This week, I spoke with Pastor Matthew Everhard, author of "Worshiptainment," about how entertainment culture has invaded modern church services and what we can do to return to biblically-centered worship.
Matthew serves as the associate pastor at Gospel Fellowship PCA north of Pittsburgh and teaches at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, America's oldest continuously conservative seminary.
The Problem with "Worshiptainment"
At the center of our conversation was Matthew's critique of what he calls "worshiptainment" - the trend of modern churches prioritizing entertainment value over biblical worship principles. In his book, Matthew takes aim at churches that have abandoned traditional Reformed worship in favor of roller coasters on stage, mixed martial arts demonstrations, and "crucifying Batman" (!!!) Easter plays.
"Much of what passes as worship in evangelicalism today has become far too influenced by the entertainment industry rather than by the Word of God," Matthew says. This approach treats congregants as passive consumers rather than active participants in worship.
The Regulative Principle of Worship
Matthew anchors his critique in the "regulative principle of worship," a concept drawn from the Westminster Confession of Faith. This principle states that we should do in worship services only what God commands in Scripture - nothing more, nothing less.
This stands in contrast to the "normative principle" (doing anything not explicitly forbidden) and what Matt calls the "practical principle" (doing whatever works to draw a crowd). The problem with the latter approach is that "what you do to get them there, you have to better to keep them there." This creates an endless cycle of escalation as churches compete for attention.
The Heart of Worship
What struck me most in our conversation was the profound difference in perspective between entertainment-focused services and biblical worship. Matthew cited the phrase "a dying man preaching to dying men" (attributed to John Bunyan), highlighting the gravity and urgency of worship.
"In worship, one of the things that we forget is that spiritual realities are evident every Lord's day. Heaven and hell are on the line," Matthew said. "The whole service itself is far more spiritual, far more grave, far more powerful than anything that worshiptainment would have to offer."
Participatory vs. Passive Worship
Matthew emphasized that true worship should be participatory, not passive. The congregation should be actively engaged in confession, singing, reading the Word, and receiving the sacraments - not merely spectating.
We discussed the importance of psalm-singing as a biblical form of worship that has largely been lost in contemporary services. "I wish more evangelicals would do that," Matthew noted. "When we sing the Psalms, we're just singing God's word back to him."
Preaching the Word
As a pastor, Matthew shared insights about his own approach to preaching. Rather than trying to entertain with clever stories or gimmicks, he focuses on expository preaching that trusts in the power of God's Word. He structures his sermons carefully to ensure comprehensibility, often thinking of specific congregation members: "Would my mom understand this?"
The contrast with "worshiptainment" approaches couldn't be clearer. While some pastors feel pressured to perform stunts or work movie clips into sermons, Matthew advocates returning to the "ordinary means of grace" - the preaching of the Word, prayer, and the sacraments.
Navigating Online Ministry
We also discussed the challenges of having an online presence as a pastor. Matthew has built a substantial YouTube following explaining Reformed theology at a layperson's level, but he approaches this platform with caution.
"It scares the crap out of me," he admitted candidly, discussing the spiritual dangers of pride that can come with online influence. "I never asked to be anything like a celebrity, and I do not want to be a celebrity... Success breeds pride."
His transparency was refreshing - a reminder that even as we navigate new media platforms, we must maintain biblical principles and humility.
Finding a Biblical Church
For those seeking a church that prioritizes biblical worship over entertainment, Matthew offered practical advice: look first for "expository preaching of the Word." While other aspects of church life might vary, this commitment to Scripture should be non-negotiable.
He also warned against leaders exhibiting narcissistic tendencies, noting that "in some sense we are who we follow." The character and integrity of church leadership matters tremendously.
Conclusion
This conversation left me with a renewed appreciation for traditional Reformed worship and its focus on Scripture, reverence, and active participation. In a culture where entertainment values have infiltrated even our most sacred spaces, his call to return to biblical worship principles is both timely and necessary.
Whether you're a pastor concerned about current trends or a believer seeking a church that prioritizes the Word, “Worshiptainment” offers a path forward grounded in Scripture rather than cultural preferences.
True worship isn't about what draws a crowd or generates excitement - it's about honoring God in the ways He has prescribed in His Word.
