The topics of being “relevant” in church and the “seeker sensitive” movement have been discussed quite extensively, and quite passionately I might add, in our churches and leadership circles for a while now. But, there seems to be a new level of discourse taking place in the area of playing secular music in church as a way to “reach out” to those who seem to have lost their desire to be a part of a church that they once knew. Like a business that spends millions of dollars researching the best ways to market their product the church has all too often made some compromises that have crossed the line. Listen, before we go any further I want to say that I believe that the Church is the greatest institution on planet earth and like any institution it is filled with flawed people who attempt to make right decisions but don’t always get it right. Therefore, my blog will also be flawed but it’s a place where I can share my own opinions and I welcome yours.
A widely viewed segment on the topic of secular music in church was discussed by three pastors; Mark Driscoll, James MacDonald, and Perry Noble on the highly popular “Elephant Room” series. You can listen to this 48 minute video here: Highway to Hell
Without saying much more, because I believe the video does a far better job than I could, I will admit that I am a fan of certain aspects of secular music. When I was in college I used to fall asleep to the sounds of Enya and as most people know I am a fan of Bon Jovi. Some would debate that if secular music should not be played in church then should a Christian be a “fan” of it. That’s a valid point.
So, I’m interested in your thoughts so post away!
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That’s a great article to read. Thank you for sharing!
I think the basic problem is that the church keeps trying to be relevant and dumbed down to non believers. We try to be so in that we sacrifice purity and sound teaching.The church should be for believers to learn, grow and fellowship. It is for the church to then go out into the world to witness and make disciples. Individuals are afraid to do that so more and more we ask the church to do it for us. I use to be all for the church being into the culture and relevant but I have slowly been changing my mind as I see the “in” churches bring in converts who mostly fall on dry ground and wither while the churches that require higher Biblical standards get fewer converts but the converts take root. And are true.
although there is no scripture that clearly states whether or not we should play secular music in the church, i strongly believe that as christians, we are compromising the standards of God by playing such music, God is BIG enough to save anyone and a good example would be paul in the bible. we shouldnt have to be subject to the world’s system just because we are “reaching out” but rather we should trust in God to grow the seeds that we plant in the lives of those who believe and not have to rely on secular music to buy people into Christianity. i believe that anything that doesnt glorify God should even be on the lips of his children.
Thank you for your comment. Great thoughts to ponder!
Good post. There are some great insights and thoughts here. Thanks for sharing!
Music just like clothing has a great impact in our lives. Their are Gospel music or Godly Music to glorify and honor God. There are also worldly songs to glorify man or the devil. These are the secular songs and should not be tolerated in the churches. These secular songs come in with a disguise with the name of Jesus or Yahweh embedded in them to confuse the believers. Be ware of such songs and their suggestive dances, the people of God!
I believe God is way bigger than our thoughts. Music included. I sing in a choir who is blessed to have a great minister of music. We have started singing secular music as the congregation enters and again as they leave. It’s been very successful in creating a sense of relevance to our services. Many of our Christian hymns music are old bar tunes. The words were changed of course but the thought was if the music is familiar it will be easier for people to remember.
Anita, thanks for sharing. I recently viewed a great debate on the “Elephant Room” series which was hosted by Pastor James Macdonald where he disagreed with what Pastor Perry Noble did in his church one Easter. Pastor Noble decided to have the band play, “highway to hell.” While James could not judge the motive of Perry’s heart he could judge the actions and they agreed to disagree. Personally, I have no issue with some secular music but in church I don’t know that it needs to be there in order for the gospel to be relevant. It’s a slippery slope for sure. Again, thanks for sharing!
I am watching secular music being used :”to reach our youth.” There is this mindset that says we have to use the worlds ways to reach them, then give them the Gospel… Which sounds like a bait and switch type of idea. The truth is, my daughter has just started going, she is no more compelled to study the word or be any different than her friends of no faith. For Halloween there was a Hollapalooza. Some costumes were gory, one boy was dressed in women’s clothing, then a scary story was told about a dead girl who came back as a zombie…then they broke out with the “Gangnam style” song and kids started dancing. I had to leave…I actually came home and cried. The idea is, to get them have all the contemp stuff and then share a sermon. Am I crazy? Am I uptight and legalistic?.
Thanks for responding. No, I don’t think you are uptight or legalistic in this regard. The Church, in my opinion, has become very good at using what the world does to entice “seekers” to their services. Just because one person was saved at a church service because the pastor chose to have his worship team play “Highway to Hell” does not make it the necessary course of action for all churches to take. I’m sure that most pastors have a pure heart and their intentions are good albeit their methods may be a bit misguided. Teens are very vulnerable and therefore are more apt to involve themselves where their friends are hanging out. You are the mom and your God given job is the guidance and upbringing of your daughter. You are not crazy or legalistic:)
To be more accurate, it was actually hundreds of people saved during the Highway to Hell sermon. By the way, aren’t we comparing apples to oranges here? If your church is doing great in the traditional route then why do you care what another church does on the contemporary route? Everybody has their preference and if they are lead by God then let them do it their way and you stick to yours. Let’s stop over analyzing everything and just love on each other.
Thank you for your comment. Perry Noble did not define “hundreds” saved in that service but only the one man he spoke of while on the “Elephant Room” discussion series hosted by James Macdonald. I don’t believe I am comparing apples to oranges here but I do hear and agree with your thought on letting people do church the way they feel it should be done. The issue with the song being sung by the worship team was brought up by James Macdonald, a highly respected pastor in the church world and supported by a few other highly respected pastors on that panel that day. James did NOT question the heart or motive of Perry. He knows Perry to be a great man of God but he did “judge” the method that was used which I believe was fine for him to do. Most of those pastors on that panel agreed to disagree on various subjects and you and I may have to do the same. Remember, the Gospel does not need any help from us in order to be effective. It stands on its own. Thank you, again, for reading and responding.
The bible from start to finish clearly demonstrates that our God is holy and does not allow strange fire as a sacrifice to him. Anything that tarnishes His image of holiness and purity and our response towards that image by compromise is strictly forbidden. Jesus commanded demons who testified to his truth to be quiet because they were not a source of truth, and neither should we copy styles or words or attitudes from the secular/profane to offer it unto our God. We should listen to that which causes us to glorify, acknowledge, honor, desire and love God without the use of secular styles. The gospel has no need to attract through music as the powerful preaching of the word is sufficient but if we do do it through music that music must be holy other with the intention if causing fear of God and repentance in the hearers heart. Those seeking familiarity with their sinful desires are not seeking God. Those seeking God will learn to hate this life, love God above all things and cling to his word
It makes my spirt sad to know we as christians are allowing this in the church!! My husband and I starting serving in the Middles school area at our church. It’s a big church any very well know..They play secular music and even groups like LMFAO…Their name stands for Laugh My F ing A Off..See thats the problem where do we draw the line.. Next we will be giving people a beer and a smoke on the way into church to make everyone feel comfortable..There is going to be a day when we won’t even be able to say the word JESUS in church because we may offend someone..We also forget the kids that are strong christians their spirt’s don’t want to hear that stuff.. If any of you get a chance u tube the Mynista’s testimony….Satan has power thru music and we as christians all need to wake up..God says feel your hearts mind and soul with praises to him…So why in the world should we even want it in our churches…Living for God…Lisa
Hey Lisa! Thanks for reading and commenting. All in the name of “relevance” have we allowed certain things like this in our churches. Don’t get me wrong I do love some secular music but I would not play “Livin’ on a Prayer’ for an altar call:) Thanks for sharing!