“A congregation learns its theology by the songs it sings, not just by the preaching it hears.” As a worship leader, one is responsible for choosing sound lyrics that are theologically accurate and are magnifying of the One whom we are worshiping. After all, we are literally placing the exact words in the mouths of the saints (the believers in the church) that they are to be speaking to God! God is our loving father, full of grace and forgiveness, but is also the mighty sovereign King of Heaven who should be honored with fear and reverence. Leading worship should never be viewed as a secondary role in the church as it is just as important as any other pastoral role. Think about the quote just above... everything we sing from the stage is absorbed by the congregation and music has that power to penetrate someone deep to the core of their being and change someone for the good! It can soften even the hardest of human beings and make them cry. Music is powerful! So is worship. Songs are memorable, and thus is the reason praise and worship songs are used to teach the church theology about who God is and who we are in relationship to Him.
Bethel Church in Redding, California is known for their powerful music that strikes a chord with the listeners heart and draws them in deep, to ponder on the greatness of God and to call out to Him. However, Bill Johnson, the head pastor of Bethel, although a highly encouraging pastor, his theology is highly controversial and often needed to be completely steered clear from. There are critics out there that claim churches should completely avoid singing any music by this church, though their position has its reasons, I do not fully believe we should throw out all their music just because of the affiliation to their church’s preaching. Bethel does in fact leverage their music to promote their movement and their teachings which is of concern. One way they they use their music is by placing lyrics in their songs that promote their particular understanding of healing, prophecy, and God speaking and doing miracles in the world; a second way is that they gather people together for conferences and events, using music as the reason to gather, and then teach them their new theology and their new methodology for how church is to be down. Their leaders always talk about how they use their music as a vehicle to promote their teaching and methodology to the world. In a moment, we will work through a newer Bethel song and try to evaluate on a scriptural basis. A more balanced approach than to cast Bethel Music off altogether is to take each song on a case by case basis and see how it holds up to scripture. A pastor I really have been blessed by his teaching and his YouTube channel (Real Truth Real Quick), Todd Wagner of Watermark Church, gives us 4 diagnostic questions to ask us when lookin at a song to see if it’s appropriate to sing... (Check out the full article here.) 1. Are you examining everything you consume (sermons, books, music, movies) through the lens of God’s Word? It’s important that all believers are equipped with Scripture so they may accurately discern (1 John 4:1–3) whether a sermon, song, book, website, or other media aligns with Scripture and the Spirit. Every believer should be equipped to discern truth from error and live in fellowship with mature believers who hold them accountable in their discerning (Prov. 15:22). Just because something feels right doesn’t mean it stands the test of God’s Word. 2. Does the song stand on its own, proclaiming the truth of God’s Word without explanation? Every song a church sings should be grounded in Scripture and sound doctrine and should edify the body of Christ (Eph. 4:29). Right worship is a form of equipping, and if the song is communicating unbiblical ideas, then it shouldn’t be welcomed in the church. Every song is the responsibility of the shepherds, and shepherds are to be on guard so that savage wolves (Acts 20:28) with snappy melodies don’t come into the flock. Todd says: “Over the years at Watermark we have examined countless songs for clarity, from ‘Away in a Manger’ to ‘Reckless Love.’ We constantly ask ourselves questions like, ‘Is it accurate to describe God’s love as “overwhelming, never-ending, and reckless?”—as the chorus of “Reckless Love” says?’ It’s the responsibility of the spiritual leaders in every church to make these calls. It’s not an overstatement to say that their protection of their people (Acts 20:28–30) and their own future judgment (Heb. 13:17) depend on it.” 3. Is it possible to separate the truth being sung from the error of its associations? A church is never in more danger than when a false teacher communicates under the guise of proclaiming truth (2 Cor. 11:14; Acts 16:16–18). In addition to false teachers, we must be aware of directing others toward ministries of well-meaning individuals consistently associated with false or errant theology and practices. The leadership of Bethel and the teachings and practices embraced by its members, students, and ministry partners would, at a minimum, fall into this category. Promoting their songs—even though the songs themselves are theologically accurate—could open others to additional messages and ideas that are errant in practice and theology. Historically, there is at least one significant example of music and lyrics being a means through which heresy was propagated. Arius (AD 250–336) was a capable songwriter and a theologian who denied Christ’s deity. He wrongly asserted that Jesus was a finite, created being with some divine attributes—not the eternal God. The popularity of his melodies and songs led to the rapid spread of his heretical ideas. We must acknowledge that a well-written song can quickly lead others to a truth-forsaken place. While it’s unlikely that many today will dig up Horatio Spafford sermons if they sing “It Is Well,” many people to know more about Bethel’s “supernatural school of ministry” because of their excellent music. 4. Would using the song cause us to actively support an errant ministry? Perhaps the most unavoidable implication is that using songs from these ministries and artists supports them financially. Even if you protect your flock from future influence, you unavoidably will be strengthening the ministries. The cost-benefit of the truths should be weighed in your ultimate decision. If you choose to read the full article linked above, Todd gives excellent examples of famous well written hymns sung by churches all over, yet were written by some very theologically errant and imperfect composers. In my next article, we will take a look at Bethel’s: Come Out of that Grave
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About the Writer:
Devin is a professional pianist, music teacher, and founder of The Layman’s Apologist— a new online ministry focused on providing easy to read and comprehensible material to equip Christian believers to defend their faith. Devin has a passion for studying apologetics, theology and philosophy, and he uses his skills as an interpreter and evangelist on missions and wherever he feels lead. He is currently an active member of a local non-denominational church and assists as a worship leader for an all Spanish speaking congregation throughout the year. In addition to serving, his number one goal is to assist and see Christians become bible literate, understand the foundational doctrines of our faith—walking in righteousness, and think biblical about everything! He is also the father of 2 beautiful children and a faithful husband. |