When it comes to money and the church, things can get a little… heavenly complicated.
One minute, you’re singing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” and the next, you’re debating whether faithfulness should come with an invoice.
Now, enters Timi Dakolo, a man with the voice of an angel, but a viewpoint that has ruffled quite a few holy feathers.
Recently, Timi Dakolo took a bold stance.
He calls out pastors who expect gospel musicians to perform for free while they themselves collect offerings, tithes, and ministry school fees.
While his argument makes some sense, could he be missing a few divine details?
Let’s take a look at three reasons why Timi Dakolo might be wrong about gospel singers charging fees.
1. Ministry Is A Calling
Gospel music isn’t your regular concert gig, it’s a ministry.
Just as pastors preach to transform lives, gospel singers minister through music to touch lives and bring healing and all the benefits of the Kingdom of God.
If we start placing a price tag on every spiritual assignment, where do we draw the line?
Should intercessors charge per prayer? Should ushers request a service fee before showing you to your seat?
While it’s true that gospel singers have bills to pay, the question is whether their gift should be monetised the same way as secular artists.
If their primary goal is to spread the gospel, shouldn’t faith be their biggest currency? Shouldn’t they trust God to give them their bread. Jesus said, when I sent you without purse or scripts, did you lack anything?
2. What About Faith And Kingdom Provisions?
Timi Dakolo argues that musicians should be compensated for their work, but let’s flip the script.
Many pastors rely entirely on faith, trusting that God will provide for them through freewill offerings and divine provision.
If gospel musicians truly believe in their calling, shouldn’t they also trust that God will meet their needs?
It’s worth noting that some of the most anointed gospel artists started by singing for free in churches before God blessed them with greater opportunities and the gift of men.
Perhaps the real question isn’t if they should charge, but rather when and how they do it.
3. Not Every Church Can Afford Paid Performances
While Timi Dakolo makes a fair point about fairness, we must also consider that not every church has the budget to pay professional gospel singers.
Many small churches barely afford basic amenities, let alone performance fees.
Should these churches be deprived of anointed worship just because they can’t afford it?
Imagine a struggling congregation inviting a gospel singer, only to be hit with an invoice that costs more than their yearly sound system budget. Imagine getting an invoice that is higher than what they get as offering the entire year.
People Also Read: Timi Dakolo Criticises Apostle Femi Lazarus Over $150 Ministry School Fee
If music is truly for the glory of God, shouldn’t there be room for flexibility rather than a fixed price list?
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