5 Ways to Tell if Your Church’s Worship Music is Man-Centered - By Publisher

Found here. Our comments in bold.

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This is an almost Scriptureless presentation, where the unnamed "publisher" places before us what he likes and doesn't like as the standard for proper worship music. Yes, his taste is the measure.

He extracts two stanzas from two offending songs and deceitfully presents them as representative of those songs. He further suggests that these extractions are emblematic of the perceived problems with contemporary worship music as a whole. 

However, he is unable (or unwilling) to offer us examples of excellent worship music that satisfy his unquantifiable standards.

We think an excellent worship song should contain at least some of the following elements:

• A direct expression of adoration (God, you are...)
• A progression of ideas that culminates in a coherent story
• A focus on God, not us
• Lyrics that do not create uncertainty or cause confusion
• A certain amount of profundity
• A singable, interesting melody
• Allusions to Scripture or Scripture quotes
• Doctrinal soundness
• Not excessively metaphorical
• Not excessively repetitive
• Jesus is not your boyfriend

Having said that, we do not require that every worship song be doctrinal a treatise. Sometimes a very basic expression of adoration is appropriate. We have to remember that not every Christian takes an intellectual approach to the faith. Some are more empathetic, some feel deeply, and some are even autistic, have Down's Syndrome, or are experiencing dementia. A rigorous exposition of doctrine in a worship song may not resonate with certain people.

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In the modern age, it’s not uncommon to find churches falling into a pattern of cheesy, shallow worship music. The superficiality of these songs often reveals much about the theology in the church itself. When a church preaches and a congregation subscribes to shallow theology, a low view of the sovereignty of God, and a high view of self, the music produced inevitably mirrors these beliefs. In the end, this music tends to focus more on appeasing human desires and emotions rather than exalting and honoring God.

A church that understands the truth of God’s majesty, righteousness, and grace is expected to produce worship that reflects these very truths. But how can you discern whether or not the music is man-centered? Here are five key ways to identify it:

1. Lyrics Focused on Human Needs and Desires

When lyrics are more about what we desire, need, or feel, rather than who God is and what He has done, it becomes a clear and concerning sign of man-centered worship. Such songs may discuss personal struggles, aspirations, and feelings of affirmation, but they fail to anchor these in the unchanging truth of God’s sovereign will and providence. If the primary focus is on the self rather than the Savior, the worship is misdirected and deviates from its true purpose.

One glaring example of this is the increasingly popular music by Charity Gayle, particularly the song “New Name Written Down in Glory,” and specifically the seemingly infinitely repeated lyric, “I am who I am because the I Am tells me who I am.” While this line attempts to reference the divine name “I Am,” it falls short of truly honoring God’s character and majesty because it actually centers on the individual’s identity, overshadowing the eternal and unchanging nature of God. ("Publisher" quotes a single line from a much longer song and complains that it is not a doctrinal tour de force while simultaneously agreeing that on some level it is appropriate. Let's actually quote the lyrics:

I was lost in shame, Could not get past my blame

Until He called my name, I'm so glad He changed me

Darkness held me down, But Jesus pulled me out

I'm no longer bound, I'm so glad He changed me

See I'm now a new creation in Christ, The old has gone, there's new life

I live by faith not by sight

There is a new name written down in glory, And it's mine, yes, it's mine

I've met the Author of my story, And He's mine, yes, He's mine

Sin had left me blind, But Jesus opened my eyes

Now I see the light, I'm so glad He changed me

Now I'm walking free, I've got the victory

See it's all over me, I'm so glad He changed me

I am who I am because the I Am tells me who I am

This is the author's "glaring example" of a song that is supposedly "focused on human needs and desires." But as the reader can see, this is a testimony song which contrasts the songwriter's situation before and after salvation. This topic is so utterly conventional that we truly have to wonder about "publisher's" thinking process.

If worship songs cannot testify of what Jesus has done, we would have to abandon a lot of cherished hymns as too self-focused, like "At the Cross:"

At the cross at the cross where I first saw the light
And the burden of my heart rolled away
It was there by faith I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day

And "Victory in Jesus," which contains a reference to "me" and "my" in nearly every stanza:

Oh, Victory In Jesus, My Savior, Forever!
He Sought Me And Bought Me
With His Redeeming Blood.
He Loved Me Ere I Knew Him,
And All My Love Is Due Him.
He Plunged Me To Victory
Beneath The Cleansing Flood.

And of course "Amazing Grace," which is 100% about the songwriter:

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm found

Was blind but now I see

All these hymns, and many more, must be regarded as hopelessly man-centered and focused on self.)

This lyric is constructed to emphasize personal realization and self-identification, overshadowing God’s attributes. ("Publisher" continues to make sweeping judgments based on a single line of a song.)

By making the worship about who we are in God rather than who God is in Himself, it risks reducing the grandeur of the Almighty to a mere tool for human self-discovery. This can lead to an anthropocentric view of Christianity, which inevitably distorts essential doctrines of the faith. (Charity Gayle's song does all this? Really? Did "Publisher" even read the lyrics?)

Such a man-centered approach can also mislead congregants, directing their focus away from the Creator and towards themselves. The primary role of worship music is to glorify God, declare His righteousness, and celebrate His mercy. (Yes, true. But as we mentioned, this is not a worship song, it is a testimony song. Such songs can and often do point to worship, but the song itself is really not a worship song.)

By focusing on personal experience without a firm grounding in sound theology, worship can become self-serving rather than God-honoring.

2. Emotionally-Charged Lyrics

Emotions are an essential part of human existence, and they have their place in worship as well. However, when lyrics are crafted to elicit a specific emotional response rather than reveal the truth about God, it becomes a tool for manipulation rather than genuine worship. True worship leads us to a deeper understanding of God’s character, not merely an emotional high.

An example of this trend can be found in the song “Running to Your Arms” by Hillsong, (The song is actually called "Forever Reign.")

particularly the lyrics “No other name, Jesus, Jesus, My heart will sing No other name, Jesus, Jesus.” (Let's actually quote the lyrics: 

You are good, You are good (Ps. 25:7)
When there's nothing good in me (Ro. 7:18)
You are love, You are love (1Jn. 4:8)
On display for all to see (1Jn. 4:9)

You are light, You are light (1Jn. 1:5)
When the darkness closes in (Ep. 5:8)
You are hope, You are hope (Ro. 5:5)
You have covered all my sin (Re. 7:14)

You are peace, You are peace (Ro. 15:33)
When my fear is crippling (He. 2:15)
You are true, You are true (Jn. 14:6)
Even in my wandering (Ja. 5:19)

You are joy, You are joy (Ga. 5:22)
You're the reason that I sing (Ps. 59:17)
You are life, You are life (Jn. 14:6)
In you death has lost its sting (1Co. 15:55)

Oh, I'm running to Your arms (Ps. 79:11)
I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love (Ro. 2:4, Ro. 9:23, Ep. 1:7)
Will always be enough (2Pe. 1:3)
Nothing compares to Your embrace (So. 2:6)
Light of the world forever reign (Jn. 8:12, Lk. 1:33)

You are more, You are more
Than my words will ever say (Ps. 106:2)
You are Lord, You are Lord (Ac. 2:36)
All creation will proclaim (Ps. 19:1)

You are here, You are here (Mt. 18:20)
In your presence I'm made whole (Ps. 16:11)
You are God, You are God (Mt. 16:16)
Of all else I'm letting go (Ep. 4:22)

Hallelujah, forever (Ps. 106:1)
All the glory, forever (Ph. 4:20)
All the praise to You (Ps. 109:30)

My heart will sing (Ps. 30:12)
No other name, Jesus, Jesus (Ac. 4:12)

"Publisher" lies to us. 90% of the song is about God's attributes, character, and glory, with the exception of the very last line, which is the only one "Publisher" quotes.)

While these lyrics do elevate the name of Jesus, a critical analysis reveals a focus on emotion ("Publisher" lies to us again. There isn't a single emotional expression in the entire song. If "publisher" really wanted something to complain about, maybe he should have selected "Nothing compares to Your embrace.")

that might overshadow the core truth they attempt to convey.

The use of the phrase “My heart will sing” instead of a more direct “I will sing” appeals to the emotions rather than a commitment of will and understanding. (No it doesn't. Now "publisher" has descended into what can only be described as ignorance. Let's see what the Bible says about the heart as connected to worship:

Ps. 30:12 ...that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.

This is what happens when one makes their case by leading with their offense and an already-formed bias.)

By employing this emotive language, the lyric emphasizes a sentimental attachment or feeling towards Jesus rather than a profound acknowledgment of His lordship, deity, and redemptive work.

Though invoking emotion in worship is not inherently wrong, it must never become the primary aim or overshadow the objective truths of the Christian faith. In this specific instance, the lyrics, while well-intentioned, may lead to an experience-driven worship that prioritizes emotional satisfaction over the deep, biblically-grounded adoration of Christ.

Such an approach leads to a worship experience that may feel intense and moving but lacks the substance and depth that comes from a clear understanding of who God is as revealed in Scripture. Emotions, though powerful, are transient and can be easily swayed. Therefore, grounding our worship in the unchanging truths of God’s word is vital to ensure that it is genuine, lasting, and truly honoring to God.

3. Emotionally-Charged Music and Chord Structure

(The entirety of this point is just dumb. "Publisher" thinks that certain chord structures are unholy and manipulative. Perhaps he would do us a favor and fill us in on what chords are the Jesus chords and what ones belong to the devil.)

Music has a powerful ability to move us, and certain chord structures can indeed stir the emotions. But if the musical arrangement’s primary goal is to create an emotional experience rather than support the theological truths found in the lyrics, then it is serving man rather than God. Worship music should complement the profound truth about God, not overshadow it.

Some prominent contemporary churches and music groups, such as Bethel Church, Hillsong, Elevation, and Jesus Culture, have produced music that can be analyzed through this lens. Their compositions often employ calculated chords and musical structures known to elicit empathetic emotional highs, similar to certain drug-induced states. While these groups have certainly reached a wide audience and have contributed positively in various ways, the potential dangers in their musical approach should be considered critically.

The emphasis on emotional experience by using specific chord progressions may inadvertently shift the focus of worship away from solid theological grounding. While emotions are valid, they should not be the driving force in worship and must be guided by God’s Word. Furthermore, this intentional design to produce emotional highs can become manipulative, guiding feelings rather than allowing Scripture to guide hearts and minds, leading to personal satisfaction over genuine reverence for God.

When the musical arrangement and emotional experience become central, profound truths about God can be overshadowed. Worship music that prioritizes emotion over theology can miss opportunities to instruct and remind the congregation of the foundational doctrines of faith. This over-reliance on emotion also leads to a risk of subjectivity in worship, creating a fragmented experience that varies from person to person. Furthermore, the authenticity of the worship experience can be questioned when emotions may arise more from a carefully crafted musical experience than from a genuine response to God’s truth.

4. Lack of Scriptural Depth and Theological Accuracy

A clear sign of man-centered worship music is the lack of depth in scriptural content and theological accuracy. When songs are vague, shallow, or even contrary to what the Bible teaches, they cease to be an instrument of true worship. Songs must be rooted in the truth of Scripture, proclaiming the character, works, and promises of God as revealed in the 66 books of the Bible. (A Bible that "publisher" never quotes. 

We direct the reader's eyes back to the lyrics of "Forever Reign" above. Notice that we have provided the Bible references for each stanza. The song is nearly all derived from Bible verses.)

A prevalent example of this lack of depth can be found in what has been termed the “seven-eleven” song, where the same seven lines are repeated eleven times. While repetition in itself is not necessarily wrong, the overuse of this method can lead to an unfortunate shallowness.

The repetitive nature of “seven-eleven” songs often leaves little room for profound theological insight or exploration of the vast riches found in Scripture. Such simplicity may create an emotionally satisfying but spiritually lacking worship experience. With a focus on catchiness and emotional appeal, these songs might inadvertently emphasize aspects that are not aligned with Biblical teachings, opening the door for potential misunderstandings or even misrepresentations. This overemphasis on emotion can overshadow the essential doctrines of the faith, serving the desires of man more than honoring God. Furthermore, these songs, with their limited content, miss the opportunity to instruct, correct, and encourage the body of believers in a substantive way. (Previously "publisher" wrote this: 

The primary role of worship music is to glorify God, declare His righteousness, and celebrate His mercy.

But now he tells us that worship music is bad if it doesn't instruct, correct, or encourage. But a song that instructs, corrects, or encourages is not directed to God, it addresses the people. That is not a worship song.

Further, testimony songs like “New Name Written Down in Glory,” quoted above, have the effect of encouraging the brethren. But "publisher" thinks songs like this are too self-centered.)

 

The Christian faith is rich and multifaceted, and worship music should reflect this depth. (Every worship song should be rich and multifaceted? That is, every worship song is required to make complete doctrinal statements? Or maybe, every worship song should contain a gospel presentation? Or perhaps, a worship song should quote extensively from the Bible? 

This is probably not what "publisher" is saying. More likely, a catalog of worship music should reflect this richness. But for "publisher," this means that there is an arbitrary line to be drawn in worship music, a line where simple songs, songs with too much repetition, or songs that he judges to be too self-focused are not part of this richness. 

Regarding simplicity, "publisher" will surely want to delete Psalm 117 from Scripture. 

Regarding repetition, "publisher" would need to rip Psalm 136 out his Bible for repeating "His love endures forever" 26 times.

Regarding self-focus, well, it sometimes seems like all David can do is sing about his problems, like in Psalm 6. 

It appears to us like "publisher" is not telling us what his real problem is. Either that, or he's so biblically ignorant that he doesn't realize that much of the worship of the Bible is exactly like what he complains about.)

5. Overemphasis on Musical Performance

Finally, the overemphasis on musical excellence, professional production, recording quality, sound precision, and lighting reveals a profound misunderstanding of the true nature of worship. ("Publisher's" taste is the standard by which he judges.)

While these elements may be seen by some as enhancements to the worship experience, they actually do not add value to true worship, as the Bible clearly illustrates. (A Bible that remains closed on his desk.)

True worship, as described in the Scriptures, is a response to Jesus being revealed to us by God the Father. It is not contingent on musical skill, (2Ch. 34:12.) 

technological prowess, (Pr. 22:29.)

or atmospheric effects. (???)

When we look at the worship of God by the angels and His people in the Bible, (Um, where in the Bible?)

we see a focus on the character, works, and promises of God. This worship is not characterized by human artistry or innovation but by a deep and abiding reverence for who God is. (2Ch. 2:7.)

The scenes of worship in Revelation, (Um, where in Revelation? Can "publisher" reference or quote at least one Bible verse? Please?)

for example, are filled with awe, humility, and a complete focus on God’s glory and sovereignty. The angelic hosts and the elders around the throne of God are not entertained by musical performances (Ps. 45:1.)

or captivated by lighting effects. (Ez. 1:28.) 

They are utterly consumed with the holiness, power, and grace of God, singing “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty.” ("Publisher" finally quotes a snippet of Scripture. For this we are thankful.)

Their worship is a pure response to the revelation of God’s character, unfettered by human constructs or preferences.

In a similar vein, when we look at the Psalms, we find expressions of worship that are rooted in the truths of God’s word, (??? Psalms itself is God's word. So of course it is rooted in God's word.)

His faithfulness, His justice, and His mercy. The Psalms are often accompanied by music, but there is no mention of professionalism or technical excellence. (Ps. 45:1, Ps. 49:3, Ps. 149:6-9. 

Also, can "publisher" tell us what "according to sheminith is in Psalm 6, or a shiggaion is in Psalm 7, or what "according to gittith" might be in Psalm 8? 

We will educate "publisher." These terms describe technical structure, the forms these psalms must conform to when performed. So the performance of the psalm would need to properly express this structure. 

And by the way, "publisher" is guilty of making an Argument From Silence.) 

The psalmists are concerned with integrity, truth, and a heart that is right before God. (The psalmists are also very concerned about being persecuted, feeling weary, and the downfall of the wicked.)

The focus on musical excellence at the expense of these essential aspects of worship is, (False choice.)

in fact, a man-centered approach. It draws attention away from God and toward human achievement. It can turn the act of worship into a performance, more about entertaining the congregation rather than leading them to the throne of God. It places value on things that have no eternal significance, rather than on the profound truths of God’s word. (Worship does not place value on the profound truths of God’s word. Rather, it places value on the God who speaks these profound truths.)

The responsibility falls primarily on the pastors of these churches, but also on the songwriters and worship leaders to craft songs that maintain the integrity of biblical truths and direct our hearts toward the true object of our worship: God Himself. Anything less can lead us into shallow and misdirected adoration, detracting from the beauty and majesty of our Creator. It is an urgent call to return to worship that genuinely reflects and exalts the sovereign God as revealed in the 66 books of the Bible. (He keeps talking about this Bible that he never quotes.)

The call for the church today is to examine the worship music critically and ensure that it aligns with the truth of God’s word. The measure of worship music is not its popularity or emotional appeal but its faithfulness to biblical truths and its ability to exalt the Almighty God. (False choice.)

It’s a call to a deeper understanding of who God is and a commitment to honor Him in our worship, not merely satisfy our emotional needs.