Singers and Pastors Clash Over Payment Debate for Gospel Artists
Femi Lazarus, the head pastor at Light Nation Church, has recently added his perspective to the ongoing discussion about whether gospel artists should receive payment when performing their ministry within churches and various events.
He stated, "A music minister conveys their calling via musical expression. A music artist typically does not serve as a clergy member within a religious organization; therefore, they aren't part of the church structure. Churches do not employ music artists. While there's no issue with being a music artist, our role here involves someone designated specifically as a music minister."
Every music minister who cannot be linked to a church to observe a pastor, where the individual mainly learns theology, is not truly a music minister. They are simply an artist.
A music minister is more than someone who simply sings; they must also be grounded in correct teachings and filled with the Spirit. How can you lead others when the environment isn’t energized?
A music minister receives the same training as our pastors. They manage God’s gifts without turning them into commodities. Once you start negotiating fees for singing, you become a businessperson. If every music minister were paid, the ushers would argue that they should be compensated too since they stand for extended periods.
In response to worries about how gospel preachers can support themselves economically, Lazarus advised them to explore additional revenue streams unless they were divinely called to pursue full-time ministry.
'Gospel artists should not prioritize money.'
Pastor Yemi Davids, who founded Global Impact Churches and serves as the chairman of the Lagos branch of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, shared his insights during a YouTube livestream alongside family life therapist Praise Fowowe. This discussion included contributions from Pastor Godman Akinlabi, gospel artists Tope Alabi and Wale Adenuga, and music producer ID Cabasa, delving into the intricacies involved in compensating gospel performers.
" Personally, I have reservations about using the term 'charge'. It’s important for us to involve pastors, and my aim with PFN is to help close this gap. Each interaction necessitates organization, and pastors ought to take into account the logistical aspects of welcoming evangelists," explained Davids.
Nevertheless, he also took issue with gospel artists who focus more on monetary discussions than spiritual ones.
I lead thousands of individuals, but I've delivered sermons in what some might view as small churches. Through my involvement with PFN, I’ve realized that most churches do not belong to the category of large congregations. Does this mean that a top-tier gospel performer should avoid serving at smaller ministry groups due to their fame? In my opinion, they shouldn't.
This problem occurs when payment takes precedence over everything else. Last year, we invited a prominent gospel artist for an event, and when our team reached out to their representative, the initial query was, 'What is your offer?' Prioritizing compensation before even discussing the date or nature of the program indicated where their interests lay. As soon as I heard this, I cut off the conversation because such financial considerations at the outset raised red flags.
Each artist acts based on their individual beliefs. — Tope Alabi
In contrast, Tope Alabi shared her viewpoint. She mentioned that she frequently performed in both intimate and big congregations without worrying about receiving compensation.
She mentioned, "I serve in different churches, and up until now, I have no idea about the negotiations my husband conducts with them. Sometimes, as we travel to an event, God might instruct me, and I'll inform my spouse, 'Regardless of what agreement was made, I'm leaving behind a check for a specific sum.' This happens quite often. For example, I remember one occasion where my husband informed a church that had already paid him, 'As you're not hosting the event anymore, I will refund the money.' I actually heard that discussion."
Although she avoided criticizing those who levy charges, she stressed that each performer acts according to their own principles.
People have their own reasons for their actions. I won’t judge anybody. Some artists charge fees, while others don't; it varies based on what they believe God instructed them to do. Maybe some haven't been directed to cease charging, whereas others have.
Professionalism vs ministry
Pastor Harrison Ayintete from The Goodness Nation Church firmly endorsed compensating gospel artists. During an interview with Saturday Beats, he stated, "Bible colleges often charge up to $50,000. If you cannot cover those costs, study the Bible independently! Likewise, if you're unable to pay a gospel musician, learn to perform music yourself. Gospel performers excel professionally for valid reasons. When inviting them, ensure you’re ready to remunerate their efforts appropriately; otherwise, it constitutes deceit."
He went on, "Churches extend invitations to prominent gospel performers due to the ambiance and media attention these artists generate for worship sessions. Such musicians often spend substantial sums on recording tracks, making videos, and compensating staff members. Should you wish to have them perform at your gathering, expect to bear such financial burdens. Nobody compels churches to host them. If divine favor rests upon us, shouldn't we cultivate our own talented choirs rather than depending solely on outside talent?"
The renowned music producer K-Solo voiced comparable opinions, criticizing Lazarus' position.
"What Femi Lazarus stated is obsolete. Should we pay someone less simply because they are Christians? Whether one works as a musician or becomes a pastor, both roles involve performing duties professionally. Since clergymen get compensated for their work, why wouldn't musicians deserve similar treatment?" he argued.
He emphasized the significant financial requirements involved in a career in gospel music. "A lot of choir members do not release albums; they only perform during services. However, for professional gospel artists, expenses such as producers, session musicians, and studio costs must be covered. If you're unwilling to compensate them, then don't refer to them as professionals."
Juggling religious beliefs with fiscal duties
The singer and evangelist known as Kas Shobayo, also called Kas Beats, recounted his own story about ministering without charge for many years until he came face-to-face with the economic challenges associated with religious work.
During an interview with Saturday Beats, he mentioned, "For 12 years, I played drums at church without expecting compensation. However, as my circumstances evolved, I started grasping what Paul was talking about when he discussed getting support from those we assist."
I will never charge a fee for ministry, but those who invite me must recognize my duties and offer their support whenever feasible.
'It's about honor, not merely money.'
The renowned Gospel Fuji musician, Dekunle Fuji, also offered his perspectives on how respected pastors appropriately remunerate Gospel artists without needing to be prompted.
"When Pastor Paul Adefararin or Pastor Chris Oyakhilome ask you to lead a service, they understand the expectations without needing clarification from you. In one church I visited, they simply greeted me with 'God bless you.' I didn't bill them, nor did I request anything," he remarked.
Nevertheless, he condemned churches that declined to compensate gospel artists even though they had the resources to do so.
Music is a career. Would you advise a physician not to bill patients since they feel called to heal? Numerous ministers earn significant incomes; however, funds designated for Levitical roles such as musicians and singers often go unnoticed. I acknowledge that when a church is newly established and truly lacks the means to compensate artists, this situation may be understandable. However, well-established churches ought to improve their practices," he stated during an interview with Saturday Beats. "Consider the changes in the lives of Sinach and Eben—it’s due to people who supported them beyond offering performance opportunities within the congregation but also provided financial backing.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).