An online dispute has ignited between Apostle Femi Lazarus and gospel artist Timi Dakolo, sparked by recent comments made by the apostle during a sermon.

In his sermon, Apostle Lazarus shared a story about a gospel artist who was invited to perform at an event, with a detailed breakdown of the charges and terms of performance.

He remarked that when a gospel artist charges such a high fee and brings along a large entourage, it often leads to a focus on performance rather than ministry, turning the artist into a “performer” rather than a “minister.”

Timi Dakolo, however, took to social media to call out Lazarus for what he saw as hypocrisy.

The singer pointed out that while the apostle criticized gospel artists for charging large sums for performances, he himself charges $150 for enrollment in his ministry school.

Dakolo questioned whether this meant that anyone who charges for ministry is, by Lazarus’s own definition, also a performer rather than a true minister.

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He wrote, “By your definition, if anyone charges to minister, they are not Gospel artists, they are performers. And by that definition, if any preacher charges to teach and minister, they are merchants of hope and motivational speakers and performers too.”

Dakolo further criticized Lazarus, pointing out that his own ministry school, which charges fees ranging from $150 per person, likely generates substantial income, especially with the possibility of having as many as 1,000 students enrolled. He questioned whether this practice undermines the very principles Lazarus advocates, asking, “Are you not selling the Gift and revelation freely given to you?”

The exchange has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many weighing in on the ethics of charging for ministry and whether such fees are in line with religious teachings.

Crediblenewsng.com