US-based Nigerian gospel singer Lara George has criticised pastors who speak against the payment of gospel artistes in Nigeria.

Lara George joined the conversation following Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s comment about gospel artistes who left his church.

In response to the criticism of gospel singers charging for their performances, Lara George questioned the source of income for pastors.

She asked, if tithes and offerings were removed, would the church still stand? Comparing the secular artistes to gospel singers who charge huge amounts of money, Lara emphasised whether people would view the latter less spiritual if they led praise and worship.

"If you found out that your favorite non-Naija Gospel artiste charges $100k USD to sing songs of praise and worship, would they appear less spiritual to you because they do so? Or did you all think that they sing for free?" she asked.

She further said, "If you discovered that many of your favorite ‘pulpit persons’ who act as though paying the Naija artiste is an unthinkable thing, are actually paying the non-Naija artiste those so-called ‘high sums of money’, would your view of the ‘pulpit person’ change?"

The gospel singer, went on to tackle the lavish lifestyle of some pastors. She said, "Have you ever asked whether it is the ‘pulpit-person’s’ tapes and cds that are affording them the lavish lifestyles they live with private jets here and there? Or is that lifestyle from tithes and offerings???? A Gospel artiste is indeed a professional. A professional artiste. Is there such a thing as a professional pastor? Dear ‘pastor’, What’s your source of livelihood exactly? If we stop the tithes and offerings, will that ministry also retire??? I can’t stand either bullies or hypocrisy!"