Pastor Exposes Worship Crisis
Pastor and author Alistair Begg recently expressed concern about the decreasing emphasis on Scripture in church life, criticizing the shift from reverence to a consumer-oriented approach in modern worship settings. Speaking at the annual Sing! Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, Begg, senior pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, highlighted how the traditional centrality of the pulpit, which once symbolized the authority of the Bible, has diminished in favor of more casual worship environments designed to appeal to congregants’ preferences.
Begg reminisced about his childhood experiences, where the pulpit’s prominence in the church served as a reminder of the Bible’s authority, contrasting it with today’s trend towards informal setups like plexiglass stands and bar stools. He argued that this shift reflects a deeper issue: a decline in serious engagement with the Bible. According to Begg, many contemporary worshippers approach church with a consumer mindset, seeking entertainment rather than a profound encounter with God’s Word.
He lamented the rise of inspirational talks and therapeutic messages in place of expositional preaching, which seeks to reveal the true meaning of Scripture. Begg criticized the focus on personal experience and entertainment in worship, stressing that such practices undermine the core purpose of congregational gatherings, which should begin with reverence for God and His Word. He called for a return to serious Bible engagement, where the primary goal is to connect with God through Scripture rather than to be merely entertained.
Begg also underscored the importance of spiritual life in worship, referencing Martin Luther’s view that understanding Scripture requires the work of the Holy Spirit. He noted that modern worship often feels empty because it lacks this Spirit-driven engagement. Emphasizing that Christ is the true leader of worship, Begg urged churches not to sacrifice the depth of biblical exposition for the sake of exuberant praise.
The Sing! Conference, organized by Keith and Kristyn Getty, aims to deepen theological understanding through music and worship. This year’s theme, “The Songs of the Bible,” featured various speakers and artists discussing the role of biblical teachings in worship. Keith Getty highlighted the need for Christians to stay grounded in their faith amidst societal changes and warned against compromising on the authority of Scripture in church life.
While not specifically mentioning an altar, it is likely one was built by Abel for his offering in Genesis 4:4.
I so agree church has changed so much, when our main thing is Jesus and going to church as men and women has has moved from worship and churches are looking more like a play than worship ,> It is so important that we are loving Jesus and giving Him praise \ . .