For years, megachurches like Hillsong and Bethel have dominated contemporary Christian worship music. But despite recent scandals, worship leaders continue using songs from these influential churches.

A new study by worshipleaderresearch.com of over 400 worship leaders in the U.S. and Canada found that few avoid Hillsong and Bethel songs. Only 16% said they were less likely to use Hillsong music, while 27% were less likely to use Bethel. In fact, most said they were still likely to choose songs from these churches.

According to the research, worship leaders often pick songs based on recommendations from peers and personal experiences. Over half said endorsements from friends on social media made them more likely to use a song. Live events and online listening also swayed their choices.

In contrast, a song’s chart success or ties to certain artists didn’t overly influence selections. Worship leaders appear to trust friends and fellow church leaders for ideas rather than top hits or big names.

The study also found opinions mixed on the pace of new worship music. About 40% felt overwhelmed by the dozens of songs released yearly by the top churches. But over a quarter wanted even more options.

Few worship leaders believed songs were written mainly with churches in mind or divine inspiration. Over half thought life experiences motivated songwriters instead. Still, worship leaders weighed each song individually rather than dismissing particular artists or churches.

The research highlights how social connections shape worship leaders’ song choices, often unconsciously. But personal meaning and community impact remain key factors too. Worship leaders may rely on megachurch hits for practical reasons despite ethical concerns.

The online resource lifewayworship.com, which provides church choirs and worship teams access to more than 3,000 songs as well as instrumental arrangements, sheet music, and chord charts, had announced it would shut down at the end of September.

Lifeway, the publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), made the initial decision citing a desire to “focus its resources on areas where we can faithfully serve more churches in greater breadth and depth.”

However, Lifeway has now reversed course and announced it will pause plans to shutter LifewayWorship.com.

In an interview on the SBC This Week podcast, Lifeway president Ben Mandrell said the provider would instead enter into a time of discussion with worship leaders around the country on the best path forward for churches.

“Our job at Lifeway is to be coupled to the church and to be in tune with the church. And we clearly missed it on this one,” Mandrell said.

He acknowledged Lifeway did not properly communicate the original decision or give worship leaders a chance to provide input. Now the site will remain operational while Lifeway has listening sessions to understand its value and find potential solutions.

“I’m really sorry to all those in the trenches who are trying to pull Sunday off and now are kind of freaking out because they don’t know how they’re going to have their music ready,” Mandrell said.

The previous director, Mike Harland, said the development of lifewayworship.com began with a conversation about the future of the Baptist Hymnal. Harland and his staff wanted to imagine a new, online future for Baptist church music.

Many ministers and music directors expressed dismay when the closure was first announced, as they relied on lifewayworship.com for its high-quality, affordable arrangements.

Now worship leaders will have a chance to provide input on how the site can best serve their needs going forward. Lifeway Worship has no plans to stop producing new music or musical arrangements after August 2023 as originally stated.

While the future of the site remains uncertain, Mandrell’s reversal provides hope that this valuable worship resource may continue serving churches for years to come. Lifeway now aims to have collaborative discussions to determine the best path forward.