Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder and leader of Salvation Ministries, sparked conversation by questioning the practice of paying church instrumentalists for their services.
During a recent sermon, he challenged the idea of compensating musicians, especially drummers, for their participation in worship activities.
He emphasized that serving in the house of God ought to stem from devotion and a desire to glorify God, not from monetary incentives.
Referencing Exodus 23:25, which says, “You shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water,” he explained that divine favor accompanies selfless service and dedication.
The pastor warned that those who chase financial rewards for church duties may confine themselves to the wages they receive, missing out on the greater blessings God intends to bestow.
He declared, “The moment they pay you, the blessing stops,” adding that the Lord’s blessing is the source of enduring prosperity and growth.
Quoting, “‘And the blessing of the Lord makes rich,’ so you stay at the level they pay you. You will never advance. As observed, drummers who receive money never become wealthy.”
Discussion on Compensated Church Roles
His comments ignited a broad debate among Christians and church leaders, with varied views on whether musicians and other church workers should receive financial compensation for their efforts.
Some believers maintain that ministry should be rooted in sacrifice and service to God, while others contend that instrumentalists and church staff invest considerable time, talent, and resources, thus deserving support for their work.
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The moment you get paid for serving God, the blessing of God stops. If they pay you for playing drums or other things in church, you’ll never get out of poverty
— Pastor David Ibiyeomie, pic.twitter.com/tAtjeUJz94 — yinkaaaaa (@whoisgmz_) June 28, 2026
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