Should Gospel Concerts Cost Money To Attend? Biblical References

Should Gospel Concerts Cost Money To Attend? Biblical References

Times are changing, and innovations meeting civilization have altered a lot, even in the body of Christ. But one thing is certain: God’s Word is True! It cannot be altered, reviewed, or improved upon by any human ideology. We have a lot of teachings and insights because God’s word is unique in that a person can fully understand it. Without the Holy Spirit to further explain and reveal the Rhema, some may read the Bible a face value.  God’s word is like a double-edged sword that can cut through many different situations.  

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Today’s topic is something that is very popular and controversial in the body of Christ. It has been talked about in different ways. Pastors and minstrels all have a take on this matter, and everyone is right from their point of view. Morality or logic is not the same as spirituality. 

We will address this issue from all sides, in support and against it. The Big question is 

Should Gospel Concert Attendance Be Monetized?

First things first, what is a concert?

By definition,  a “concert” is a live musical performance in front of an audience. The performance may be by a single musician, sometimes called a recital, or by a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, choir, or band.

Now, this is the definition that covers all genres, and of course, it takes a lot of preparation to achieve it. This is where it becomes tricky: If a secular artist organizes a concert with the aim of entertaining and generating income, should a gospel minister do the same?

ALSO, READ Gospel Artistes Should Bill For Performances – Sammie Okposo

Well, the argument is this, hosting a standard concert costs money, whether secular or gospel, but the caveat is the word “gospel.” 

Let us look at a few scriptures and biblical take on money

2 Corinthians 2:15–17

15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, oto the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many others, peddlers of God’s word, but we speak in Christ as men of sincerity, as men commissioned by God.

Should Gospel Concert Attendance Be Monetized? No!!

Acts 8:20-23 New International Version (NIV)

And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perishes with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!” You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.

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Money has always played a vital role in the gospel, and especially against it  Jesus Christ revealed to us that there are two masters, GOD and MONEY. Matt 6: 24 “No one can serve two masters.” Either you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

This is to prove that the major contender God faces when it comes to the hearts of men is MONEY. As a result, the issue of money is the most heavily contested doctrine or teaching in Christendom. 

Should Gospel Concerts Cost Money To Attend? Biblical References

How Does This Affect Gospel Concerts?

Many will say that “money solves everything,” and spreading the gospel costs money, according to Zech. 1: 17. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities, through prosperity, shall yet be spread abroad.” 

So why shouldn’t I charge for a gospel concert? 

Here is Why 

1. If the message is Jesus and His undying sacrifice and love at calvary, then you cannot put a price on it. Jesus paid the ultimate price and no amount of money can be equated to that. When you put a gate fee to talk about Jesus, you have sold the gospel. If during your ministration, the Holy Spirit converts a soul and leads them to the cross. When you make an altar call, and they come out, will you tell them the Gospel is free??

   
   Any miracle or testimony that comes from this event can as well be tied to the gate fee that will be involved. When you pay for this concert, whatever be the outcome or experience is all paid for.
   
   

2. God does not call for a programme He can not sponsor. I know this sounds strange but look at it in the scriptures. God raises a man with 5 loaves and 2 fishes to feed 5thousand men and 12 Baskets remained.
   
   The sponsor is a lad whose name was not mentioned but who will have a share in the 12 baskets’ return. God did not raise the crowd to pay for the bread. Most gospel concerts that have gate fees are borne out of greed and a need for money. The Experience concert has been on for about 17 years at the time of this post, and not once has there been a gate fee.  Does it cost money to organize ?? Oh yes, millions of Naira, if not billions, but a vision like that is carried on the backs of men that God will raise, not fliers and posters.
   
   

   Should Gospel Concert Attendance Be Monetized? No!

3. Whenever you put money before service in the Kingdom you are serving Mamon. Matt. 6:31-33 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall put we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Money is an addition to faithful and diligent Kingdom service. When you serve God diligently money is an addition, not even a reward.
   
   Some people even add tables, VIP seats and premium positions 

Conclusion 

If you call for a music concert and your aim is to entertain the audience, add a gate fee. But, when it involves the gospel and your aim is to preach and sing about Jesus, no gate fee is required. I know this is not accepted by all, so let us know what you feel in the comment section below.