She Didn’t Stop: The “Godly Whistleblower” Podcast
While Hillsong crumbled, Mackenzie Morgan doubled down. In March 2024, she launched the “Godly Whistleblower” podcast, where she systematically dissects popular worship songs, teachings, and trends in modern Christianity.
Recent episodes tackle:
- “Jesus is my boyfriend” worship songs with romanticized, allegorical lyrics
- Bethel’s theology series analyzing Bill Johnson’s teachings
- The Passion Conference and whether it’s “a move of God or just a show”
- How New Age philosophy has influenced modern worship music
- Hillsong’s “So Will I (100 Billion X)” and its controversial lyrics
Morgan has become exactly what she promised in 2021: “a reliable source” for Christians trying to navigate worship music with discernment.
Why This Debate Still Matters
The worship music controversy hasn’t faded—if anything, it’s intensified. Here’s why Christians are still wrestling with these questions:
1. Theology Shapes Formation
As J. Gresham Machen wrote in 1923, “While truth is truth however learned, the meaning of truth…seems entirely different to the Christian from that which they seem to the non-Christian.”
When you sing “God, I want to waste my life on you” or “I’ll trade it all for you,” what are you actually saying? Is that biblical language for worship, or does it trivialize the holiness of God?
2. Money Follows Music
Every time a church sings a Hillsong or Bethel song, they pay licensing fees (typically through CCLI) that funnel money back to these organizations. Morgan’s 2021 warning wasn’t just about bad lyrics—it was about churches financially supporting ministries that may be teaching a different gospel.
3. Discernment Is Rare
A 2020 study found that despite massive scandals at churches like Hillsong and Bethel, worship leaders overwhelmingly continue using their music. Why? Because it’s popular, singable, and familiar—not because it’s theologically sound.
4. The Alternatives Exist
Morgan recommended CityAlight and Sovereign Grace Music in 2021. Today, churches are increasingly turning to theologically robust worship from artists like Keith and Kristyn Getty, Sandra McCracken, and Matt Boswell. The music exists—churches just have to be willing to change.
