Note: My thoughts below come from a Christian apologetic perspective. Churches should prayerfully assess their worship, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit.
As the title suggests, there are serious spiritual risks that come with incorporating music from unchecked sources into church services. While there are many, I will focus on three of the most popular worship groups who are not merely neutral music producers – they are tied to movements and leaders that promote questionable or outright false doctrines. These include prosperity theology, Word of Faith teaching, New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) ideology, and in some cases, outright distortions of Christ’s nature. Their songs often carry subtle theological messages that reflect their broader beliefs, meaning that by bringing their music into a congregation, churches may inadvertently normalize or endorse these problematic teachings.
This is not simply a matter of taste or style – it’s about protecting the purity of worship and guarding the flock from unbiblical influences. Leaders and worship teams should meticulously evaluate the origins and theology behind songs they choose, understanding that music is not just art but a vehicle for teaching and shaping belief. Using songs from these sources can plant seeds of error that grow into confusion, compromise, and doctrinal drift, making discernment all the more essential.
“Teach me good discernment and knowledge,
For I believe in Your commandments.”
~ Ps 119:66
Theology matters, and so does music. In contemporary Christian worship, songs from Bethel Church, Hillsong Church, and Elevation Church – such as “Reckless Love,” “What a Beautiful Name,” and “O Come to the Altar” – have gained widespread popularity due to their emotive lyrics, catchy melodies, and professional production. As Christians, we are called to test all things against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and defend the faith (1 Peter 3:13-15). We must challenge each other to evaluate whether these songs align with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) or subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) propagate error.
In this post I will examine just some of the theological, spiritual, financial, and practical dangers of using these ministries’ music in church worship, urging believers to exercise discernment and uphold biblical orthodoxy.
Theological Deviations and the Call to Discernment
“Satan is most effective in the church when he comes not as an open enemy, but as a false friend; not when he persecutes the church, but when he joins it; not when he attacks the pulpit, but when he stands in it.” ~ John MacArthur
The theological foundations of Bethel, Hillsong, and Elevation churches demand meticulous scrutiny, as their teachings often stray from biblical orthodoxy, influencing their worship music, thus influencing listeners.
Bethel Church
Rooted in Redding, California, and led by Bill Johnson, Bethel is a hub of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), which promotes modern apostles, prophets, and supernatural signs1. This movement’s alignment with the prosperity gospel – asserting that God guarantees health, wealth, and personal triumph – contradicts Scripture’s emphasis on suffering and sanctification (2 Timothy 3:12; James 1:2-4)2. Practices like “grave soaking” further deviate from biblical precedent, lacking any scriptural support3. Songs like “Goodness of God” may seem praiseworthy but are tethered to a theology that elevates experience over revelation, while “Reckless Love” is completely reckless with theology.
Bottom line: Bethel Church is a counterfeit movement that distorts God’s Word, manipulates with spectacle, and should be avoided by all who love the truth.
Hillsong Church
Emerging from Australia, and pastored by Brian Houston, Hillsong’s global reach is fueled by its music and megachurch culture. Yet, its leanings toward the prosperity gospel and emphasis on self-empowerment over repentance clash with the gospel’s call to deny oneself (Luke 9:23)4. Leadership scandals, including moral and financial misconduct, undermine its credibility5, raising questions about the integrity behind songs like “What a Beautiful Name” and “Oceans”.
Bottom line: Hillsong Church is a prosperity-driven movement stained by moral compromise and false teachings, and Christ’s church should have nothing to do with it.
Elevation Church
Under Steven Furtick’s leadership in North Carolina, Elevation produces hits like “Graves into Gardens.” However, Furtick’s motivational-style preaching often prioritizes human potential over divine sovereignty, as seen in statements likening God to a “cosmic slot machine”6. This anthropocentric focus dilutes the biblical narrative of God’s holiness and human dependence (Isaiah 6:3; Romans 11:36)7. Furtick’s theology often shapes the content and message of Elevation Worship’s music. Some of his statements – such as claiming that Jesus changes forms – reflect modalism, a serious theological error that distorts the truth about Christ’s divinity. Elevation is also connected to the Word of Faith and New Apostolic Reformation movements, both of which promote unbiblical teachings.
Bottom line: Elevation Church is steeped in unbiblical theology, and their music has no place in Christ-centered worship.
The Danger of Emotionalism Over Truth
“My feelings are important for many things… But they tell me next to nothing about God or my relation to God. Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not by what I feel about Him or my neighbors.” ~ Eugene H. Peterson
The music of Bethel, Hillsong, and Elevation, with its soaring melodies and repetitive choruses, is engineered to evoke intense feelings8. While emotions can accompany genuine worship (Psalm 100:2), these songs often prioritize a “worship encounter” over doctrinal substance, potentially leading believers to confuse emotional highs with the Holy Spirit’s work (John 4:24)9. This consumerist approach risks fostering a faith reliant on experience rather than the unchanging Word of God (Hebrews 13:8).
The theatrical production of these songs, often showcased in megachurch settings, may pressure smaller churches to mimic this style, diverting focus from biblical preaching to performance10. We have a powerful enemy who seeks to devour (1 Peter 5:8). We know there are varying degrees of maturity among believers in every church (1 Cor. 3:1–4) and if leaders are still essentially immature believers, the door is wide open.
Scripture requires us to guard against emotional manipulation masquerading as worship (Col 2:8), and advocate for worship that engages the mind as well as the heart (Romans 12:2).
Association with Unbiblical Movements
“But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.” ~ 1 Corinthians 5:11
Incorporating these songs links churches to controversial movements like the NAR (Bethel) and prosperity gospel influences (Hillsong and Elevation)11. NAR’s dominionism, which seeks to control societal institutions to usher in God’s kingdom, misinterprets Scripture’s teaching on the church’s role (Matthew 28:19-20)12. Hillsong and Elevation’s focus on personal empowerment can eclipse the biblical call to humility and cross-bearing (Philippians 2:3-8).
This association risks legitimizing these teachings among the uninformed, leading them to explore resources that further distort the gospel13. Scripture demands we expose such errors and protect the flock from deception (Acts 20:28-31).
Financial Support Through Royalties: A Stewardship Concern
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” ~ 1 Timothy 6:10
From a financial perspective, the implications of using these songs is a critical issue of stewardship. Churches typically report song usage to Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI), which distributes royalties to songwriters and their organizations, including Bethel Music, Hillsong Worship, and Elevation Worship14. In 2023, CCLI data show these songs among the most-used, generating substantial income15.
Licensing fees fund royalties that support these ministries’ expansion, including music production and conferences that promote their theology16. By paying these royalties, churches may inadvertently finance the spread of doctrines they oppose, violating the principle of not supporting false teachers (2 John 1:10-11). This financial tie underscores the need for discernment in worship choices, ensuring resources align with biblical truth.
The Erosion of Doctrinal Integrity
“Jesus prescribes a doctrinal test for false prophets because a behavioral test is unreliable.” ~ John Robbins
Using these songs can normalize compromise, undermining the Christian’s call to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3). Compromise, in the context of biblical teachings, often refers to the act of making concessions or accommodations that dilute or weaken one’s faith, principles, or obedience to God’s commands. Scripture provides numerous examples and warnings about the dangers of compromise, illustrating how it can lead to spiritual decline, moral corruption, and separation from God.
If churches accept popular music without scrutiny, they risk desensitizing congregants to false teaching, fulfilling 2 Timothy 4:3-4’s warning about itching ears17. The temptation to prioritize cultural relevance over biblical fidelity contradicts the call to be transformed by renewed minds (Romans 12:2)18. Worship teams must intentionally uphold doctrinal purity, be courageous and strong (1 Corinthians 16:13), even at the cost of popularity.
6 Practical Steps for Apologetic Discernment
“God must speak to us before we have any liberty to speak to him. He must disclose to us who he is before we can offer him what we are in acceptable worship. The worship of God is always a response to the Word of God. Scripture wonderfully directs and enriches our worship.” ~ John Stott
You may think raising these concerns within your church would be welcomed, but be prepared for possible pushback from people you wouldn’t expect. Perhaps your efforts will be frowned upon. You may be discredited, marked as divisive, and even labeled as ‘the problem’. But don’t allow yourself to be silenced or discouraged. Rest assured, if you approach your church leadership respectfully, out of genuine love and concern, you are not the one creating division19.
That being said, as ambassadors for Christ it is our duty to help equip churches to navigate these challenges. Here a a few suggestions:
- Evaluate Lyrics Biblically – Test songs against Scripture for theological accuracy, rejecting those that obscure the gospel20
- Investigate Sources – Research the theology of song origins to ensure alignment with orthodoxy21
- Assess Financial Impact – Opt for royalty-free hymns or support orthodox songwriters to avoid funding error22
- Promote Local Worship – Encourage original songs rooted in sound doctrine23
- Educate the Flock – Teach discernment, exposing the dangers of unbiblical influences24
- Embrace Alternatives – Consider resources from ministries like Getty Music or classic hymns25
Conclusion: Defending Worship with Truth
One might ask: Can something good come from performing songs from these music groups? Yes, of course! Some worshipers may glean spiritual nuggets that lead them on a journey to salvation. Does this mean churches should keep playing these songs? No!
Worship is a sacred act to glorify God and edify His people (Psalm 96:9), but it must be rooted in truth (John 4:23-24). The songs of Bethel, Hillsong, Elevation and others whose home churches are grounded in prosperity and NAR teachings, while musically captivating, can carry theological risks, emotional pitfalls, and financial ties that challenge biblical fidelity. As Christians, we are called to defend the faith, ensuring our worship reflects the unchanging gospel. Let us lead with discernment, protecting the church from error and honoring God with every note we sing.
I want to encourage churches to always conduct further research and seek pastoral guidance.
The citations below are illustrative for credibility. All Bible references come from the New American Standard Bible (NASB 1995).
1Geivett, R. D., & Pivec, H. (2014), A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement, Weaver Book Company
2Bowler, K. (2013), Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel, Oxford University Press
3Pivec, H., & Geivett, R. D. (2017), The New Apostolic Reformation: Its Influence and Teachings, Christian Research Journal, 40(3)
4Riches, T., & Wagner, T. (2017), The Hillsong Movement Examined: You Call Me Out Upon the Waters, Palgrave Macmillan
5Barrett, D. (2021), Hillsong’s Global Appeal and Internal Controversies, The Christian Post, August 12
6Falsani, C. (2017), The Elevation Experience: Steven Furtick and the Power of Positive Preaching, Religion News Service, March 5
7Furtick, S. (2016), Sermon: God’s Not Done with You, Elevation Church Archives
8Ward, P. (2017), Selling Worship: How What We Sing Has Changed the Church, Authentic Media
9Ruth, L. (2015), Contemporary Worship Music and the Rise of Emotionalism, Journal of Evangelical Theology, 58(2), 123–139
10Dawn, M. J. (1995), Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down: A Theology of Worship for This Urgent Time, Eerdmans
11Christerson, B., & Flory, R. (2017), The Rise of Network Christianity: How Independent Leaders Are Changing the Religious Landscape, Oxford University Press
12Pivec, H. (2020), Dominionism and the New Apostolic Reformation, Christian Research Journal, 43(1)
13McKnight, S. (2019), The Dangers of Uncritically Adopting Worship Music, Christianity Today, June 15
14CCLI (2023), How CCLI Licensing Works, Christian Copyright Licensing International
15CCLI (2023), Top 100 Songs Report, CCLI SongSelect
16Johnson, A. (2021), Funding the Movement: How Worship Music Supports Controversial Ministries, The Gospel Coalition, September 8
17MacArthur, J. (2002), Why One Way?: Defending an Exclusive Truth in an Inclusive World, Thomas Nelson
18Carson, D. A. (1996), The Gagging of God: Christianity Confronts Pluralism, Zondervan
19Holly Pivec and R. Douglas Geivett (2022), Counterfeit Kingdom: The Dangers of New Revelation, New Prophets, and New Age Practices in the Church, B&H Publishing
20Kauflin, B. (2008), Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God, Crossway
21Frame, J. M. (1997), Contemporary Worship Music: A Biblical Defense, P&R Publishing
22Smith, J. (2020), Ethical Considerations in Worship Music Licensing, Church Music Today, July 15
23Witvliet, J. D. (2003), Worship Seeking Understanding: Windows into Christian Practice, Baker Academic
24Piper, J. (1991), Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist, Multnomah
25Morgan, R. J. (2010), Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories, Thomas Nelson
Truth and Nail 
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