Urges Churches to Prioritize Choir Members
Pastor Odekunle Epaphras has boldly stated that inviting gospel artists to church does not contribute to its growth. In the second episode of his series, Words to Pastors and Gospel Artists, he criticized the common practice of churches spending huge sums of money on guest gospel musicians while neglecting their own choir members.
According to Pastor Epaphras, deep studies and church growth principles have shown that gospel artists add no real value to a church’s spiritual or numerical growth. Instead, they often come only to perform, charge high fees, and leave immediately after their ministration. He argued that churches have turned into mere entertainment centers, where gospel artists introduce slangs and dances rather than focusing on salvation messages.
He also shared the experience of a longtime choir coordinator who revealed that in his church, choristers are often responsible for raising funds to invite gospel artists. Despite their dedication, they receive little to no appreciation from church leadership, while guest artists are given expensive gifts, including cars.
Pastor Epaphras questioned why pastors expect commitment from their choristers while failing to support them. He urged church leaders to focus on building their own choir, providing them with encouragement, and recognizing their labor instead of investing in external musicians who do not contribute to the church’s spiritual development.
He further warned that many gospel artists have turned ministry into a business, rather than a calling, and predicted that those without a home church or spiritual covering would eventually face disgrace.
His message was clear: churches do not need gospel artists to grow. Instead, pastors should nurture their in-house talents, appreciate their choir members, and invest in the people who serve consistently, rather than chasing after artists who offer nothing but entertainment.
