Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae said that comedian Druski’s viral megachurch sketch has highlighted real problems in some churches.

In an Instagram post made on Tuesday, Lecrae described the parody, which has over 45.5 million views, as “not invented out of thin air",  adding there are “wolves in the pulpits, theatrics for attention and money and influence, and leaders manipulating God’s name for gain".

Druski, a 30-year-old comedian known for his viral parodies, released the three-minute video online on Monday, which featured him in a designer outfit suspended above a pulpit with smoke and lights, delivering a theatrical sermon and encouraging tithes, including for a project in Zimbabwe. 

The skit has drawn both criticism and praise, with some viewers offended and others saying it reflects real-life church culture.

Lecrae emphasised that accountability must come from within the church. “The work needs to be done internally. There needs to be more leaders and teachers and pastors warning people about these false leaders and false teachers,” he said.

He also urged discernment rather than outrage. “This is not the opportunity for people to say, ‘This is why I don’t go to church,’” Lecrae explained. “It’s the opportunity for people to say, ‘I don’t want to go to a church like that.’”