Recently, a thought-provoking discussion emerged online when Mackenzie Morgan, a worship leader at Refine Church, announced her church’s decision to discontinue singing songs from Bethel Church and Hillsong Church. Her rationale stemmed from a theological examination of these churches’ teachings, leading her to believe that using their music for corporate worship posed a potential danger. This stance highlights a crucial question for churches worldwide: are Hillsong Songs and those from similar ministries theologically sound and appropriate for worship?
Morgan’s core argument emphasizes that “theology matters” in church worship. She rightly points out the importance of ensuring that songs sung in church accurately reflect the holiness and nature of God. At Bridgeway Church, like many others, we share this commitment to theological integrity, meticulously vetting every song to ensure its alignment with Scripture, regardless of the songwriter’s background or the tune’s appeal.
However, Morgan extends her concern beyond theological accuracy to the financial aspect, suggesting that singing Bethel and Hillsong songs indirectly supports and propagates potentially flawed gospel messages through royalty payments. She questions the modern worship aesthetic, including elements like strobe lights, smoke machines, and emotional expressions, wondering if these align with genuine worship.
While practices like strobe lights and smoke machines are matters of stylistic preference (and personal choices we often avoid at Bridgeway), the concern about physical expressions in worship, such as raised hands, warrants a closer look. Scripture is replete with references to such practices, highlighting the symbolic and spiritual significance of bodily postures in worship. Is a rigid, motionless stance inherently more reverent than hands lifted in praise? Furthermore, should we discourage genuine emotional responses during worship, such as shouts of joy or declarations of God’s holiness? The alternative to vibrant, expressive worship seems to be a subdued, perhaps less engaging, worship experience. And, to be clear, no church intentionally promotes songs that would displease God.
It’s essential to acknowledge the well-documented scandals that have recently plagued Hillsong Church. These situations are deeply concerning and should not be minimized. Similarly, questionable ministry methods that prioritize emotional manipulation over biblical grounding, sometimes seen across various churches, are problematic. Every church, including Bethel, Hillsong, and our own, must consistently strive to anchor its teachings and practices firmly in the inspired Word of God.
However, the central issue raised by Morgan is whether theological disagreements with Bethel and Hillsong should warrant a complete ban on their music in other churches. She advocates for examining their doctrines against Scripture, a commendable practice. Following her advice, let’s delve into the theological foundations of these ministries.
Bethel Church’s statement of faith presents a profoundly evangelical and orthodox perspective, consistent with historical Christian creeds. They affirm core tenets such as the Trinity, biblical inspiration, the incarnation and virgin birth of Jesus, his atoning death and resurrection, and his divinity and humanity. Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus is clearly articulated. While Bethel’s view on Spirit baptism differs slightly from some denominational stances (initially affiliated with Assemblies of God but differing on the necessity of tongues as initial evidence), their belief in the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence for believers is evident. This difference, while significant within Pentecostal and Charismatic circles, is arguably a secondary doctrine, not a fundamental issue of salvation. They also affirm the Second Coming and the eternal realities of heaven and hell.
One statement from Bethel regarding Christ’s redemptive work providing freedom from “sickness” could benefit from further clarification to avoid misinterpretations aligning with the “Word of Faith” or “Health and Wealth Gospel” movements. However, their official statement does not endorse these prosperity gospel notions. Furthermore, Bethel’s stance on biblical sexuality, defining marriage as between one man and one woman, and their clear articulation of a traditional biblical view on homosexuality and transgenderism, are unequivocally stated.
Considering this, the accusation of a “false gospel” being preached by Bethel seems unfounded. Their core message centers on salvation through grace in Christ, based on his sinless life, atoning sacrifice, and resurrection. While individual members or leaders within Bethel or Hillsong might hold prosperity gospel views, these are deviations, not the official doctrinal stance, and importantly, such errors, while serious, do not automatically equate to eternal damnation.
Questionable ministry practices exist within many churches, including Bethel. However, these do not necessarily equate to heresy or warrant condemnation. Perhaps constructive engagement and prayerful dialogue are more fruitful responses than outright rejection. As Paul urged in Romans 15:5-6, we should strive for harmony and unity in glorifying God together.
Similarly, examining Hillsong’s Statement of Beliefs reveals a thoroughly evangelical and orthodox foundation, aligned with Australian Christian Churches, a Pentecostal denomination. While stylistic differences in worship services exist, and some practices may not resonate with everyone, these are matters of preference, not necessarily heresy.
The assertion that Hillsong songs and those from Bethel are “not worthy of a sovereign and Holy God” requires careful scrutiny of the song lyrics themselves. Many popular songs originating from these ministries are deeply rooted in biblical themes and express genuine adoration for God. Consider these examples:
- “God, I Look to You”
- “Goodness of God”
- “King of Kings”
- “O Praise the Name (Anástasis)”
- “Raise a Hallelujah”
- “No Longer Slaves”
- “Living Hope”
- “Jesus, We Love You”
- “Ever Be”
- “New Wine”
- “This is Amazing Grace”
- “Worthy is the Lamb”
- “Cornerstone”
- “Seas of Crimson”
- “Outrageous Love”
- “Abba”
- “One Thing Remains”
- “For the Cross”
- “Man of Sorrows”
- “Holy Spirit (You Are Welcome Here)”
- “Lead Me to the Cross”
- “Lion and the Lamb”
- “Fall Afresh”
- “Shout to the Lord”
- “All Hail King Jesus”
These songs, and many others, powerfully exalt God and reflect biblical truths. To dismiss them as unworthy is a disservice to their theological depth and their impact on countless worshippers globally.
The concern about supporting potentially errant ministries through royalty payments raises complex questions about engagement in a fallen world. Where do we draw the line? Should we boycott all books by Jewish scholars, even those offering profound insights into the Old Testament? Should we discard scholarly resources from contributors with differing worldviews? Do we avoid shopping at stores with pro-LGBTQ+ stances or buying gas from companies funding organizations we disagree with? Do we stop reading books by non-Christian authors or singing hymns by figures with flawed pasts, like Martin Luther’s anti-Semitism or Horatio Spafford’s later theological deviations? Do we abandon social media platforms owned by individuals with opposing values? Do we refuse to sing songs by Roman Catholic artists like Matt Maher or John Michael Talbot, or from Churches of Christ members with differing baptismal theology?
Drawing such rigid lines becomes practically impossible and can lead to an isolating and legalistic approach to faith. While discernment is crucial, complete separation from any entity with theological or ethical disagreements fosters an echo chamber, hindering meaningful engagement and broader Christian unity.
Instead of “canceling” entire ministries based on secondary doctrinal differences or questionable practices, we can choose to be discerning consumers of their music, focusing on songs that are biblically sound and theologically rich. We can maintain our theological convictions without isolating ourselves from the wider body of Christ. We can, and should, continue to be rigorously biblical in our own preaching and worship while extending grace and engaging in constructive dialogue with fellow Christians who may hold differing views on secondary issues or ministry styles.
Ultimately, we will worship alongside believers from diverse backgrounds, including those from Bethel and Hillsong, before the throne of the Lamb for eternity. Let us practice that unity and grace now, focusing on the core truths of the Gospel and fostering a spirit of discernment and love within the global church.
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