Pastor Chris Vs Sinanch: Gospel Musicians React

Nigerian gospel singers Mike Abdul and Esther Igbekele have responded to the news that Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy criticising gospel musicians for supposedly turning grace into filthy lucre.

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome recently hit the news waves across Nigeria after he criticized gospel musicians for putting their focus more on fame and money rather than serving God.

Pastor Chris had in his reaction to the exit of some of the popular musicians who grew under his ministry expressed concerns that gospel singers who charge fees for their performances were not truly singing for God.

According to him, churches have become more like party venues rather than places of worship. He further stated that those who make money from gospel music will soon stop being invited to minister.

He spoke following news reports that Nigerian musician Sinanch had stopped worshiping at Christ Embassy.

In response, gospel singer Mike Abdul said, ”I think it is just human behavior. There will always be extremes where people will be more lured by the money than the work. I think the church has been gracious enough to stretch a hand of honor and fellowship to the music of the gospel.

”So, I think when such extremes come, it depends on us to address them. It’s a good call actually, I won’t lie to you, so that we watch it and do what is right. People are engaging in the conversations, and it is a way of reminding us to watch it and do what is right. We need to be able to draw structures that will attend to the issue of money and the sustainability of what we do.”

On the other hand, gospel singer Esther Igbekele believes that gospel musicians should not live in poverty. She emphasized that gospel musicians have financial responsibilities and families to take care of.

She explained, ”Well, they both align together because choosing gospel music is somehow giving out to the Lord a mandate because there are other businesses. So it doesn’t mean you should be wretched. If you are worshiping the Lord, the Lord himself will bless you.

”As I’m talking to you, I’m on my way to a programme from Lagos to Akure (Ondo State). You know what it entails to move from point A to B, and I am working with grown-up people. They have families, they have bills to pay, and they have things to sort out. If you are not paying them, they will not follow you. So you won’t say because you are giving your life to God, you want to be worshipping God and you remain in penury.”

Responding to Pastor Chris, she added that while people have different opinions, she believes that gospel musicians should be supported financially. ”I am not in party to that kind of argument. But you know, there are two sides to a coin, so people think differently. But for me, if God is really giving you the courage to do his work, people should bless your life.”

Igbekele disagreed with the claim that churches have turned worship into a party. She pointed out that many people today struggle with depression and attend church to feel uplifted. ”The truth is, many people in the world today are struggling with depression. They feel down and need something to lift their spirits. That’s why some people go to church—not necessarily for deep worship, but just to feel happy and forget their problems for a while.”

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