The Sing Conference claims that its purpose is to “rediscover the power and beauty of the songs of Scripture” and “explore how the Word of God guides and invigorates our worship as individuals, families, and churches. It seems like a noble cause and this is a much-needed endeavor, as the vast majority of the professing Church has completely abandoned any semblance of biblical worship.
But, is the annual Sing Conference a cover for false teachings?
Many well-meaning Christians would argue otherwise, captivated by the common cause of returning the Church to biblical worship in harmony with God’s prescription. Yet it is precisely this musical rapture that seems to serve as a smokescreen, concealing dangerous doctrinal errors and scriptural misinterpretations. Don't be seduced. The Apostle Paul warns us to "test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). What appears as a high-voltage Christian extravaganza is, in fact, a minefield of woke theology, charismaticism, and a soft-peddled form of moral relativism that can lead even the elect astray.
To be clear, not all of the speakers and participants at the Sing Conference are false teachers. In fact, there are many good teachers who both attend and speak at this annual event. In the past, John MacArthur and Voddie Baucham have been featured speakers. But there seems to be a disconnect between what many who still attend this event preach for and what others preach against.
David Platt, for example, a prominent featured speaker of the Sing Conference 2023, has compromised on essential Christian principles. His church, in September 2022, endorsed a book written by a pro-abortion Obama staffer. He's also flirted with the Satanic Enneagram, a clear departure from biblical orthodoxy. Associating with Pete Greig, the architect of 24/7 prayer circles that often dabble in contemplative spirituality, further tarnishes his credibility. Scripture warns, "Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Platt’s association with these figures is rather alarming, to say the least.
John Piper's participation rings more alarm bells. A Christian hedonist with a shaky stance on the literal six-day creationism, he has shared pulpits with false teachers like Christine Caine and Beth Moore. Piper has engaged in the practice of Lectio Divina, an approach to Scripture that introduces extra-biblical mysticism into the Christian experience. Remember, the Bible warns that "a little leaven leavens the whole lump" (Galatians 5:9). By mingling with false teachings, Piper sows seeds of confusion into the body of Christ.