Former Bethel Worship Leader Steffany Gretzinger Explains How We’ve Gotten Worship Wrong

Steffany Gretzinger
Screengrab via YouTube @Iris Global

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“It comforts me when I read about the Lord rebuking his disciples,” Steffany Gretzinger said. “Because I know he reproves the ones he loves, and we have to learn those lessons.”

Gretzinger told of a time she was in a meeting where they read off the top 60 “worship songs:” “Oh, this is painful to me they’re considered worship, but they’re not actually to him.” The songs were about God or about how people benefit from God.

The songs and the lyrics were true, but she said true worship is ministering to God.

“Favor is one thing, and that can move a room.” Gretzinger explained, “If we stay close to his presence, then we can feel the difference between high energy and high praise…That feels very different.”

Steffany Gretzinger Grew Up With a Rich Heritage

In a longer interview, Steffany Gretzinger shared more about her upbringing in the church. As a Nazarene preacher’s kid, Gretzinger and her family lived out “the power of prayer and leaning into the person of Jesus and the gospel.”

“I watched my parents love the real Jesus, and they made it easier for me,” Gretzinger said, continuing on to share how her parents said, “You’re worth giving everything.”

RELATED: ‘Theology Matters’—Why One Worship Leader Can No Longer Support Hillsong, Elevation, Bethel

Even though her family was quite musical and led worship, she didn’t know that this would be her calling in life. Gretzinger recalled a powerful time of revival at her church.

“When my parents would call me, as a little girl, to sing with them, I would run out of the room because I was so petrified to be in front of people,” said Gretzinger. She explained that the experience of revival began to soften her heart and draw her into a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus.

Gretzinger was a student at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) in Redding, California, and remained on the worship staff of Bethel Church for 10 years. Since her time with Bethel, Gretzinger has recorded two more albums (“Forever Amen” and “Faith of My Father”) for a total of four albums released.

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Janna Firestone
Janna serves as Director of Women's Ministries at LifeSpring Covenant Church. You'll find her engaging in authentic conversation, enjoying a good laugh, or embarking on an outdoor adventure. Janna has contributed to several books for women and youth in the church, spoken to women's groups across the country, led small groups, and found a deep appreciation for soul care. She lives in Colorado with her husband and two sons.

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