Secular Music in the Church Endangers Sacredness?
By Brittany Smith , Christian Post Reporter
A New Jersey megachurch‘s latest effort to better engage with culture by embracing some of popculture‘s most popular songs reignites the debate over whether churches should utilize secular music to be relevant.
While Liquid Church is using songs like Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” as part of its “Pop God” sermon series this month, some point to the danger that lies in “using cultural mediums to transfer sacred messages.”
Anthony Evans performs Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On? for the church?!
So after he uses the church to test market, he performs the song for the world for the sake of winning souls a competition with his father (a pastor) in total agreement to doing this?! Which clip is ministry? Which clip is entertainment?! It is a sad day when you allow the devil to affirm who you are.
Kirk Franklin clip endorsing Anthony Evans
Kirk Franklin backstage @ "The Voice" Competition to support (preacher's son) Anthony Evans
Dr. John Hardin, a writer for 9Marks, a Washington, D.C. organization that helps “church leaders define success as faithfulness to God,” cautioned in an email to The Christian Post that “the methods and the messages carry with them the DNA of the culture from which they were taken.”
By embracing the methods of the world, pastors end up embracing the values and the meanings of the world. Hardin, a former college pastor, said that ultimately they may surrender the sacredness of their church, and “the sacred ceases to be that which is set apart, when it is framed in that which is perhaps all too near.”
Madonna makes a mockery of the church exhibiting Gnosticism. We explain this in The Truth Behind Hip-Hop Part 6 "Detained for Entry"
Liquid Church kicked off its “Pop God” series this past Sunday with the worship team leading the congregation in singing “Rolling in the Deep.”
Rich Birch, spokesperson for Liquid, told CP this week that the Christian subculture is fairly disconnected to the broader world, so Liquid Church is trying “to redeem the culture through those four songs” (the other two are songs by the Foo-Fighters and Cee Lo Green).
Pictured Cee Lo Green and Madonna @ 2012 Superbowl half time show mocking the Church
Birch said that the idea behind “Pop God” stems from a “long Christian tradition of redeeming, rather than rejecting art, and finding ways to find a connection to our current culture.” Jonathan Edwards did the same thing, he pointed out, by taking bar room drinking songs and putting religious lyrics to them.
Hardin, however, noted, “Jonathan Edwards did write of the ‘lewd songs’ sung in taverns there is little to demonstrate that he adapted such songs for churches.”
John Wesley and Martin Luther may have indeed also provided sacred words for secular tunes, said Hardin, “but such practices are by no means a ‘long Christian tradition.’”
Brett McCracken, author of Hipster Christianity: When Church & Cool Collide, believes initiatives like Liquid’s stem from the fact that many churches feel pressure because young people are leaving in record numbers. Because of that they look for ways to “rebrand the church as more friendly to culture.”
However, he cautioned, “when you attract people under these pretenses, and use gimmicky things,” keeping them engaged becomes critical. If a church is selling something to get people in the door, there has to be something substantial in terms of discipleship to keep them.
“As Christian, we should focus on quality songs that are well crafted and honest in their lyrics, and theologically rich,” McCracken said. He said much of that has been lost as we have moved away from hymns, many of which were “rich and theologically built into the narrative of the music.”
His hope, he told CP, is that Christians “can recover the art of being excellent craftspeople and create music that is so good that Christians don’t have to look to the secular world to get their worship experience.”
Jeremiah 7:1-7
Pastor Lewis,
There is another pastor here in Dallas that I am concerned about….Pastor Fredrick Haynes. Have you been to his website? Satanic symbols are all on his site. He has images of pyramids and of a phoenix on his site. I had one of the church’s business cards because I went to a job fair there but it was cancelled and I looked at it and it had an unkh on it and three pryramids. I knew automatically something wasn’t right about that or the church. I could not feel the presence of God in that place at all. I know what my Father’s presence feels like and it was absent in that place. Now I understand why. If you get a chance check out his website.
REPLY: We dealt with him in The Truth Behind Hip-hop Part 3 “Anti-Christ Superstar”
All of this is so heavy on my heart. I did some research myself a few years ago and found out that alot of these professing christians and professing christian leaders are freemasons. T.D. Jakes is one person I had a hard time wrapping my mind around because I was attending the Potter’s House, but it is coming together for me now. I saw a youtube video where he was with George Bush Jr. after the attacks on the towers and the expression on his face while Bush was looking at him told me alot. I never dismiss body language and facial expressions because you can discern quite a bit with the help of the Holy Spirit, I understand that now. But it truly did hurt me knowing that all these people who pimp and prostitute our Savior for platforms, spotlights, and money are doing it without any kind of conviction. It is almost like they are numb to what they are doing. Joel Osteen is a freemason and his wife. Kirk Franklin is a freemason, Kenneth Copeland and his wife, Eddie Long is a freemason, and there are so many others. I researched and saw that there are alot of professing christians who are freemasons, especially blacks who profess to be christians. It truly breaks my heart. Do they truly know what the consequences are for joining such a satanic group? Have they done their own research? Or are they just playing follow the leader with satan with their eyes wide shut?
Anthony Evans, I hope you are reading this. How can you succeed in an arena you were not born to be in. Don’t you feel out of place? Shouldn’t you be using your God given talent to praise God? Don’t you want God to be your biggest fan? What about your soul Pastor and the souls of thousands following you that are now confused because of your appearance on this secular show? I am praying for answers to this.
God is really exposing this stuff, He sent us a message last week concerning this too.
This may be slightly off topic, but this post reminded me of a service that I attended this past Sunday. I have been attending this church in my area now for a few weeks and this past Sunday they had the youth choir sing, “Jesus is Love” by the Commodores. When I first heard them singing it I was quite taken aback because I was thinking why are they singing a secular song in church, but them I thought, well the words could possibly make it a more gospel song, even though technically it isn’t. I was curious to know anyone’s thoughts on this. Seeing this has kind of made me not want to attend this church again, even though the preaching, “so far”, is wonderful. I was kind of surprised that the pastor saw these kids singing this song and didn’t seem the least bit bothered by it. What is going on with our churches today; it really is making me not want to attend any church, at least where I live, because so few actually uphold the Word anymore, it’s all about being like the world. We can’t go and make disciples of all men, because we are too busy trying to be like the men and women out in the world. Sad!!!!!
Stephanieb, Luke 4:9 states”Then the devil took him to Jerusalem,to the highest
point of the temple,and said”if you are the
Son of God,jump off!
Luke 4:10 For the SCRIPTURE say He will order his angels to protect and guard you,
Luke 4:11 And they will hold you up with their hands so you wan’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
Wow…the devil is quoting the Word of God…Luke 4:10-11…the devil is quoting
Psalm 91:11-12.So, we can conclude that
what the devil said in these SCRIPTURES
is true Amen.So,truth is true even if the devil speak the truth.
Stephanieb,you said the Chior sing,”Jesus
is Love” by the Commodores..Jesus is Love that is true…they made this song,but the words are still true.You said that the
Preaching “is wonderful “.If the person is
Preaching the word … That’s where you want to be.
The fact that the song “Jesus Is Love” was recorded by a secular group doesn’t make the words void and untrue. If the same song was ‘originally’ recorded by a christian artist it would not have been issue, right?
The lyrics to this song are spoken in many of our prayers. Amen! You said the “youth” choir sang it which made it even more special in my eyes;-) Now if they were singing “Just To Be Close To You,” — which I admit, I haven’t been delivered from:-0 — another one of the Commodores hit songs, and we tried to switch the words to make it gospel, then YES, that would be a problem. That’s a MAJOR compromise. But if it was just that particular song you had issue with and nothing else, please don’t let that be the only reason for you contemplating leaving; especially when you suggest the Word is being preached.
God Bless!
Marletta,well said…
Thanks guys for your comments; appreciate it
Marletta what dose OTO mean?
Wow, I am really shocked to see this too! You’d think that the Evans would have realized that this show is demonic, but I guess they want the fame and money way too much. And to be honest, I don’t even think that Anthony Evans is that good anyway, so I don’t know how far he’ll get on the show. He may have just comprised his faith to have a brief stint on a show that he very well may not win anyway, which he needs to consider. Even if he does win the show, selling his soul for a dollar isn’t worth it, and as others have said, there are many examples of this, such as Whitney, Michael Jackson, etc. It bears repeating, “What does it profit a man, to gain the world, and lose his own soul,”, in other words, he profits NOTHING!!!!! Really sad, and Tony Evans and his wife should be ashamed of themselves, I know that little leprechaun Kirk Franklin has totally lost it, so I don’t expect any better from him, SMH!!!!
Wow, to me too. I have visit this church and have visit almost all the mega church in oak cliff (Dallas). My view piont that they all are about the same thing but they target different black people. You have one that target alot of College graduates and sororities and fraternity or another church young people who sell drugs and hoochie mamas for example. I even went to Tony website and he is discussing why he went on the Voice. He said it was for fun and a “random” opportunity! Prayer works! He has moved me from that and He open my eyes from churches like that.
LIQUID church huh? seems like a fitting name for this church.
what happened to his song Meaningless.
i really liked that song because of what he spoke about
Those videos are sad SMH
I’m sick and tired of these fake christians trying to find an excuse for bringing the world in the church to “draw” people!! When all they have to do is live right before the Lord and obey his commandments !
I’ve listened to Dr. Evans for years but in the last few years I become uneasy about his ministry. I used to support his ministry yearly, but when he started this INNER CIRCLE where you become a member if you give over $300.00. I immediately stopped supporting to his ministry. Dr. Evans is an excellent teacher but I’ve always thought that his ministry asks for money too often. I also believe that he has lacked discernment when it comes to his associations. A local Christian station a few years ago had to check him on some of his associations, he repented and stayed on the program but I knew it would be only a short matter of time that he would again begin to compromise.
How sad and dangerous. Lord have your mercy!
SMH!!! We are definitely in the last days. I just don’t understand why we in the church feels like we need the world to promote God. I am sooo tired of us feeling like we have to promote God as cool or using terms like God Rocks to draw people. We have blurred the lines so much where many don’t know what’s of God or what’s not. One question I do have to ask is why is it that the church is the only entity that feels that it has to lower its standards to bring others in? You don’t see other religions straying from their beliefs to bring people in, you either go with the program or you don’t. You don’t see muslims out there turning their mosques into clubs to bring people in or hindus wearing baggy pants to bring in the young people but the church feels the need to compromise when we’re the ones who have the message of salvation to share with the world but we’re afraid to share it. It’s no wonder why the world has no respect for us nor any regard for the ONE TRUE GOD. I can go on and on but all I can do is shake my head in disgust.
This is ridiculous…it seems like gospel artist are selling out because they want more fame, more money..they do not care about doing God’s work. They want the praise. Im so sick of this and I am a 24 year old woman who used to want to sing secular..since being filled with the H.S he took the desire away and I only want to use my gift to the glory of God. When the H.S. is indwelling in one, there are changed values and actions. The H. S. is not present in these young people. Praying for this generation and the one to come.
Reply: I love getting spammed.
Very disappointing! Lord help us…
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of the sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father, but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. I John 2:15-17
Now this is the word of the Lord, and none can argue with that. It is what it is. When you see any so-called Christian doing anything contrary to the word of God and it doesn’t bother them, the love of the Father is not in him. Also, if the continue on sinnning they are of their father the devil. Should I prove it? Dear Children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he (heavenly Father) is righteous. He who deos what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. I John 3:7,8
The bible warns us about the “new winds of the spirit” that will pop up in the ;ast days and I just heard Kirk say that the is a new spirit that God is bringing up is he serious there is one Spirit and that is the Holy Spirit; if you are operiting with another spirit it is not the spirit of God
I was watching Soul Train (yes,I was watching Soul Train), and I heard The O’jays singing “Love Train”. And because I am studying bible prophesy, I really looked at it differently than I did in the past. In the past, I just looked at it as an old school song that is positive. Now, I look at that song as an attempt to set the stage for the thinking that they want folks to have for the New World Order.
My point is that this is why I think they are pushing this form of music “ministry” so hard. They really want to blur the lines between sacred and un-sacred, so when the one world religion comes, we will accept anything that sounds remotely positive and be deceived into worshiping the false prophet and the anti-Christ. After all they are spreading the message of Love without Christ. This is probably what the anti-Christ will do with the false prophet.
P.S. Boyz. II Men has a song out on their new CD called “Believe”. In this song, they actually say “It’s time to create the New World Order.” I am surprised you guys have not posted an article on this yet. It’s been out for a while now.
Kirk is wearing a sean john shirt go figure..
Roberto Do you wear shirts? If your
answer to this question is Yes…well
It’s a good chance that the shirt you
are wearing today was Not design by a
Believer,but you stil wear the shirt.Your
point of view is not pratical.
i was liking tony evans but then i heardone of his message i stop listening to . i heard him say in a message thats why God was maad at jesus. thats y i get in relationship for myself forget man. jeramiah 17,5 curse be the man that trusted in who made his flesh arm who heart departing from the LORD.
SMH,…That’s just SAD!
Oooooh no…! (sad face) not Tony Evans. He was one of the good preachers I usually listen to. What’s going on?? You allow your son to sing a song that is profane? May God help them and Kirk…… there is no excuse for mixing the sacred and the profane!
Yeah, I know…. my reaction was pretty much the same in regards to Pastor Evans. He was one of the few I did admire only b/c his hard-core preaching always ended up my alley. Up until about 4 years ago I used to literally schedule my work day around the time he would come on the radio. Wow, the “great compromise” indeed.
13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to DESTRUCTION [hell] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to LIFE [eternal] is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Matt 7:13-14 nlt)
I often ponder over this road called “narrow” — the one less traveled. For many, it’s difficult to stay the course. We get deceived into thinking it’s not popular enough; it becomes boring; that ‘road’ doesn’t bring in the money or the influence; it doesn’t fit my image… After all it’s easier to just follow the ‘world’, right? smh.
Thus saith the Lord What iniquity have your fathers found in me that they are gone far from me and walked after vainty and become vain? Lord return our hearts back to the things Of God in Jesus name amen.
Brett McCracken well defined where music for the church has gone. I’m a hymns girl from back in the day and singing them did solidify the message. I do wonder if quality music can be recovered though.
Wow. I never thought tony evans would stoop so low as to allow his son to be judged by the world. What happened tony? What is going on here? My church is watching his marriage seminar for our sunday school and it has made a tremendous impact on my life and others lives. I guess he’s losing the fight. Anthony will never make it. unless he sells his soul. Im shocked. Was tony always like this or is he losing the fight?
I am HIGHLY disappointed! This brother can really sing. If you ever hear some of the worship that he’s placed together and the arrangements that he’s made you would see that HE DOES NOT HAVE TO DO THIS! I mean goodness!! Kirk couldn’t get him a gig and sign him to his label? Oh yeah, my bad he will need a producer. You can’t sign an artist and not sign the producer too!! Such a shame…WE can not serve God and MONEY!!
I agree with this article ! It is reported that about 14 MILLION people tuned in to watch Whitney Houston’s funeral . Both these Pastors missed it !
What an opportunity these people had to preach Christ and Him crucified ! Do you really think that any of the Apostles would have missed this opportunity to speak what God wanted , instead of putting their tails between there legs and speaking really nothing ??? No they would have been grateful for this opportunity to reach so many people . God is looking for people to stand up and to declare the truth ! We should bold as lions !
We truly are seeing the Laodicean church today ! These Pastors get up and talk about prosperity and forget that the reason Jesus came was to seek and save the lost ! The church of Laodicea literally kicked Jesus out of His Church ( Rev 3:20 ) . Christ in His mercy is knocking to get back in and the church is thinking that He (Christ ) is already in and everything is alright , because according to them they are blessed ! (Rev 3:17) According to Jesus Himself the church is poor, not blessed and is wretched and miserable , blind and naked ! WHO ‘S word are we going to believe ? Lying man or the TRUTH (CHRIST ) ? Hollywood was all in that funeral , 5 percenters , new age, inclusion gospel, kabbala you name it and these Pastors was too scared to preach the word of God ! Lord please have mercy on us ? LET GOD BE TRUE AND EVERY MAN A LIAR
Sorry this comment was meant for the preaching at Whitney Houston’s funeral .
Re: Tony Evans on “The Voice”
This is truly a sign of the times. We are living in the last days of witnessing a clear, destinctive difference between holiness and “whore damness” (i.e. unification of a satanic worldly culture with the talent of those whom are suppose to be Christians). However, due to the carnel mind of some of these artist; God forbid they continuously bargin the demonic world of “entertainment” for cost of thier souls. No doubt it going to get worst (a little…the whole loaf). However, we are so blessed to have ministers like Elder G. Craig Lewis standing on the wall of righteous for those whom in some cases don’t even realise that have fallen. Keep up the great work for our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ Elder Lewis!
This world is going crazy, it is all about money and a name for themselves, that is why Jesus told us to pray as well as watch. All these witches and warlocks that satan is using to deceive the very elect, that is why we must stay with sound doctrine.(THE BIBLE) Remember, there is only a few of us that will make to heaven, there was only 8 in Noah’s time and there were millions of people at that time, . let us pray and watch out for each other.
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Matthew 7: 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father;s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.
Thank you Pastor Lewis, Wife and Children and EX Ministries for laying down your life for the brethern. i am praying for you all.
Very sad. AE Jr and Sr really should be careful, anytime you play around in the devils kingdom you’ve given him a legal right to kill, steal and destroy. Lord may they come to their senses and repent.
He doesn’t sound very good. He sounds like the typical girly style that so many males in church sing with these days. I hope he comes to his senses and leaves the secular world alone. Lord please pull on the hearts of the Evans family to pull away from the demonic industry that they are drawing near to.
amen
Unfortunately, I agree. He doesn’t sound that good. I have his first album, and I think I only listened to it once. As an already established gospel music artist, I question why he is on this show.
I see nothing wrong with a father supporting his son!
1Samuel 3:10-14
10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. 11 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. 13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. 14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
thank you
No it’s not wrong for a father to support his son but as a pastor you should never encourage your child to go the wrong way as a father and his pastor he should have advised his son about the consequences of mixing with the world this is when fatherly support comes in allowing his son to do this is wrong look at what happened to Eli the priest when he did not check his sons for committing sin
This is not a God idea! openly accepting unholy music to sing in the church,how can say you have the baptism of the holyghost but lack spiritual discernment? There,s no Godly gain in mixing the holy with the profane, these carnal minded, compromising church leaders need a copy of the Exodus to egypt dvd, or better yet, TTBHH Part 1-7!!!
We have a senior pastor at my church he stated this two months ago that using 70s and 80s music adding some biblical words does not make it gospel music.
That the church always should create their own music instead of using music that you use too party our music should be unique separate from the world.
I would not go too a church that use secular music too bring in the younger generation.
The word of GOD will bring in that generation.
Now is not the time too be acting like the world
we are too follow GOD law the world should be following the church.
Ok i will say this and be done
last one…
He is not the first Evans kid to concern me, his sister’s teaching with Beth Moore has been very ummm questionable.
Hey Tiffany D.
What is it about Priscilla Shire’s teaching that has become questionable? I have listened to her before but I am interested to know your perspective on her.
What’s wrong with Beth Moore?
I wonder if Anthony Evans and the other children of the Church who seek fame and fortune in the music industry have studied the end of all of these entertainers who leave the church? The sorrow and corruption that follows is massive. Whitney was only one of a long long line.
If there was one question I could ask the church guys who do this it would be: What is so wrong with keeping the Church separate and letting the world be what it is and the Church be what it is? The world and the Church are different and that is as it should be.
I felt really sad watching the audition of Evans. I was hoping for his sake that he would not be chosen. He looked desperate to be validated.
The word of God says in Proverbs 18:16 A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. I am very socked that Dr. Evans would approve of this and that Anthony would go on the show.
@ Johnny that was well put I don’t even need to add a thing. God Bless you brother.
Another Great Compromise, Why do you want to serve two masters, you can’t Jesus Christ said you can not serve God and mammon. is music an occupation hah someone explain it to me. one thing I have learn is that when ever you want to use music as ur occupation getting more money for people to see you. then it divert your relationship with God.
These folk don’t truly want any part of Jesus, or the Father. They simply don’t want to give up the world. It’s very clear in the scriptures………Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. I’m sure we know the rest of that scripture in it’s entirety. My problem with these people is: Why call yourselves Christians? It’s evident that they produce NO real fruit, NO real relationship, NO real conviction, nor anything that represents Christ at all. This is an example of the “falling away”. Although I venture to say alot them never really “fell in”. What happen to the days when listening to, and singing secular music was one of the first things we stopped doing when we first became saved? Nowadays, it’s common, cool & welcomed in the churches. Every time I read something like this, I get sickened by it! They do not worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. In my opinion, this guy is wasting his time trying to please the world because his voice isn’t all that!
JESUS said: “If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me” enough said.
@ Maryland517: THANK YOU!!!!!
Amen and amen 2 times more.
This has been something I have been concerned about for quite sometime now. Recently I have made several statements in many blogs and on FB about this very subject. As I have said before we were created by the almighty God from the very beginning to live a separated set apart life from this world. Sanctified, holy….. the Lord himself said that though we live in this world we are not to be like the world. The word says the weapons of our warfare are NOT carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds…sooooo why in heavens name are our churches, praise & worship leaders, pastors alike picking up carnal weapons by bringing secular worldly music into the sanctuaries of our churches? This is offering strange fire at the altar before a Holy God. We are not discerning the character of God….He said be ye holy for I am holy. If we are created in His image…..then living holy is commanded of us.
The week before Anthony performed on the Voice Jesse Campbell was on. Years ago he had a music career in the secular world and at the time he got out because of the demonic influence in the industry ans he wanted to go back to his gospel roots. So, when his family started posting on my facebook page to watch the Voice I was shocked to say the least. I guess that i really shouldnt be because a few years ago his sister Bridgett was on Gospel’s Mess. Their father is a pastor in the city of Chicago. Again the people who are backing this mess is the church. I started ignoring or just deleting the post off my page because I dont see how they can watch it and agree with it.
I don’t know why I even get surprised by this stuff anymore. Almost daily I hear of someone that I at one time listened to or respected do something that is just so dumbfounding. Well Anthony you definitely got the right judge, X-tina as she refers to herself. She x’d Christ out of her name and looks like you’re x’ing Christ out of your life, that is if you even ever had Him. I pray correction will come to him (and his family) and the Lord will have mercy on them.
Amen!
What we have is the problem of exegeting the culture instead of exegeting the Scriptures. Just look at yesterday’s post on the Whitney Houston preaching series by Dr. Marcus King in Texas. I even vied a YouTube clip of a church that did a 70s Soul Sunday with the congregation wearing pimp clothes, bell-bottoms, etc. We have a generation of believers that grew up exposed to a lot of secular ideas and music so these pastors think that by bring pop culture in the church it will bring people closer to God. Many times the pastors themselves did not have a strong biblical background when growing up or was repulsed by church that they feel they have to take the “rebel” approach to building up and doing ministry. Anytime a pastor tries to use popular culture to bring God’s word to the people of God, you strip the Bible of its life-changing power. Then to keep people coming, you have to use even more gimmicks to bring them into the fold and keep them in church. This turns the church into an entertainment venue instead of an environment that fosters Christian growth. You can be relevant and still be true to the Word of God. I stopped buying into the notion that you need worldly methods to bring people into God’s house. As far as Anthony Evans is concerned, if I think I know who he is, he was rejected by Stellar Awards nominating process and was immediately embraced by the Dove Awards/Gospel Music Association nominating process. I am starting to worry about Dr. Tony Evans, I almost gave up on him when he embraced Kirk Franklin. I used to listen to him as a kid on Saturday mornings and wanted to be a preacher like him. He preached the word of God with such finesse. But, he is feeling the pressure to be relevant like everyone else, so he is “sacrificing” his son to be on The Voice thinking it will bring more people into Oak Cliff. The fact that Dr. Evans would allow his son to do this speaks louder than words. Taralyn Ramsey was on The Voice for their first season on NBC, but got eliminated in her singing battle with Frenchie Davis. I am scared that Evans could meet with the same fate as Ramsey if he starts trying to go secular to put his name out in the industry. Evans should realize that he will have to sing God-less music to the satisfaction of un-Godly judges to advance on the show. Then they have to be exposed to unsaved talent on the Result show which will do nothing to build up his spirit but expose him to garbage. Look at the winner of the first season on X-Factor, who claimed to be a professed Christian and won a $5 million recording contract with Sony. Again the girl had to sing secular music to win the title and was eliminated but Simon bought her back on the show. There were Christians that cheered her victory on the show but failed to give any sound biblical feedback as to why she should not have gone on X-Factor. Her pastor even encouraged her to audition. It seems as if these reality TV competitions is going after church singers and our psalmists. This trend of Christians going on shows such as X-Factor, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, etc. needs to stop immediately. We as believers should help these talented individuals realize that their talents and/or skills are for the building of God’s kingdom and that we can perfect those talents in a Spirit-filled environment. You also do not need these venues to launch your ministry, because Gospel Music should be about ministering to the people of God, not trying and praying for a big recording contract. Yes take voice lessons, dance lessons, etc. but don’t be like the world. I also realize that Satan is after our gifted and talented singers, drummers, bass players, etc.The author at the end of the post nailed it when he said that Christians should write songs with excellence that have theological depth. We also should be wary of any pastor using the profane to present truths from the Bible and support pastors that teach sound doctrine.
AMEN!! WELL SAID JOHNNY HOPKINS & YOU SPOKE THE TRUTH!!
I soo appreciate your summary!!! You delineate very clearly about the issues at stake and expose the plan of the enemy- stealing the talent right out of God’s house. He has done that for a long time- but we need not justify or promote it. …………….
“This trend of Christians going on shows such as X-Factor, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, etc. needs to stop immediately. We as believers should help these talented individuals realize that their talents and/or skills are for the building of God’s kingdom and that we can perfect those talents in a Spirit-filled environment. You also do not need these venues to launch your ministry, because Gospel Music should be about ministering to the people of God, not trying and praying for a big recording contract. Yes take voice lessons, dance lessons, etc. but don’t be like the world. I also realize that Satan is after our gifted and talented singers, drummers, bass players, etc.The author at the end of the post nailed it when he said that Christians should write songs with excellence that have theological depth. We also should be wary of any pastor using the profane to present truths from the Bible and support pastors that teach sound doctrine. ”
You are ON POINT!
The Bible says God draws the people to the Church not music or gimmicks. Operating in that manner creates and atmosphere of a serious “lack of faith” How can God then move on these peoples hearts and minds?
That which you use to get some one with is that what you are gonna have to continue to use to keep them.
Lord Jesus,
Why must we play games? Why do we seek fame and fortune instead of doing your will? I know we are called by your name but some of us do not take you serious. Lord let these seekers of the world go with the world and the ones that seek you whole heartedly continue to do so. In Jesus’ name! Amen!
When are people going to understand that we are not of this world? The Word clearly states it. We cannot allow the world to influence US, but WE have to influence the world. We do not need to “captivate” or “entertain” the youth in order for them to stay in church. We have the example in the Bible of the 4 young men: Daniel, Saddrach, Meshach, and Abednego that chose not to be contaminated by Babylon and chose not to bow down to other gods. The Church cannot be immitating the world. If you want the church to be filled with youth, do not look for what the “culture” offers them and immitate it, but ask the Lord for guidance and strategies to attract the youth to the Lord. Remember, satan is always immitating God, but it seems that the Church wants to immitate satan. How can that be?
Why do some churches INSIST on using secular things and trying to put Jesus on it? I mean do they really believe it will work to transforming the lives of people? DECEIVED. Or are they just trying to fill the pews and collect a bigger offering? And why is Anthony Evans on The Voice? I thought that was for people trying to get discovered. Isn’t he already an artist with several CD’s?? And the name Liquid Church? That sounds like a club to me. Still sighing from yesterday with the Gospel according to Whitney. Help us Lord not to let the devil make trophies of us.
Right. I thought I was tripping when I saw that name. And people really go there?
The Voice works as follows: The five mentors listen to vocal samples of people that are back-up singers, have one or two CD’s out in another genre, etc. They do not know whose voice they are listening to so they make the decision to allow auditions based on voice alone. Once possible contestants audition and get accepted, it is the singer’s ballgame until their elimination. The singers choose a mentor from the five judges and that is when the coaching starts. That is what I think the premise behind The Voice is all about. That is why an Anthony Evans can audition because he was one of the “voices” the five coaches evaluated, even though he is supposedly a Gospel artist. I personally think it is all about the money, if you win and get a contract with a secular label you can get better engagements, creative teams, agents, etc. So, these individuals will go secular and claim that they will only be putting out “clean” secular music. But, once they sign the dotted line, they are in the will of the label and can be manipulated into doing what it takes to keep the contract. That is why Gospel music is in the sad state it is in, the secular community made very dangerous inroads into the genre.