Advertisement
Most popular Training Topics Join Now

The Hillsong Dilemma

Hillsong is a global megachurch based in Australia. But it’s become widely known to Christians around the world through its music since launching successful worship bands, including Hillsong United. Today, thousands of churches sing Hillsong tunes on Sunday morning.

But in the past few years, the church has been rocked by scandals, including one that ended with the resignation of their founding pastor, Brian Houston. In wake of the controversy people are asking whether churches should be singing their music.

On one hand, I don’t see why not. Yes, some of their leaders have had moral failings, but for thousands of years Christians have sung songs composed by someone who killed a man and then stole his wife (King David). On the other hand, some contend that singing Hillsong music means turning a blind eye to the behavior of the movement’s leaders who, unlike David, are very much alive. If you’re working through this question in your own church, I’d advise reading this article that addresses the question directly: Should We Keep Singing Hillsong? It breaks down the issue in a fair and helpful way.

And while we’re talking about worship music, I want to encourage you to check out Worship. This resource contains assessments, case studies, devotionals, and how-to articles to train your team in the practical aspects of leading God-honoring worship.

Drew Dyck Drew Dyck
Contributing Editor
Featured
Should We Keep Singing Hillsong?
When the megachurch’s former pastors are in the news with allegations of scandal and abuse, what a contentious name it is.
Kelsey Kramer McGinnis
Worship
Help people worship God in spirit and truth.
Tim Keller, Charles Arn, Bill Giovannetti, and more
How to Lose the Abortion Debate While Winning It
Public Theology
Christian cultural influence only lasts when it’s backed up by the moral credibility of the church.
Russell Moore
Advertisement
Church Board
Leading the Elder Board
Build, lead, and grow a team of elders that sets the culture for the rest of the church.
J.R. Briggs, Larry Osborne, Mel Lawrenz, and more
Becoming a Great Church Board
Build a board that helps your church follow God's leading.
Charles Swindoll, Ken Blanchard, Lyle E. Schaller, and more
Organizing a Church Board
A healthy, organized board is essential to any church.
Bryan Carraway
More from CT Pastors
Southern Baptists Drop 1.1 Million Members in Three Years
Baptism tallies, though, are beginning to recover from 2020’s pandemic plunge.
Kate Shellnutt
They Might Be Giants. (Or Angels. Or Superhuman Devils.)
Who, or what, are the Nephilim? We don’t know—and maybe we don’t need to.
Daniel Darling
Imitate Me: Paul’s Model of Mentorship
Unlike power-driven approaches, healthy Christian mentoring is characterized by generosity and trust.
Beth Jarvis
Advertisement
Related Newsletters
Each weekly CT Pastors issue equips you with the best wisdom and practical tools for church ministry.
Regular access to innovative training resources, Bible-based curriculum, and practical articles.
Enjoy some laughs with this weekly newsletter! You'll receive hilarious videos, cartoons, and more—the internet's best humor about church life.