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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Criticizes Pastors For Encouraging Gospel Singers' Greed
Renowned Nigerian preacher and founder of Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has expressed strong concerns over the increasing commercialization of gospel music within the church. According to him, many gospel singers have shifted their focus from true worship to financial gain, and he places much of the blame on pastors who glorify these artists rather than guiding them toward genuine ministry.
During the recently concluded Your LoveWorld Season 11, Phase 2—held from February 5 to 7 and later uploaded on the church’s official YouTube page—Oyakhilome criticized the trend of gospel musicians prioritizing monetary rewards over soul-winning. He lamented that some artists who once worshipped in his ministry departed because their ambitions were no longer aligned with the church’s spiritual mission.
The Shift from Worship to Entertainment
Oyakhilome expressed disappointment over the transformation of church music, which, he argues, has become more about performance than divine reverence. He noted that many gospel singers today are more focused on entertainment and self-celebration rather than using their music as a tool for winning souls.
“Everything changed,” he remarked. “The music in the church became worldly, and instead of worshipping God, they danced and celebrated themselves. How many of those singers were actually committed to soul-winning? They were not soul winners.”
The pastor pointed out that while these musicians actively lead praise and worship sessions, they often skip prayer sessions to perform at other churches for financial gain. He emphasized that many of these artists have turned their craft into a business, treating the church as a mere stage rather than a sacred place of worship.
Pastors Enabling the Trend
Oyakhilome did not hold back in his criticism of pastors who, in his view, are complicit in this growing problem. He accused them of enabling and glorifying gospel artists rather than addressing the shift away from genuine ministry.
He admitted that he too had once fallen into this practice but later realized its negative impact on the spiritual atmosphere of the church.
“One day, those churches that were inviting them to perform special songs will stop,” he said. “Once these churches repent and begin to do the right thing, they will close their doors to such performances, because what these singers are doing is not from God. Ministry should be centered on true worship, not commercial ventures.”
The Danger of Prioritizing Money Over Ministry
Oyakhilome further criticized gospel musicians who, despite being shown the right path through scripture, have chosen financial rewards over spiritual service. He argued that their desire for wealth has blinded them to the true purpose of their calling.
“I showed them the right way through scripture, what was the right thing, but by then, they had become too popular and were making money—not even big money,” he stated. “Did they even know what real money is? The little they were making became too attractive, and their hearts were consumed by it.”
Despite his efforts to correct them, many refused to heed his warnings, opting instead to follow their own path. However, he expressed hope that some would eventually recognize their errors and return to a more genuine form of ministry.
“No Such Thing as a Worship Leader Ministry”
In addition to his critique of gospel artists, Oyakhilome dismissed the notion of a ‘worship leader ministry,’ claiming that it is not a divine calling.
“Those who move from one place to another, parading themselves as worship leaders, follow a false path,” he asserted. “There is no such thing as a worship leader ministry. Satan was the only one who had that role, and God removed him.”
According to him, true worship should take place within the church congregation, rather than through itinerant musicians who demand payment for their services. He urged churches to stop compensating gospel singers for their performances, arguing that if financial incentives were removed, many would abandon what they currently call ‘ministry.’
A Call for Spiritual Realignment
Oyakhilome’s statements serve as a clarion call for both gospel musicians and church leaders to reassess their priorities. He urged pastors to refocus on guiding their congregations toward authentic worship rather than endorsing the commercial aspects of gospel music. Similarly, he implored gospel singers to reevaluate their motivations and ensure their work aligns with a higher spiritual purpose.
His remarks have sparked discussions within the Christian community, with some supporting his stance and others debating the balance between professional gospel music and ministry. However, the overarching message remains clear—true worship must be rooted in spirituality rather than financial ambition.
As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen whether churches and gospel musicians will take heed of Oyakhilome’s words and embrace a shift back to what he describes as ‘true worship.’
