Dr. David Antwi, senior pastor and founder of the Kharis Ministry Church in London in the United Kingdom, recently made a highly controversial statement regarding worship musicians in churches. According to him, those who minister praise with musical instruments in church services and receive financial compensation for their work are, in his words, “thieves.” This claim has sparked significant debate among Christians worldwide, as it touches on sensitive issues related to ministry, compensation, stewardship, and the role of worship in the local church.
In a video circulating online, Dr. Antwi is seen preaching to his congregation and addressing the praise team directly. He calls the musicians to stand and delivers a forceful message about their motives and behavior. During his address, he says:
God bless you, I really appreciate you guys, stand here, where is the rest? You are a thief if you play church instruments and collect money, you are thief, you are thief, you are thief, satan’s cousin.
Pastor Antwi’s argument is based on the idea that musicians should serve in worship purely for the glory of God and not receive financial remuneration for their participation. According to his perspective, receiving money for playing instruments in church represents a wrong motive, one centered on personal gain rather than humble service to the Lord. He implies that financial compensation for worship musicians undermines the spiritual nature of worship and detracts from the central focus on God.
This position has understandably generated strong reactions from many within the global Christian community. On one hand, some agree with the underlying principle that worship should be offered with pure motives and a sincere heart directed toward God alone. They believe that when personal financial gain becomes a driver for ministry involvement—especially in something as sacred as leading other believers in praise—it risks distorting the mission and calling of worship ministry.
On the other hand, many pastors, worship leaders, theologians, church musicians, and Christian workers reject Pastor Antwi’s claim as overly simplistic and unbiblical. They argue that Scripture does not condemn financial compensation for those who labor in ministry, including those who serve through music. Rather, the Bible affirms that those who devote significant time and skill to ministry work are deserving of support from the church, especially if that support enables them to serve effectively without undue hardship.
For example, in the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes about the principle that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). While this passage specifically addresses those who preach, many Christians understand this to extend to various forms of ministry leadership, including music and worship, especially when done on a professional or vocational level.
Worship ministry in many churches today involves a significant level of commitment and skill. Musicians often invest years in training, rehearsal, teamwork, and pastoral care in order to lead the congregation well. In many congregations, worship teams meet several times each week for practice, planning services, and preparing spiritually. This level of dedication can make it difficult for worship leaders and instrumentalists to support themselves financially without some form of compensation.
It is also important to note that the way compensation is handled varies widely across Christian traditions and cultures. In some churches, worship musicians serve as volunteers without pay, viewing their gift as a free offering to God. In other churches, particularly larger congregations or those with full-time music staff, worship leaders receive salaries, stipends, or honorariums as part of their role. None of these arrangements inherently dishonors God; rather, they reflect different approaches to supporting those who serve.
Another point of discussion centers on motive. Receiving compensation for work and serving God wholeheartedly are not mutually exclusive. A musician can be paid for their time and still have a pure heart dedicated to worship. Scripture emphasizes the condition of the heart, not merely the presence or absence of financial support. God examines motives, and He calls His people to serve with sincerity, integrity, and devotion, whether paid or unpaid.
In the same video, Pastor Antwi’s language—labeling compensated musicians as “thieves” and even going so far as to call them “Satan’s cousin”—has drawn criticism for being unnecessarily harsh and potentially damaging to those who serve in good faith. Many Christians believe that such rhetoric can harm the body of Christ by fostering judgment rather than encouragement, and by discouraging gifted musicians from using their talents in worship settings.
At the same time, the discussion does highlight an important and often overlooked issue: the need for churches to carefully consider how they approach leadership, ministry, and stewardship. Worship is not only musical expression; it is a spiritual discipline. The way a church supports its worship leaders—financially, spiritually, and relationally—should reflect a thoughtful, biblical approach that honors both the ministry and the ministers.
Many churches attempt to balance these responsibilities by providing pastoral care, accountability, and clear expectations for ministry roles. Some set up formal worship leader positions with job descriptions, salary structures, and performance reviews. Others rely on volunteers while offering occasional gifts or reimbursements as needed. In every case, the key is transparency, care for the individual, and a focus on God’s glory rather than personal gain.
What believers can take away from this controversy is the importance of examining motivations and practices in all areas of ministry. Worship leaders and church musicians should regularly evaluate their hearts, ensuring that their service flows from gratitude, humility, and love for God. Likewise, church leaders should aim to honor those who serve with wisdom and integrity, providing support in ways that enable them to continue ministering without undue burden.
In the end, the question is not simply whether worship musicians should be paid, but how churches can cultivate environments where ministry is both effective and spiritually healthy. Compensation is a practical issue, but it should never replace a deeper commitment to prayer, discipleship, biblical teaching, and community care. When these foundations are strong, compensation becomes a tool for sustaining ministry, not a source of division.
We leave you with the video below so that you can watch for yourself, consider the context, and form your own opinion. We invite you to share your thoughts respectfully in the comments and join the conversation with humility and discernment, always seeking to honor God in how we serve and support those who lead us in worship.