Are the worship wars actually over—or have they simply taken a new form?

In this episode, Zach sits down with Kip Fox and Rev. Steve Zank from the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine for an honest conversation about one of the most persistent tensions in the LCMS: worship.

They discuss what makes worship distinctly Lutheran, why traditional vs. contemporary continues to be such an emotional divide, and whether Lutheran churches can be both deeply rooted in their history and genuinely creative.

The conversation also dives into the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and its influence on modern worship music. What theology sits behind some of the language of “breakthrough,” “atmosphere,” and inviting God’s presence? And what should Lutheran pastors and worship leaders do with music coming from churches and ministries associated with different theological traditions?

Rather than simply declaring certain artists or songs off-limits, Kip and Steve offer a framework for evaluating music theologically and pastorally. Steve makes an especially important distinction: “There’s no heresy in it” isn’t a high enough standard for choosing songs. The better question is: What is this song teaching our people?

Zach, Kip, and Steve also wrestle with creativity, Christian freedom, uniformity, the Lutheran Confessions, and whether the LCMS has room for people who want to honor what has been handed down while creating something new.

Finally, Kip shares the work of the Songwriter Initiative, which is developing Lutheran songwriters and producing new music specifically for Lutheran churches.

Maybe the worship wars don’t end by one side winning. Maybe faithful Lutheran worship requires learning to live faithfully in the tension.

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Resources Mentioned

• Center for Worship Leadership – Concordia University Irvine
• The Lutheran Worship Podcast
• The Songwriter Initiative
• Weave Worship
• Concordia University Irvine
• Center for Worship Leadership on YouTube

Key insights from the episode

• The worship wars aren’t necessarily over. Kip argues that the conversation has actually been magnified by social media and the way extreme voices dominate online discussions.
• Lutheran worship is defined first by its theological commitments, particularly God’s gifts through Word and Sacrament—not simply instrumentation, musical style, or one particular order of service.
• There is legitimate tension between uniformity and Christian freedom. Trouble comes when either side becomes absolute.
• Lutheran worship can be historic and creative at the same time. Creativity should serve the Gospel and the congregation rather than exist simply for creativity’s sake.
• NAR-influenced worship can emphasize creating an atmosphere in which God’s presence, breakthrough, healing, or victory is expected to occur. Steve contrasts this with Lutheran confidence in God’s promised presence through His Word and Sacraments.
• Kip and Steve do not argue that Lutherans must reject every song associated with NAR-influenced churches or other Christian traditions.
• Instead, pastors and worship leaders should examine a song’s theology, associations, purpose, context, and impact on people’s consciences.
• “It isn’t heretical” is too low a bar for worship music. The better question is what theological diet a congregation is receiving over months and years.
• Traditional Lutheran churches should remember there has historically been variety within Lutheran worship practice.
• Contemporary Lutheran churches should remember that Christian freedom can also mean voluntarily giving up some freedom for the sake of unity and the wider church.
• The Songwriter Initiative is working to develop Lutheran songwriters so churches have more excellent contemporary music rooted explicitly in Lutheran theology.

Conversation Highlights

Are the Worship Wars Back?
Kip says plainly, “The war’s certainly not over.” But he and Steve argue that online rhetoric can make the divide appear even greater than what they experience when Lutheran worship leaders actually gather together.

What Actually Makes Worship Lutheran?
Is it the hymnal? Instrumentation? The Divine Service? Law and Gospel? Word and Sacrament? Steve argues that Lutheran worship cannot simply be reduced to one rite or musical style.

History vs. Creativity
Zach asks a personal question: Is there room in a church body so deeply connected to its history for people who are naturally futuristic, strategic, and creative? Kip and Steve argue that creativity has a legitimate—and historically Lutheran—place in worship.

What Is the NAR Movement?
Steve explains the New Apostolic Reformation and related theological ideas about victory, breakthrough, healing, God’s presence, and the role worship can play in creating a “revival atmosphere.”

Can Lutherans Sing Bethel, Hillsong & Elevation Songs?
Rather than offering a universal yes or no, Kip and Steve argue for discernment. Where did the song come from? What does it teach? What does it communicate in your context? What effect does it have on people’s consciences? And what theological diet are you giving your congregation?

How Should Churches Evaluate a New Worship Song?
Steve offers a great hypothetical: If you could publish a hymnal containing only 500 songs, would this song make the cut? Don’t merely look for the absence of heresy; ask what the song positively teaches.

What Are Contemporary AND Traditional Churches Getting Wrong?
Contemporary churches can misuse freedom. Traditional churches can treat one form as though it were the only legitimate Lutheran expression. Both need each other.

Why Write New Lutheran Worship Music?
Kip explains the Songwriter Initiative and its goal of finding, connecting, and developing Lutheran songwriters—not simply producing more songs.

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