The Megachurch Worship Monopoly

Guest Bios Show Transcript What comes to mind when you hear Hillsong? Elevation? Passion? Bethel? You may think megachurch. You may think controversy or scandal. But you also may think of music. And chances are, if you were in church last Sunday, you sang a song produced by, or associated in some way with, one of these four worship powerhouses. In this edition of The Roys Report, two collaborators of a new study on worship join me to discuss their stunning findings. Perhaps the biggest jaw-dropper is that almost all the top songs sung in churches across America over the past decade have been produced by just four megachurches — Hillsong, Elevation, Bethel, and Passion City Church. And what’s especially concerning is that some of these megachurches have been embroiled in scandal and have ties to questionable theology. Hillsong, for example, has been embroiled in one scandal after another for the past two years, involving alleged sexual misconduct, fraud, spiritual abuse, and toxic leadership.   Bethel has attracted controversy for promoting bizarre practices like “grave soaking.” Elevation, Bethel, and Hillsong have been accused of promoting the prosperity gospel. And Passion Lead Pastor Louie Giglio was a frequent speaker at Hillsong and participated in what some have dubbed Hillsong’s “celebrity preacher’s scam.” So, what does it mean that these churches have essentially had a monopoly on worship in American churches? Historically, how did we get here? And how should churches and worship leaders navigate this current music landscape?  These two guests bring much wisdom and experience to the discussion. Dr. Shannan Baker earned her Ph.D. in Church Music and is affiliated with Baylor’s Christian Music Studies program. And Elias Dummer is a veteran worship leader and singer-songwriter with decades of experience on the inside of the Christian music industry. Guests Dr. Shannan Baker Dr. Shannan Baker is a postdoctoral research fellow at Baylor University, where she recently received the Outstanding Dissertation Award for the Humanities. Her research focuses on contemporary worship. She explores the theology of the text, the music and industry of the songs, and its practice in the church. Her hope is that her research will edify the body of Christ by finding practical applications for the worship life of the church. Elias Dummer Elias Dummer, a native of Ontario, Canada, and current resident of Nashville, Tenn., is passionate about the local church. A founding member of The City Harmonic, he was lead singer and songwriter for the contemporary Christian band which disbanded in 2017 after eight years together. Recently, he helped plant a church near Nashville and has released a two-part solo album entitled The Work. Show Transcript SPEAKERS SHANNON BAKER, PhD, JULIE ROYS, ELIAS DUMMER JULIE ROYS 00:04 What comes to mind when you hear Hillsong, Elevation, Passion, Bethel? You may think megachurch, you may think controversy or scandal. But you also may think of music. And chances are if you were in church last Sunday, you sang a song produced or associated in some way with one of these four worship powerhouses. Welcome to The Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys and joining me today are two collaborators on a new study exploring the songs we sing in church and the affiliations that produce them. Stunningly, almost 100% of the top 25 worship songs of the past decade were written or in some way connected to just four mega churches. And those mega churches don’t necessarily have the best reputations. Hillsong, for example, has been embroiled in one scandal after another for the past two years. These involve allegations of sexual misconduct, fraud, spiritual abuse, and toxic leadership. Bethel has attracted controversy for promoting bizarre practices like grave soaking. Elevation, Bethel and Hillsong had been accused of promoting the prosperity gospel,