Should churches sing Bethel, Elevation, or Hillsong songs?

Even when a lyric appears biblical, using songs tied to ministries known for serious doctrinal error can confuse the flock, platform false teaching, and direct people to unsafe resources. Evaluate lyrics carefully, consider the source’s public teaching and influence, and choose songs that clearly exalt Christ and guard the congregation.

How do we evaluate worship music with discernment?

Test lyrics against Scripture (John 4:24; Colossians 3:16), assess gospel clarity and God-centeredness, weigh potential confusion or endorsement of error, and prefer trustworthy sources. Establish a church vetting process and teach the congregation why these choices matter.

What are sound alternatives to consider?

Prioritize rich hymnody and biblically robust modern sources—such as Sovereign Grace Music, CityAlight, and the Gettys—while ensuring every song is vetted for doctrinal faithfulness and pastoral clarity.

Evaluating Worship Songs from Bethel, Elevation & Hillsong

By Dave Jenkins
• September 7, 2025

Worship is one of the most formative aspects of the Christian life. What we sing in church doesn’t just stir our emotions; it teaches our theology, shapes our affections, and directs our gaze either toward Christ or away from Him. In many churches today, songs are chosen for their popularity or emotional pull rather than their biblical depth. Yet Jesus said that true worshipers must worship the Father in spirit and truth (John 4:24). This raises a pressing question that many believers ask and pastors must answer: Should Christians sing worship songs from ministries like Bethel, Elevation, or Hillsong?

Testing Worship by the Word

The first test of any worship song is not how it makes us feel but whether it accords with the truth of God’s Word. Colossians 3:16 calls us to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly through “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” If lyrics distort or minimize the gospel, or present a false view of God, they should be rejected outright. Many modern songs can sound sincere while subtly reshaping our view of God. Leaders guard the flock by ensuring what we sing reflects Scripture faithfully.

The Source Behind the Song

Some argue that a song with sound lyrics can be used regardless of its origin. Yet the source matters. Using songs from Bethel, Elevation, or Hillsong risks associating the church with their broader theology and practices. Members may be drawn to explore teaching, books, and conferences where serious theological errors abound, and royalties/streaming can financially support those ministries. Paul warns that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9). Discernment is not only about words on the page but the message we platform.

Conscience, Liberty, and Love

Paul’s teaching on food offered to idols (1 Cor. 8–10) provides a framework. Some believers may feel liberty to sing a song if its lyrics are biblically accurate; yet love for the flock means we avoid choices that confuse weaker believers or validate dangerous ministries. The church is responsible for the content it sings and the pastoral effect those choices have on the congregation.

A Path Forward

Vet every song: Evaluate lyrics for doctrinal faithfulness, gospel clarity, and God-centeredness.
Consider the source: Ask whether using the song could confuse people or platform error.
Prioritize clarity: Choose songs that unmistakably exalt Christ and align with Scripture.
Teach the congregation: Explain why careful choices matter for worship and discipleship.
Promote sound alternatives: Lean on rich hymnody and trusted modern sources (e.g., Sovereign Grace).

Conclusion

This conversation is not about musical taste but the glory of God in the worship of His people. Songs that are doctrinally thin or sourced from ministries that distort the gospel may move emotions, but they do not build up the church in truth. True worship is about God, not us—and true worship demands truth. As Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). Churches that prize both Spirit and truth will protect the flock, exalt Christ, and sing with integrity before the Lord.

Quick Answer (Shareable Summary)

Should Christians sing songs from Bethel, Elevation, or Hillsong? Even if a lyric looks biblical, using songs tied to false-teaching ministries can confuse the church, platform error, and misdirect believers. Evaluate lyrics carefully, consider the source’s influence, and choose songs that clearly exalt Christ and guard the flock.