For years I have watched New Testament churches invite singers and singing groups into their midst without vetting their doctrine. Pastors have told me that singers and singing groups aren't invited into a church to preach, therefore their doctrinal stand makes no difference. Honestly, this position does not align with Scripture.
Recently, I read about a church that calls itself Independent Baptist that invited a singing group for a special service. This singing group consists of a father, a mother, and several children. The father, until recently, was the pastor of a New IFB church. The doctrine held by this man did not agree with the doctrine of the church that invited him and his family. Again, what difference does it make when the singer does not preach in the service? What harm can there be in allowing those who hold other doctrinal positions into New Testament churches? 1. There is harm in the choice of songs. No singer chooses to sing songs with which they disagree. They will choose songs that are in full agreement with their doctrinal position, regardless of the doctrinal position of the church in which they sing. 2. There is harm in the fellowship. Singers will talk to church members wherever they sing. Their speech will be guided by what they believe, regardless of the doctrinal position of the church in which they sing. 3. There is harm in the followship. Singers, especially professional Gospel singers, will sing anywhere they are invited. They do not discern truth from error but sing for whoever will "pay the bills." When members of a New Testament church follow the singer into any church where they might perform, they will undoubtedly be confronted by doctrinal error. An undiscerning believer could be duped by the false teaching. New Testament churches ought to follow New Testament principles in every aspect of ministry, including whom they invite to sing. John set the guiding principle for us when he said, "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds (2 John 10-11)." John's guiding principle teaches us the following: 1. We are to discern doctrine above all things. In these last days, doctrine gets devalued, but it is of utmost importance to the individual believer and the New Testament church. 2. We are to deny access to doctrinal error. Whatever blessing a singer might offer must be denied based on doctrine. 3. We are not to support doctrinal error. Don't listen to their music; don't buy their recordings; don't pray for God's blessing in their ministry. 4. We are not to partake in their error. In supporting singers in doctrinal error, we are supporting doctrinal error. We are guilty of encouraging others to continue in doctrinal error, and we will suffer because of it. Ultimately, we will answer to God for our participation and association with doctrinal error (Romans 14:12). So, before you invite a singer or singing group into your church, ask yourself: "What doctrine am I inviting into my church?" If doctrinal error is found in that singer/group, you are better off without that singer/group.
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About Jerry JacksonJerry has been writing for many years now. He has written tracts for several churches, as well as his ministries in Papua New Guinea and in Canada. He has had the opportunity to have many of his articles published in several Independent Baptist periodicals over the years. His main goals are to teach truth and lift up the Saviour. Archives
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