Brandon Lake Sparks Controversy Over Worship Lyrics
Lake, an award-winning Christian music artist who recently swept the 12th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House, is under fire on social media for suggesting worship songs threaten to alienate non-Christians if they are too overtly biblical. Known for hits like “Gratitude” and his role in Maverick City Music and Elevation Worship, Lake made the comments during a podcast appearance.
In the interview, Lake referred to such language as “Christianese,” arguing that highly theological terms and direct biblical phrasing could alienate seekers or unbelievers. His comments have sparked widespread debate among pastors, worship leaders, and Christian conservatives who believe Lake’s stance risks diluting the Gospel.
Lake, who serves as worship pastor at the multi-site megachurch Seacoast Church based in Charleston, South Carolina, singled out lyrics based on Revelation 4:8 emphasizing God’s holiness as potentially off-putting.
While Lake framed his comments as an evangelistic strategy, critics argue that this mindset reflects a broader trend of theological compromise in modern worship music. Detractors point out that removing explicit biblical references from worship not only undermines sound doctrine but caters to a cultural obsession with inclusivity over truth.
Conservative theologians and ministry leaders reacted swiftly. Dr. Josh Buice of G3 Ministries, which promotes God-centered worship rooted in Scripture, has long warned against such trends. In a G3 article titled “How Music Embodies Theology,” Buice notes that music is not neutral—it shapes and reflects the church’s theology. “To remove or soften biblical language is to risk teaching another gospel altogether,” Buice wrote. He believes the content of worship songs must prioritize theological depth over cultural relevance.
Eric Thompson, host of Finish The Race podcast, shares that view. “Brandon Lake may have good intentions, but his comments reflect a concerning shift toward seeker-friendly worship that’s more about emotional appeal than spiritual truth,” Thompson said. “Biblical worship is meant for God, not to appease unbelievers.”
Many conservative believers contend that worship music should be distinctly Christian, marked by biblical truth and theological clarity—not vague, emotional expressions designed to avoid offense. “You can’t truly praise Jesus while trying not to sound too much like a Christian,” Thompson added. “The lost aren’t reached by dumbing down the truth. They’re reached by the Holy Spirit through the proclamation of God’s Word.”
Supporters of Lake argue that he is simply advocating for greater accessibility in worship lyrics, not compromising theology. They claim his message is about reaching people “where they are” and helping them connect to God before they fully understand Christian terminology. But critics argue that Lake’s approach reflects the larger problems found in the contemporary worship industry—where emotionalism often replaces biblical fidelity.
Concerns have also been raised about the commercial pressures on artists like Lake, who perform before stadium-sized crowds and produce music aimed at chart performance. “There’s a strong temptation to water down the message when worship becomes a product,” said a Nashville-based worship pastor who asked not to be named. “But that’s not what the early church did. They preached Christ crucified, not feel-good anthems with vague spirituality.”
Lake’s remarks strike at the heart of an ongoing discussion within the church: Should worship be crafted primarily for believers, or tailored for outreach? The conservative view is clear—worship is for the glory of God and the edification of the saints, not entertainment or seeker engagement. As G3 Ministries explains, “Worship is not a bridge to the culture. It is a throne room before a holy God.”
The debate echoes broader tensions within American evangelicalism. Some churches have embraced modern, upbeat worship styles and casual lyrics in hopes of attracting the unchurched. Others have doubled down on traditional hymns and liturgical practices, emphasizing doctrine and reverence. For many conservative believers, Lake’s comments reflect a troubling shift in priorities—one that places cultural resonance above biblical obedience.
Lake has not yet issued a clarification or apology for his remarks, though some fans have taken to social media urging him to “stand firm in the Word.” Meanwhile, others have praised his willingness to “think outside the box” in order to reach more people. The divide highlights a growing generational gap in worship philosophy: younger leaders tend to prioritize engagement, while older and more conservative voices emphasize fidelity.
What’s clear is that worship remains a battleground over theology, culture, and purpose. For those who believe the Word of God should never be softened or sidelined, Lake’s comments are a cautionary tale of how far contemporary worship may be drifting from its biblical foundations.
As the conversation continues, many Christian leaders are urging believers to evaluate worship lyrics not by how they make people feel, but by how they reflect the truth of Scripture. Worship, after all, is not about crafting catchy melodies or welcoming atmospheres. It is about honoring the God of the Bible—on His terms, with His words.
