EPISODE · Apr 17, 2026 · 1H 5M
#31 - Steve Hills Unfiltered: Music Ministry Is Not a Calling
from Thats my Time with Tolu Afilaka
In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Pastor Steve Hills (Love Room) sits down with Tolu Afilaka and speaks openly about the realities of music ministry, work, calling, and longevity in gospel music.From his childhood desire to just sing, to writing hit songs like “Supernatural” and “OluwaTosin”, Steve shares honest truths that challenge common beliefs in the industry.He discusses:Why “Music Ministry” is not a biblical calling or officeThe difference between gifting and callingWhy most music ministers struggle financially and how to surviveThe importance of work, multiple income streams, and building outside the stage“Dying to self” and putting vision above egoHow to stay humble when friends rise fasterHis honest take on tattoos, freedom, and “All things are lawful but…”The power of knowledge and consistency over chasing viralityThe coming return of team ministry (the Levites)This episode is a must-listen for gospel artists, worship leaders, young ministers, and anyone who wants to understand the real demands of ministry beyond the stage.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:25 - Young Steve: “I Just Wanted to Sing”05:37 - From Computer Science & Afrobeats to Gospel12:52 - How He Writes Songs: Word + Progression22:09 - Music Ministry Is Not a Calling26:52 - The Return of the Levites & Team Ministry29:41 - Knowledge Is Deliverance36:19 - Consistency vs Chasing Virality42:11 - Staying Humble While Friends Blow Up47:45 - How Music Ministers Should Survive Financially57:18 - “All Things Are Lawful But…” – Tattoos & Freedom01:03:02 - Final ReflectionsFollow Pastor Steve Hills on Instagram: @stevehillsHost: Tolu Afilaka – @toluafilakaa#SteveHills #MusicMinistry #GospelMusic #ChristianPodcast #DyingToSelf #WorshipLeadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What this episode covers
In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Pastor Steve Hills (Love Room) sits down with Tolu Afilaka and speaks openly about the realities of music ministry, work, calling, and longevity in gospel music.From his childhood desire to just sing, to writing hit songs like “Supernatural” and “OluwaTosin”, Steve shares honest truths that challenge common beliefs in the industry.He discusses:Why “Music Ministry” is not a biblical calling or officeThe difference between gifting and callingWhy most music ministers struggle financially and how to surviveThe importance of work, multiple income streams, and building outside the stage“Dying to self” and putting vision above egoHow to stay humble when friends rise fasterHis honest take on tattoos, freedom, and “All things are lawful but…”The power of knowledge and consistency over chasing viralityThe coming return of team ministry (the Levites)This episode is a must-listen for gospel artists, worship leaders, young ministers, and anyone who wants to understand the real demands of ministry beyond the stage.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:25 - Young Steve: “I Just Wanted to Sing”05:37 - From Computer Science & Afrobeats to Gospel12:52 - How He Writes Songs: Word + Progression22:09 - Music Ministry Is Not a Calling26:52 - The Return of the Levites & Team Ministry29:41 - Knowledge Is Deliverance36:19 - Consistency vs Chasing Virality42:11 - Staying Humble While Friends Blow Up47:45 - How Music Ministers Should Survive Financially57:18 - “All Things Are Lawful But…” – Tattoos & Freedom01:03:02 - Final ReflectionsFollow Pastor Steve Hills on Instagram: @stevehillsHost: Tolu Afilaka – @toluafilakaa#SteveHills #MusicMinistry #GospelMusic #ChristianPodcast #DyingToSelf #WorshipLeadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#31 - Steve Hills Unfiltered: Music Ministry Is Not a Calling
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