The debate over whether gospel ministers should charge for guest ministrations in churches has sparked conversations within the Christian community. Renowned gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey recently weighed in on the topic, explaining why he chooses not to charge for his performances.
Speaking during a sermon, Bassey shared his personal conviction:
“If a church invites me to minister, they are doing two things: inviting me to minister to God and His people. To my understanding, when you ask me to minister to God, I can’t charge Him. How much did He charge me for His blood on Calvary? That blood is the very reason for my ministry. It’s a personal decision for me, and it has worked for me, so why change what is working?”
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His statement comes in response to the viral remarks of Apostle Femi Lazarus, who criticized gospel artists for charging fees for church performances. The pastor recounted an instance where a gospel singer demanded ₦5 million to minister at his church, arguing that ministry should not be commercialized. His comments ignited a heated discussion within the gospel music community.
On the other side of the debate, singer Timi Dakolo defended gospel musicians, emphasizing the financial investment required to sustain their craft. In a detailed post, Dakolo urged Christians to acknowledge that music, beyond its spiritual significance, is also a profession that demands compensation.
“Dear Christians, a quote or conversation can sound intelligent and deep yet still be untrue. Just like everyone else, you deserve the very best things life has to offer. You should be paid what you deserve. Studio sessions, production, and promotion cost a lot. You have a family to feed, rent to pay, and more songs to create. If you can’t afford an artist, use your choir members and pay them what you would have given the guest artist.”
The debate continues to divide opinions, with some supporting the idea of gospel music as a calling that should not be monetized, while others stress that artists should be compensated for their work.