- Pastor Chris Oyakhilome accused gospel artistes of using the church as a platform for self-promotion and financial gain
- The founder of Christ Embassy claimed that many gospel singers lack a genuine understanding of God's word, relying instead on their poetic talents
- Oyakhilome's comments have garnered more reactions to fuel the ongoing debate on whether gospel artistes should charge for their performances
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Christ Embassy and LoveWorld president, has weighed in on the ongoing controversy in the gospel music industry.
In a sermon, Oyakhilome alleged that the gospel music industry has exploited the church more than any other entity.
Oyakhilome claimed that numerous gospel artistes have utilised the church as a platform for self-promotion, only to abandon their spiritual roots and establish their own churches or pursue lucrative opportunities.
He asserted that Satan manipulates these artistes, instilling in them ideas to capitalise on the church's resources for financial gain.
He stated,
“In probably the last 40 years or maybe 50, no one has cheated the church like from the music, I don't know whether to call it industry.
“No one has cheated the church like those people.
What most of them have ever done is to use the church.
“And if you look at the history 50 years longer than I have mentioned then, you'll see many worldly singers that started in the church. They were in the choir, they were leading praise and they ended up in the world.”
“They use the church to gain popularity, either they start a church with that opportunity, or find a way to use that opportunity to make money.
“Satan enters their mind and gives them ideas on how to leverage the opportunity given to them in the house of the Lord for financial reasons.”
The LoveWorld president further posited that many gospel singers lack a genuine understanding of God's word, relying instead on their poetic talent—a gift that he noted even sinners can possess.
This address comes amidst an online debate sparked by Timi Dakolo and Apostle Femi Lazarus.
Netizens react to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s sermon
@fanyiwilliams wrote: “No body has raised great Gosple ministers like he has raised and he has every right to say what his saying and if you don't like what he is saying then you have a problem, he blessed all those ministers financially to the point they were all millionaires so trust me his pained yes he is but the truth remains that some of the ministers decided to monetize their craft at the expense of the anointing of the gospel which was once given to them.”
@monmartt_kids wrote: “They become so big that they won't go for the same rehearsals that built them, they won't attend services or walk in at the middle and walk out, Fighting everywhere for money and royalties.... its unfortunate...they were never part of the church...they just saw a play form and used it., because if they were..why suddenly the same church that built them can no longer afford them., they start criticizing the pastors that helped them and the congregation that built them cannot stand close to them again...it's a matter of time.. God cannot be mocked. They were never part of the church...they were looking for platforms..now they are fighting everywhere and then you tube videos money and royalty is not the aim..it's well with us. Once again God cannot be mocked.”
@onyigil2003 wrote: “This is why the Catholic choirs/choristers deserve their flowers. They are very dedicated without being paid or remunerated. The quantum of sacrifices they make is immeasurable.”
@sis_miracle wrote: “This man try for gospel music people Sha.”
@the_soundcode_expert wrote: “Fellow loveworld citizens, let's gather here for a righteous
selfie.”
@creamyposh wrote: “I will rather allow my kids be playing the "worldly" gospel music than the other type. Sincerely I see no wrong in making a career out of gospel music. Is pastoring not a career too. In one way or the other, our pastors make money from there so why should gospel artists not make money from their music as well??? We all pray that God should bless our talents (handwork) so why is this an issue. Everyone will not sing circular music, let some sing gospel we can dance too. God is not against that. If God tells them do it strictly for me in church, it's left for them to obey. Please let's stop all this!”
@thebrainbusy wrote: “I completely disagree nobody uses the church more than pastors and politicians.”
@consultme_rach wrote: “Come on now. Let's be sincere to ourselves. The gift that God puts in a man is to make him/her prosperous and fulfil destiny So make these guys no make money with the gift? I don't understand this attack on gospel artists. It is becoming worrisome.
The same church that will push and support wicked and dubious politicians that steal in broad day light from the citizens and enrich them selves should stop complaining about artist making a living with the gift God has given them, Leave them alone for God to judge abeg. E don do.”
@moralove wrote: “No Pastor Chris slander will be tolerated & watch your tongue o! I said what i said! He is Right!”
@Alekkiikoyirealtor wrote: “All the so-called gospel artists that left his church have all lost relevance. Their impact moved from worldwide to zero. Nobody talks about them anymore. You practically have to Google them to know what's going on with them. You don't bite the finger that fed you. That's what they did and their relevance disappeared gradually.”
@dubby_710 wrote: “Lowkey pastor de talk about Mercy Chinwo.”
@mariocomedian wrote: “Pastor, Chris really took care of his music ministers... they all left out of greed.”
@senatorani wrote: “Most instrumentalist who play in secular got trained in and by the church. I know a couple of them.”
“Fire incident will allow me to carry out my wish,” Pastor Oyakhilome reacts to church burning
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Pastor Chris said the fire incident makes it easy for him to rebuild the church to his taste.
He further said people should expect a bigger church than what was razed down.
Nigerians have reacted to the incident, including former governor Peter Obi.