The Rise of Gospel Entertainment. Is it Ministry or Showbiz?

July 11, 2025 OLAOLUWA AYOMIDE

In recent years, the gospel industry has experienced a dramatic transformation. Once rooted solely in the sacred corners of churches and mission fields, gospel expression has now evolved into a full-blown entertainment genre with packed concerts, celebrity endorsements, reality shows, record label deals, and even award nights that rival secular platforms. But this explosive growth raises a critical question: Is today’s gospel scene still a ministry, or has it become pure showbiz?

From Altar to Arena

Some years ago, the gospel music is only reserved for Revival Meetings and Church Program but today, it has filled the Stadium and Arenas, trend on Social Media and even used for TikTok Challenges . Artistes like Dunsin Oyekan, Joe Mettle, Maverick City Music are not only gospel ministers but also influencers with millions of followers.

We ought to be aware that the entertainment craze is having its effect in the worship services of many churches. Church members are viewed as consumers, and you have to give the consumer what he wants. With this Culture Shift, a new Sector has emerged “Gospel Entertainment”

Ministry or Showbiz?

Ministry equals serving. Entertainment is a form of activity that holds the attention and interest of an audience, or gives pleasure and delight.

There’s arguably a thin line between Gospel Music and Show business, while some gospel artist recognize it as such, others argue that ministry has nothing to do with business.

The Business Side of the Ministry

While the Ministry is spiritually fulfilling and comes with Divine blessings, it is also expensive and requires costs that needs to be paid.

Some expenses like Staff payment, bills, promotional cost etc requires money, thus despite the spiritual benefits, money is still an important factor in the gospel industry.

The Intent

The motives behind every move of a man matters a lot. What’s the motive behind this platform am raising ? Will Men be transformed truly and grow Spiritually? Am I not being motivated by love of Money?. If all these questions Can be truly answered, then we can say if Gospel Entertainment has come to stay or has slipped into showbiz.

The Way Out

I often hear people say on stage: “I’m not here to entertain you, but to minister.” Yet someone may ask, since I’ve paid for my ticket to your concert or show, aren’t you meant to entertain me at least in part? Why can’t an artist both minister and entertain at the same time?

Sometimes, the level of artistic excellence can be so high, it’s very close to a spiritual encounter that is the power of artistry. However, the idea of engaging with the holy, sacred or divine through music and the arts, we believe, brings a higher purpose, greater demand and accountability.

we need to be confident when we use the prefix ‘gospel’. It should immediately put us at ease that we have identified ourselves and are identifiable. Confirmed in this calling of the Lord should provide us release from the tension that seeks to paralyze us or distract our focus.

whether a traditional artist or contemporary, within our own selves we must be bold with the assurance of our purpose, and go forward into any arena. However, ‘entertainment‘ is not a dirty word, and saying the word ‘ministry‘ doesn’t make it good.

It’s hard, consistent work, undergirded by the powerful working of God. To quote our Lord: “By their fruits you will know them. “We must be persuaded that our lyrical and musical message provides a key to our physical performance, and concludes with a Christian lifestyle off stage. Finally, good spiritual covering and support will always help keep us aligned to our calling. Remember, others have trodden this path before.

Conclusion

The rise of gospel entertainment is not inherently a problem. In fact, it’s a sign that the gospel is reaching new heights and new hearts. But the focus should not be shift away from Jesus because Ministry without Jesus Christ is an entertainment.