Should we refuse to sing songs from particular sources such as Bethel  and Hillsong. 

I recently wrote about what we do with problem lyrics in worship songs.  However, for some readers, the question needed to go further.  What do we do when we have concerns about the ethos and theology of the song writers/ originating church.

Issues may include both suspect theology and practices.  This may not just be about individual churches but may reflect concerns with the wider contemporary worship scene more generally.  Specifically, many of us would have concerns about a culture that seems to promote performance and celebrity, a culture that has become a multi million dollar industry. This is significant because some “artists” may be considered theologically conservative and acceptable but just as much caught up in that culture (e.g. the selling of special access VIP concert and conference tickets).

Some pastors and worship leaders have chosen not to select songs from such sources.  I understand and respect that position. It’s not one  I have taken or have our church. Here are some reasons why.

1. I want to encourage people to think about what they are singing. I don’t want us to be complacent, thinking that we can sing safely if we avoid some sources.  Error can come from any source.
2. Similarly, I want to teach good discernment.  I’m inclined to think that people are likely to pick up on songs away from church. I wonder if it isn’t better to sing the songs in a context where we can think through meaning and teach discernment at the same time.
3. It’s tricky to know where to draw the line.  Do a check on historic hymns and you will find all kinds of theological issues with their authors.
4. Positively, there seem to be some supporting Biblical principals.  The Israelites plundered from the pagan Egyptians and this extended beyond wealth at the Exodus to wisdom that finds its way into the Proverbs and so the canon of Scripture.

For these reasons, I’m not inclined to blanket ban certain sources but rather to encourage a whole church to be thinking about what they are singing and learning discernment about life more generally.  This means thinking through not just the theology of specific places but the kind of wider cultures in which that theology swims.