Q: Should talented, unbelieving musicians be allowed to play with the worship team?

A: Yes! While the worship band's primary role is to support congregational singing and to facilitate the worship experience, it can also be a meaningful way to lead people to Christ from within the band.

I vividly remember a 15-year-old named Josh who accepted Christ while serving in a youth musical. Three months later he died in a car crash.

We hired one of our first bass players because we could not find a volunteer. As it happened, he was not a believer. He accepted Christ and has now been at the church for over 18 years.

Jason, a talented guitar player, also became a Christian through the band. He later joined our staff, attended seminary, and serves today as a dedicated minister.

These examples remind us that life-changing ministry can happen within the band, and not merely through the band.

There still remain two common objections I hear to allowing unbelievers to participate with the worship team.

First, ...