The Controversial Exit of Gospel Artists from Christ Embassy

In February 2025, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of LoveWorld (popularly known as Christ Embassy),...

The Controversial Exit of Gospel Artists from Christ Embassy

In February 2025, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of LoveWorld (popularly known as Christ Embassy), broke his silence on the departure of several prominent gospel artists from his ministry. Renowned figures such as Sinach, Frank Edwards, Joe Praize, and Eben were among those who left the church over the years, sparking widespread speculation. Pastor Chris addressed the reasons behind their exits in a viral video, shedding light on the tensions that led to this significant shift.

The Core of the Dispute

Pastor Chris revealed that the departures stemmed from a divergence in vision and priorities. He criticized the artists for allegedly prioritizing fame, financial gain, and secular influences over their spiritual calling. According to him:

The church had become "a party place" rather than a house of prayer.

The musicians were accused of leading praise sessions but neglecting prayer meetings, which he viewed as essential.

Worship music reportedly became more about personal celebration than glorifying God.

He lamented that these artists had commercialized their talents by charging fees for performances and allowing worldly influences into their music. “They became professionals making money from the church,” Pastor Chris stated, adding that their growing popularity distracted them from their spiritual responsibilities.

Sinach’s Departure and Growing Career

One of the most notable exits was that of Sinach, whose international music career flourished during her time at Christ Embassy. As her global presence grew, her involvement in church activities reportedly diminished. Tensions escalated when she performed at The Experience, an interdenominational worship event organized by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock. This sparked rumors of her allegiance shifting to Adefarasin’s ministry.

Pastor Chris allegedly asked Sinach to return and resume active participation in Christ Embassy’s music ministry. However, she declined, choosing instead to focus on her independent ministry. While Sinach has not publicly addressed these claims in detail, she has maintained that her decision was rooted in expanding her global outreach.

Frank Edwards and Others Follow Suit

Similarly, Frank Edwards, another prominent gospel artist nurtured within Christ Embassy, also exited the ministry. While Edwards has not directly commented on his departure, reports suggest he sought greater freedom to grow his music ministry beyond the confines of the church. Pastor Chris criticized this move, stating that such artists had strayed from their spiritual purpose.

Other artists like Joe Praize and Eben also left under similar circumstances. Pastor Chris claimed they refused to align with his renewed vision for worship within the church.

Pastor Chris’s Perspective

In his statement, Pastor Chris expressed disappointment at what he perceived as a loss of focus among these artists. He explained that he initially celebrated their success but later felt God was calling him to correct the direction of worship in Christ Embassy. “I told them the Lord wanted us to do the right thing… but they refused to change with me,” he said.

He emphasized that their departure was necessary to restore Christ Embassy’s focus on prayer and soul-winning rather than entertainment. Pastor Chris concluded by expressing hope for their repentance and return to true worship.

Public Reactions and Industry Implications

The departures have sparked mixed reactions within the Christian community. Supporters of the artists argue that they should have the freedom to expand their ministries globally without restrictions. Critics, however, side with Pastor Chris’s stance on maintaining spiritual discipline within church leadership.

This controversy highlights a broader debate about balancing artistic freedom with loyalty to a home church. It also underscores challenges faced by churches in managing high-profile members whose careers extend beyond local congregations.

Conclusion

The exit of gospel icons like Sinach, Frank Edwards, Joe Praize, and Eben marks a turning point for Christ Embassy’s music ministry. While Pastor Chris Oyakhilome remains steadfast in his commitment to restoring traditional worship values, these artists continue to thrive independently on global stages. Whether reconciliation is possible remains uncertain, but their stories underscore the evolving dynamics between faith and fame in modern gospel music