Why Dag Heward-Mills Says Paying Church Musicians is Nonsense – And What It Means for Today’s Churches
Introduction – A Bold Statement That Sparked Debate
Renowned Ghanaian bishop and founder of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches, Dag Heward-Mills, recently made a bold and controversial statement. In one of his sermons, the bishop said, "It is nonsense to pay singers and instrumentalists in the church." This statement, though met with applause from his followers, has stirred up intense debate within Christian circles, especially among church musicians, worship leaders, and gospel music enthusiasts.
In this article, we’ll explore:
Why Dag Heward-Mills made such a strong claim
The spiritual and practical implications of paying or not paying musicians
How churches can balance ministry and professionalism
Reactions from musicians and pastors across Africa
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The Bishop’s Argument – Serving God Should Be Free
During his sermon, Dag Heward-Mills explained that those who serve God in music ministry should not expect to be paid. He argued that singing and playing instruments in church is a form of service to God, just like praying, preaching, or evangelism.
He emphasized that in the early church, believers gave their all to God without seeking financial compensation. According to him, “It is nonsense” to treat church music like a commercial performance. The bishop challenged young believers to focus on spiritual rewards rather than financial gain.
The Scriptural Basis – What the Bible Says
One reason many agreed with Dag Heward-Mills is because of Biblical references. He highlighted scriptures like:
Colossians 3:23 – "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."
Matthew 10:8 – “Freely you have received; freely give.”
In these scriptures, serving in the house of God is seen as an offering, not a job. Many churches believe that talents used in church should be considered a form of ministry, not a gig.
The Other Side – Why Many Churches Pay Musicians
Despite the bishop's views, many modern churches argue that paying singers and instrumentalists is not only right but necessary. These musicians:
Spend hours rehearsing
Travel long distances
Invest in instruments and equipment
Are often full-time professionals
For these reasons, some churches view paying musicians as fair compensation. They also argue that if a pastor receives a salary, why not the music team?
Worship as a Calling and a Career
In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, many gospel singers and worship leaders have built careers out of their talent. Some have released albums, performed at events, and even toured internationally.
For such individuals, playing in a church service is not only a spiritual exercise but also a part of their professional life. They argue that being paid does not make their worship less sincere—it simply supports their livelihood.
The Reality of Church Finances – Can All Churches Afford to Pay?
While mega churches may afford to pay musicians handsomely, many local and rural churches operate on tight budgets. For them, every tithe and offering goes into maintaining church buildings, paying rent, utilities, and supporting welfare projects.
For such churches, paying a team of musicians regularly may not be sustainable. Dag Heward-Mills’ comment might be particularly relevant for such congregations, encouraging them to rely on voluntary service rather than forcing the church into financial strain.
Volunteerism in Church – A Vanishing Culture?
Decades ago, volunteering in church was common. From cleaning the auditorium to teaching Sunday school or leading worship—most church workers did so without expecting a dime. But in modern churches, especially in urban settings, there's a growing culture of commercializing church roles.
This shift raises questions:
Are people still serving God or chasing gigs?
Has professionalism taken over spirituality in the church?
Is it possible to blend ministry and money without conflict?
Public Reactions – Social Media Explodes
After the sermon clip went viral, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook were flooded with mixed reactions. Some of the trending comments include:
> “He’s right! Why should we treat God’s house like a concert hall?”
“This is 2025, not 1925. Musicians deserve to be paid for their time and effort.”
“Worship is not for sale!”
Notably, several Ghanaian gospel artists and church music directors spoke out. While some agreed with the bishop’s core message, others asked for more balance and understanding of the musician’s side of the story.
A Call for Wisdom and Balance
Rather than choosing sides, many church leaders are urging for wisdom and discernment. They propose a middle ground:
Let musicians serve willingly and spiritually, not just professionally
Where possible, churches can provide honorariums, transport, or gifts
Encourage musicians to see their service as worship, not work
Educate churches on the cost and demands of quality music ministry
Conclusion – What Should Churches Learn from This?
Dag Heward-Mills’ comment may sound harsh, but it brings an important conversation back to the table—what is the role of money in ministry? While churches must support their workers, they must also cultivate a culture of service, sacrifice, and sincerity.
For musicians, it’s important to remember the purpose of your gift. For pastors and church leaders, it’s essential to appreciate the work musicians put in—financially and spiritually.
In the end, whether paid or unpaid, every act of service in the house of God should be done with love, excellence, and purpose.
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