Band draws backlash after performing AC/DC song during worship service at Indiana church

A non-denominational church in Indiana has drawn some criticisms after a worship band performed AC/DC's "Money Talks" during a Sunday morning service.

The worship team of Fort Wayne Pointe Church in Indiana clapped and danced as the band performed the song from AC/DC, a secular rock group known for the song "Highway to Hell," which celebrates having a party in Hell with one's friends.

According to Christian News Network, the song was meant to be tied in with the Pointe Church sermon series titled "I Was Broke, Now I'm Not," and was performed just after the leaders led the congregation in a prayer, asking that God would speak to those in attendance who do not know him.

Part of the song was reportedly altered to replace the tune's reference to "where the red hot girls keep on dancing through the night" to "where the rock and roll bands keep rocking through the night."

The performance drew mixed reactions from online viewers with one saying: "This is shameful! AC/DC in church."

"Next time, do Slayer's 'South of Heaven' and do [a] series on Bible prophecy or Hell," another viewer wrote.

At the conclusion of the song, Pointe Church Worship Pastor Josh Anders asked the audience members to "give it up" for the lead guitarist.

"Do you guys like that? It's good stuff, right? Good stuff. Hey, a little 'Money Talks' AC/DC this morning," said a man named John, who identified himself as one of the church's board members.

Another church in South Carolina drew controversy in 2009 for playing AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" during an Easter worship service.

Perry Noble, who was pastor of NewSpring Church at the time, garnered criticism from some congregants, as he said he felt that the ultimate effect of the song was positive. In March 2016, he said that he would choose to play the song again like he did in 2009, and he would also play AC/DC's other hit titled "Hells Bells."

The former NewSpring pastor said that despite the criticism he received, he felt that the approach ultimately turned people to Christ.

"We literally had a guy tell us that he decided to give his life to Christ in the service as 'Highway to Hell' was being played – that he felt the Lord speak to him and say, 'That's the road you are on, and you need to give your life to Me!'" Noble claimed.

In a blog post, Noble said that he was astounded in 2009 when his decision to play the song drew criticism. He maintained that his intention in playing the popular song was to "create a moment for the unchurched people to let their guard down."

Despite the controversy, Noble said he felt that the service had achieved its mission. He was eventually fired from the church in July 2016 after a year of struggling with alcohol abuse.