Free Republic

Faith FactsModern worship leaders are increasingly partnering with songwriters who do not profess Christian faithThe personal beliefs and character of those writing congregational prayers matter deeply, as these songs shape the spiritual formation of millionsChurch leaders must carefully discern whether songs written by non-believers align with biblical truth and honor God’s holinessA crucial conversation is emerging in Christian worship communities across America: Should it matter who writes the songs we sing in our churches? As collaboration between worship leaders and secular artists becomes more common, believers are asking whether the spiritual condition of a songwriter affects the integrity of congregational...

Something profound has happened inside portions of American Christianity. The church was once understood as a place where sinners came to encounter a Savior who loved them enough to change them. Increasingly, however, some mainline denominations appear to be embracing a very different message: come as you are--and expect the church to affirm you as you are. That distinction may sound subtle. It is not. It represents a fundamental change in what Christianity is supposed to accomplish. One of the clearest examples can be seen in the direction of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the people shaping its...