Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder and presiding pastor of Salvation Ministries, has sparked conversations after sharing his views on the payment of instrumentalists who serve in churches.
Speaking during a recent sermon, the cleric raised concerns about the practice of paying musicians, especially drummers, for their roles during church services.
He stressed that serving in God’s house should be motivated by commitment and a genuine desire to honour God, rather than the expectation of financial compensation.
Referring to Exodus 23:25, which says, “You shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water,” Ibiyeomie explained that God rewards those who serve Him with sincerity and dedication.
The pastor argued that those who place greater emphasis on earning money for church assignments may end up limiting themselves to the wages they receive instead of enjoying what he described as God’s greater blessings.
Debate over paid ministry roles
His comments have triggered widespread reactions among Christians and church leaders, with opinions divided over whether church musicians and other workers should be paid for their services.
While some believers support the view that ministry should be an act of sacrifice and devotion to God, others contend that instrumentalists and church workers devote considerable time, talent and personal resources to their responsibilities and therefore deserve financial support for their efforts.
