The Consistent Problem With Online Theological Voices
Disembodied Heads, Loose Cannons, And Mission-less Missionaries
A pastor in the UK texted me this week asking for help. One of their worship team volunteers had just bowed out of leading a song. Why?
They saw some nitpicky take online about the lyrics of a popular worship song and concluded that they couldn’t, in good conscience, “lead the congregation into false theology.”
The lyric?
“I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered: that’s why I trust Him.”
I read it. And honestly, it’s basically straight from the Psalms.
Psalm 34:4 says,
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 116:1 adds,
“I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice…”
So what's the issue? Well, if you want to be precise—and I do think there's space for that in worship—you could argue:
“What about those who haven’t had this experience? Should trust in God be contingent upon answered prayer?”
Fair enough. I get it.
That’s a theological question worth pondering.
But that’s not what the lyric is doing.
The Psalms aren’t systematic theology. They’re not trying to universalize doctrine in every line. They’re poetic, experiential, emotional, embodied responses to God’s activity.
David isn’t saying, “This is how God operates for everyone, always.” He’s saying,
“This is what He did for me. That’s why I trust Him.”
And let’s be honest—there are lots of people in our churches whose faith was ignited by answered prayer.
They were healed.
Set free.
Saved from themselves.
They trusted because God showed up.
We don’t get to dismiss their story because it doesn’t line up with a theological ideal of “faith apart from sight.” Sometimes, sight builds faith too. Ask anyone who has been healed. Ask the Philippian jailer. Ask the disciples. Ask Thomas.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’ve got plenty of critiques.
As a thinking, contemplative person who often has to sing songs written by non-theological 16-year-olds with a rhyming dictionary and zero fear of cliché… yeah, I’ve had moments.
But I’ve learned to hold my critiques loosely.
One time I told Brian Johnson I didn’t love the bridge of a new Bethel song—
“We crown You King of Glory.”
It’s not heretical. It’s just… technically inaccurate.
Jesus is King with or without me.
I don’t crown Him. He’s already crowned.
He laughed and said, “I didn’t write it!”
Still, that album is theologically solid.
And I would still lead the song—especially if my pastor asked me to.
But if I had the pastor’s ear, I’d gently suggest a tweak.
If I didn’t? I’d submit, lead it joyfully, and move on.
Because if it’s not heresy, and it serves the people, and it reflects someone’s genuine encounter with God…
It’s probably okay to sing it.
Even if it’s not a systematic theology textbook set to a pad loop.
What would you say to this young worship leader if you were their pastor? Let me know in the comments.
Anyways, here’s My Ax To Grind With Most Theological Voices Online:
