Over the last few years, I have come to appreciate the spirit and focus of Sovereign Grace Ministries, and especially of Covenant Life Church in the DC area. I’ve appreciated several of the songs SG has produced and have enjoyed some helpful correspondence with CL’s music minister Bob Kauflin. Also, I’ve learned much from the books written by CL’s pastors CJ Mahaney and Josh Harris, and I’ve commended the books to others. In fact, I’m enjoying a great study of Living the Cross Centered Life with two young men in the church I pastor right now. So before you read further, understand that I appreciate much of what Sovereign Grace and Covenant Life are doing. Now, do I differ with them on matters like cessationism, the styles of music appropriate for worship, and issues of separation? Yes. But even where we disagree, I admire their serious-mindedness, gospel focus, love of sound doctrine, and humility. I’ve learned from these men and am sure that I should learn more. Which is why the following is so baffling to me…
In a blog post from Friday evening, Josh Harris invited those from the DC area to attend a production of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat being put on by the youth ministry of Covenant Life Church. Of course, I’m not responsible for what another local church decides to do, nor are they at all obligated to answer to me. However, because the program was advertised publicly and because that’s such an influential ministry, I thought I’d pursue the topic a bit, hopefully with a gracious spirit.
Knowing what I do about that ministry and that musical, it seems like the two are incompatible, or should be. I wasn’t surprised that Joseph was acceptable fare in my public high school many years ago, but I can’t imagine why a church that obviously loves the Scriptures and the Savior would put on a production (a) by Andrew Lloyd Webber (b) that was originally presented as a sequel of sorts to Webber’s blasphemous Jesus Christ Superstar and (c) that makes a punchline of a biblical narrative. It seems that this would be at odds with the larger goals of their ministry.
I wonder, when there is so little reverence toward biblical truth today anyway—especially among teens—what can a gospel-loving church hope to gain from having its young people laugh along as a portion of Scripture is lampooned via Joseph’s honky-tonk brothers and an Elvis-wannabe Pharaoh? What is the upside that would make performing such a program worthwhile, especially for a local church? What are the benefits that I’m missing, and do they really outweigh the liabilities? What purpose of the New Testament church does such a program—even if it weren’t making light of Scripture—fulfill? The questions are worth considering, I think.
I wouldn’t be so surprised by this if I didn’t have such regard for the leaders of Covenant Life Church. But because I do (not did!), it just doesn’t make sense to me. I don’t have any doubt that what their teens do will be much more tasteful (or at least modest) than the clips available online (here, here, or here, for example), but I’m still left wondering…
Why?!
(Note: Those who are looking for an excuse to criticize these men or ministries can do so elsewhere, but not here. Ungracious or off-topic comments will be deleted.)
Filed under: Contemporary Issues, The Junk Drawer, The Local Church | Tagged: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Covenant Life Church, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Josh Harris, Sovereign Grace |
My Two Cents 
Good words, Chris. I hope your post elicits a response.
Just an FYI: I’ve notified Josh and another pastor from CL of this post and have assured them that I’m not intending to be contentious.
More importantly, don’t let this take too much of your attention this weekend. “He is risen!”
Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat is a light-hearted musical that more or less stays true to the Biblical account. It isn’t evangelistic or even necessarily serious, is that why you are against it?
As for it being a sequel to Jesus Christ Superstar… that’s just guilt by association, which is invalid in my mind.
I’m sorry, David T, that you feel that way. Having studied the humanities (MA: U of MO, KC), and pop culture extensively, I would dare say Webber has any level of affinity for the Gospel. His explicit references to our Savior in “Superstar” were indeed some of the most blasphemous words ever penned (disclaimer: I own the original soundtrack). His distortion and diminution of the Gospel was his intent when writing it. Even if we take the road that “Joseph”, to quote you, “…that more or less stays true to the biblical account…”, Webber’s hostility to the Gospel, and Christ, specigfically, is what makes it dangerous in a faithful bible-centered church. What place does satan have with Christ? None (disclaimer: I have a differing view with many here re differing musical styles). Even in your own words, it is the “…more or less…” that STRAYS from the biblical account enough to make it abominable in a church setting. Webber has no business being used to spread the Gospel however one slices and dices it. Discussion of his work may be merited in church, but its use? No way, my friend. What next? Quoting Anton LaVey as a source for doing good works? Sorry.
Btw, Chris. He is risen indeed!
David T, I’ve got nothing against things that are “light-hearted” and “not serious.” Not at all. I just don’t think they should be mixed with Scripture—and certainly not by the church. That should make sense.
FWIW, it appears that Covenant Life has performed Godspell, as well.
Again, it just seems to be extremely out of character considering their typically reverent attitude toward the Scriptures. In fact, I hope it’s out of character.
“And He liveth forevermore!” :)
Are you truly equating Andrew Lloyd Webber with the Satanist Anton LeVey?
Is it possible that there is nothing objectionable in J&TTC? I say it is not only possible, but probable, given that this church decided to use it. Give the church the benefit of the doubt.
And what of the nature of the differences between J&TTC and the Scriptural account? Are they substantial enough to impact the gospel or seriously call into question the authority of the Bible?
My whole point is that you take J&TTC for what it is in its own right.
Your issue with this performance is similar to KJVO people condemning the NIV because of Virginia Mollenkott.
My last post was in response to dale, although meant to be seen by all.
Let’s leave Anton LaVey out of future comments.
I respect Pastor Anderson with all of my spirit, so I will abide his request. I hope he won’t delete this (but will understand why if he does) if I answer, “yes” to your first question, David T. I will now bow out of this thread.
We proclaim the risen Savior, who for us and our salvation willingly suffered at the hands of men, to be tortured and crucified for our redemption. Jesus Christ rose from the grave, and intercedes for us at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty, and who will come again to judge the living and the dead. Rejoice in Christ, our Lord, for he is risen from the grave! God’s blessings to you, dear pastor, one who proclaims the Risen Lord. Amen.
Well, I guess I won’t mention our upcoming performance of Phantom of the Cantata…
More seriously, good call, Chris.
I agree with you Chris. It seems contradictory to the nature and purpose of the church.
Hello Pastor Chris,
My name is Dave Mays, and my wife Cathy is directing the Joseph play at Covenant Life Church about which you’ve expressed concerns. We’d like to thank you for sharing your concerns, and for inviting dialogue. Before deciding to do this play, my wife and I, along with our pastors, wrestled quite a bit with the issues you’ve raised, and I suspect we share many of the values that have precipitated your concern. We feel strongly that God’s name must be honored in the local church, and that something of this nature must be done in a way that is true to the content and spirit of scripture.
So why perform a musical written by unbelievers in the local church, especially with a high school cast? Fair question. The short answer is, we believe there’s enough in the script that is faithful to scripture to enable it to be done in a way that truly honors God. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice may have written the script, but the story is God’s, and the rich accounts of His faithfulness to His people speak for themselves.
That said, there’s no question that this show can be directed and performed in a way that is worldly and clearly dishonoring to God. Sadly, the examples you’ve cited would fall into this category, and we understand that this could cause confusion. However, our objective has been to tell the story in a way that is faithful to the spirit and content of scripture. Please pray for us in this endeavor. And if you happen to be in the D.C. area the last weekend of March or first weekend of April, we’d invite you to come see the show and let us know your thoughts.
Blessings to you this Easter,
Dave Mays
Dave,
I’m staying away from my blog today, but I at least want to check in long enough to let you know that I appreciate your taking time to respond and the gracious manner in which you did so.
I may respond later, but I sincerely hope you’ve had a great day rejoicing in our Savior! Thanks again.
Chris
Again, Dave, I appreciate your comment and the invitation. Unfortunately, I’m not able to attend.
I’m glad to hear that the leaders at CL wrestled through these questions before the program was produced. That’s a good thing, though not an unexpected thing. Still, I’m unable to see how the overall effect of a program that spins a biblical story into a slapstick comedy of sorts can be edifying, especially for young people in a local church setting. (Unless, of course, Pharaoh opts for a soliloquy rather than an Elvis impersonation?) :) I’m all for laughing at ourselves—just not at biblical matters that are more appropriately handled with reverence. Indeed, I think that teaching young people to deal with biblical truth as Webber does even in this program (not to mention Superstar) is nothing short of dangerous.
I agree with you about the richness of the biblical account Joseph’s life. It is certainly worthy of our attention. However, I believe that mingling it with the shtick of Broadway musicals (even for one who enjoys much of “the shtick of Broadway musicals,” as I do) can only tarnish the biblical message. It certainly can’t add anything to it. Frankly, to be faithful to both the script and Scriptures will be a tall order indeed. Unless you are gutting the program of the basic tone which the authors intended, I believe that rather than elevating Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, CL will instead very likely end up stooping to its level, at least for a few evenings. That’s not the end of the world, but I believe it’s unfortunate and unnecessary.
I know that these are hard words, brother. I genuinely mean to speak as a friend, and I hope that what I’ve said will be taken and considered as “faithful wounds” from a fellow believer who, like you, loves Christ and His Church.
Again, I appreciate the good lessons I’ve learned from the men of CL and SG. May the Lord bless you and raise up a host of faithful servants from the teens to whom you minister!
Chris
Hi, Chris. I share your perspective here, and not just because you’re my cousin (got your back, man)!
Given that many artistically excellent and biblically faithful alternatives to the Joseph musical exist, why settle for “enough in the script that is biblically faithful”? As a selection criteria why not give biblical faithfulness greater weight?
If an alternative is artistically equal to the Joseph musical, but superior in biblical faithfulness, then wouldn’t the alternative musical be more edifying to God’s people and more glorifying to God?
Having said that I hope the CL youth pull the thing off with flying (techni)colors. May they serve their church family with humility and right motives – to glorify God and build-up His people.
I also share your appreciation for SGM. For that reason I have a twang of conscience in criticizing CL when I’ve never taken time to complement them about the (many) good things they do.
Chris, I remember reading somewhere that the Hebrew translated as “many colored” really means “long sleeves”. Is this true? More importantly, do the costume people at CL know this?!?!
Hey, Martin. Thanks for chiming in.
As for the many-colored thing, I hadn’t heard it was even in doubt until just a few days ago. The smartest person I know provides the following anonymous info:
On the other hand, every trusted flannelgraph or children’s picture Bible I’ve ever seen has a rainbow jacket on Joseph, so who are you gonna believe??
Chris,
I wanted to respond to this earlier, but have been working on a few projects. Thanks for expressing your concerns, and for sending Josh and me a note about them.
To answer your specific questions, I asked Cathy Mays, the director, for her thoughts. Here is an edited portion of her response:
“The way a piece of theatre is directed, costumed, and choreographed makes a huge difference in how it honors – or does not honor – God. Our prayer as a cast throughout this rehearsal process has been that every aspect of this show would indeed honor God. This is true of every action, every dance, and even every thought that the actors have.
As with this caring pastor, imitating Elvis has been a concern for me, too. So, Elvis is played as more the “early Elvis.” He starts out with a guitar, and he does not do any of the gyrations and hip moves that are characteristic of “later” Elvis. In his arrogance and desperation, Elvis provides a sharp contrast to Joseph’s humility and faith. It’s VERY different from the Osmond rendition (which by the way, the cast has been asked to PLEASE not watch…ever.)
What we are doing is an entirely different show from what YouTube has to offer. Joseph is on his knees praying a lot in our production. Prayer is noticeably absent in other shows I’ve seen. The result is that for most other productions of this show, Joseph is the hero. That’s understandable; it’s written that way. But in our production, we’ve tried to point to the Hidden Hand throughout. In the end of our show, the hero is not Joseph, but God. Joseph’s story remains a beautiful tribute to God’s faithfulness in the lives of those who trust in him.
The play Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is based on the biblical story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. However, regardless of how a script is written, it can be directed and performed in a very different way. Unfortunately the Donny Osmond production of Joseph, which the pastor references, was performed in a way that did not honor God. But we believe there is enough in the script that is true to the biblical account to enable it to be produced in a God-honoring way, and that has been our objective.
We are using Scripture throughout the production (projected on the main screen). Through multiple forms of communication (projected Scripture, lyrics, blocking, dance…), this particular production of Joseph aims to clearly communicate Biblical truth in an entertaining way. It is certainly far from the original production.
I noticed that the pastor also mentioned Godspell. Again, our productions of Godspell have been far from the original. The script is a basic shell which the actors use as a springboard for improvised retelling of Jesus’ parables. We’ve taken as much liberty as needed (within copyright rules) to make each production Gospel-centered and Biblically sound.”
Now, here’s my perspective as a pastor and parent. For years, Covenant Life has produced a spring high school musical, led by Cathy Mays. It serves numerous purposes: to train our young people in drama and music, to put on a production that unbelievers might come to and hear the Gospel, and to encourage the spiritual growth of our high school students. Five of my six children have participated in these productions ( Godspell, Joseph, and an original musical based on the book of Acts). In every instance, not only has the show been God-honoring, but my children have been challenged in their spiritual disciplines, their heart attitudes, and their love for the church. No one walks away from any performance thinking that the Word of God has been dishonored or made light of.
I don’ t expect that every church will put on shows like Joseph or Godspell. But with godly leadership, right motives, and careful oversight, we’ve found these shows to be one means among many of discipling our students and evangelizing our community.
This note is respectfully submitted to any of the leadership at Covenant Life Church who may be perusing this thread:
In light of the concerns so graciously presented by Chris Anderson, if you are in any way compelled to question the wisdom, discernment, potential for edification, Biblical accuracy, and doxological value of using the Lloyd Weber musical, please allow me to offer something for your prayerful evaluation.
Obviously, I look upon your ministry and influence with respect. But it is a respect necessarily qualified by certain doctrinal differences (to which Chris alluded in his initial comment) and ministry decisions which expose you to some just Biblical criticisms. All ministries attempting to go forward progressively to the Glory of God have to face their insincere detractors. But since this particular criticism is offered by people who share your passion for certain ideals, but are compelled by Biblical convictions to question this decision, IMO it would be wise for you to rethink using this musical – even if it means publically eating some humble pie.
A recent article posted at 9marks by Ian Murray will, in some measure, introduce the concern I think many share. This is from a section in which Murray asks – “What are the needs in the contemporary scene with regard to unity?:
“We need to be alert to the threat that innocently adjusting services to the musical taste of modern culture poses to the reverent worship of God. God’s powerful works have always been accompanied more by awe, penitence, and silence than by noise and “celebration.” Practice, as well as faith, needs to conform to the simplicity of the New Testament. The fear of God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit belong together (Acts 9:31). True worshipers should know something of what is said of Jacob: ‘He was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God and this is the gate of heaven’ (Gen 28:17).”
While Covenant Life may not be offering this musical as part of a stipulated worship time, their decision to use it is quite obviously a tacit approval of its message, which in the words of Murray, is an adjustment to the tastes of modern culture which poses a serious threat to the reverent worship of God, i.e., awe, penitence, silence, simplicity, and fear. It is on this very point – a right view of God – which is communicated to our people through every avenue of ministry which is at risk by the use of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Apart from arguing about the following factors: dangerous associations in the ALW musical , parts of the text that are untrue to Scripture, a tone that grossly trivializes a profound passage on the sovereignty of God, and an entire presentation which sends a message different that the one intended by inspiration; what I found most disconcerting was the lines of defense offered by the leadership and summarized in the following statement:
. . . we believe there’s enough in the script that is faithful to scripture to enable it to be done in a way that truly honors God. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice may have written the script, but the story is God’s, and the rich accounts of His faithfulness to His people speak for themselves.
Now I realize there can be a degree of unfairness in parsing every sentence in an exchange like this where a person is attempting to offer a reasonable defense for their decision. Nevertheless, it is a flawed underlying philosophy, represented by the above quoted defense, with which I most severely contend. To be sure, the story of Joseph led into Egypt by providence and redemptive purposes belong to God – so why not utilize it for your church play and let it stand on its own merit. Contrary wise, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat belongs to Andrew Lloyd Weber and scripts it by massive editing and a highly suggestive presentation which really and truly mutilates the Biblical text. Frankly, I believe Covenant Life is here succumbing (though maybe unconsciously) to a temptation to contextualize the gospel and give the narrative some spice that, without Weber’s adaptation, apparently make it dull and bereft of what is needed to make an impact.
As for a biblical axiom to guide us on such questions and one that goes far beyond the line of defense mentioned above, consider the procedure of our Lord when biblical and theological truth was expressed through demoniacs. I refer to those occasions when Jesus’ reaction to demoniacs provide some guidance for us ( Mark 1:23, 34; 3:12; Luke 4: 35, 41). So that the real principle to which I am pointing is not missed, please don’t conclude that the confessions made by demoniacs are meant to be totally analogous to the message of Weber’s musical.
What caught my attention some time ago was that Jesus refused to allow demon possessed persons to speak – even though their confessions were totally true. The obvious reason for this is because the life of the persons confessing the truth (in this case demoniacs) stood in total antithesis to the message they confessed. Jesus knew that the most profound spiritual truths would confuse people if they came through a medium that was in every way contradictory to the nature of the message. Allowing people to confess God’s truth whose lifestyle is so drastically opposite to the very nature of the gospel would be equivalent to allowing a pedophile who had an earned doctorate to give a lecture on self control.
Another biblical illustration of this principle is when Paul rebuked Peter to his face in Antioch because his actions (not even his words in this case) horribly distorted the very essence of the gospel
. . . I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel ( Gal 2:14).
From this passage, we can rightly conclude that the purity of the gospel is not only threatened by outright heresy, but it can be horribly defaced by ministerial actions that are inherently contradictory to the very core of its message.
Having been saved out of the sub-rock culture, I realized that many of the lyrics used by Rock groups of the late 60’s and 70’s played on Biblical themes or alluded to Scripture verses. Only as a Christian did I come to realize that Satan is a master of confusing the meaning of God’s word. In the case of Rock-N-Roll, he inspires the infusion of Biblical lyrics into the music in a way that further confuses its listeners. The way it confuses people is by blending deviant culture and lifestyles with elements of Biblical truth.
While the examples above may be more extreme than Covenant Life’s choice to put on this particular play, the principle concern regarding the purity of the gospel must be taken into consideration. In the case of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, the issue is not merely borrowing a musical from unbelievers and adapting it to meet evangelical needs. By the choice of a play based on a Biblical narrative which is twisted through the unregenerate interpretation of an author notorious for some of the most flagrant blasphemies against the true identity of the Lord Jesus Christ, this church has acted out of character with many of its values and stands to violate the most sacred of trusts.
I too am left wondering – WHY?
Todd Nye
If you didn’t see the production, how do you know if it did or did not glorify God? I saw it with my kids twice, and it drew us all closer to Jesus while providing an excellent family-friendly evening out. Next time, I strongly urge you to make plans to check it out before you pipe up.
BTW, the production used multi-media very tastefully to incorporate a substantial volume of direct scriptural quotations in to the experience.
Isn’t God powerful enough to use the work of an unbelieving author to spread the gospel and glorify his name?
Just curious, what musical theatre works would you critics recommend as alternatives for a Christian high school production?
Glen Flowers
Covenant Life Member (since 1977)
Hi, Glen.
This is kind of old news. At the time, I communicated cordially (via email and here) with Bob Kauflin, whom I consider to be a friend. At any rate, my thoughts are unchanged.
As for alternatives, the entire country is singing songs and reading books from Sovereign Grace and your church. Your church is as profitably creative as any of which I’m aware. I’m sure you could come up with something. :)
I do have some nice things to say about your pastors, if you’d like to do a search here. :)