Christian songwriter and rapper Lecrae recently shared his thoughts on social media on the new FX docuseries “The Secrets of Hillsong.” In an Instagram post, Lecrae stated that the documentary reminds us to prioritize spiritual growth.
The Christian rapper said of the documentary, “I have been minding my business and staying out of trouble and want to continue to do so. I just wanted to share a few thoughts I hope are helpful. I am not anti-mega church. It can be done well. I’ve experienced it. But I am PRO spiritual growth. This doc reminded me how important it is to foster a community of people around journeying with Jesus.”
“The Secrets of Hillsong,” released in May, centers on the controversies surrounding the global megachurch in recent years and includes Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz’s first interview since being fired in 2020. The series explains the scandal surrounding Hillsong founder Brian Houston, who has been accused of hiding his father’s sex abuse crimes.
Lecrae explained, “Let me give you my two cents. I think, personally, that megachurches create some crazy challenges for people in terms of spiritual formation, discipleship, and pastoral care. I mentor a lot of younger believers, and right now, I notice that they are far more influenced by the social majority, social media, and cloud culture than they are by a consistent community of believers that are integrated into their lives.”
He continued, “As long as they show up on Sunday…amongst 2,000 other people, it appears like they’re good. The modern church follows the structure of an American business institution—more than it is a community shepherded by leaders and sharpened by a community.”
The rapper went on to describe the focal point of the megachurch is a having “great day of presentation, oratory speeches, and musical production. He continued, “And, there’s nothing wrong with that—but it’s usually just that and not a consistent community of people who are walking through life together.”
“I don’t have anything against the megachurch,” Lecrae concluded. “I just think it presents some crazy challenges because, oftentimes, when you’re trying to build a business—the end goal is capital growth. But, when you’re trying to build a church, it’s spiritual growth.”