Founder of Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has shed light on the reasons behind the departure of some gospel artistes from his church, attributing it to their pursuit of fame and financial gain over spiritual commitment.
In a video clip circulating online, Oyakhilome lamented the shift in focus among some gospel musicians, stating that many had prioritized personal success over their calling to lead worship in its purest form.
The pastor expressed concern that gospel music had lost its essence, with some artistes treating worship sessions like entertainment rather than a time of true devotion.
He criticized their lack of commitment to prayer, noting that while they actively led praise and worship, they often skipped prayer meetings—a sign, he said, of misplaced priorities.
“I noticed that music had turned the church into a party place instead of a prayer place,” Oyakhilome remarked.
Another major issue he highlighted was the monetization of ministry, as some artistes began charging fees for their performances.
According to him, this shift from service to business indicated a drift away from their spiritual purpose.
“I initially celebrated them, but when I changed, they refused to change with me, so I had to let them go,” he explained.
Oyakhilome shared that he felt divine conviction about the way gospel music was being handled in the church.
However, despite his efforts to redirect the musicians toward a more spiritually fulfilling path, they resisted.
“They became too popular, and even the little money they were making became too attractive to them,” he said. “They didn’t want to follow me. So, they made a detour. I hope they all repent. They are not worship leaders.”
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The Christ Embassy leader emphasized that his decision was not based on personal differences but on a desire to align the church’s music ministry with God’s will.
He urged gospel artistes to reflect on their true purpose and prioritize their spiritual responsibilities over worldly ambitions.
His remarks have sparked mixed reactions among worshippers and gospel music lovers, with some supporting his stance on maintaining the sanctity of worship, while others argue that gospel artistes should be compensated for their work.
Despite the controversy, Oyakhilome remains steadfast in his conviction, maintaining that true worship should come from a place of spiritual dedication rather than financial motivation.