Topic: Contracts?? (Read 2199 times)

cwgolden99 · « **on:** November 15, 2007, 01:48:25 AM »

I'm taking a business law class and tonights topic was contracts. Which got me thinking, do I need one. Do any of you have contracts with the church that you are faithful members of, not just paid musicians. Let me know, if you do and whats in it.

4hisglory · « **Reply #1 on:** November 15, 2007, 08:26:49 AM »

I personally think churches need to do contracts since musicians are not reliable.

LaylaMonroe · « **Reply #2 on:** November 15, 2007, 08:35:27 AM »

I firmly believe in executing contracts for any working relationship, in or out of the church, whether volunteer or paid.

I always recommend client churches to put all their staff (paid or unpaid) on contracts. It clarifies and "sets in stone" the expectations of the employer and the employee, and can be modified as needs or expectations change.

Your agreement (contract) should include your role, responsibilities, expectations, and the employer's expectations of you. This, of course, includes your salary, any disciplinary procedures, benefits, etc.

It does not have to be a 13-page document, nor does it need to be full of a bunch of legalese (although it is helpful to have an attorney review it for legality).

cwgolden99 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 15, 2007, 10:21:45 AM »

Quote from: 4hisglory on November 15, 2007, 08:26:49 AM

I personally think churches need to do contracts since musicians are not reliable.

See but I am reliable, I have been a faithful tithing member, (even when there was no money involved), I'm on the board and even when I got sat down I was still there attending faithfully from the chairs. I see where a contract can be a good thing but is it the best thing for everybody, regardless of membership?

LaylaMonroe · « **Reply #4 on:** November 15, 2007, 10:25:35 AM »

Quote from: cwgolden99 on November 15, 2007, 10:21:45 AM

See but I am reliable, I have been a faithful tithing member, (even when there was no money involved), I'm on the board and even when I got sat down I was still there attending faithfully from the chairs. I see where a contract can be a good thing but is it the best thing for everybody, regardless of membership?

Yes.

cwgolden99 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 15, 2007, 10:34:31 AM »

Thanks LaRue, does any one have a sample one that you can send me?

LaylaMonroe · « **Reply #6 on:** November 15, 2007, 10:37:32 AM »

I can probably send you a skeleton... but I gotta find it... lol.

nextlevelmusic · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2009, 03:57:46 PM »

Hello LaRue, will you send me a skeleton contract also. Thanks in advance.

under13 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 16, 2009, 04:15:21 PM »

I personally think musicians need to do contracts since churches are not reliable.

I've been playing at a church for a year, and have no contract, and have had no problems when it comes to payment or anything. (though I still havent gotten my 1099 or whatever you call it. And I'm not a member, if that matters, but I'm there faithfully every Sunday morning on time, though I told them I cant do evening services, as I aint tryin to be in church all day

I say it depends on the church. Some churches know how to do business, and some are wishy washy. Obviously, the same goes for some musicians.

LaylaMonroe · « **Reply #9 on:** February 16, 2009, 04:16:27 PM »

Sure, I'd be glad to.

By the way, CWG, did I ever send it to you? I don't remember sending it, but I will if you still need it.

cwgolden99 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 16, 2009, 06:02:15 PM »

No LaRue you never sent it, I'll pm you my info. Thanks

LaylaMonroe · « **Reply #11 on:** February 16, 2009, 06:22:57 PM »

Quote from: cwgolden99 on February 16, 2009, 06:02:15 PM

No LaRue you never sent it, I'll pm you my info. Thanks

I just sent it.

Quote from: nextlevelmusic on February 16, 2009, 03:57:46 PM

Hello LaRue, will you send me a skeleton contract also. Thanks in advance.

I'll need your e-mail address.

PianoWizard · « **Reply #12 on:** February 25, 2009, 05:48:39 AM »

I've completed my law degree and I totally understand where you are coming from "cwgolden99", it makes you see things in a whole new light. At the church I attend we don't have contracts for anyone and I feel that this is much needed especially for those who are paid.

PianoWiz...

sjonathan02 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 25, 2009, 06:20:54 AM »

Yes, we use covenant contracts.

The issue, and it's not a big one, is trying to 'remind' grown folks that they signed this covenant agreement when an issue needs to be addressed. Somehow one isn't speaking in love when they need to, constantly, tell someone about their lateness or what have you.

$:-\$

B3Wannabe · « **Reply #14 on:** February 25, 2009, 08:41:36 AM »

Quote from: sjonathan02 on February 25, 2009, 06:20:54 AM

Yes, we use covenant contracts.

The issue, and it's not a big one, is trying to 'remind' grown folks that they signed this covenant agreement when an issue needs to be addressed. Somehow one isn't speaking in love when they need to, constantly, tell someone about their lateness or what have you. $:-\$

Maybe it'll sound lovely if you said, "I like how late you are! Maybe we should all come late too?"

sjonathan02 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 25, 2009, 08:49:53 AM »

Quote from: B3Wannabe on February 25, 2009, 08:41:36 AM

Maybe it'll sound lovely if you said, "I like how late you are! Maybe we should all come late too?"

So, you're saying I shouldn't have it said it that way, last week?

$:-\$

Fenix · « **Reply #16 on:** February 25, 2009, 09:00:26 AM »

Quote from: PianoWizard on February 25, 2009, 05:48:39 AM

I've completed my law degree and I totally understand where you are coming from "cwgolden99", it makes you see things in a whole new light. At the church I attend we don't have contracts for anyone and I feel that this is much needed especially for those who are paid.

PianoWiz...

I wish i had a contract with my church. Not so much for me but so that duties and responsibilities can be understood and properly dealt out by the church leadership. I don't like working in the type of environment where "Oh whoever can play should play and we don't really care so long as it gets don". Its all too nebulous for me. $:-\$

cordney · « **Reply #17 on:** February 25, 2009, 09:20:32 AM »

If an individual is volunteering...why does he need to sign a contract?

jgause2 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 25, 2009, 10:02:01 AM »

At my previous church, our P&W leader had created contracts for the praise team members, basically just saying that we will be on time for rehearsals, give advance noticve for absence, accountability for one another, respectful of others, etc,....stuff like that.

Pastor's wife was part of the Praise team, but refused to sign it....said it had no part in church.....doesn't understand why there would be a need for a contract.

I agree with sjon, that the other issue is reminding ppl of the contract you signed. We all agreed to dedicate whatever day we have rehearsal on....yet ppl still show up late, or don't show at all...and its unfair for the ones who do show up. Why is it so hard to just get ppl to follow simple directions?

B3Wannabe · « **Reply #19 on:** February 25, 2009, 10:20:25 AM »

Quote from: jgause2 on February 25, 2009, 10:02:01 AM

Pastor's wife was part of the Praise team, but refused to sign it....said it had no part in church.....doesn't understand why there would be a need for a contract.

I'm guessing she was one of the offenders.

Author Topic: Contracts?? (Read 2199 times)