of their website, but Bill did preach that at one point. Did he address that and rescind those teachings? Either way that teaching completely undermines biblical and orthodox views of Christ.
2. The "Little G" God concept: There is an emphasis on believers possessing the same supernatural power to perform signs, wonders, and instant healings AT WILL. So if you just have enough faith, you will achieve “guaranteed healing” for anyone. They built the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) which teaches these beliefs and practices.
3. Mysticism: Practices like "grave sucking" (lying on the graves of deceased revivalists to absorb their spiritual "anointing"). Just… weird. On so many levels.
4. Prosperity Theology: A heavy focus on earthly health, wealth, and supernatural empowerment, which of course distracts from the traditional gospel of repentance and salvation.
Are the lyrics of their songs by themselves theologically sound? Sure, almost all the time. But behind the curtain, there’s a lot of unbiblical beliefs. If you have mature, theologically grounded Christian listening to their songs, you probably don’t have to worry about them because their biblical understanding of the truth is solid. But what about the spiritually immature? What happens if they go and listen to these songs, then get curious and listen to Bill Johnson’s sermons, or attend their church? Or look to enroll in BSSM? Odds are most won’t, but what of the few that do?
Then the last question you have to ask yourself is: “Does any of that concern me?”
Food for thought. Great discussion, and thanks for the video! Wish more worship folks would talk about these things.
3 likes
@ryuken5407
My grandma told never trust people that have fake plants, bald people are evil are tattoos are taboo.
@Smyliemyles
Our church is in the process of trying to do just this thing..... We do have a policy of if it don't point to Jesus, it don't get sung..... end of story..... I haven't played this card yet if the legalists get their way, but if they push forward with it I'm going to bring up the pasts of a MAJORITY of hymn writers etc. and see how they like it when they see that the legalism works both sides of the fence!