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In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the gospel music community, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of LoveWorld Incorporated (also known as Christ Embassy), has finally addressed the controversial departure of several prominent gospel artists from his ministry.
The list of departed musicians includes household names like Sinach, Frank Edwards, Joe Praize, and Eben, whose exits had long been the subject of speculation and rumors.
For years, fans and critics alike have debated the reasons behind the mass exodus of these celebrated artists, many of whom began their careers under the Christ Embassy umbrella. Some speculated that the singers left due to restrictions on their ability to minister outside the church, with reports suggesting that Sinach’s growing international ministry, for instance, led to tensions when her presence at Christ Embassy events became less frequent. Others pointed to creative differences or personal ambitions as the cause.
However, in a recent video that has since gone viral, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome provided his own perspective, shedding light on the matter in a way that has sparked both reflection and debate. According to Oyakhilome, the church had strayed from its core mission, becoming "a party place" rather than a sanctuary for prayer and the true celebration of God’s word. He expressed disappointment in the artists, stating, “They were not winning souls; they led praise in church, and when it was time for prayers, they were gone.”
The pastor’s remarks have stirred a range of reactions. Supporters of Oyakhilome argue that his emphasis on soul-winning aligns with the church’s foundational mission. Information on the web highlights Pastor Chris’s long-standing commitment to evangelism, with sermons and teachings often stressing the importance of mentoring new converts and ensuring they grow into mature Christians who can, in turn, win others to Christ. His focus on soul-winning as a divine mandate has been a recurring theme in his ministry, as seen in various reports and articles over the years.
On the other hand, critics have questioned whether the church’s expectations placed undue pressure on the artists, potentially stifling their creative freedom and personal growth. Some have pointed out that gospel artists like Sinach and Frank Edwards have continued to thrive post-exit, with their music reaching global audiences and inspiring millions.
Sinach’s involvement in events like “The Experience,” an interdenominational program organized by Pastor Paul Adefarasin, was reportedly a point of contention during her time at Christ Embassy, as it fueled speculation about her allegiance to other ministries.
The departure of these artists has also reignited broader conversations about the role of gospel musicians in the church. Are they primarily soul-winners, as Pastor Chris suggests, or are they artists with a unique calling to spread the gospel through their creative gifts?
Information from the web indicates that this tension is not new, with gospel artists often navigating the delicate balance between ministry and personal ambition. Some have even transitioned into pastoral roles, planting churches to ensure a steady platform for their message—a trend that has been both praised and scrutinized.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s comments have added a new layer of complexity to an already intricate story. Posts found on X reflect the divided sentiments, with some users echoing the pastor’s call for repentance among gospel artists, while others defend the musicians’ right to evolve beyond the confines of a single ministry. The topic has also been trending on X, with discussions ranging from the spiritual responsibilities of gospel singers to the evolving dynamics of church-based music ministries.
For now, the artists themselves have remained largely silent on the matter, choosing instead to focus on their thriving careers. Whether this public airing of grievances will lead to reconciliation or further division remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the conversation around the intersection of faith, music, and ministry is far from over.
Watch the clergy speak below:
“They were not winning souls,” Pastor Chris says as he opens up about the exit of popular gospel artists pic.twitter.com/G3LQIzLRnx
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) February 8, 2025
Source: X
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