Topic: Salaries (Read 8238 times)

Kirk · « **on:** June 26, 2003, 01:43:22 AM »

What kind of salaries are church musicians getting? I get $300.00/wk but that includes everything...funerals, special occassions, traveling with the pastor.

blessedone · « **Reply #1 on:** June 26, 2003, 11:29:28 AM »

This subject never ends.

Kirk you'tr getting paid well. I know some musicians who only make $80 a sunday including funerals etc. I think it depend on the church size and the pastor. It is all about how much the church can afford to pay.

Kirk · « **Reply #2 on:** June 27, 2003, 10:26:00 PM »

The $300.00/wk is what the church offered me. However, for the $300.00 they get two musicians. I play the organ and my son is on the piano. I'm satisfied with the salary. I don't play solely for the money but it does come in handy. I enjoy playing and I consider playing for the Lord a ministry. But the scripture says the laborer is worthy of his hire. I think there are some churches that think because playing is done as unto the Lord there should be no compensation. However, when you go to the grocery store they don't usually ask you do you love Jesus; they usually want CASH

.

Kirk

blessedone · « **Reply #3 on:** June 28, 2003, 09:48:19 AM »

Kirk

I hear ya brotha. Good point

itsallpeach · « **Reply #4 on:** June 28, 2003, 05:09:10 PM »

Kirk, you touched a RAW spot with me! Just thank God that you're not the Pastor's grandson where everything you do is free and they walk all over you for 17 years with SMILES on their faces!!! Thank God that you didn't get "pushed aside" for a $400 a Sunday musician who can not do half as well with the choir as you did. Thank God that no one has walked up to the organ in rehearsal, turned it off, and told you "You can get up now. . .the real musician is here!"

Take the $300 and live with it!!!! God provides for his own. You'd be amazed at what you can get at the grocery store and anywhere else when folks know you love Jesus. . .it's called FAVOR!

Kirk · « **Reply #5 on:** June 28, 2003, 10:42:51 PM »

Peach I know you're playing as unto the Lord because a lot of musicians wouldn't tolerate that kind of disrespect and remain at the church. I live just outside of Philadelphia, Pa. I had a list of almost 30 churches that were looking for musicians. Pastors, trustees, deacons or whomever in the know about music try to hold on to their musician. It's easier to get a Sunday speaker than someone to play the organ or piano because it takes years of training/practice to play well.
Unfortunately everyone in the church doesn't exemplify Christian character and we treat each other poorly :cry: Some of the worst fights have been right in the church. We musicians can also be temperamental and difficult at times; i.e. big egos. There are some musicians who will not play at any service without getting paid. I'm quite satisfied with my salary. I wasn't going to ask them for $300.00; that's what was offered to me.

Kirk

Bronzee · « **Reply #6 on:** June 28, 2003, 11:08:59 PM »

Well, be happy for your pay. I was like what the preach said...i got push aside when this fancy..guy came alone from a big city. Me and another musician..at that time iwas a beginner and the pastor kept talkin all this yang..yang about how he was going to do right by me and the other musician when he get a head musician.and how he was going to have him to help us out...well, it didn't go that way at all..the pastor made us side down...and not play and when the head musician came..he was stuck on hisself and selfish and wouldln't and didn't think no one else had the gift or desire to play but, him..he had a nasty personality...the pastor paid him..good bucks..and he even took a little extra on the side..and all they did was praise him..for his irrogant spirit.he rise the organ up higher..like lucifer wanted to be seen ..he plays loud...all the time...now, dont get me wrong he is a musician that can play just about everything and God does annointe him in that particular area. When i had to sit thur this guy playing every service..i thought i was going to leave the church it hurt me so bad..I was oppress and depression and I didnt really and couldn't really do the ministry that God wanted me to do anyway. the other musician couldn't take it and he left the church..cause this head musician wouldnt help up and we just got push aside never got paid..but, we were faithful to God and the service...I just happen to be a kinfolk to..no pay...no play in the church i attend...and took for granted when the other members dont like the blood relatives just because are names are the same. I can say that i know what it is to..be cast out, cast down, put aside, and be opress. I learn a good lesson going thur all that...I LEARNED NOT to put my trust in any man...not preacher, deacon, saint, aint..etc. The pastor just happens to be my blood brother. God truly had to deal with me in this situation. I couldnt figure out why I got treated like that..and i was always tried to be a good person and do the right thing. I went years for not saying anything to my brother..I tellu God told me..to forgive them for they kow not what they do... it made alot of sense..what God said to me for words of encouragement..after that I watch what and how i speak to people..be kind..and gentle..so i dont play at church..but, i do play in my home and in any nursing home i want..i have 2 pianos..and no one can tell me not to play...u see i just love music...when u r booted and hooted u learn how to make with what u have. Be happy with your pay..and thank god for it.

Kirk · « **Reply #7 on:** June 29, 2003, 04:31:45 AM »

Bronzee where do you live? As I said in my earlier post musicians are hard to come by. There are churches out there that would love to have you. Thanks be to God you learned a great lesson out of the experience you've come through and have become a better person because of it. I'm glad you and your brother have reconciled. I don't know how old you are; but I know I have more years behind me than in front of me..so I try not to get caught up in a lot of foolishness. My goal is to be faithful to what God has called me to do and leave the rest up to Him. I try to keep short accounts of past slights...and with time cast them into the sea of forgetfulness where they shall never rise and trouble me (or anyone else) anymore. Now I feel like passing the offering plate

Kirk

Bronzee · « **Reply #8 on:** June 29, 2003, 03:50:49 PM »

Quote from: Kirk

Bronzee where do you live? As I said in my earlier post musicians are hard to come by. There are churches out there that would love to have you. Thanks be to God you learned a great lesson out of the experience you've come through and have become a better person because of it. I'm glad you and your brother have reconciled. I don't know how old you are; but I know I have more years behind me than in front of me..so I try not to get caught up in a lot of foolishness. My goal is to be faithful to what God has called me to do and leave the rest up to Him. I try to keep short accounts of past slights...and with time cast them into the sea of forgetfulness where they shall never rise and trouble me (or anyone else) anymore. Now I feel like passing the offering plate

Kirk

Kirk..I live in Benton Harbor, Michigan. If my town sounds familar..its the town that was on the international news..doing all the rioting last week. I will be at the aim convention starting all of this week until next Saturday, there I will be around musicians and watching them.

mhollins · « **Reply #9 on:** December 22, 2003, 06:29:35 PM »

Dont be fooled saints. Most non-profit organizations are not afraid of paying money. I does not hurt their accounting or financial position. I have an organist friend who I consider very good. And he just locked into a deal with a church that is paying him $950 per Sunday!! And this is no huge church. In my town, there are no huge churches, and musicians come a dime a dozen.

Dredakyst · « **Reply #10 on:** December 23, 2003, 11:51:35 AM »

Quote from: mhollins

Dont be fooled saints. Most non-profit organizations are not afraid of paying money. I does not hurt their accounting or financial position. I have an organist friend who I consider very good. And he just locked into a deal with a church that is paying him $950 per Sunday!! And this is no huge church. In my town, there are no huge churches, and musicians come a dime a dozen.

Saints remember only what you do for Christ will last... God said that your talent will make room for you.. A lot of times we get caught up into the now.. and not the future of God's work.. God will take care of his own for as it is promised.. Money is temporary but, God's love and his provision is eternal... So i am not playing for a church yet but i do design websites and i created some for Christian people and churches and got str-8 hoodwinked.. but TGBTG cause "Just" and righteous people have seen my work and more jobs have been offered to make up for their bamboozlement, so in return i am been blessed through the people that got over on me

some thing to think about.. That we should try to look at the Forest and greater picture than the tree..

4hisglory · « **Reply #11 on:** December 23, 2003, 01:21:48 PM »

Here is my opinion again on musicians getting paid.

It would be easy for someone like myself to say that musicians shouldn't get paid becaus I do not make my living from being a musician. I'm a programmer. if the church came to me said that they needed a full time person to handle the technical needs of the church for free, I couldn't do it because I have a wife and kids to maintain.

Music is a ministry just like preaching is. Full time preachers get paid and should be. That is the only way they can keep there ministry alive.

I'm not saying that musicians have to get paid, or should get paid because every situattion. I can say that I wouldn't expect to get paid but as stated earlier, I'm not a full time musician. I have noticed that people who "are not" full time musicians are typically the ones that do not agree with musicians getting paid. But I would love to hear from one.

Dredakyst · « **Reply #12 on:** December 23, 2003, 01:46:58 PM »

I could write a thought provoking reply but.. here it is in a nut shell

I Timothy 5:17-19
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages."

in which paul mak reference to this verse

Luke 10:7
"And stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house."

and remember

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

there are many examples and situations that we can all relate to .. but The Word of God stands the same..

Now if someone don't deserves it then.. that is another issue

be sure to check out this link
http://heart4god.8k.com/id341.htm

4hisglory · « **Reply #13 on:** December 23, 2003, 02:13:01 PM »

I read........well actually scimmed the article and people in ministry can expect to get paid (according to the person that wrote the article.) Which only makes logical sense like I was saying before.

Dredakyst · « **Reply #14 on:** December 23, 2003, 02:40:52 PM »

Quote from: 4hisglory

I read........well actually scimmed the article and people in ministry can expect to get paid (according to the person that wrote the article.) Which only makes logical sense like I was saying before.

yep i wasn't objecting to you.. just piggy backing

BBoy · « **Reply #15 on:** December 23, 2003, 02:50:03 PM »

You are right, 4HisGlory. I think there is a difference between someone who is a professional, full-time musician (meaning that the church can expect full-time work) and someone who using their gift to help the ministry as they can. And saints, may I also say that this poverty mentality that some people have has got to go! What I mean is this . . . the "something for nothing" mentality, which includes wearing someone out playing / preaching / ministering and giving them nothing for it, is not at all Biblical and is a poverty-type mentality. :roll: Now I must also say that we should know the ministry that we have been called to help; if you know that it is struggling financially and can't afford to give you anything, but you feel like God wants you there, then know that God will provide for you and your needs. I have taught the Word a lot, and never received a dime and never asked for anything . . . I was just using my gift, even though at one point the pastor's wife seemed to want to put me a little salary. But like 4HisGlory, I made my living elsewhere and I could make it without help . . . but that's me. I would say if you feel that you should be paid, first just pray about it and see what the Holy Ghost tells you. Then, under wise and Spirit-led counsel, go to the leadership (and NO ONE ELSE) and put forth your concerns. God will give the issue peace. Be Blessed . . . BBoy

Mysteryman · « **Reply #16 on:** December 23, 2003, 06:04:01 PM »

I just want to make a few comment from some of my experience.

If the musician is not getting paid should there be a big fuss about him or her missing a service?
If the church does really need the music why complain if the musician is not there?
Why fuss at a musician for not learning a complicated song that sometimes takes hours to learn?

I get paid 100 a Sunday but I split it with one of the other musicians. I'm not sure if the pastor will pay him. If it is right to pay one then it should be right to pay another no matter the skill level. I remember a time when it would take me 2 or more hours to learn one song. Imagine 5-7 choirs(even though we only have a couple now) and 3-5 songs per choir is this fair to the musician? Some directors and most choir memebers learn the songs at rehearsal and dont think about them until Sunday. Back then I was paid 100 every 2 weeks. Is this fair to the musician?

I have struggled with this issue of musician pay and still do sometimes.

binga · « **Reply #17 on:** December 23, 2003, 07:13:08 PM »

accorinding to your works u shall get pay..... if the church is doing well and prospering then share the wealth.... caUSE WE NO THAT A CHURCH WID OUT PRAISES IS EMPTY..... or set it up where you can put it towards some new equiptment that is a joy to play to enhance the service. everybody can sing something but can they play it...its is a blessing and a gitf to share but it can be work also.....the laborer is truly worthy of his hire....if the church has the means :lol:

bigdaddywagon · « **Reply #18 on:** January 01, 2004, 08:21:14 PM »

Bros and Sisses,

I think that a minister is worthy of his (her) hire. If you are offered remunerations for your God-given talent, (that you have worked most of your life practicing and mastering your instruments) that is great!
You are an extension of the Pastor's ministry which means:

You are also expected to have above average people skills to handle the self-proclaimed "Stars" (singers and musicians) of the church and the let the older saints know that you are not abandoning the older songs. (Been there?)

You are also expected to upgrade and maintain the Audio/Visual system regularly and advise (train) the staff to run it.

There are quite a number of hats to wear when you lead a music department.

If it were just learning and playing songs, that would be nice.
It's like preaching. Only 10% of the time is spent behind the pulpit.

And with that, I am off mine. HA!

Be blessed!
Russ

ebert · « **Reply #19 on:** January 02, 2004, 03:58:30 PM »

Man, I really enjoy this discussion.

Here's my point of view and I've played for three seperate churches. The first one was in Los Angeles and I was the main musician until someone else entered the picture. During that time that I was the only one there, I was given a 'love offering' of 25 dollars. This was over a 2 month period of time. I wasn't that good, but still...music is music.

The second church was a little bigger and in Atlanta, Georgia. I was the full time musician there for six years and didn't get one dime at all. I never complained about it and really didn't see any reason to. I had two pastors (a husband and wife team) and the church could only pay the husband, not the wife. So, if they couldn't pay the wife, why on earth would I ask them for some money? However, it was funny that when someone else joined in, I was told that they were going to pay him. One of the reasons why I really didn't like the pay issue was that it changed things so much. For four years, I was good enough. When someone new entered the picture, I was instantly deemed as 'holding the church back' and 'getting in the way'. When the guy left (less than a month later), it was back to me being really good and everything. I now play for my parents church in a small town in Kansas.

My point is that I really haven't been paid at all since I've learned how to play the keyboard, organ, piano, drums, and trumpet. Despite that, my life is still fulfilled because of all of the benefits that I reaped by being in those churches. I love to play the keyboard so it doesn't bother me. What bothers me is when they make a very heavy demand on my gift and talent. I think that sometimes, pastors and ministers completely forget that musicians are people, not just hired help. They have lives, responsibilities, hurts, pains, dreams, and goals just like the people they are ministering to. One of the things that I love about my parents' church is the fact that they will pull me off the keyboard when they are praying for men or for a special need. They don't forget about me. To me, that's more important than money. But that's just me. I think that if someone does get paid to play for their church, it's great. Just as long as they are not exploited.

Author Topic: Salaries (Read 8238 times)

itsallpeach