If your church stop paying you today would you continue to play for free?

[rpking]

For me, it's about relationships.  I grew in my home church musically and played for free for over a decade.  I later learned how "shady" and unfriendly the leadership is in my church, and I also learned how I'm not appreciated there.  Another SDA church asked me to play for them for $200/Saturday, so I left my home church for a year.  My home church asked me to come back, but I told them that they would have to pay me something if they wanted me back.  They are a large church of about 2000 members paying me $125/Saturday twice a month, and the other SDA church of less than 200 members pay me $200/Saturday twice a month.  I would have continued to play for free at my home church if the leaders would give compliments sometimes, or let me know how the church appreciates my service......it's not always about the money.  They are not kind, and unfortunately they are not spiritual.  Next year, I'll bounce around churches to try to find a new home.  If I were in situations like your situations, then I would play for free too, but not in my case....

[minstrel71]

I started out playing for free and I would continue playing for free. 

[Dooley]

This is an interesting topic...I don't see too many replies from the "big-wigs" who make a good $300-450 a sunday lol. 

I think that's mainly because  it would financially be difficult to.  I know myself, I play for all choirs, direct the mass choir, lead praise and worship, and lead the band...sooo...I would have to pick up a second job, leading me to not be able to rehearse with all these choirs leading to the demise of my music department because I'm carrying it. 

So, I would play when I could, but all those responsibilities would definitely not be taken care of properly.  My time is valuable these days.  However....First and foremost, I play for God.  So I would probably still continue to play on Sundays, but my week and saturday time spent at the church wouldn't be possible. 

I don't think its all about "getting paid" but moreso sometimes about appreciation.  Gas is high and lifted up, and I know sometimes at my church compliments are hard to come by, so I gladly receive my pay.

However...currently I'm at my home church.  I had left for a while because I moved away amongst some other reasons.  And I was Minister of Music at a Baptist Church.  Needless to say, as most baptist chuches do, they paid me very well.  And I did about 1/3 the work I do now.  When I returned to my home church, I received a significant pay-cut from the baptist church as well as from when I was at my church before.  But I was obedient to God and my pastor, and haven't complained about it yet. 

But my time is very valuable, and if you want your music department ran with excellence, unless disaster strikes, and you can't afford it, always give your musicians an honorarium, and be HONEST...its in the word!!!

Sorry that was so long...but that's my opinion!!  Take from it what you will!

[Formuzik]

Because I was moved to this area for the expressed purpose of serving as the Worship Pastor, which is a pastoral staff position, it would be unethical for me to continue playing or attending church here should they remove me from that position.  As a matter of fact, it would be unethical for me to stay in the area considering that this is not a major city.  When I was in Houston, it would large enough for me to stay without my presence affecting the ongoing ministry of the church had served or the people who attended there.  In this smaller city there would be too many crossed connections, so the answer is, "no, I would not continue playing." 

Pastor Starkovich

[goodnmemphis]

No.  And here's why.  I am a MEMBER of a church that only has one service, 2:00 p.m.  on Sundays.  Kinda odd, but we have about 1,200 folks that show up for one service.  I play for free.

At 10:00 a.m., I minister elsewhere.  That is NOT my home church.  They have no musicians that are "members".  Although we split hairs about whether musicians should be paid sometimes, it is unthinkable to ask someone to come to YOUR church, they're not a member, play and do it for free.  At the very least, gas is not free. 

A pastor might build his membership through teaching and evangelism.  If the church decided to stop paying him a salary, he may continue because that is HIS vision and his covenant with God.  But, would he spend just as much time building someone's church across town who he otherwise would have no affiliation?  No.

There are others on the payroll...I played for a church that had security watching cars on the parking lot.....an outsourced daycare/nursery person watching children under the age of 2 during service, lawn care providers, etc.  Should these people do it for free also?

So....now that I've explained my position....my answer is..."no"...if I am not a member it is understood from the beginning (spoken or unspoken) that salary is one reason I'm there.

[ferrente]

The is currently at over 72%  Yes,

[ferrente]

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[Revp98]

I have been playing for years for free. Wouldnt stop either. I think the question here should be compensated for playing. This is not a poll or anything, just ask yourself the question. Then ask yourself why are you playing to begin with? I know and have personally seen a lot of muscians who expect to get paid by the church for them to be doing God's work. A lot of them are studying God about as much as a monkey has wings. It has become a money business for many (not all). At my church there are only two paid positions: the organist and the drummer. But that was the Pastor's decision to do that. We have a guitarist, myself, sometimes a keyboard player. We don't complain. But note, I stated that it was the Pastor's decision to pay the two musicians, nobody asked or forced his hand. He does it to encourage them.  Be Blessed.

[csedwards2]

Yes Id continue, but my ears would be open like crazy for other opportunities

[Queendavid]

Let your gift make room for you, I believe in give and He" gives back, I play for my church for free because it is s gift from God, but if they feel to compensate me then I know God has given it to me.


Be Bless
Denise

[Matt2008]

I just believe as a mom you should not get paid on a systematic scheldule.  Although a lot of responsibilty comes with the title too bad! Because I see more people jump to certain churches just to get the big bucks then when they (that church) tell you they have to chop some of your pay down, then moms get mad and leave.  If you are doing this for the glory of God and so your gift can be used and grow I encourage many not to go for the money.  It even feels better when you get a check out of the blue!

[under13]

  It even feels better when you get a check out of the blue!

I'd rather have consistency, than not know when my next check is coming.

Honesty, I dont know if i'd be able to play for free, I got bills to pay.

[malthumb]

Actually, I'm in that situation now.

I play at my own church. I don't ask to get paid there.  But I also play at another church.  Early on they were paying me.  They've run out of budget for 2008.  They didn't have a bassist in the budget for 2008, but since I also play for an ad hoc group that is affiliated with the church, they asked if I would play with their main choir from time to time and offered to pay me for that.  Actually, there was one time earlier in the year where I felt like I played so poorly, I refused to accept payment.

Even though the Music Ministry has spent up its budget and cannot pay me, I still play there on some Sundays.  I just exercize additional freedom to attend and play the Sundays that are convenient for me.  I always make the Thursday rehearsal if I plan to play Sunday (and sometimes even if I don't plan to play).  They are constructing their 2009 budget to include paying for a bassist, so I'm good with that.

I don't mind playing for no pay because

• It's my way of providing service to and for God
• I don't need the money
• I enjoy playing and learning new songs with the choir
• Sometimes "good will" is the best currency.  I can and have on ocassion asked that Revelations (our ad hoc group) participate in programs at my church without compensation.  I've never gotten a "no" unless it was a hard schedule conflict.
  

Peace,

James

[Matt2008]

bro james GOD bless you because it is hard to find real musicians who can do that!! 

[Aiewould]

Hello,

  This is a good topic and sensitive to me..I'm late in the reply but the question will always live in the fabric of the church. Yes, I would do it only if Everyone would have to that are paid with the exception of those that are on fixed income. I've been in Music ministry for 28 yrs. and God has blessed me and I enjoy the work. However, if the church is prosperously growing and/or responsiblities are increasing I would have to release or refuse additional responsibilites.

some more..

  There are lots of churches that don't understand the importance of Music ministry in the area of financial compensation. And when they don't understand it, it is neglected and abused. but EVERYONE in the music ministry should recieve an honorarium or something every once in a while. This should be standard to compensate and the musician should be held to a standard as well. The musician (if they are serious) should invest in themselves and be invested in by the church.. It is for the upbuilding the God's kingdom. Eventually if both church and musician take heed to these efforts, musicians would in most cases STAY at their home churches. In addition, Churches must use/challenge their potential musicians in some capacity in order to keep them. A musician will NOT stay where he isn't used properly.. 

Let's pray for it all..
 

[Womack]

I must say that i am very surprised that so many of you play for free.  Sorry i can't say because i am still trying to learn to play, but yes i would play for nothing, because i know the Lord will take care of my needs.

[NJDBalla]

I'd rather have consistency, than not know when my next check is coming.

Honesty, I dont know if i'd be able to play for free, I got bills to pay.

Yessuh! Me too. If  I played for free then it would be for my home church. But if I played anywhere else, then I want to see some cash flowing my way

[tobiustobi1]

I know it's a yes or no question, but I gotta explain myself....

Yes, provided that all my needs are being met at home... But on the other hand, if the money i was paid at church was being used to take care of my needs... then I'd have to take a second job, which may (or may not) mean that I won't be available for all the rehearsals and services.

I agree, Co-Sign....whatever!  THIS IS RIGHT!

[Lilfingers]

Yes, I have done it and will do it again!  I don't mind playing for free---I feel that my playing is not that great anyway; however, if it blesses someone and others enjoy it, I AM PAID!!!!!   God has blessed me with this talent---no matter how little or great---it all belongs to God!

[ferrente]

69.5%  Yes!