Renowned Nigerian gospel singer and pastor, Nathaniel Bassey, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to serving God without financial expectations.
He said he does not charge fees when invited to minister in churches.
His stance comes amid ongoing debates about the commercialization of gospel music and the ethics of charging for ministry.
During a recent sermon, Bassey passionately explained his conviction, drawing a parallel between his calling and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice: “If a church invites me to come and minister, they are doing two things. They are inviting me to minister to God and to His people. To my own understanding, when you tell me to minister to God, I can’t charge God to minister to Him. How much did He charge me for His blood on Calvary? The blood that is the very reason for my ministry.”
For Bassey, this decision is not just a principle but a personal journey that has brought him fulfillment and divine provision: “It’s a personal thing for me, and it has worked for me, so why leave what is working?”
His comments have resurfaced following a controversial statement by Apostle Femi Lazarus, who criticized gospel artists for demanding high fees for church performances, arguing that ministry should remain separate from commercial interests. The debate has sparked contrasting reactions within the gospel music industry.
While some agree with Bassey’s perspective, others, like singer Timi Dakolo, have defended the practice of charging for performances, pointing out that gospel music requires financial investment and should be recognized as both a calling and a profession.
Bassey’s position highlights the ongoing conversation about balancing faith, service, and financial sustainability in gospel music. As the debate continues, his dedication to ministering without a price tag serves as a powerful statement on the essence of worship and spiritual service.
