This continuationist theology and expectations concerning how the Holy Spirit works led to a redefinition of worship from that of Reformed traditions to what they considered more consistent with New Testament teaching. Pentecostalism emerged in the early twentieth century, combining the Methodist holiness movement and revivalism with a conviction that the miraculous signs of the apostolic era continue today. The Pentecostalization of Evangelical WorshipĪll of the groups under consideration here teach and practice a Pentecostal theology of worship. The biggest reason you should stop singing songs from Hillsong, Bethel, Jesus Culture, and Elevation is that their music embodies a false theology of worship. But they are not the most important reason you should stop. I could caution that when you sing their music in church, weaker Christians might listen to other songs from these groups and be influenced by their poor theology.Īll of these are legitimate reasons to stop singing music from these groups. I could point out that when you buy their albums or sing their music, you are financially supporting questionable theology at best, and heretical theology at worst. I could highlight the charismatic-pentecostal theology of these groups, 5 See Tanya Riches, “The Evolving Theological Emphasis of Hillsong Worship (1996–2007),” Australasian Pentecostal Studies 13 (2010): 87–133 Bethel, “Glory Clouds and Gold Dust, Signs and … Continue reading often manifested in their lyrics (“Oceans,” “Spirit Breaks Out”). I could give examples of theologically vague lyrics (“Only Wanna Sing,” “Wake,” “Who You Say I Am”) or theologically questionable lyrics (“What a Beautiful Name,” “Reckless Love,” “This Is Amazing Grace,” “So Will I”). 4 Nicola Menzie, “ Hillsong’s Brian Houston on Gay Marriage: ‘I Believe the Writings of Paul Are Clear on This Subject,’” The Christian Post, October 18, 2014. I could address Hillsong pastor Brian Houston’s questionable views on gay marriage. 3 Leonardo Blair, “Ex-Nanny of Former Hillsong NYC Pastor Carl Lentz Accuses Him of Sexual Abuse,” The Christian Post, JMichael Gryboski, “Hillsong’s Brian Houston Says Sex Abuse … Continue reading
I could reference the charges of sexual abuse that have plagued leaders from Hillsong. Or Bethel’s Bill Johnson, who taught that Jesus had to go to hell and be tortured for three days before being born again. I could cite theological concerns with leaders such as Steven Furtick (Elevation Church), who appears to believe in the heresy of modalism, which teaches that God is not three persons but one being who manifests himself in different “modes.” 2 See Amanda Casanova, “ Is Megachurch Pastor Steven Furtick Denying the Traditional View of the Trinity?,” ChristianHeadlines.Com, March 5, 2020. Hillsong’s Brian Houston just comes right out and says it: “ You Need More Money.“ But if he did them as a man, I am responsible to pursue his lifestyle.” 1 Bill Johnson, When Heaven Invades Earth Expanded Edition: A Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles (Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image Publishers, 2013), 34. I could point out the prosperity gospel advocated by leaders within these movements, such as Bethel Church pastor Bill Johnson, who argues that Jesus did not perform miracles as God: “If he performed miracles because he was God, then they would be unattainable for us.
I could give many reasons you should stop singing or listening to music from these groups. There’s no question about it-Hillsong, Bethel, Jesus Culture, and Elevation have become a global phenomenon. Update: followup post on how music embodies theology here and one on two kinds of worship music here.
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