Over the past few decades theres been a growing trend of gospel artists taking to the pulpit. Sceptics calling into question the validity of the call upon some of the less likely pastoral candidates may need to read Pauls letter to the Philippian church: the former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, . But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached (Philippians 1:17a-18 NIV).  

It's well known that digital streaming has single-handedly revolutionised the music industry but sadly, artists and musicians havent been the beneficiaries. Gospel has been one of the hardest hit genres, as evidenced by the pre-COVID steady decline in tour revenue and album sales. Business savvy gospel artists have expanded their brands and become astute entrepreneurs whilst others have planted churches, guaranteeing them a steadier source of income.

Whether the goal is souls, revenue generation or obedience to Gods call, we echo Apostle Pauls sentiments and rejoice that Christ is being preached.

Here are 5 of our favourite gospel artists who started churches within the last 6 years:

Tasha Cobbs No stranger to ministry, Tasha was thrust into the spotlight during her tenure at the dReam Center Church of Atlanta under the leadership of Bishop William Murphy III. After serving for 14 years there, she took up a position as Senior Worship Pastor at John Grays Relentless Church in 2018. 2020 saw Cobbs and her husband launch into the deep and plant their own church - The Purpose Place. With a mandate to restore hope to the community by being the hands and feet of Jesus in the earth, Cobbs and her husband are committed to helping Gods people fulfil their purpose. Cobbs is currently pursuing a degree in Pastoral leadership at Rod Parsleys Valor Christian College.

Volney Morgan UK Gospels favourite choir director added the title of pastor to his resume in 2019. Morgan and his wife established Alive City Church, a London based church community church. Morgan has excelled in fostering a family spirit at his church and lives out the churchs mantra A family built on love, prayer, relationship and most importantly the word of God.

Erica Campbell Everyones favourite Mary is a pastor. She and husband Warryn oversee California Worship Center, a church called to Inspire, Love and Ignite Good. In a scene from her reality show Were the Campbells, Erica shared her concerns about not being licenced to preach: Shouldnt I go to school of some sort. This is not just talking, this is preaching, this is the word of God helping people understand. Campbell has since fully embraced her call to preach and can regularly be seen behind the pulpit at California Worship Center.

Travis Greene The Made a way hitmaker founded Forward City Church in 2015 after receiving a call from God in 2013. Greenes passion for college ministry dates back to his college years and this is the bedrock of Forward City which exists to engage and redefine culture.

Deitrick Haddon The Preachers of L.A star became a bonafide lead pastor in 2016 when he launched Hill City Church, with a mission to win 1 million souls in the LA and surrounding cities. Growing up as a preachers kid, Haddon first sensed Gods call to preach at the tender age of 10. After serving as youth pastor at a church in Detroit, followed by a stint as worship leader at Paula and Randy Whites former church - Without Walls, Haddon has come full circle and is walking in his calling.

Written by Akosua Dwomo-Fokuo, Premier Gospel Presenter

Imagine that your favourite gospel artist is the pastor at your church and every Sunday is a mini-concert. No amateur praise and worship teams but instead, your Grammy or Stellar award-winning gospel singing pastor belting out billboard hit after billboard hit.