What is Christian worship?
“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry (λειτουργία)...”– Hebrews 8:6
From the very beginning of Christianity, Christian worship has been the fulfillment of the Passover. Our Lord Jesus is the Lamb (John 1:29) who freely Sacrificed Himself once and for all (Hebrews 7:27) And He ordained the Apostles as presbyteros (πρεσβύτερος) which is Greek for Priests (John 13:4-17) and gets translated into most Bibles as "elder." He instructed the Apostles on how to offer up the once and final Sacrifice. And like the Passover, the lamb had to be eaten. He made it clear that the Bread was His body (matt 26:26, Luke 22:19, Mark 14:22, John 6:53–56, John 6:51) and the wine was His blood (matt 26:27–28, Luke 22:20, Mark 14:23–24, John 6:53–55) In the Bible worship was called the breaking of the bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42-47) Later it would be called the Litergy. Or in Greek λειτουργία. And this had been worship for all Christians for over 1500 years.
“On the day called Sunday... the memoirs of the Apostles or the writings of the prophets are read... then we all rise and pray... bread and wine and water are brought, and the presider offers prayers and thanksgivings (Eucharist)...”St. Justin Martyr (c. 155 A.D.)
After the Protestant Revolt, the Lord’s Supper would be celebrated in different forms, until recently it is almost non existent in protestant churches. Probably because without episkopos (ἐπίσκοπος) and presbyteros (πρεσβύτερος) you no longer have a true Eucharist.
“Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop, or by one whom he appoints (πρεσβύτερος).”
— St. Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Smyrnaeans 8:1
But somewhere along the way, something changed. Once the early Church's sacrificial liturgy was replaced with pulpit-centered gatherings, the meaning of “worship” began to shift. Today, in much of modern Protestantism, worship no longer refers to the Eucharistic Sacrifice that Jesus instituted, it's been reduced to an emotional experience driven by music and atmosphere. In many churches, “worship” means a dimly lit auditorium, a well-rehearsed rock band, fog machines, and lyrics projected on a screen. It’s been said — not unfairly — that modern services resemble a “rock concert followed by a TED Talk.” And increasingly, this new version of “worship” is being shaped not by Scripture or Apostolic tradition, but by consumer preferences and market strategies.
Modern protestant christian worship
In the time that I sojournered protestantism, I had heard something about having to pay to preform the christian music in the modern protestant churches. From what I had heard as a kid you were allowed to play whatever you wanted live, but when it came to recording and excepting money, that's where the legal aspect came into play. So modern protestant churches have to pay to play these songs? I just looked further into it and this is what I found.
These churches need what's called a CCLI, Christian Copyright Licensing International
It gives churches permission to use most modern worship music during services, project lyrics on screens, and print songs in bulletins.
Most worship songs from Bethel, Hillsong, Elevation, etc. are under CCLI. But CCLI requires a paid license (usually affordable for small churches). So you technically have to pay to play their songs, even in church.
While music does have it's place in worship, not only should it not be commercialized, music is designed to make the listener feel one way or another. My apologies, I'm not a scientist. I can't give you an educated analysis on that side of it, but from a musician's perspective, Music is powerful. It’s designed to move us, to stir emotion, and even release dopamine. But feeling a “chill” during a bridge or a tear during a chorus isn’t necessarily the Holy Spirit. It’s more science than Grace. A natural response to rhythm, harmony, and lyrical build-up. This confusion has led many to equate emotional highs with divine presence, reducing worship to a mood instead of a holy sacrifice. It reminds me of when they started putting "no rub" on bottles of contact lens solution. It made it look like it was something new. But really it was because people were scratching their lenses by rubbing them so, they make No Rub Contact Lens Solution. It's the same placebo effect as calling modern Christian music "worship" music. If we're seeking God's Graces, there are ordinary means instituted by Jesus Himself, recorded in the Bible by which they can be received.
So, from what I'm seeing, it’s not so much about spreading the Gospel freely, it’s about managing copyright usage like a business.
"Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8) Yet now, in modern Protestant megachurch culture, worship music has become, branded product, Licensed, and monetized. This is where consumerism has crept into something that should be sacred. Which leads me into where they get the money for this CCLI, and it's in the preaching.
“They made that airplane so cheap, I couldn't help but buy it.”- Kenith Coopland
In the early Church we see that the Apostles were only taking small donations from people
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
And this is still true today in The Church. But, in modern protestantism the congregation encouraged, and sometimes persuaded to tithe ten percent of their income to these mega churches. Many times versus from the Bible are taken out of context as manipulation. Here are some examples;
Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse...”
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test… if I will not open the windows of heaven for you.”
Misused to say: If you give 10% to the church, God will make you rich.
Context: This was an Old Covenant law to support the Levites, who had no land inheritance (Numbers 18:21–24). It was an agricultural tax, not a universal Christian command. The "storehouse" was a literal temple food storehouse, not a modern church bank account.
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you..."
“...good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over...”
Misused to say: The more you give financially, the more money God will pour into your life.
Context: Jesus is speaking about mercy, judgment, and forgiveness (see Luke 6:36–37). It’s about the measure of your love and mercy, not money.
2 Corinthians 9:6 – “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly…”
“...and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
Misused to say: The more you give money to the preacher, the more you’ll receive from God financially.
Context: Paul is collecting funds for the poor in Jerusalem (2 Cor 8–9). He’s urging voluntary generosity, not “seed giving” to a ministry in hopes of personal gain. The “harvest” is spiritual blessing and community flourishing,not wealth.
Philippians 4:19 – “My God will supply all your needs…"
Misused to say: Give money, and God will bless your bank account.
Context: Paul is thanking the Philippians for supporting his ministry (Phil 4:15–18). He’s saying **God will take care of their needs**, not make them rich. It’s a reassurance, not a prosperity promise.
Proverbs 3:9–10 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth…”
“...then your barns will be filled with plenty.”
Misused to say: If you tithe, you’ll get earthly wealth in return.
Context: This is wisdom literature. written to encourage generosity and trust in God, not a financial guarantee. The language is poetic and not a contractual promise.
Jesus and the Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:41–44)
Misused to say: Even the poorest should give all they have to the church.
Context: Jesus isn’t praising fundraising He’s pointing out a widow giving everything, and contrasting it with the wealthy religious leaders. It’s more a rebuke of those who devour widows’ houses (v. 40) than a lesson on tithing.
Worship or Entertainment?
What began as the holy offering of Christ's Body and Blood, the fulfillment of the Passover and the heart of Christian worship has in many places been reduced to licensed product and financial gain. Where the early Church gathering around the altar, modern gatherings often revolve around a stage. Rock concerts are great, they have their place. But when we come together to worship it should be on God's terms, not ours. Our Lord said "If you love me, keep my Comandments." (John 14:15) He also prayed thar we would all be one as He and the Father are One. This is my prayer also. May God bless you.
In Addendum
“The first time I heard your album … I like Muse, Radiohead, U2, Coldplay, Jeff Buckley … just guys that use their vibratos to get across different feelings.”
— Phil Wickham (Christian Today)
This shows that contemporary worship music owes a lot to secular pop/arena rock, not centuries of sacred musical tradition.
When did “Worship” Became a Genre? The 1990s: Modern “worship music” emerges, evolving from CCM and “Jesus music” of the 70s–80s. Focus shift: From personal listening to congregational singing, often designed for emotional impact. Arena-style influence: Bands like U2 and Coldplay set the template for atmospheric, emotionally-driven arrangements. Modern effect: Music itself is often equated with worship, using crescendos, breathy vocals, and synth pads to produce emotional highs.
Worship Song - Secular Twin
Hillsong United – Oceans Coldplay – Fix You Piano + pad intro, soft/breathy vocals, emotional crescendo, arena-style build
Hillsong United – Mighty to Save U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name Delay guitar, anthemic chorus, rising energy, stadium-ready atmosphere
Elevation Worship – Here Again The Chainsmokers – Something Just Like This Synth swells, smooth pop beat, emotional “drop” section
Elevation Worship – Do It Again OneRepublic – I Lived Repetitive inspirational hook, soft verse → big chorus, emotional lift
Bethel Music – King of My Heart Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars Simple chord loop, soft ambiance, long emotional build
Bethel Music – Ever Be Taylor Swift – Wildest Dreams Breathiness, dreamy synth pads, echoing vocals
Passion – Even So Come Keane – Somewhere Only We Know Piano ballad, vulnerable vocals, climactic swell
Key Takeaways
1. Modern megachurch worship music is directly influenced by secular pop and arena rock, particularly Coldplay, U2, OneRepublic, and even Taylor Swift.
2. Emotional techniques — crescendos, arena-style arrangements, breathy vocals — can make listeners feel like the music itself is worship, creating a psychological effect rather than a liturgical one.
3. Historically, before the late 1980s, congregational singing was focused on doctrine and liturgy, not emotional manipulation.
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