Sh*ck In Church As Popular Gospel Singer Burns Cheque After Ministration – Here’s Why

Prophet Joel Ogebe, leader of the gospel music group Sounds of Salem, has disclosed that he deliberately burned a cheque given to him as an honorarium after ministering at The African Praise Experience (TAPE) Overflow 2025. The event was held on Sunday, July 13, at House on the Rock Church in Lagos.

Under the leadership of Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the church hosted several renowned gospel ministers including Dunsin Oyekan, Onos Ariyo, Nathaniel Bassey, and the Sounds of Salem team.

Following their performance, a cheque was presented to the group as a token of appreciation. However, Prophet Ogebe chose not to accept the gesture and instead destroyed the cheque.

In a now-viral video, Ogebe explained that the ministration was a sacred encounter, not a commercial activity. He and his team had already resolved not to accept any financial reward, emphasizing the spiritual value of the moment.

He said:

“After the ministration, a spiritual father handed us a cheque out of honor. I accepted it, placed it aside, and later burned it. I had already told myself it would never be cashed.

I told my team we wouldn’t touch that money. It wasn’t payment—it was an offering to God.

Some divine moments in life aren’t meant for profit, but for growth. That night was one of them. I came for impartation, not compensation.

A person with a needy mindset might see that cheque as prosperity, but the truth is—it runs out. What we truly need is the mantle, not the money. Chasing the cash can make you miss the encounter.”