Founder of LoveWorld, also known as Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has finally addressed the departure of several prominent gospel musicians from his church.
The popular cleric revealed the reasons behind the exit of renowned gospel artistes such as Sinach, Joe Praize, Frank Edwards, Eben, and others.
For years, speculations had surrounded their departures, with claims that the singers left due to restrictions on ministering outside Christ Embassy.
Tensions reportedly escalated when Sinach performed at “The Experience,” an annual interdenominational worship event organized by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock. This led to rumours that she had switched allegiance to Adefarasin’s church.
As Sinach’s international music ministry expanded, her presence at Christ Embassy reportedly dwindled, which allegedly displeased Pastor Oyakhilome. According to sources, he instructed her to return and actively participate in the church’s singing ministry.
In a recent video circulating online, Pastor Oyakhilome disclosed that he parted ways with the singers because they had strayed from their spiritual calling and were no longer celebrating God in their worship.
Why did it happen? The church was turned into a party place, not a place of prayer where God’s word was truly celebrated. They were not soul winners; they led praise in church, and when it was time for prayers, they were gone,” he stated.
The cleric further lamented that worship in the church had changed, becoming more about personal celebrations than true worship. He criticized the musicians for commercializing their talents, charging fees for their performances, and allowing secular influences to infiltrate the church’s music.
“I did at the beginning and celebrated them, but when I changed, they refused to change with me, so I had to let them go. God was getting my attention, telling me this was not the way. I told them the Lord wanted us to do the right thing. They had become too popular, and because they were making even little money… do they know what big money is? The little money they were making was too attractive to them, so they didn’t want to follow me. So they made a detour. I hope they all repent. They are not worship leaders,” Oyakhilome said.
