Baba Harare’s recent testimony about his experiences in the gospel music sector is a critical conversation starter, not just for the church, but for any industry where passion and profession intersect.
While his courage in speaking out is commendable, the issues he raises point to a deeper, systemic problem: the failure to apply fundamental business principles to the ministry of music.
As a business growth consultant, my focus is on building "hyper-profitable" and sustainable enterprises. The principles that apply to a tech startup or a retail giant are the same ones that can—and should—transform the gospel music industry.
As a business growth consultant, my focus is on building "hyper-profitable" and sustainable enterprises. The principles that apply to a tech startup or a retail giant are the same ones that can—and should—transform the gospel music industry.
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| From Ministry to Marketplace |
Baba Harare’s unfortunate experience is a textbook case of what happens when an organization, in this case, a church, fails to distinguish between a volunteer’s service and a professional’s livelihood.
The Collision of Ministry and Marketplace
The core of the issue lies in a misunderstanding of value. Ministry is invaluable, but the skill, time, and resources required to produce professional-grade music are not free. To expect an artist to cover their own expenses under the guise of "ministering for the Kingdom" is not just disrespectful; it's a poor stewardship of the very talent God has provided. The secular industry, as Baba Harare notes, understands this perfectly. A contract is a contract, and payment is non-negotiable because the value exchange is clear.A Strategic Blueprint for Growth
This is where the gospel industry must evolve. Promoters and churches need to shift their mindset from seeing artists as mere volunteers to viewing them as strategic partners in ministry. This involves:- Systemizing Operations: Agreements should be formalized. A simple contract outlining expectations, deliverables, and payment terms protects both the artist and the organizer. This eliminates the ambiguity that leads to exploitation.
- Optimizing Resources: A church that books an artist has a responsibility to budget for them just as they would for any other event expense. This includes performance fees, travel, and accommodation. To do otherwise is to build a ministry on a foundation of disrespect.
- Scaling for Success: For the gospel genre to grow and have a wider impact, as Baba Harare desires, it must be economically viable for its practitioners. When artists are fairly compensated, they can invest back into their craft, leading to higher quality productions and a broader reach for the gospel message.
More Than a Complaint, A Call for Integrity
The rudeness and mockery Baba Harare faced when requesting a mere $200 for expenses is a symptom of a culture that has divorced ministry from professional integrity. This is not "Kingdom behavior" because it fails the basic biblical principle of fairness and honoring one's commitments.Baba Harare’s call to "do better" is not just an emotional plea; it is a strategic imperative. For the gospel to flourish as a powerful force in our culture, those who carry its message through music must be treated with the dignity and professionalism they deserve.
The conversation he has started is not about money; it's about valuing the ministry and the minister alike.
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