Founder of LoveWorld, popularly known as Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has spoken out against gospel musicians who demand payment for their performances, stating that such acts are not truly dedicated to God.
In a viral video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by The Nation on Saturday, Pastor Oyakhilome lamented that churches have shifted away from their original purpose, becoming more of entertainment venues rather than places of worship. He asserted that many gospel artists who prioritize financial gain over spiritual service would eventually find themselves sidelined.
Churches Have Lost Their True Purpose
According to Pastor Oyakhilome, the modern church has deviated from genuine worship, with music becoming more about self-promotion rather than devotion to God. He emphasized that many gospel singers who perform in churches are not true soul winners but professionals exploiting religious platforms for monetary gain.
“The church has lost its way in worship,” he stated. “It has become a place of entertainment rather than prayer. The music has shifted from genuine praise to a worldly spectacle, where singers celebrate themselves instead of glorifying God.”
Criticism of Paid Worship Ministers
The pastor further criticized gospel singers who move from one church to another, charging fees for their performances while claiming to minister in God’s name. He noted that such practices contradict the essence of worship.
“They lead praise in church, but when it’s time for prayer, they leave—off to another venue for another paid performance,” he remarked. “They operate as professionals, turning church music into a business rather than a ministry. This is a deception that many pastors fail to recognize.”
Oyakhilome admitted that he once celebrated these singers but later realized that God was leading him in a different direction. He explained that when he tried to redirect them towards true worship, many refused to follow, as they had become too attached to financial rewards.
“They had gained popularity and were earning money—not even large sums, but enough to distract them,” he said. “Their hearts were consumed by material gain, making them unwilling to embrace the right path. I warned them that they were heading in the wrong direction.”
The End of Commercialized Worship
Pastor Oyakhilome predicted that as churches undergo spiritual reawakening, they will stop inviting these singers for paid performances. He asserted that once congregations return to authentic worship, the demand for such professional gospel artists would decline.
“The day churches truly repent and align with God’s will, they will no longer invite these singers,” he declared. “Once the church doors close to them, their so-called ministry will fade away—because it was never from God in the first place.”
The Christ Embassy founder also dismissed the concept of “worship leaders” who travel from church to church, stating that no such ministry exists in scripture. He compared this self-proclaimed role to that of Satan, who was once a heavenly worship leader before being cast out by God.
“There’s no such thing as a traveling worship leader collecting money for performances,” he said. “If you stop paying them, you’ll see how quickly their ‘ministry’ disappears.”
A Call for True Worship
Pastor Oyakhilome urged churches to return to sincere, scripture-based worship, warning against commercializing what should be a sacred act of devotion. He expressed hope that those who had strayed would recognize their missteps and realign themselves with true Christian principles.
His remarks have sparked widespread reactions, with some supporting his stance while others argue that gospel musicians should be compensated for their work. Regardless, his message calls for deep reflection on the role of worship in modern churches.
