Renowned Nigerian pastor, Chris Oyakhilome, has voiced concerns over the relationship between the church and the music industry, claiming that the latter has consistently taken advantage of religious institutions. In a recent sermon, Pastor Chris accused the secular music industry of exploiting the church by nurturing talents who later abandon their faith-based roots for worldly success.
“In probably the last 50 years, no one has cheated the church like the music industry. What most of them have ever done is to use the church,” Pastor Chris stated, emphasizing that many secular musicians began their careers in church choirs before transitioning into mainstream music.
According to the Christ Embassy founder, these musicians are often exposed to negative influences in the industry and return with harmful ideologies that affect others in the church. “Always they are looking for how to use the church to make money, how to leverage the opportunities for financial reasons,” he said. “Once they start going out, they collect the same (evil) spirit and return to start luring out others.”
Pastor Chris advised church leaders to be cautious and ensure that musicians are not using the church as a stepping stone for personal gain. He stressed the importance of deeper church involvement for those with musical talents. “I say, Pastors, don’t give this important aspect of the ministry to those whose only desire is to take advantage of the church. Let them be in the cell ministries, let them participate,” he urged.
