Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the founder of LoveWorld, also known as Christ Embassy, has spoken about why several gospel singers left his church. He noted that many of these musicians became more focused on financial gain and personal fame rather than using their talents to serve God.
Speaking during a church program, Oyakhilome expressed concern over how worship in the church had changed over time. He noted that some gospel singers had turned their performances into a means of self-promotion rather than genuine devotion to God.
He also observed that while these singers were active during praise and worship sessions, they often did not participate in prayer meetings, which he saw as a sign that they were not fully committed to their spiritual calling.
“Why did it happen? The church was turned into a party place, not a prayer place where God’s word was truly celebrated…they were not soul winners; they led praise in church, and when it was time for prayers, they were gone,” he said.
Oyakhilome explained that as time went on, he realized that many of these musicians were charging fees for their performances, which, in his view, was not in line with true worship. He noted that instead of using their gifts for ministry, they had started treating gospel music as a business, seeking personal success rather than spiritual growth.
“The church lost its way of worship, and everything changed, the music in the church became worldly, they danced for themselves, celebrated themselves not God, they charged for their singing, they became professionals making money from the church….and many pastors didn’t know that this was the world coming into the church,” he stated.
The cleric revealed that he initially supported and celebrated these musicians, believing that they were using their talents for the right purpose. However, as he became more aware of the direction they were taking, he tried to correct them. Despite his efforts, many of them refused to change and ultimately left the church.
“I did at the beginning and celebrated them, but when I changed, they refused to change with me, so I had to let them go; God was getting my attention and saying this is not the way.
“I told them the Lord wanted us to do the right thing…they had become too popular and because they were making even little money….do they know what big money is? The little money they were making was too attractive to them, so they didn’t want to follow me, so they made a detour….I hope they all repent…..they are not worship leaders,” he added.
