"For men shall be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, ... ." (2 Timothy 3:2)

Anyone who's made a million dollars spreading the 'word' is someone to be careful of.

The minute gospel groups and solo singers signed on to major labels for promotions and advances, everything changed.

Gospel Music is a genre of music and a business, it can’t save you, only Christ . It’s just music. Let’s keep our focus on Christ. You don’t have to listen to it. You have a choice.

It's no longer about CHRISTianity. It's CHURCHanity, which is where all this foolishness stems from!

We went from shepherding the sheep to entertaining the goats 😊

🙋🏾‍♂️ When I was in the US Army, I asked a fellow soldier who was Public Affairs why they don't get gospel singers? He told me they want to get paid, they tell dirty jokes, and plenty of them are NON BELIEVERS! This was back in 2005 he told me this. Man was he right!

Church is a club now

Kanye West is clearly no Christian or holy Spirit filled.

Here’s a thought. All of entertainment is corrupt.

It's not a religion it's a relationship with Jesus Christ God bless you all we most be born again

All music is getting worse.

I just wanted to share a different perspective on the topic of charging for gospel music works and performances. It's actually quite interesting to consider whether it aligns with biblical principles. In the Bible, there is a verse that hard work should be rewarded in 1 Timothy 5:18 "The laborer deserves his wages." That implies that they who put in a lot of effort, time, energy and skill into their work should be compensated. Gospel artist have a talent, like any other professionals, and dedicate a significant amount of time and resources to their craft. Charging for their music and performances can help support their livelihood and continue their ministry. I have personally been very touched by some of the songs Kirk has produced. His first 3 albums have ministered to me during some dark times. Music moves the soul- this we know! ❤ At the same time, I think it IS important for gospel artists to approach their work with humility and a focus on serving God rather than solely focusing on making money. Finding a balance between meeting financial needs and spreading their message, which is the gospel 🙂

Gosple have become a money making thing. I visited a church and they collect offering 3 TIMES. The second time the so call pastor told the people how much thousands to put in the basket. I was shock. I sat in the church and i felt lost. The pastor said jump they jump is like they worshiping the pastor...

The red lights, the Illuminati rituals on Grammy stages, the devil horns, the gatekeepers… I’ve seen it all! I was asked to join and said no. I walked away and have suffered greatly. I love Yahawah too much. They forget the camel’s eye and the needle…

I’m surprised Kirk’s net worth isn’t higher. 8.5 million? Wow.

It’s entertainment. They are hirelings. It’s why their (women mostly) album covers have also gotten more seductive. Sex sells. They (at the command of those who hired them) will do whatever it takes for a dollar. They’re no different from their secular counterparts.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. NKJV: Some "Christians" no longer fear God.

They preach the same thing in the pulpit as they do in the rap songs. Its all prosperity preaching and glorifying material possessions. God's people need to return to him. Time is running out

Keep exposing the truth

Reminds me of the book of Jeremiah. How people are serving other gods. And it even talks about how pastors and priests are misleading the People.

It's a business!!

So Christian artists are just Secular artists that don't like the term "secular". I've listen to some these songs from them and bro It's getting hard to differentiate which is "Christian" and Secular. Except one has lines like "God" and "I love you Jesus". Honestly If they wanted to be rich so bad they could just do regular music. If it was really passion they'd just ask for a Donation. But active monetization, That ain't passion no more. That's the money talking.

I honestly don't think any church worker should earn from service to the Lord. Whether you're a choir member or an usher

The Dark World of Modern Christian Music, Mental Illness, and Childhood Trauma. #whoisaware ❤️✌️🏽✊🏽🙏🏽😎

Protect this channel at all costs

This is why I’m drawn to Independant and undiscovered artists.

It is not getting worse, it has been worse and will get more worse‼️

Taking advantage of ppl who are perishing for a lack of knowledge and who really don't honor Jesus! So sad 😢

I remember South Park had a episode about this.

Karen did not LEAVE The Clark Sisters. She was the last one to make a solo project. Hence the album title: Finally Karen 😉

Its always been a business nothing new its just getting worse

Worship Music Ministers are supposed to be called "Ministers" not "artists". Worship Music Ministers are to be using their musical gift for Honoring GOD, not themselves. When a person is Born Again they are a new creation in Christ Jesus. They have the motivation to Glorify GOD not to be famous. There is a difference between a Worship Music Minister and an artist. People need to wake up and stop supporting the "artists". Prayer for all of them.

The streaming services is a bit misleading because because you need at least a few 1000 streams to make a penny but the real money is in physical copies, books and concerts

Real Gospel Music hasn’t been the same since the early 1980’s. Once the 1990’s came around, the quality of gospel music died.

Kim doesn't act like she's a pastor. She has a terrible attitude, and she's a prideful one.

What is it that the Master said, If I have to go through these things... The elders would say, "Money exposes your personality". For me it's not about the money, but what you do with it. It's not the money but "The Love of money". Can one sever two masters? We often become what we despised 😥

I LOVED gospel music, was raised up on it. I switched to to Christian music last year. I used to talk about people who listened to Christian music. I had to apologize. I'm finding more peace with God. He led me here.

Kirk franklin has been around since 1990, i remember him as the choir director for dallas fort worth mass choir, and karen clark been around since the 70s, they earned the money get, and have gotten. Musicians that inspire should get paid. Facts.

Kirk is signed to a label so he would have to do concerts and sell merch to make money. I’m a firm believer that your gift will make room for you but it has to be in the name of Jesus! It’s a catch 22. You sign to a label to make money and do what you love but at the same time, you can’t glorify Jesus like you’re supposed to. 🥴

The beast system

Lets not forget Burrell was on her 'deathbed" and people sent her money.

Great article. People, especially young folk, need to understand that's it's about God, not that funky beat. Be careful what you follow and who you follow. I lot of gospel music will often have incorrect scriptures said so that it rhymes in the lyrics. And often, they're using old hit songs of R&B, so you'll be jamming before you even hear the lyrics. What's bad is that many young folk don't know any hymns of old. Some don't even like them when those songs paved the way for most of the songs you hear. The late Donald Vailes in a workshop told me that "if there's no message, it's just a mess". Something I've express to every choir I've worked with, and years later, I see the truth in what he said.

I don't believe in coincidences. With everything that is coming out now, I literally said yesterday, " I wonder about the gospel music industry." Then today I get on KZfaq and here is your video. Thank you ❤

In 2005, a reggae gospel artiste was performing at a church music program. In between songs he complained that he was being bullied by his colleagues for doing free shows. That struck a chord 😮

But who is hiring them and allowing them to get record deals ?

I hope this is being circulated to YT. We already know this...

Glad I'm not the only one feel this way. Need for all black church's to play this one Sunday

I could start to see the commercialization of Christian music at the tail end of the nineties. I think that was when I started paying attention to gospel artists beginning to use secular artists on their songs. What really did it for me was Sunday's Best. I was like, why would they create a show like the world that promotes pride amongst believers?!! That made no sense whatsoever, but the church ate it up!

The black church and music changed so tremendously i remembered coming up experiencing praise and worship as well as choirs seems to me that as black people we have a way of doing things that none other can do but i know that everything had its proper place nowadays everything is about validation and self righteous i miss the days where everyone were glad to be saved and praised God just for the fullness of his glory the oil is missing in the majority of these gospel artists am so glad that some of them were pointed out because the truth needed to be told 💯💯

THEY ARE SO PRIDEFUL AND BOASTFUL!LORD PLEASE LET WHATEVER I DO BE ABOUT YOU AND YOU ONLY! BECAUSE IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE ABOUT CHRIST JESUS AT ALL TIMES!TO GOD BE THE GLORY AMEN!

A lot of these pastors and bishops are something else. Some of yall will catch that on the way home.

I love this watching this❤️❤️ This Clip is very True!!

I actually don’t have a problem with them charging. They are artist not pastors and the music is more for families or individuals who prefer songs about Jesus and god and don’t have to worry about inappropriate music. They are singers… nothing more is how i perceive them

I totally agree with your commentary and anybody who doesn't is deceived.

What an awesome video, this information must be put out there to get people to understand that be careful of wanting to get in this music industry. We want to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ yes, but remember to stay in that lane or you will head down a rabbit hole that will take you off that path. Focus on ministry, not the money!! Amen!!

King James Bible Amos 5:23 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.

One thing I realized as a child growing up primarily in the 80s is this: once most black churches stop doing long meter hymns gospel music no longer belonged to the church. I think that’s when I started to notice the commercialization of the music to the point that it was difficult at times to tell the difference readily between secular music and gospel music.

I read my Bible and listen to gospel.. I do my best not to fall into anything anymore. Let go and let God.. we don’t have to be a part of it. God bless us all and bless the Lord!

WE ALL WORSHIP DIFFERENTLY AND DIFFERENT CULTURES DANCE DIFFERENTLY TO PRAISE, BUT EVEN JAMES BROWN SAID " WE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE DANCING THE BOOGIE WOOGIE IN CHURCH'!!!

If they not saying Yahusha in their music wont reach heaven!!

I’m halfway through the video and everything you’ve mentioned so far applies to the entire music industry. High ticket prices, good marketing across different platforms, social media presence. This isn’t some kind of conspiracy. It’s just how you get big in music.

I found your video here after looking for a Gospel song, which was “I will call upon the Lord”; BECAUSE I was reading the words of Zechariah’s prophesy - especially Luke 1: 68 to 71. It reminded me of a song-hymn! One of the artists was pictured on your video, Donnie McClurkin, was singing it. ‘I will call upon the Lord’ in the tune I remember and I thought it was just embellished and repeated BUT the choir in the background sang the rest of it. So much Gospel music came directly from the Bible. 🎵’I will call upon the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies! The Lord liveth and blessed be my Rock and may the God of our Salvation be exalted…’ 🎶. Thank you, Keep warning us and exalting our Saviour Jesus Christ the Lord‼️🕎♥️✝️ His precious blood SAVED us, not one of us is without sin, but Jesus led the perfect life then died for our sins, and to accept Him individually INTO our life

Thank you this precious indsight

The samples they use are from songs about sex, inappropriate sex acts, drugs, street life, romantic love songs, rock n roll, twerking. Franklins biggest hits used samples from Parliament, Fumkadelic & George Clinton included 3 songs about inappropriate sex acts.

It's important to know JESUS CHRIST for ourselves. We are to pray seek & search for knowledge wisdom discernment & understanding. That's why so many ppl are led astray by wolves in sheep's clothing!!!

I hate the game, but I don't hate the hustler.

Insightful. Well produced, and true.

Shhhiiit. I only listen to 70's 80's and 90's gospel. Period

This is why I'd rather listen to older Christian music than what's being played today

Thank you for your work!

I agree that there is a dark side to the music industry especially with gospel music and rap music and as a way for greedy people to seek people who are vulnerable or naive enough to seek anything about God just for greedy people like them to dig in their pockets and I think you hit the nail on the head in this documentary (W video BTW you're an amazing KZfaqr)

I think people need to understand that the music industry is an unregulated enterprise. There is no formula of success in it. Some songs hit big and some don't. Its unfortunate for the gospel artist that want to make a living off of their art. The safer option would be coming to grips with the fact that it cannot be done without compromise. Good music is hard to make and requires a high levels of skill and talent sometimes. Now that streaming services are here and offer $10 a month to listen to any song that was ever made, artist have a hard time making money to where they gotta take any opportunity they can get. It's sad the lack of understanding people have. People who are the most talented are often hurting inside. Anything to do with the arts is tricky when it comes to monetization, because of the listeners and viewers who look at things too subjectively. For an independent gospel artist, there is little to no return on the money they invest to put out good music. Only for it to be pirated and sold at the lowest price available. The people who control the wealth of the industry often make these artist sell away themselves in exchange for a chance to live half decent! If you sum of Kirk Franklins networth and his age, he would on average be making $250,000 a year since the day he started putting out music in his 20s. That number fluctuates as music becomes more easily available and your supporters instead of buying cds they stream it, and the artist makes next to nothing. There needs to be a solution to where those who are in it for real and want to give God the glory, are supported and can remain independent of music lables!

Great video 👏🏽 Can you do a reaction on the Pastor Keion on him shushing the woman who was "praising" loudly so many mixed reactions, wondering your take

Thank you ❤for this

Excellent expose. - It is a lot of food for thought.Where does being fed and cared for from yourminsitry end ad the seeking of wealth above the service to God begin?

Thanks For Telling The Truth!!!

Let's be clear: This should not be about how "much" money these people make. I see NOTHING wrong with them making money -- and lots of it. The issue and concern should be: 1. Are they "truly" Christians? 2. Are they living and reflecting the life of Christ? 3. And are they "representing" God and His kingdom -- WELL? THESE are the questions. Or are they living like "sinners" -- while claiming to be and "using" the name Christian -- deceiving the masses? And are they "misrepresenting" the kingdom, while bringing SHAME to God and the Body of Christ?? 🤔🤔

All of the Clark Sisters went solo. If the world can spread the gospel and be blessed…how much more can the people of God. Ms Sheard has not compromised her message like Kirk. My choir has just released a song on Apple Music as well. That’s what is for.

I agree with much of this video. Our natural bent is for fame and fortune. We have to be different than the world, and these days, it's hard to tell the difference between some Christian and secular artists.

crazy how Christians artists are getting criticized for making a living. How else are they supposed to survive ? Or is there a cap limit on what they should make ? Keep the word first & everything else is secondary. These ppl deserve to make a living for their level of influence that has had an impact on millions of ppl

This channel keeps getting better

Karen never left The Clark Sisters; she simply recorded a solo album - as all the sisters actively/currently in the group have solo albums/careers while actively performing/recording with the group. The only Clarks to ever leave the group were Twinkie (returned later) and Denise.

I 100% agree with this excellent post

Kirk Franklin also makes his money as Plies

Is It wrong for Gospel singers to get paid? Why shouldn't they make money like all other artists? This does not mean that all are lovers of money, while i do understand the videos sentiments, there are some in the business for their own reasons. Are we now questioning the artists faith? Surely the content of their music should reveal who they really are...after all not all "Gospel Music" is actually Gospel / or has Christ in it! Some are fake, some are genuine, and yes let them get paid, we all work for a salary for a living.....God knows his children, who are we to judge?

I just received this video today. Everything you have said, I totally agree with. Some of the gospel music today sound like an r&b song or a club song. When I see videos of these new contemporary gospel artists with dancers dancing like they are in club disco, I lose interest in listening or watching the video. Even in church there is no more Spirit filled, holy ghost power in the churches anymore. Too much contemporary and not enough traditional gospel or hymns being played or sang. 🙏✌️👍👍👏👏👏👏💙🙌 New Subscriber here. Thank You

I can not say that I totally agree with this . There is no problem with anyone who has a job to try to make more money. Whether it’s by working overtime, getting a promotion, working at getting a bonus, leaving one job for another company that will pay more, or leaving that place for a better career, we all applaud it and proclaim that God is blessing them into bigger or better. Yes, on can sing in church for the glory of God. The same can be done in a large venue that is NOT a typical place of worship. All of these artists came from humble beginnings. God blessed them to move up and actually get paid for their singing, playing or whatever it is they do. As they become more blessed, more people want to see them. The average church will never be able to hold the thousands of people wanting to hear them, see them in their element. I can not believe you don’t know this about the industry and only focus on how much money they made but venues cost, musicians cost, promoters cost, ect. Do you feel that the artist pay for this out of pocket so that people can come and hear them? They work a regular job and get a regular wage and know they a get thousands of people to come see them and they have to pay for it? It will never happen. It may take more than that persons yearly salary to pay for a venue. But God blesses. We charge for family reunions, we charge for banquets and celebrations, even in the church. So why is it wrong for them to charge for a performance at a venue? I hear all you’re saying and can agree with a lot but this view generalizes everything and every artist. Guess what? When you sing in church it IS a performance also. Call it what you want. But when God blessed you to move to a higher level and you do not move it would be like slapping God in the face. All of us come from the humble beginnings. Most Pastors start as ministers with no church. God blesses and they get a store front, blesses and gets a building, blesses and moves into a bigger church, blesses and now has to build a meg church to satisfy the following. Is that wrong? You seem to say there is no element of worship at these performances. I believe there is. However, it is true that people come to see these artist perform the songs they hear via media. So, are these people really coming to worship? Can’t blame the artist. But in so many performances there is recognition of God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost in some way. Tell me you are absolute that people do not surrender their lives to Christ at these events. Like I said, this is way too generalized.

It doesn’t matter what genre you sing, being an artist takes skill, practice, TIME,and money! These artists can’t tour the world without MONEY! They’d never be able to find sound crews, tech crews, security, musicians, etc that would work with them for free. Without money, gospel music would come across as unprofessional and low quality…. And then y’all would be complaining about Gospel artists not operating in excellence! Y’all are the same people who pay $500+ to see your favorite secular artists but complain about paying for a gospel concert. Most of that $ ain’t even going to the artist; they got to pay for the venue, the LIghts, and all the staff that make the event possible.

As a Christian myself, thank you for being brave by making this video. We need more our people to realize that some Christians can do bad things🙌🏾

ty❤

Great expose’

They need to pay bills too are they supposed to work for free

Good afternoon: Gospel has gotten really underhanded & goes extremely odd. Or the ppl in gospel. It's so strange cuz Gospel literally is music of God. My question is " Why you charging 🤔, so much to spread the word..?? " Kinda weird & strange. That lady's egotistical 😮 smh...!! Kanye West is no Christian. What Christian you know disrespects women and curses up like no tomorrow 🤔🤔 & believe he deserves worship, validation & gratitude 24/7. I never bought Gospel concert tickets & truly don't plan on buying some. What happened...?? I'm glad I came across this channel great video. Have a great day 🙂🙂

I hope you can have another video on its older brother: Contemporary Christian Music.

She said “Let that mask work for you” 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

Give me Mahalia Jackson, and of that era,

Clickbate: That is the devils music.

I agree with the creator of this video. Gospel artist I follow have concerts in churches. A love offering is taken because our God given gifts make room for us. How can we charge for what is freely given to us? Not to say they shouldn’t be paid, it’s the manner how it’s sought. Listen to the lyrics Richard Smallwood has not ever compromised..his lyrics are straight from the Word of God, world renown as the Bible.

Great documentary thank you black man