Non-Christians Should Not Be Part of Worship Music Bands, Says Worship Professor

Churches should not have non-Christian musicians involved in worship music bands, a Christian professor insisted.

“It’s an old dilemma: a church music ministry has a need, and a local unbelieving musician is available. But is this a match made in heaven, or a manifestation of … somewhere else?” Matthew Westerholm, assistant professor of music and worship at Bethlehem College & Seminary, wrote on desiringgod.org.

Westerholm argued that churches should avoid using non-Christian musicians for worship. Otherwise, “church leaders confuse evangelism and excellence.”  

“Excellence in music can be a fine value for worship, but it ought not to be a church’s highest value. And it certainly ought not to be smuggled into the church’s practice under the guise of evangelism,” wrote Westerholm.

“Church leaders affirm the profession of another person’s faith when they allow that person to have a public, leading role during the church gathering. And that affirmation is easily misunderstood, especially by unbelievers.”