Many of the Worship Meetings in Nigeria Have Become Performance?” – Pastor Femi Lazarus Expresses Concerns Over Commercialization of Worship

In recent remarks, Pastor Femi Lazarus raised concerns about the growing commercialization of worship services in Nigerian churches, particularly the trend where some worship leaders and performers charge exorbitant fees for their participation. Many of the worship meetings in Africa, in Nigeria, have become performance, Pastor Lazarus said during a recent sermon.

His comments shed light on what he believes is a troubling trend within religious gatherings, where worship is increasingly treated as a business transaction rather than a spiritual experience.

Pastor Lazarus specifically addressed the practice of charging high fees for performers, such as musicians and drama artists, to lead worship. “Somebody has charged five million to come here to sing, he will do drama, he will roll on the floor, he will cry, he is doing his business,” the pastor explained. He pointed out that these performers often hire additional staff, such as saxophonists, keyboardists, and guitarists, all of whom are paid separately. “If he doesn’t charge, how will he pay them?” Lazarus asked, questioning the financial structure behind such performances.

The pastor’s message emphasized a disconnect from true spiritual worship, which he believes should not be rooted in monetary exchanges. “We have been so far from the presence, we don’t know if supplies need that,” he said, expressing his concerns about how commercialism has replaced genuine worship. According to Lazarus, this trend is reflective of a broader lack of understanding among some churchgoers about the purpose of worship and the nature of God’s calling.

Addressing the growing trend of paid performances, Lazarus commented on the influence of Western culture on Nigerian worship practices. “You will be amazed that they would let ministers charge while on the phone, somebody is doing the charging for them,” Lazarus remarked, noting that the commercialization of worship has become a global issue. He lamented that this approach to worship could have far-reaching consequences, warning that it could lead to further corruption in the church.

In his broader critique, Lazarus pointed to the historical impact of commercialization on Western churches, noting that similar practices have led to the moral decline of many musicians in those regions. “Go and check the western world, they had this before us. This is what I’m saying, as they began to do all this promoter, all this, all this,” he said, referencing how the commercialization of worship and performance had negatively affected many artists.

Pastor Lazarus concluded by reiterating the need for a return to genuine worship, free from commercial influences. He called on Nigerian churches to reassess their practices and prioritize spiritual connection over financial gain, stressing that true worship should be about honoring God rather than making a profit.