The founder of LoveWorld, popularly known as Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has shed light on why some gospel musicians parted ways with the church.
According to Oyakhilome, many of these artistes prioritized fame and financial gain over their spiritual calling. He lamented that church worship had become more about entertainment than devotion, with music losing its intended essence.
Speaking in a viral video, Oyakhilome expressed concern that while these artistes actively led praise and worship sessions, they often skipped prayer meetings, which he saw as a red flag in their dedication to God’s work.
“The church was turned into a party place, not a place of prayer where God’s word is truly celebrated,” he said. “They were not soul winners. They led praise in church, but when it was time for prayers, they were gone.”
The pastor also criticized the growing commercialization of gospel music, stating that some musicians began charging fees for performances, shifting their focus from spiritual duty to personal success.
“I told them the Lord wanted us to do the right thing, but they had become too popular. Because they were making even a little money… do they even know what big money is? That little money was too attractive to them, so they didn’t want to follow me. They made a detour,” he added.
Despite their departure, Oyakhilome expressed hope that those who left the church would realign their priorities and return to their spiritual roots. The 61-year-old pastor emphasized that his stance was not about control but about ensuring that worship remained a genuine act of devotion rather than a pursuit of material success.
