The Business Side of Gospel Music

Throughout the Bible, music has always been a significant part of God and His people, from the days of Israelites all the way to the modern church age. Which means it didn’t begin with this generation. If you go back as far as Genesis, you'll encounter arguably the first musician ever recorded in Scripture by the name of Jubal, the 4th generation from Adam through Cain (Gen 4:21). Other early references to music include Exodus 15, which records the Israelites being led to sing a song of victory after the overthrow of the Egyptian army. Most notable figures in the Bible, such as Moses and David, were professional musicians. If we want, we can also include, the sons of Korah, Asaph, Solomon and Heman as part of our singers list. In fact, the longest book in the Bible contains only songs (psalms).

Believe it or not, Scripture also records our Lord Jesus singing with His disciples (Mat 26:30). Paul the good Apostle also gave instructions regarding the use of music during Christian gatherings (Eph 5:19, Col 3:16). The book of Revelation even goes further and details the lyrics of the songs sung by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders before the Lamb who is seated on the throne (Rev. 5:8-10)

All of these mentioned above were godly and professional musicians, and there is no doubt that music is still an important part of worship in the Church today. Yet none of these musicians ever spoke about the so-called "business side of the (gospel) music". That kind of language is a product of this modern generation. The Bible does, however, warn against business mentality within the worship gatherings (Luk 19:46). The Apostles also condemned – sharply so – the use of God's gifts for one's enrichment (Act 8:18-21).

This means this gospel music industry is actually thriving through the prostitution (selling) of talent, under the guise of the Gospel message. Think of it this way: If King David and his friends (musicians in the Bible), were living in our time, do you think we would see them uploading their small videos on Facebook with the caption, "For bookings: 0834****99"? If we are being honest enough, we would all agree that there is no such thing as "the business side of gospel music", it's either you're in business or you serve God with your gift. Which means there is a difference between ministry and business. A believer can have a business that is a source of his income (we all have that), then after we all knockoff from our business work points, we find time for ministry; for the glory of God and the salvation of souls – free of charge! Therefore, I fear that these guys – well-meaning as they are – have mixed Gospel ministry work with secular business work.

Again, please don’t miss the difference between a gift and a talent. We believers, unlike the world, have been given something far better than natural talents; the gifts of the Spirit. We must then be careful of how we use these gifts, lest we are found guilty of using the Holy Spirit for worldly gain.

One might argue that the Bible says those who sow spiritual seed to people have a right to reap material benefits from the same (1 Cor 9:11). Firstly, that was a reverence to the preachers of God’s word, most particularly in the setting of a local church gathering, not song performers in some pre-advertised show. Secondly, there is a difference between doing God’s work among God’s people, then they choose to support your needs accordingly, and the outright selling of tickets so that people can come and see you perform for them.   

Another thing that concerns me with this Gospel industry is the entertainment approach. They assume that God is very much pleased when a large crowd attends their shows (believers and non-believers) and “enjoys” the performance, then they go back to their sins while the “worshipper” slips away with the money bag. That is exactly what worldly artists do. The last time I checked, we Christians were called to be the light of the world, not to imitate it. I have not been to many of these “gospel concerts” (have seen a lot through media) but, I do not think they ever care about sharing the Gospel message to their audiences. That is not their agenda. I might be wrong here, but I would like to think I am right. As already mentioned, the main problem is that business mindset. If you get people to pay for something, then you are left with no choice but to please and entertain them – all in the name of God and the goodwill.

This is the conclusion. I suppose one might criticize by saying that I have no right to judge these gospel musicians – why can’t I just let them do their thing and God will judge them? Well, I certainly sympathize with those sentiments, but I am bound to defend myself this way: this Christian Faith belongs to all of us; I mean believers. Hence we are accountable to each other, and equally responsible before our Maker. We are not in the Book of Judges where “everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes.” Anything I do, good or bad, affects my fellow brethren in the Lord. The proper thing to do is to show love to each other by correcting one another in the wrong. Therefore, as long as this issue is also wrong, let us correct it. I take my seat.

Samkelo Nzuza

Follow Samkelo on his Facebook; Apologist Samkelo Nzuza's Page