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A Musician's Rebuke: Why Baba Harare's Testimony is a Wake-Up Call for Professionalism in Ministry
By Oudney Patsika | Pastors Toolbox Zimbabwe
Baba Harare’s recent testimony about his experiences in the gospel sector is a critical and uncomfortable conversation for every church leader. His story is not merely a complaint; it is a case study in the systemic failure to apply fundamental biblical and business principles to the ministry of music. As leaders, we must ask: are our churches guilty of the same?
The Core Problem: A Misunderstanding of Value
Ministry vs. Livelihood
The heart of the issue is a failure to distinguish between volunteer service and a professional’s livelihood. While the ministry itself is invaluable, 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 poor stewardship of God-given talent.
A Call for Kingdom Integrity
More Than a Complaint
The 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," as it fails the basic biblical principles of fairness (Luke 10:7 - "the laborer is worthy of his wages") and honoring one's commitments.
The Blueprint Step 1: Systemize Operations
The Power of Contracts
Churches must shift from seeing artists as volunteers to viewing them as strategic partners. The first step is to systemize operations. Agreements should be formalized with simple contracts that outline expectations, deliverables, and payment terms. This eliminates the ambiguity that leads to exploitation and protects both the artist and the church.
The Blueprint Step 2: Optimize Resources
Budgeting with Respect
A church that books an artist has a responsibility to optimize its resources by budgeting for them just as it would for any other event expense (e.g., venue hire, sound system). This includes performance fees, travel, and accommodation. To do otherwise is to build a ministry on a foundation of disrespect for the minister.
The Blueprint Step 3: Scale for Success
Ensuring Economic Viability
For the gospel genre to grow and have a wider impact, it must be economically viable. Scaling for success means creating a sustainable ecosystem. When artists are fairly compensated, they can invest back into their craft—leading to higher quality productions, professional development, and a broader reach for the gospel message.
A Word from the Toolbox
Baba Harare’s call to "do better" is a strategic imperative for the Church. The principles that build strong businesses—clear systems, respect for value, and sustainable growth models—are not worldly; they are principles of good stewardship. 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 Baba Harare has started is not about money; it's about valuing both the ministry and the minister.
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