Renowned preacher Apostle Femi Lazarus has strongly criticized the high fees charged by some gospel singers for their ministrations, describing them as excessive and contrary to the spirit of true worship.
During a recent sermon, he expressed his concern over the growing commercialization of gospel music, arguing that financial gain should never overshadow the purpose of spreading God’s word.
According to him, some gospel ministers now operate more like entertainers than worshippers, placing heavy financial burdens on churches that invite them.
To illustrate his point, Apostle Lazarus shared a purported invoice from a gospel artist, revealing shocking demands. The document reportedly listed a $10,000 honorarium, first-class flight tickets, and luxury accommodation as requirements for the artist’s appearance.
He pointed out what he saw as the hypocrisy in calling such payments an “honorarium” rather than an outright price tag.
“The mistake on that invoice is the word ‘honorarium’ used; just tell them the price. When they pay you this amount of money, you will shout and roll on the floor, but those who know God know He’s not there,” he stated, criticizing the prioritization of money over spiritual impact.
The preacher warned that this trend is dangerous, as it shifts the focus from genuine worship to financial negotiations.
He argued that while ministers of the gospel deserve to be supported, there is a difference between reasonable compensation and outright commercialism.
According to him, true gospel ministry should be led by a desire to serve God and His people, rather than to maximize profit.
He urged churches and Christian communities to reflect deeply on whether such financial expectations align with the teachings of Christ.
Apostle Lazarus also accused some gospel singers of unfairly targeting smaller ministries with exorbitant fees while seeking favor and endorsements from influential pastors.
He alleged that these artists often lower or waive their charges when invited by high-profile pastors, using such platforms to gain more recognition.
“Many charlatans like this don’t bill big pastors because they use big pastors for endorsement,” he remarked, suggesting that financial demands were often selective and based on strategic career benefits rather than genuine service to God.
His statements have sparked mixed reactions from the Christian community. Some supporters agree that the high fees charged by gospel artists contradict the principles of ministry and create unnecessary barriers for churches with limited financial resources.
They believe that worship should be offered freely or at least without financial conditions that make it seem like a business transaction.
Others have pointed out that some churches struggle to invite gospel artists due to these heavy financial demands, limiting their ability to create meaningful worship experiences.
However, others argue that gospel singers deserve fair compensation for their work, just like professionals in other industries.
They note that many artists rely solely on music for their livelihood and must cover expenses such as production, travel, and band fees.
Supporters of this view stress that being a gospel musician requires time, effort, and financial investment, and that churches should not expect artists to perform for free.
As the debate continues, the issue raises broader questions about the balance between ministry and financial sustainability in gospel music today.
