Get Paid

[vtguy84]

Other than keyboardists/organists, does anybody get paid for their work in the music ministry¿

[Formuzik]

In many of the larger churches all the musicians get paid.  This is not uncommon in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Orlando.  Much of this I contribute to the competition among churches to have the "best" quality of music.  The higher the profile a church wants the more they try to accommodate paying better musicians.  I think that there are pros and cons to the system.  Unfortunately, often musicians move from church to church as hirlings rather than coming into covenant with ministries.  Also, many churches do not have a true sense of accountability set up for theses musicians since they are not "members" of the church.  You will get many views on this, probably as many as people  you ask. 

Pastor Forster

[gibbsallen]

In my church the organist and drummer are paid.  The guitarist, bassist, and saxophonist (me) are not.   

[Lildrummaboy66]

In many of the larger churches all the musicians get paid.  This is not uncommon in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Orlando.  Much of this I contribute to the competition among churches to have the "best" quality of music.  The higher the profile a church wants the more they try to accommodate paying better musicians.  I think that there are pros and cons to the system.  Unfortunately, often musicians move from church to church as hirlings rather than coming into covenant with ministries.  Also, many churches do not have a true sense of accountability set up for theses musicians since they are not "members" of the church.  You will get many views on this, probably as many as people  you ask. 

Pastor Forster

Hey bro I agree with you. I play for my church for no wages at all, I am not knocking getting paid, for this is something I chose to accept, but I hate see musicians move from church to church over money. We as musicians need to focus a little more on the ministry part of what we do for the lord, and chase the money less. I could "play for pay" at other churches, but I enjoy the fellowship and worship experience I receive playing for my own church.

[Lildrummaboy66]

In many of the larger churches all the musicians get paid.  This is not uncommon in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Orlando.  Much of this I contribute to the competition among churches to have the "best" quality of music.  The higher the profile a church wants the more they try to accommodate paying better musicians.  I think that there are pros and cons to the system.  Unfortunately, often musicians move from church to church as hirlings rather than coming into covenant with ministries.  Also, many churches do not have a true sense of accountability set up for theses musicians since they are not "members" of the church.  You will get many views on this, probably as many as people  you ask. 

Pastor Forster

[4hisglory]

Other than keyboardists/organists, does anybody get paid for their work in the music ministry¿

At most churches, this has been the way it has been, which I think isn't very fair.  The other people should get something, even if its just something small.

[Lildrummaboy66]

At most churches, this has been the way it has been, which I think isn't very fair.  The other people should get something, even if its just something small.

Co-sign!

[LyricTenor]

At most churches, this has been the way it has been, which I think isn't very fair.  The other people should get something, even if its just something small.

When Melvin Crispell did a workshop at the church I attend, he sited some scripture that said choir members should get something as well.  Can't remember it off the top of my head, though.

[LaylaMonroe]

When Melvin Crispell did a workshop at the church I attend, he sited some scripture that said choir members should get something as well.  Can't remember it off the top of my head, though.

My guess is that he was talking about taking care of the Levites, but I wasn't there, so I don't know.

On another note, there is a model church here in Atlanta that compensates every servant, from the ushers to CE teachers to Praise & Worship singers... everyone who serves is compensated.  It's pretty controversial among other churches and pastors, but it works for them.  And I never quite understood why drummers were worthy of a check and teachers or ushers aren't. 

[blessings101]

I think this is b/c in a lot of churches there is a number of ppl who want to get paid, however, that isn't gonna work too well for some ministries.  B/c i have to think of the ministry that can't afford to do that and just hoppin musicians, there''s gonna start to be hoppin ushers, sunday school teachers, sound Engineers hoppin from church to church to get the best pay.  An on the other hand I feel like musicians should get paid no matter who you play for or whether it's your daddy's church or not.  On the business side of things-YES musicians above all need a stipend.  Outside of being gifted with that blessings comes continuous practice, rehearsals, and other things to help u better operate within ur bouds out of excellence for christ.  But that's just how I feel about it for ex: i have seen too many Ushers just usher on sunday when they haven't even been to the ushers ministry meeting; some might think how i know? I USED TO BE AN USHER B4 GOD ELEVATED ME! (thank God for the increase!)

[cas10a]

My guess is that he was talking about taking care of the Levites, but I wasn't there, so I don't know.

On another note, there is a model church here in Atlanta that compensates every servant, from the ushers to CE teachers to Praise & Worship singers... everyone who serves is compensated.  It's pretty controversial among other churches and pastors, but it works for them.  And I never quite understood why drummers were worthy of a check and teachers or ushers aren't. 

I get your point Larue, to an extent...

Why some drummers should get paid and are worthy of a check?...first, not everyone has rhythm and can play the drums...You also have drummers that are skilled musically/educated in their craft and can play numerous instruments as well as teach music.  IMO, I also think teachers should get paid because of my previously stated point.  This same argument would be more difficult to sale for the usher staff because of the skill level required for the service they provide, but you could still make the argument that usher's "do" provide a service.  IMHO, churches should pay based on individuals level of expertise, skill required for service provided and the actual service rendered (as most paying jobs do), granted the church's policy is to pay anyone at all.

Probably why some churchs stay clear of all of this and just provide love offerings from time to time.

[LaylaMonroe]

I get your point Larue, to an extent...

Why some drummers should get paid and are worthy of a check?...first, not everyone has rhythm and can play the drums...You also have drummers that are skilled musically/educated in their craft and can play numerous instruments as well as teach music.  IMO, I also think teachers should get paid because of my previously stated point.  This same argument would be more difficult to sale for the usher staff because of the skill level required for the service they provide, but you could still make the argument that usher's "do" provide a service.  IMHO, churches should pay based on individuals level of expertise, skill required for service provided and the actual service rendered (as most paying jobs do), granted the church's policy is to pay anyone at all.

Probably why some churchs stay clear of all of this and just provide love offerings from time to time.

Although an usher's prep time is far less than that of a drummer, ushers still do provide a service, as you mentioned, and you may not realize this, but it also requires skill.  Not everyone is equipped to be an usher.  And their level of responsibility is tremendous.  They are typically the first or second servant groups you'll encounter when visiting or attending a church.

I would never suggest that an usher should get the $250/wk that's standard pay for drummers in Atlanta, but for principle, if the drummer is paid, the usher should be as well... based on the level of skill required, prep time, other expenses, and the difficulty of the work involved.

[cas10a]

Although an usher's prep time is far less than that of a drummer, ushers still do provide a service, as you mentioned, and you may not realize this, but it also requires skill.  Not everyone is equipped to be an usher.  And their level of responsibility is tremendous.  They are typically the first or second servant groups you'll encounter when visiting or attending a church

I would never suggest that an usher should get the $250/wk that's standard pay for drummers in Atlanta, but for principle, if the drummer is paid, the usher should be as well... based on the level of skill required, prep time, other expenses, and the difficulty of the work involved.

Agree with everything you said...Cosign!

I wasn't implying that ushering requires "no" skill, but you are correct, not everyone is equipped to be an usher (wasn't really thinking of it that way)...your point is well taken.

[Steelpulz]

I am a bassist, I get paid (but let's not go into that). Regarding the other members of the church who provide "services", scripturally, they should be paid something. But traditionally, we don't pay them.

[LyricTenor]

My guess is that he was talking about taking care of the Levites, but I wasn't there, so I don't know.

On another note, there is a model church here in Atlanta that compensates every servant, from the ushers to CE teachers to Praise & Worship singers... everyone who serves is compensated.  It's pretty controversial among other churches and pastors, but it works for them.  And I never quite understood why drummers were worthy of a check and teachers or ushers aren't. 

ZACTLY!!

[Steelpulz]

On another note, there is a model church here in Atlanta that compensates every servant, from the ushers to CE teachers to Praise & Worship singers... everyone who serves is compensated.  It's pretty controversial among other churches and pastors, but it works for them.  And I never quite understood why drummers were worthy of a check and teachers or ushers aren't. 

Hey Larue1212, what church is that? I think that they are scripturally correct if they pay all of the people in service to the church.

[LaylaMonroe]

Hey Larue1212, what church is that? I think that they are scripturally correct if they pay all of the people in service to the church.

I don't wanna put their business out there like that, because I don't think it's common knowledge.  I'll PM you.