Christian artists who are heretics or apostates – or align with them.
Christian music has come a long way since the days of Rich Mullins, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Sandi Patty of the 1980s and ‘90s.
In some ways, the music has gotten a lot better. The sound and rhythm have really advanced. They’ve learned from secular music what sounds good and what sells.
At the same time, many of the artists in the industry have become compromised along the way. They’ve sought after the desires of man rather than that of God.
Related articles: 10 Christian Musicians Who Became Mainstream Stars.
A better title might be, “10 Christian Musicians Who Gave Up Christianity to Make it Big in Music.”
As human beings, Christian or not, we’ve all sinned and have fallen short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23). With the cost of sin being death (Romans 6:23).
At the same time, as Christians, we’re held to a higher standard. And non-Christians love to throw dirt in our faces about it. Misquoting scripture verses like, “thou shalt not judge others.” Of course, if they’d actually read the Bible, they’d know that we are called to judge others.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7:3-5
The world is always looking for ways that Christians mess up. Of course, it’s not so with any other religion.
Therefore, it’s imperative that if an artist wants to make a stand for their faith, I say that’s awesome. But understand, that means they also have to hold themselves to a higher standard.
Why? Because, whether we like it or not, they’re singing lyrics that people will undoubtedly hold as gospel. In other words, they’re spreading God’s Word. Some might say teaching it.
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” – James 3:1
Unfortunately, I think many of these artists saw the desire Christians had for better music. In response, they swooped in with their secular style of music and Christianized it.
According to the site Christianity Today,
“As churches worldwide sing, play, and live-stream songs like “Lion and the Lamb,” “How Great Is Our God,” and “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” the popularity of these songs has ushered Christian music further into the mainstream music industry and the vast economic ecosystem adjusting to make a profit in a new era.
“Trends toward IP acquisition, lucrative arena tours, and corporate consolidation have helped drive record-setting revenues over the past two years—the touring industry saw $6.28 billion in 2022, and recording revenues in the US reached an all-time high of $15.9 billion, growing for the seventh consecutive year.”
I’m not against Christian artists making a good living. After all, Paul said in 1 Timothy,
“Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.’ And in another place, ‘Those who work deserve their pay!’” – 1 Timothy 5:17-18
This passage of scripture specifically addresses paying pastors/elders/bishops (all titles that are synonymous with each other) for their work. If Christian artists are spreading the Word of God through song, then they should be compensated for their efforts.
However, there are many artists who’ve compromised their beliefs and misrepresented the Word of God. Either through their lyrics, the teaching in their churches, or in their personal lives.
Many of the Christian artists of today may have good music. But the vast majority is either not biblical or it comes from an unbiblical place.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” – Matthew 7:15-20
The lure with these groups of heretics or outright apostates is that their lyrics have some biblical truth in them. Just remember, the best lies have some truth in them. That’s what makes them so good and believable.
Some of the groups listed below are extremely popular because they focus on creating a feeling, while ignoring the foundation.
Please note, this is not even close to being an exhaustive list. This is only one of several articles I’ve written on the topic. And I’ve barely touched the surface. The number of so-called Christian artists who’ve compromised for money and fame is unbelievable.
Let’s start with the biggest offenders of them all.
Hillsong United/Bethel Music/Elevation Worship
I’ve put these three groups together because they all come from churches that teach a false gospel.
They’re all part of the group of Charismatic Movement (aka Pentecostal Movement), Word of Faith (aka Prosperity Gospel/Theology), and New Apostolic Reformation preaching churches. And they’re not only heretics, they’re also apostates.
They teach the prosperity gospel and their “name it and claim it” nonsense. But they teach nothing (or very little) about repentance. The old “come as you are” lie. Because their come as you are means to come and stay as you are.
Jesus said come as you are. But He didn’t say for you to stay that way.
“Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” – Matthew 11:28-30
If you read Hillsong church’s “What We Believe” statements, you’d think it was a pretty good church. But what about what’s not written on there? In actuality, Hillsong has been labeled by some as being a dangerous cult.
The two most famous pastors for Hillsong are Carl Lentz (former Hillsong New York pastor) and Brian Houston (founder).
One of the things they teach is that Jesus is NOT the only way. That anyone, not just believers in Jesus Christ, can have a relationship with God. And there’s more.
Watch and listen to what Carl Lentz said in the interview he did with the members of ABC’s “The View.” In his response, he says that homosexuality (including gay marriage) and abortion are okay. And that the church is accepting of everyone – regardless of who you are or what you believe.
Where are they now? Carl Lentz is now a pastor at Transformation Church in Tulsa, OK. Another apostate church with a woman (Tammy McQuarters) as the executive pastor.
Brian Houston taught that a believer could become Jesus. Not like Him but become Him. “Little Gods” theology of Mormonism and the Word of Faith movement.
According to RateYourSeats.com, in 2022 Hillsong United had concerts throughout the United States from June to November. Multiplying the average ticket price by the arena capacity (minus 10% of the total seats for the stage and unsold tickets), they took in roughly $18,598,955 in ticket sales alone. That doesn’t include merchandise (whether sold at concerts or online), clothing, CDs, DVDs, music downloads, etc.
Most secular groups would be ecstatic with an amount that large for only half of a year. Reiterating that doesn’t include music or merchandise purchases.
All of the concerts took place after the scandals came out regarding the various churches and pastors at Hillsong (including the documentary on Discovery+).
Christian artists typically don’t sell out venues of that size on a consistent basis. There’s more to their music than just lyrics about Jesus. With the Pentecostal movement, it’s all about a feeling. And Hillsong United brings that to their attendees.
Do people not realize that when they support Hillsong United or Hillson Worship they’re supporting Hillsong church?
The same goes for Bethel Music and Elevation Worship. Check out these videos from Bethel Church – Pastor Bill Johnson and Elevation Church – Pastor Steven Furtick.
Notice how Steven Furtick said “God broke the law” and refers to Joyce Meyer as “the greatest bible teacher alive today.” Those are just two unbiblical things he’s said.
In the video of Bill Johnson, he said that “Jesus was born again,” “[Jesus] couldn’t heal [as a human],” “all God’s people are prophets,” and that “it’s God’s will to heal everyone.” He explained how he told someone that they didn’t need to have faith. That he had “enough faith for both of us.”
Faith is not something you can give or keep from someone else.
Remember, this is where the musical groups from these churches get their theology. Their lyrics might sound good, but they’re not based on the true gospel.
Here’s an example. The song “Ain’t No Grave” from the album of the same name.
First off, there’s nothing in this song talking about any member of the Holy Trinity. Of course, one could argue that they use the word “love” in place of God. “Oh, love is a resurrection and love is a trumpet sound. Love is my weapon, I’m gonna take my giants down.”
But that creates a problem with those lyrics. Wouldn’t that mean that you’re taking down your giants and not God?
Do you understand how their false gospel gets into their lyrics?
How about the main lyrics of the song, “There ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down.” Does that mean you’re going to resurrect yourself? You’re dead! Just like we were dead in our trespasses (Ephesians 2:1). We couldn’t and can’t save ourselves.
“But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” – Ephesians 2:4-6
Additionally, when we die our physical body stays dead. Believers will receive a new body. A spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:35-44).
Finally, let’s look at the cover for that album. Look at the story in the top right.
Notice that they used words like “Declare Healing” and “Breakthrough Prayer.”
Do you understand what they’re saying? By declaring it, they healed the child!
It’s obvious God wasn’t hearing them. Had they not done that, the child would not have been healed (perhaps would’ve died). That’s what they teach.
How do people not see their heresy and even blasphemy?
Groups that have recently (within the past few years) toured with either Hillsong United, Hillsong Worship, Bethel Music, or Elevation Worship, include Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Tauren Wells, Andy Mineo, Kari Jobe, and Lauren Daigle to name a few.
Along with groups I’d never heard of like We The Kingdom, TAYA, Social Club Misfits, Johnnyswim, Benjamin Hastings, KB, and Ryan Ellis.
Chris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin has been known to be associated with several heretics and apostates. Which includes fellow artists like Hillsong United, Bethel Music, and Elevation Worship. And false teachers Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen.
But aligning himself with heretics is nothing new for him. Chris Tomlin helped to found Passion City Church. Just like Hillson, Bethel, and Elevation church, Passion City’s focus is on the attendees’ experience rather than teaching the truth of the Bible. On their about us page, simply titled “US,” they summed up their belief into three statements, “Radical Grace. Glory of God. Extravagant Worship.”
Their focus on experience rather than the Word is evident. Look at the picture below from their “Above and Beyond” page (for online giving). That resembles more of a rock concert than a place of worship. How about teaching the truth?
The picture above is from Passion City Church’s “Above and Beyond” page – for giving above and beyond the tithe (i.e., offering).
Because Chris Tomlin is such a big name in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) industry, many smaller acts want to go on tour with him. Like Hillsong United and Bethel Music, Chris Tomlin draws large crowds.
Therefore, it’s not unheard of for other artists to want to tour with him while they’re getting started. Which is a double-edged sword. Those groups want to get known. But they’re doing it with someone who will associate himself with many unsavory heretics.
Hence, these smaller acts have knowingly associated themselves indirectly with those heretics (i.e., Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, Steven Furtick, Bill Johnson, and Hillsong church).
Because Chris Tomlin has been popular for so long, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find any popular Christian artist who didn’t tour with him at some point in their career.
He’s been writing songs for a long time.
Beyond writing music, some of his more famous songs were actually covers (songs written by other groups that he sang).
Songs like Good Good Father (written by Pat Barrett and Tony Brown – first recorded by Housefires), Great Are You Lord (All Sons and Daughters), Everlasting God (Brenton Brown), Goodness of God (Jenn Johnson), Indescribable (Laura Story), just to name a few.
That doesn’t mean he’s not a great songwriter. He’s collaborated with several other artists to write his songs.
Unfortunately, some of the individuals he writes with are from secular bands. In 2020, he wrote songs for his album “Chris Tomlin & Friends“ with Florida Georgia Line, Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum), and NEEDTOBREATHE.
Individuals and groups that have recently (within the past few years) toured with Chris Tomlin include Danny Gokey, Kari Jobe, and others.
Kari Jobe
Did you know that Kari Jobe is both a worship leader and pastor? Did you know that she’s been making music since 2009?
I didn’t know either of those facts prior to writing this article. The fact that she considers herself to be a pastor is sufficient. Nothing more needs to be said.
It might not be what women want to hear. But the Bible clearly states:
“Women should learn quietly and submissively. I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result. But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty.” – 1 Timothy 2:11-15
“Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.” – 1 Corinthians 14:34-35
“This is a trustworthy saying: ‘If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.’ So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.” – 1 Timothy 3:1-2
If you’d like to see the full list of qualifications, click here.
It’s important to notice that the qualifications specify that the church leader (synonymous with pastor, elder, and bishop) must be a man (male from birth).
Cory Asbury
Being a former member of Bethel Music should be enough. But I still wanted to make sure. Perhaps he left Bethel Music because he actually read his Bible and realized they were teaching a false gospel.
Sadly, that didn’t happen. Because Cory didn’t leave Bethel. He continues to collaborate with them. His records are still being published under their label.
Cory Asbury got his desire to believe in a false doctrine after a trip to the International House of Prayer (IHOP) when he was 19 years old.
And apparently, he’s yet to repent from that either.
Phil Wickham
Phil Wickham is known not just for a couple of decent songs that get played on Christian radio stations and sung in church services. More importantly, he joined with Catholics (playing in Catholic churches and with Catholic artists like Matt Maher), and heretics like Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen.
Phil Wickham has songs that both talk about God and others with no mention of Him (or any member of the Holy Trinity) at all.
For instance, take the lyrics to his song “Secret Place.” Though there are words similar to those used in the Bible, they’re also used in business and secular society as well. Either way, there’s no mention of God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit.
This begs the question, “Does every Christian song need to have biblical lyrics in them?” Well, yes! Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a song unto the Lord.
And the fact that he performs at events with Word of Faith heretics Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen. Along with self-professed Catholics like Matt Maher speaks volumes.
Tauren Wells
Like Chris Tomlin and Phil Whickham, Tauren Wells has thrown in with Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen.
Zach Williams
When Zach Williams first got his start, he went on tour with Chris Tomlin. My wife and I actually went to one of those concerts (before we knew about Chris Tomlin being associated with Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen). Since then, they’ve seemingly distanced themselves from each other.
Something to keep in mind though. Zach Williams might have distanced himself from Chris Tomlin, but he seems to be gravitating toward TobyMac. Together, they wrote the song “Cornerstone” and have a tour scheduled, along with MercyMe, in 2023.
Related article: Christian artists who use occult symbols
Casting Crowns
Casting Crowns has been one of my favorite Christian artists for several years. However, they’ve decided to align themselves with heretics. As of the writing of this article, Casting Crowns is touring with Hillsong and Elevation worship.
Consumed by Fire
Consumed by Fire is composed of three brothers, Caleb, Jordan, and Joshua Ward. Their parents were Pastors David “Paul” and Vonda “Queen of Faith” Ward. Yes, according to this page, they were both pastors.
In other words, they were teaching a false gospel. This can be confirmed by simply reading the “Our Beliefs” page for the church their parents pastored for 35 years.
“We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a separate act of faith and an essential part of the Christian life enabling believers to live a godly life and walk in power for the purpose of being a witness to Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8
“We believe in the present-day manifestation of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church as the Spirit wills. 1 Corinthians 12:11
“We believe that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and should not be defiled by any substance that can alter the original design of God. 1 Corinthians 3:15-16”
Cochren and Co.
Michael Cochren (lead singer of Cochren and Company) has written some good music. According to their site’s About page, their music is a blend “between American pop/rock and soul/blues.” And I agree, it does have a nice sound to it.
Unfortunately, just like many other artists on this list, even though his lyrics are good, and the melodies are nice, he doesn’t adhere to what the Bible teaches.
Cochren and Co. have aligned themselves with TobyMac and other practitioners of the Word of Faith movement. In his KLOVE interview “21 Questions with Cochren and Co.,” Michael refers to TobyMac as a “label boss and frequent golfing buddy.” He tours with TobyMac and Tauren Wells (who both align themselves with Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen).
In the interview, Michael was asked, “Three artists who have influenced you the most?” His response, “Billy Joel, Eagles, NEEDTOBREATHE.”
According to their YouTube channel, NEEDTOBREATHE is “a rock band from South Carolina.”
Listening to NEEDTOBREATHE’s music, I can definitely hear where Michael Cochren gets at least some of his inspiration from. Their sound and vocals seem very similar.
Again, I have nothing against secular music. I enjoy listening to it. In fact, I like listening to some songs by the Eagles. But if I were writing Christian music, I wouldn’t use them as inspiration.
Related article: Groups listed as “Christian” artists who deny God’s Word
Are you supporting them?
Whenever a person goes to one of the following artist’s concerts or buys their merchandise (clothing and/or music) that means they’re supporting these artists and their beliefs.
The same holds true if you listen to one of their songs on Pandora or Spotify, or even sing one of their songs in your church, you’re supporting these artists and their churches. That’s because of music copyrights.
Music Copyrights
“The Copyright Law of the United States, Title 17 USC, establishes property rights in musical works and grants creators and owners of copyrighted musical works several specific rights, including the exclusive right to perform or authorize the performance of their works publicly (17 U.S.C. 106(4)). This means that, generally, no one can publicly perform copyrighted works without the permission of the copyright owner, and, as is the case with other property rights, the owner has the right to be paid for the use of his property.”
Related article: Does Your Church Comply With Music Copyright Law?
Which begs the question, how long does the copyright of the song last?
“Songs composed in the United States after 1976 are protected under federal copyright law, so long as they are fixed in a tangible medium of expression (recording, sheet music, etc.). This copyright lasts for the life of the author, plus 70 years. The goal is to protect an author’s works and maintain the integrity of those works, without compromising the original intent.”
There is an exception for churches in this. Based on the religious exemption, a church can rebroadcast the music as long as it doesn’t go beyond the walls of the building.
In other words, if the service is recorded and rebroadcasted on the radio, YouTube, or even their own website, a royalty must be paid to the artist(s). Otherwise, they’re in violation of copyright law.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” – 2 Corinthians 5:10
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