By Derrick Danso
This question was originally asked in the official SOTW WhatsApp group.
Question: Is it ok for a Christian to attend a Gospel music concert?

Response:
Great question, brother.
I want to draw some things out before giving a straight answer.

Who is a Christian?

A Christian is someone who has heard the gospel (Romans 10:17), believed in Christ (Mark 16:16), repented (Acts 2:38), confessed Jesus (Romans 10:9–10), and been baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). When one obeys the gospel, the Lord adds that person to His church (Acts 2:47).

Now, let’s note that not every part of a Christian’s life is corporate worship (that is, when the church gathers as a body to worship God). A Christian can do many other things outside of what we are commanded to do when we meet as the church—like singing, partaking of the Lord’s Supper, giving, teaching, and praying (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 5:19).

Also, let’s understand that whether worship is done privately or publicly, God still expects it to be done in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and by His authority (Colossians 3:17).

Now, when a Christian goes to the cinema to watch a Christian movie during a premiere, or attends an album launch by a gospel artiste (as we define it here in Ghana), the person is not sinning or violating any Scripture about how worship should be done. Why? Because these things are not corporate worship. They are just part of normal personal or public life, like any other event.

Use Discernment

In such situations, however, the Christian must use discernment. Not everything that is called “Christian” truly honors Christ. Some events promote emotionalism without truth, or even false teaching.

Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22,

“Test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
Also, Philippians 1:10 says,
“Approve the things that are excellent.”

Is a Gospel Concert Worship?

So yes—it is OK for a Christian to attend a gospel music concert, just like attending any other event that uplifts and encourages. As stated in the question, a Gospel Music Concert is in focus. It is a concert, not worship. There’s a difference.

But here’s where we need to be careful: Some denominations or gospel artistes may call it a concert, but still treat it like worship—with altar calls, strange teachings, or entertainment-driven practices. That’s why we must be careful not to be misled.

What About Instruments?

Now, some might still say that Christians shouldn’t attend a gospel concert because instrumental music will be used. But that raises a fair and honest question—do these same people listen to other types of music with instruments outside of worship?
Do they listen to instrumentals on the radio? At weddings? At funerals? Or in their homes?

Let’s be clear:
God has commanded Christians to sing in worship—not to play instruments.

In Ephesians 5:19, Paul says:

“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

And again in Colossians 3:16:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

In both verses, what is commanded is singing from the heart—no mention of playing.

So yes, in worship, we must follow that pattern. But outside of worship, the rules are different. Just because instruments are used at a gospel concert doesn’t mean it becomes worship. Worship has a specific pattern. Life outside of worship is different—but still requires wisdom.

Worship is different

Worship is very different from other parts of our lives. In worship, we follow the New Testament pattern (Colossians 3:16–17; 1 Corinthians 14:40).
But outside of worship, God gives us freedom to do other things—as long as it brings glory to Him and doesn’t lead us into sin (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Common Objections and some Honest Responses

1. “You’re just making excuses to enjoy worldly entertainment!”

Response:
Not everything outside worship is worldly or sinful. The Bible teaches that there are many good and lawful things we can do, as long as they are done to the glory of God.

“All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful…” – 1 Corinthians 10:23
“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

We’re not justifying sinful entertainment. We’re saying that a gospel concert, if done in truth and respect, can edify and glorify God. The key is discernment.

2. “You’re fellowshipping denominations or false teachers!”

Response:
I am not endorsing false teaching or denominational error. I made it clear in the article that some concerts may promote error, and that’s why Christians must test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21–22).

Attending an event is not always the same as fellowshipping error. If that were so, Paul would be guilty for reasoning with Jews and pagans in synagogues and marketplaces (Acts 17:2, Acts 17:17). Jesus also ate with sinners, not to fellowship error, but to influence with truth (Matthew 9:10–12).

3. “Gospel concerts have instruments. That’s unauthorized, so attending supports sin.”

Response:
Yes, instruments are not authorized in worship. That’s why I practise and preach that the church must use a cappella in church (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). But a concert is not worship.

If using instruments anywhere is sinful, then we would have to condemn all instrumental music—even in weddings, homes, or clean secular music. That would go beyond Scripture (1 Corinthians 4:6).

4. “You’re weakening the line between sacred and secular!”

Response:
No—I am recognizing the line, not weakening it. I clearly said worship is different. But not every Christian activity must be “worship.” Some things are just personal or social, and still honorable.

Paul, the apostle made this clear in Romans 14 that in matters of liberty, each person must be fully convinced in their own mind (Romans 14:5). We’re not watering down worship—we’re living wisely outside of it.

5. “You’re confusing younger Christians by promoting these events!”

Response:
That’s why the article includes the need for wisdom, discernment, and sound judgment. The problem is not the event itself, but whether it leads someone away from truth.

We must teach younger Christians the difference between worship and liberty, between truth and error—not forbid things that God hasn’t condemned.

“Let no one judge you in food or in drink…” – Colossians 2:16
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17

Conclusion

A gospel concert is not the church assembled for worship. It can be a good and uplifting event to attend, if it is done in truth, with proper behavior, and sound content. The Christian must use wisdom and good judgment in these things.

Let all we do be done to the glory of God.