Timi Dakolo Calls Out Pastor Femi Lazarus for Charging Fees to Preach After Criticizing Gospel Singers

Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has called out Pastor Femi Lazarus after the cleric criticized gospel artists for charging fees to perform in churches.

Pastor Lazarus recently sparked controversy by revealing that a gospel singer demanded $10,000 to minister at his church. He argued that ministry should not be commercialized, implying that those who charge for ministration are performers rather than true gospel ministers. His comments ignited debates within the gospel music and Christian communities.

Responding via Instagram, Dakolo accused the pastor of hypocrisy, pointing out that Lazarus himself charges fees for his school of ministry. He shared a screenshot as proof, revealing that the pastor requires participants to pay at least $150 per person for his teachings.

“All this was said in love and with respect, sir,” Dakolo wrote.

“I am not a gospel artist but a Christian raised in church. Let’s not shift the goalpost. By your definition, if anyone charges to minister, they are not gospel artists but performers. And by that same definition, if any preacher charges to teach and minister, they are merchants of hope, motivational speakers, and performers too.

“Sir, you are charging as low as $150 per person for your school of ministry, teaching and preaching Jesus, probably with as many as 1,000 students. Let’s do the math. You even have premium and standard categories for God’s house? Are you not selling the gift and revelation freely given to you? Again, let’s not keep shifting the goalpost.”

Dakolo’s response has further fueled discussions on whether ministry should be entirely free or if ministers, including pastors and gospel musicians, deserve financial compensation for their work.

 

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