(OPINION) Brandon Lake, a Grammy-winning Christian music artist and worship pastor at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina, recently stirred controversy with remarks about the use of overtly biblical language in worship songs.

In an interview on the Bryce Crawford Podcast, Lake suggested that songs heavy with “Christianese”—a term he used to describe overtly biblical or theological language—could alienate non-Christians attending church services.

His comments, which resurfaced in a viral clip shared by the Christian X account Protestia on June 3, 2025, have sparked widespread discussion within the Christian community about the purpose and accessibility of worship music.

Lake specifically pointed to lyrics like “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,” drawn from Revelation 4:8, as potentially confusing for newcomers to the faith.

He introduced a hypothetical character named “Bubba,” described as someone reluctantly dragged to church by their spouse, to illustrate his point. “I just don’t know if, when your opening song or most of your songs have so much Christianese language, I think he has a hard time going like, ‘Can I sing that?

Like, I’m not there yet,’” Lake said. He emphasized the need for worship songs to include language that resonates with newcomers, allowing them to feel included and connected to the music.

The Christian Post reported that Lake’s remarks drew both support and criticism. Some praised his intent to make worship more inclusive, aligning with a seeker-sensitive approach that prioritizes accessibility for those unfamiliar with Christian terminology.

However, others, including Christian cultural commentator Jon Root, criticized Lake’s perspective as emblematic of a broader trend toward diluting the gospel for the sake of cultural relevance.

Root, in a June 3 X post, described Lake’s stance as “the fruit of Bethel Church and the seeker-sensitive movement,” accusing him of prioritizing entertainment over discipleship.

Lake, formerly associated with Bethel Music and Maverick City Music, has been linked to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and Word of Faith movements, which some critics argue promote questionable theology.

Critics like Keith Getty, quoted in a 2019 Christian Post interview, have long warned against prioritizing cultural relevance over spiritual truth in worship music.

Getty called the modern worship movement “a de-Christianizing of God’s people,” a sentiment echoed in responses to Lake’s comments.

Charisma Magazine, in a June 5 article, argued that worship is meant for God, not for “Bubba,” and that biblical language like “Holy, holy, holy” reflects the eternal reverence found in Scripture, not a barrier to be removed.

Lake’s defenders, however, highlight his track record as a worship leader and songwriter.

Known for hits like “Gratitude,” “Graves Into Gardens,” and “Hard Fought Hallelujah” (featuring rapper Jelly Roll), Lake has garnered significant acclaim, including five Grammy nominations and multiple Dove Awards.

Supporters argue that his focus on accessibility reflects a heart for evangelism, aiming to draw non-believers into a relationship with Christ through relatable worship experiences.

The debate underscores a broader tension in contemporary Christian music: balancing theological depth with accessibility.

While Lake’s comments suggest a desire to bridge the gap for newcomers, critics argue that diluting biblical language risks undermining the very purpose of worship—to glorify God.

As the conversation continues, Lake’s influence as a leading voice in Christian music ensures that his perspective will remain a focal point for discussion.