Spirit-Filled Pastor’s Response to Mackenzie Morgan Calling Out Hillsong, Bethel and Elevation by SHANE IDLEMAN for Charisma News
I appreciate Mackenzie Morgan’s boldness to stand against wishy-washy churches in this article titled, “Worship leader no longer supports Hillsong, Elevation, Bethel Music over ‘false gospel message.'” More and more churches may be following suit in regard to her stance.
But I also think it’s important to ask some additional questions.
For example, “Is it possible to not endorse or agree with [such-and-such church] but still listen to their worship in a corporate setting?”
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First, I want to be clear that my position has never been, “I don’t care what the roots are; I’m playing their music.” I myself am in the process of evaluating.
I recently preached a sermon series on revival. Bryan and Katie Torwalt led worship during one of the messages, and Kim Walker-Smith during another one. To view the controversial services that sparked this article, click here and here. Then let us know your thoughts. Were the services God-honoring? Were the lyrics theologically sound? Were the messages biblically accurate? Could there be abundant fruit?
Just for reference’s sake, I use the MacArthur Study Bible, read the Puritans and love any preaching from Lloyd-Jones, Spurgeon and the like. I’m not endorsing and promoting Bethel or the others. I have concerns too. I understand that playing a church’s music (in a sense) is viewed as promoting them. I get that, but there is a huge difference between direct promotion and indirect promotion because we have to legally acknowledge the source of the songs for licensing reasons.
With that said, I’ve put forth a few questions and answers that may offer clarity:
1. How inconsistent should a group be before we completely discontinue their worship? Should we eliminate all songs because we disagree with some of what their pastors teach? Yes and no. What if the worship leaders are solid in their walk with the Lord? It all depends on the severity of their error. Some people draw the line in the sand much quicker in regard to removing their music, while others are not there yet.
2. Have I done my due diligence in investigating these bands? The problem is that there are many conflicting reports. I know people who attend Bethel, and they say the complete opposite of those who condemn it. For example, Bethel’s leadership condemns grave-sucking here, but people still say that they teach it. Yes, I have seen the picture of lead pastor Bill Johnson’s wife near a grave, but pictures don’t always tell the whole story. You wouldn’t believe the number of heresy hunters I heard from when I released this picture.
But, with that said, I have also heard Johnson say things he needs to clarify. I talked to Bethel Communications for over an hour in 2019. They said they were releasing short clips explaining the controversies, and they have finally begun that process at this link.
I haven’t had a chance to listen yet, but knowing people like Kim Walker-Smith and Sean Feucht (who are solid), I would hate to throw the baby out with the bathwater because they were once leading worship at Bethel.
Because I myself have often been misrepresented, I appreciate those who try to hear both sides. It’s good to be concerned and lovingly rebuke churches such as the ones mentioned above, but at the same time, we should consider the heart of the worship leader who is writing and leading the songs. For example, do you have any idea who wrote this: “So much heresy is running rampant in the church because we’re not clearly preaching the reality of eternal judgment, the reality of heaven and hell, or the frequent commands concerning holiness, godliness, purity and true Jesus apprenticeship”?
