An Atlanta church went viral after a video of them “Swag Surfing” during a 2023 New Year’s Eve service hit the internet. While the video was meant to be lighthearted and fun, it received criticism from viewers. Bishop William Murphy is the pastor of The dREAM Center Church in Atlanta. Clips from Murphy’s New Year’s Eve service surfaced online, where he and his congregation were seen dancing to popular rap songs “Walk It Out” and “Swag Surfin.”
The internet was torn over the video, with some not seeing a problem with the move and others taking offense. Secular music being played in the church has been a controversy for years, as pastors have used the lyrics to connect with a younger crowd.
Bishop Murphy explains that the outrage over the video was unnecessary and misunderstood. Murphy stated that the moment was completely organic and simply a celebration of God.
“This wasn’t some manipulated thing that we did trying to go viral,” he said to 11Alive. “This was prophetic ministry at best that’s been misjudged.”
Murphy clarified that, although they used the songs in their worship service, they only played the clean versions.
The dREAM Center has been around for almost 20 years, and judging from the clips, viewers got a glimpse of what their church is about. Over the years, Murphy has challenged the stigma of what a traditional church should look like. He wants people to walk into The dREAM Center and feel they can relate to the service.
“It’s my conviction that when people walk into the church, it should not be as if they walk into a foreign country,” Murphy told 11Alive. “That church should have some point of relativity where when people walk in, they feel, ‘OK, this does actually have something to do with my life.'”
Social media was divided about the video.
Why should there be only one way to worship?
As the times evolve, the church should evolve as well. Who says that the way you worship should have to remain traditional? As long as God is at the core of how you worship, the Black church should be open to embracing new ideas. Currently, younger people are reluctant to find a church home because elders don’t want to stray from the norms.
Now, when I saw the clip, I saw it simply as a crowd that was fellowshipping and choosing to spend New Year’s Eve in a space that felt safe and comfortable. Assumptions also shouldn’t be made off of a 40-second video.
The dReam Center is proof that there is clearly more than one way to worship, and it’s OK if it’s not always in a traditional fashion. Murphy stated his service that night was about working the prophecy.
“The spirit of God was there, and the power of God was present so much so, that 150 people said, ‘I gotta have this in my life,'” Murphy told 11Alive. “That’s the miracle of our New Year’s Eve service.”
Black churches might have to ask themselves the question: By remaining traditional, do they risk losing younger members, and if so, should they try to keep up with the times and add a little flair?
Bishop Murphy doesn’t have one regret.
Murphy is at peace with his decision to use the songs and doesn’t regret how he runs his church. He encourages naysayers to visit The dREAM Center and see what it’s all about.
Despite the backlash, the church has started 2024 on a high. Murphy credits their almost 20-year legacy to reaching both old and young people. It’s possible that more churches in the Atlanta area could adopt this approach.
What are your thoughts on this video? Do you agree with The dReam Center’s way of worship or not? Comment and let us know!
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