The founder of LoveWorld, also known as Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has broken his silence on why several gospel musicians, including Sinach, Joe Praize, Frank Edwards, and Eben, parted ways with his church.
For years, there has been speculation about their departure, with reports suggesting they left because they were not permitted to minister outside the church.
The controversy intensified when Sinach participated in The Experience, an annual interdenominational gospel concert organized by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock. Her involvement sparked rumours that she had joined Adefarasin’s church.
As Sinach’s music ministry gained global recognition, her presence at Christ Embassy reportedly dwindled, which allegedly displeased Pastor Oyakhilome. It was said that he urged her to be more active in the church’s music ministry.
In a newly surfaced video, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome shared his perspective, explaining that he stopped working with the musicians because they were no longer celebrating God in their ministry.
“Why did it happen? The church was turned into a party place, not a prayer place where God’s word was truly celebrated,” he said.
According to him, the gospel musicians had deviated from their spiritual calling, prioritizing personal fame and financial gain over worship.
“They were not soul winners; they led praise in church, and when it was time for prayers, they were gone. The church lost its way of worship. Everything changed—the music in the church became worldly, they danced for themselves, celebrated themselves instead of God, and they began charging for their singing. They became professionals, making money from the church,” he stated.
Pastor Oyakhilome emphasized that while he initially celebrated them, he had to make a decision when he realized they refused to change alongside him.
“I told them the Lord wanted us to do the right thing, but they had become too popular. They were making some money which wasn’t big money; they didn’t even know what money was but the little money they were making was too attractive to them, so they didn’t want to follow me. They made a detour… I hope they all repent. They are not worship leaders,” he added.
Watch the video below:
