The founder of Love World, also known as Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has criticized gospel singers who charge fees for their performances, stating that they are not truly singing for God.
Oyakhilome expressed concern over the commercialization of gospel music, lamenting that many churches have transformed into entertainment venues rather than places of worship.
His remarks, which have since gone viral on social media, have sparked discussions on the role of gospel artists and their financial demands.
In a widely shared video on X (formerly Twitter), originally posted by The Nation, the prominent pastor declared that gospel singers who monetize their talent will soon find themselves out of demand.
Oyakhilome reflected on his past support for these ministers but noted that divine revelation prompted him to reconsider. He emphasized that churches striving to be truly aligned with God’s will would cease inviting such artists.
His words: “The church lost their way of worship. The churches were turned into party places not prayer places. Well, God’s word was truly celebrated? No. Everything changed. The music in the church became worldly.
“They danced for themselves and celebrated themselves not God. How many of those singers were soul winners? They were never soul winners. They will lead praise in the church.
“And when it’s time for prayer, they’re out. They’ve gone to another church to do another song. They were professionals. Making money from the church. Charging for their singing. Pretending they were singing praise to God. It was all a charade. And many of the pastors didn’t know that this was the world coming to the church.
“And they help to celebrate them. I did at the beginning. When I changed, they refused to change with me. I had to let them go.
“Because God was getting my attention. And telling me, no, this is not the way. So I came back and I said to them if anybody celebrated you, I did. I said now, the Lord is asking us to do the right thing.”
The Christ Embassy leader underscored that true worship should not be a means for personal financial gain. He insisted that many of these musicians, rather than prioritizing spiritual service, were lured by the appeal of monetary compensation.
“And I showed from the scripture what was the right thing. And well, they have become too popular. And they were making some money. Which wasn’t big money. Do they even know what money is?” he remarked.
Oyakhilome further cautioned that churches currently extending invitations to these musicians would eventually withdraw their support once they realign with divine principles.
“And one day, those churches that were inviting them to come and do special singing for them, will stop inviting them. Once those churches repent, and start doing the right thing too. They’ll close their doors. Because what they’re doing is not from God. I told you what the ministry is supposed to be like for true worship.”
Taking a firm stance against what he called ‘professional worship leaders,’ Oyakhilome dismissed the idea of itinerant gospel singers collecting money in the name of ministry. He argued that the only recorded figure who once held such a role was cast out by God—referring to Satan.
“So those people parading, going from place to place that they are worship leaders. There’s nothing like that. They are not worship leaders. That ministry doesn’t exist.
“The only one who had that role was fired by God. And it was Satan. So true praise is in the house of God. Not some minister so and so. Traveling from place to place, collecting money from people to be paid and he says he’s a minister of worship.
“He’s not. Don’t give him money. Don’t pay and see what happens. That ministry will be retired very quickly.”
His statements have ignited conversations among religious and gospel music communities, with varying reactions from those who see gospel music as a form of ministry and those who believe artists deserve compensation for their craft. The debate continues on whether financial transactions should have any place in spiritual expressions of worship.