In recent weeks, the debate in Nigeria over the high fees for performing gospel musicians in churches has intensified, raising concerns about the commercialization of gospel music. Many pastors and church members believe that gospel music should be primarily a ministry rather than a business, and that excessive expenses contradict the nature of worship.
Some claim that high fees can put financial pressure on the church, especially the smaller congregation, and limit the opportunity for anointed worship leaders who can serve freely. Critics argue that gospel musicians should be spiritually motivated rather than profit-oriented, stressing that worshiping worshipers is a call, not just a profession.
On the other hand, many gospel musicians defend their expenses and point out that their work requires professionalism, preparation and financial sustainability. They believe that like priests, musicians have invested years of time to develop their own crafts, purchase equipment and travel for engagement, which is a fee that must be covered. Furthermore, some musicians point out that the church expects excellent service but often fails to adequately compensate those leaders.
The debate highlights a bigger problem: the boundary between ministry and profession in gospel music. While some believe that worship should be freely provided, others insist that gospel musicians should be fairly compensated for their time, effort and expertise. The conversation continues to spark discussions on how to balance the spiritual and financial aspects of gospel music in the Christian community in Nigeria.
Music plays an important role in the church and is a tool for worship, inspiration and spiritual education. However, in the church environment, there are two main ways to engage in music mainly: music as ministry and music as profession. Although both contribute to the church’s worship experience, they differ in purpose, method and expectations.
1. Music as a ministry: Calling for Service
definition:
Music as music for ministry is rooted in the spiritual call to serve God and the church community through worship and praise. This is an act of dedication and obedience to God, not a means of personal benefit.
Key Features:
🎶 Driven by purpose, not paid: The Minister of Music prioritizes worship over financial compensation. Although they may be supported by the church, their main focus is to serve God and lead people into His presence.
🙏 Spiritual leadership, not only based on skills: Minister musicians emphasize the spiritual influence of music. Their focus is on anointing, worship and the movement of the Holy Spirit, not just technical excellence.
🎼 Commitment to the body of the church: The Minister of Music often makes long-term commitments to his local church, serving ongoingly in worship teams, choirs or special services. Their roles are deeply connected to the spiritual life of the congregation.
📖 Rooted in biblical worship: Those who see music as a ministry often draw motivation from the Bible, believing that their role is to help others experience God. Examples include the Levites in the Old Testament, who were appointed to worship in the temple (1 Chronicles 16:4-6).
Music Department Challenges:
Possibly lack of financial sustainability – many musicians serving in ministry do so voluntarily or with minimal compensation.
A strong spiritual discipline is required – A heart of service means dealing with challenges, criticism and spiritual warfare with humility and faith.
Not always recognized as a formal profession – some churches may struggle to strike a balance between spiritual service and fair compensation.
2. Music as a Career: A Skill-Based Career Path
definition:
Music as a profession of the church is to often receive financial compensation for one’s own work when one can use music as a career path. It involves a high level of skills, training and professionalism, similar to any other employment field.
Key Features:
💰 Source of livelihood: Professional musicians see their skills as a means of making a living, and they expect compensation for their work in churches or in administrators.
🎵 Skills, training and excellence are crucial: Professional church musicians often receive formal training in music theory, instruments and performances. Many churches hire trained musicians to enhance the liturgical service.
📅 Work based on contract or rotation: Unlike ministry musicians closely associated with congregations, professional musicians can work with multiple churches, serve as conference players or perform in various religious activities.
🎤 Various opportunities outside the church: Many professional musicians have expanded their careers outside the church, engaged in gospel music, concerts, recording studios and Christian activities.
Challenges of Professional Church Music:
- Risks of Trading Mindset-When music is seen as purely as a profession, it may be disconnected from the spiritual nature of worship.
- The church may struggle with budgets, and all churches cannot pay musicians regularly, leading to debates about fair compensation.
- Balance of Ministry and Career Goals – Some professional musicians must balance their spiritual beliefs with the business aspects of music.
3. Find the balance: Can music be both a ministry and a profession?
The ideal scenario is to find a balance that allows the musician to be both spiritually committed and compensated. The Bible confirms that those who serve in God’s home deserve support (1 Corinthians 9:13-14), but it also warns against serving purely for financial gain (1 Timothy 6:10).
How the church supports both views:
- See music as a valuable service – The church should respect the time and dedication of musicians, whether they are volunteers or professionals.
- Fair compensation for skilled work – If the church has the capacity, they should support musicians financially to ensure they can maintain their craft while serving the church.
- Spiritual Responsibility to Professionals – Paid Musicians should not ignore the adorable aspects of their characters. Their work should still be spiritually dominated and influential.
Final thought: Where are you standing?
Whether it is music being seen as a ministry, a profession or both, the most important factor is the heart behind it. Through music worship, God should ultimately be glorified and lead people into His presence.
💬What do you think? Should the musicians in the church pay? Can music be both a ministry and a profession? Let’s discuss it!
