THE DISCUSSION surrounding financial expectations in the Nigerian gospel music industry has taken centre stage following Pastor Femi Lazarus’ recent remarks on the distinction between music ministry and music business.
The Explainer gathered that his statements, made during a sermon aired on YouTube, sparked reactions from various stakeholders, including singer Timi Dakolo, raising broader questions about the financial structures in faith-based music.
Pastor Lazarus argued that gospel music should remain a ministry rather than a commercial venture, insisting that true music ministers should be rooted in the church and avoid financial negotiations for performances.
“A music minister is one who expresses his ministry through music,” he explained. “A music artist is not a kingdom-based minister, hence is not for the church.”
He added that churches should not treat gospel singers as artists but as ministers, emphasising that they should be deeply connected to a local church.
“Any music minister you can’t trace to a church to see a pastor where the fellow is primarily learning doctrine is not a music minister. He’s an artist,” he asserted.
Lazarus warned against monetising spiritual assignments, questioning the practice of charging fees for performances.
“A music minister is not just one who sings but is sound in doctrine and full of the spirit. How can you be charging when the atmosphere is not charged?” he asked.
The Explainer learned that the controversy escalated when Lazarus’ comments led to questions about how gospel singers should sustain themselves financially. He advised that unless called into full-time ministry, they should have other sources of income.
“If God did not say follow me in full-time, plan your life. If not, you will suffer and say it’s the church that used you,” he cautioned.
He suggested alternative revenue streams, such as running music academies, which he described as a legitimate way of using one’s skills professionally.
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“A music minister can have an academy which definitely can be paid for because people are coming to gain knowledge professionally,” he explained.
While acknowledging that some churches provide salaries for their ministers to ensure focus and commitment, he warned against transactional relationships.
“It is very possible that a local assembly decided to put you on salary for the purpose of being dedicated and committed without distraction in your assignment. It is 100% scriptural,” he noted.
Timi Dakolo’s Response and the School of Ministry Debate
The Explainer gathered that singer Timi Dakolo was among those who publicly challenged Lazarus’ stance. Dakolo particularly questioned why the pastor condemned gospel singers for charging fees while his own school of ministry required a $150 fee per student.
In a social media post, Dakolo shared screenshots of emails from Lazarus’ school detailing the payment structure.
“Sir, you are charging as low as $150 per person for your school of ministry, teaching and preaching Jesus. Probably having as much as 1,000 students. Let’s do the maths. You even have premium and standard for God’s house? Are you not selling the gift and revelation freely given to you?” Dakolo asked.
He also dismissed the authenticity of an invoice Lazarus had referenced during his sermon, which allegedly showed a gospel artist requesting a $10,000 honorarium with a compulsory 50% non-refundable deposit.
“Nigerians, you should not believe everything you see. Nobody has a 40-man crew in Nigeria. Name the artist in order to justify capping,” Dakolo said.
The Explainer gathered that following the heated exchanges, Pastor Lazarus and Dakolo have reached a mutual understanding.
In a recent Instagram post, Lazarus shared a picture with Dakolo and fellow cleric Apostle Iren, expressing appreciation for Dakolo’s concerns.
“My brother @timidakolo is a music legend. Give him his flowers. What a man! He genuinely carries the burdens of musicians. His concerns are real. I love you. Better structures will be built. Pain is real. From pulpit to the pew, the pain is real, but we will be fine,” he wrote.
Lazarus also acknowledged the challenges in the industry, calling for a balanced approach where both hosts and guests in gospel music events operate with fairness.
“This generation will not have a carryover of pain. Hosts will do better. Guests will do better. We will have a better nation together,” he added.
Ministry or Business?
The debate over whether gospel music should be treated as ministry or business is not new, but the controversy surrounding Pastor Femi Lazarus’ recent statements has reignited discussions about financial ethics in faith-based spaces. Data from the Nigerian gospel music industry suggests a growing commercial landscape. According to a study conducted by Statista, the Nigerian music sector’s revenue grew from $26 million in 2014 to $34 million in 2018, with projections estimating growth to $44 million by 2023. While specific figures for the gospel segment are not detailed, the overall industry’s expansion indicates significant financial opportunities that many gospel artists navigate.
The financial compensation of worship leaders varies significantly across different congregations, influenced by factors such as church size, location, and the individual’s experience and qualifications.
According to a recent guide, worship leaders in the United States earn an average annual salary of approximately $50,117, with figures ranging from $21,500 to $73,500. Another source indicates that the median salary for a worship leader or pastor is around $43,000 per year.
These variations underscore the diverse approaches churches take in compensating their worship leaders, balancing the spiritual calling of ministry with the practical need for financial sustainability.
