IFCA Youth Ministry Music Selection Policy

Guidelines for the use of modern worship music in Ministry Training Area Presentations

I. Purpose

The IFCA Youth Ministry, operating under the authority of IFCA International, is committed to maintaining doctrinal integrity and biblical fidelity in all presentations at regional and national events. This policy provides clarity on music selection for Ministry Training Area (MTA) entries, particularly regarding modern worship artists and groups whose theology is inconsistent with historic Christian doctrine and the doctrinal commitments of IFCA International.

This policy aligns with and reflects the greater organization’s commitment to biblical truth and doctrinal purity in all ministry contexts.

II. Theological Concern

In our entertainment-driven culture, access to diverse music and artists has never been greater. This availability requires heightened discernment from churches, parents, and individuals regarding both the content and theology of the music presented in Christian settings.

Unfortunately, some of the most popular modern worship artists and groups promote theological positions that are problematic. Specifically, many artists and publishing entities are affiliated with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and Word-of-Faith theology—movements that deviate significantly from historic Christian doctrine and biblical interpretation.

While independent churches within the IFCA fellowship have reached varying conclusions about such music, the IFCA Youth Ministry has determined that we will neither promote nor present music from artists, groups, or publishing companies known to be advancing a false gospel and leading people astray.

We recognize that individual songs from these ministries may not strictly include objectionable content or explicitly problematic theological concepts. However, we believe that consistent rejection of all music from these publishing houses is the most faithful and discerning approach. To selectively present some of their music would effectively promote, benefit, and monetarily support these ministries, which we cannot in good conscience do.

III. Policy Statement

A. General Principle

Music presented at IFCA regional and national youth events should reflect both theological soundness and artistic quality. Submissions are evaluated against established criteria for content, appropriateness, and doctrinal
alignment.

B. Music Selection Standards for IFCA Youth Events

IFCA Youth Ministry will not feature or promote music from artists, groups, or publishing companies identified as promoting New Apostolic Reformation and/or Word-of-Faith theology at our regional and national events.

This includes all presentations in main sessions, plenary performances, and any other platforms at IFCA sponsored youth events.

Students whose local churches have approved their participation in MTA presentations may submit entries featuring any music their churches deem appropriate. However, entries featuring music from artists and groups listed below will not be selected for featured presentation or platformed in plenary sessions at IFCA regional or national events.

IV. Restricted Artists and Groups

The following is a representative list—not exhaustive—of publishing houses whose music will not be platformed at IFCA Youth Ministry events (this includes music by popular artists whose music is published by these organizations because they hold the ultimate copyrights).

This list is subject to change and will be updated as the IFCA Youth Council deems necessary.

    • Bethel Music
    • Hillsong Music
    • Elevation Worship
    • Jesus Culture Music
    • Forerunner Music (International House of Prayer)
    • Gateway Music

V. Implementation Guidelines

For Youth Directors and Church Leaders
  1. Communicate Early: Counsel students and parents about this policy during the MTA selection process, explaining the theological reasoning behind these standards rather than simply rejecting submissions.
  2. Observe copyright information: Many songs by popular artists and groups do not have these ministries in their name, but their music is produced and owned by these ministries.
  3. Provide Resources: Share theological resources with your congregation explaining why these movements are concerning to IFCA leadership.
  4. Encourage Alternative Selections: Guide students toward music from theologically faithful artists and groups that meet IFCA Youth Ministry standards for both content and artistic excellence.
For Event Organizers
  1. Screen Submissions: Review all entries to confirm they do not feature music from restricted artists or groups.
  2. Communicate Standards: When an entry is not selected due to artist affiliation, explain this policy to presenters or their families, directing them to this policy document.
  3. Document Decisions: Maintain records of submissions for consistency and accountability.
For Students and Families
  1. Contact your youth director or church leadership early in the selection process if you have questions about whether a particular artist or song meets IFCA Youth Ministry standards.
  2. We encourage you to explore music from theologically faithful artists and groups that reflect both biblical content and artistic excellence.

VI. Exceptions and Appeals

Recognizing that circumstances may warrant reconsideration, the IFCA Youth Council will consider appeals regarding specific artists, groups, and songs. Petitions should include a written request submitted to the IFCA Youth Council.

The Youth Council will review such petitions and update this list accordingly as deemed appropriate.

VII. Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed and updated as needed by the IFCA Youth Council. Updates will be communicated to member churches and youth directors with sufficient advance notice.

VIII. Relationship to Church Autonomy

The IFCA fellowship affirms the autonomy and authority of individual, independent churches. This policy represents the standards and convictions of the IFCA Youth Ministry for events we host and promote. Member churches retain the freedom to make their own determinations regarding music in their worship services and other contexts.

However, participation in IFCA Youth Ministry events constitutes acceptance of these standards for those specific venues.

IX. Organizational Authority

The IFCA Youth Ministry operates under the authority of IFCA International and is subject to the doctrinal standards and practices of the greater organization. This music selection policy reflects and reinforces IFCA International’s commitment to biblical fidelity and doctrinal purity across all ministry contexts.

X. Effective Date

This policy is effective immediately upon adoption by the IFCA Youth Council and shall be communicated to all member churches and youth directors.

Approved by: IFCA Youth Council/IFCA International Executive Director
Date:  11/1/2026
Next Review: 11/1/2027 (to be annually reviewed by Youth Council)

Download Music Selection Policy PDF