By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
A controversy has erupted between Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo and Apostle Femi Lazarus, founder of the Light Nation Church, over the issue of charging for ministry-related services.
The argument started after Lazarus criticized gospel artists who charge for performances at church events, suggesting that they should rely on God’s provision instead of seeking financial compensation.
Dakolo, however, disagreed strongly with this view, asserting that gospel artists have the right to earn a living, especially considering their financial responsibilities.
Dakolo further accused Lazarus of hypocrisy, pointing to his alleged practice of charging students $150 to attend his ministry school, where he teaches Christian principles.
Dakolo shared his concerns online, stating, “Let’s not shift the goal post,” and pointed out the contradiction between Lazarus’s views on free ministry and his own paid services.
He also questioned the ethics of charging for spiritual teachings, asking, “Are you not selling the gift and revelation freely given to you?”
Through these remarks, Dakolo is challenging what he sees as a double standard in how religious leaders, like Lazarus, approach the commercialization of ministry, while criticizing gospel artists who choose to charge for their work.
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