Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the founder of Love World, also known as Christ Embassy, expressed his concerns about the departure of several gospel singers from his congregation.
According to Oyakhilome, these musicians left because they were more focused on earthly gain and fame rather than serving God with their talents.
“The church was turned into a party place, not a prayer place where God’s word was truly celebrated… they were not soul winners; they led praise in church, and when it was time for prayers, they were gone,” Oyakhilome stated. He highlighted a shift in the church’s worship practices, noting that the music had become “worldly,” with performers more interested in self-celebration than divine worship.
He further elaborated on the commercialization of gospel music within the church, saying, “The church lost its way of worship, and everything changed, the music in the church became worldly, they danced for themselves, celebrated themselves not God, they charged for their singing, they became professionals making money from the church… and many pastors didn’t know that this was the world coming into the church.”
Oyakhilome admitted to having initially celebrated these musicians but took a different stance when he noticed their deviation from spiritual values. “I did at the beginning and celebrated them, but when I changed, they refused to change with me, so I had to let them go; God was getting my attention and saying this is not the way,” he reflected.
He attempted to guide these artists back to what he believes is the right path, but they chose to leave instead. “I told them the lord wanted us to do the right thing… they had become too popular and because they were making even little money… do they know what big money is? The little money they were making was too attractive to them, so they didn’t want to follow me, so they made a detour… I hope they all repent… they are not worship leaders,” Oyakhilome concluded, expressing a hope for their spiritual return.