Nigerian pastor Femi Lazarus has sparked yet another wave of debate in the gospel music industry, this time clarifying his controversial stance on why music ministers should not charge fees for their performances. In a sermon broadcast on YouTube this past Sunday, Lazarus made it clear that music ministry should not be commercialized, urging gospel ministers to focus on their divine calling rather than financial gain.
Music Ministers vs. Music Artists: What’s the Difference?
According to Lazarus, the key distinction between a “music minister” and a “music artist” is rooted in their mission and purpose. He emphasized that music ministers are those who have been called into ministry and express their faith through music. In contrast, he explained that music artists, though not inherently wrong, are essentially entertainers who engage in business, not ministry. Lazarus stated, “A music minister is one who expresses his ministry through music. A music artist is not a kingdom-based minister and is not meant for the church.”
Lazarus went on to challenge the idea of charging for performances, questioning how a music minister can genuinely create a “charged” atmosphere of worship while demanding payment. “How can you be charging when the atmosphere is not charged?” he asked, adding that a true music minister should be as committed to sound doctrine as pastors are. “A music minister is trained like a pastor, without commercializing God’s gift.”
The Dangers of Commercializing Ministry
The pastor also cautioned against the business approach that some gospel musicians adopt, stressing that once money becomes the focus, the line between ministry and business blurs. “The moment you bargain to sing, you are a businessman,” Lazarus stated. While he acknowledged that there is a place for music business, he urged ministers not to confuse their calling with commercial interests.
He also gave an example of music ministers such as Nathaniel Bassey and Bukola Bekes, calling them templates for what genuine music ministry should look like. He further explained, “A music minister is primarily established in a local assembly,” reinforcing the idea that a true minister is rooted in a church community.
Balancing Ministry and Financial Stability
For those concerned about the financial sustainability of music ministers, Lazarus suggested that those without a clear divine calling to full-time ministry should seek alternative income streams. “If God did not call you into full-time ministry, get a job while you serve with your gift,” Lazarus advised. He also encouraged ministers to build businesses and pursue education to secure their futures without relying solely on church offerings or music ministry for survival.
“Have plans, have businesses. Go to school and get a certificate,” he urged, adding that music ministers could still pursue their passions and serve in church while maintaining professional careers outside of ministry. He suggested that a music minister could even run a paid academy, teaching others professionally, just as schools charge for knowledge.
Church Support and the True Purpose of Ministry
Lazarus acknowledged that some churches provide salaries to music ministers to support their dedication. However, he stressed that these arrangements should always remain focused on the ministry’s true purpose and not become transactional. “If you marry and claim to be in full-time ministry but don’t have a structure for providing for your family, you’re worse than an infidel,” he warned.
In conclusion, Lazarus urged pastors to stop pressuring their ministers to spend excessive amounts of money on self-promotion. He criticized the rise of “controversial” publicity and the trend of using platforms like YouTube to publicize divisive content for financial gain. “If you divide the body of Christ for dollars, you’ll cry for it at the end,” he cautioned.
His remarks follow a public back-and-forth with Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo, who had recently criticized Lazarus for his views on the financial demands of gospel musicians. As the debate continues to unfold, it’s clear that Lazarus’ message has resonated deeply within the gospel music community, forcing a broader conversation about the balance between ministry and business in today’s church.
