Giving my time

[Torch7]

I neglected to mention, this Pastor was also beaten, and away from his family, for an extended period of time.  He didn't know what his fate was.

[Main5playah]

Outstanding story, I know the pastor must have a dynamite testimony!

[Torch7]

Outstanding story, I know the pastor must have a dynamite testimony!

Yes, Indeed, and God uses him mightily when he ministers.

[kingbee]

What an awesome story. It definitely makes some of our day to day struggles seem small by comparison.

Personally, I don't charge my home church but I do appreciate when I'm paid for playing at retreats and other concerts. For me, playing for God is just an opportunity to pay him back by helping to create a more worshipful environment for my brothers and sisters. Honestly, I look at it sort of like a tithe; God gave me a gift and I thank him best for it when I share that blessing with others.

On the other hand, I certainly don't begrudge any musicians their desire to be paid for their efforts. I've been blessed with a job that provides a comfortable income for my family but if music were my profession then I'd definitely feel differently about whether or not a church ought to pay for my contributions. I suppose a lot also depends on the church. If the church is meeting its budget and the leadership are being good stewards of the money with regard to shepherding the congregation and reaching the wider community, then they really should find a way to offer the musicians a financial blessing.

[bassthumpa]

I neglected to mention, this Pastor was also beaten, and away from his family, for an extended period of time.  He didn't know what his fate was.

That's quite a story and an awesome testimony.  And just think... that's just a taste of what some of the Apostles and early leaders of the church went through to preach the Word.

[Torch7]

If the church is meeting its budget and the leadership are being good stewards of the money with regard to shepherding the congregation and reaching the wider community, then they really should find a way to offer the musicians a financial blessing.

That's true, I think as musicians we should also be sensitive to the situations that God would get glory from us participating in.  A sad truth, is God is not in the midst of all church's.  Behold I stand at the door and knock.  It's a sad truth that Jesus is standing at the door of a church that calls upon his name, and no-one can hear him, due to being caught up in other things. The Church at Laodecia is a perfect example.  Sounds like a bunch of our Church's here in America, now-a-days.

That's quite a story and an awesome testimony.  And just think... that's just a taste of what some of the Apostles and early leaders if the church went through to preach the Word.

Your so right, br'er!  Like I mentioned above, the American Church is blessed, so blessed in fact we have to look at the Bible to see what the Apostles went through to understand true persecution.  Stories like the one I mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg.  I thank God for personal connections to people doing a work internationally, that experience such things. Another covenant Pastor was not as fortunate as the guy I spoke of above, he was killed, because he refused to stop preaching Christ, this was less than 5 years ago.  I have a close sister in our local Church whose brother met the same fate, in her homeland.  The resounding theme from the people who visit the U.S. is, American Christians are pampered.  When we give testimonies about getting our lights almost cut off, or our car was almost taken.

Lest I get to far off topic and jack this post.

This conversation has definately, one of the more intriquing ones, I've been a part of on the Boards.

[Quebass86]

I totally agree with all of the previous points and definately understand. I am a PK and trust me, there were so many events my father never got paid for or better yet had checks that bounced back in the early 70's and even 80's.....

I don't think any of us are really complaining about getting paid because truly for me, if it was a big issue then I would not play. My only thing with my church is that some are and some are not but they never even said why. Actually they came to us (volunteers) and said when we get in the new church you guys are going to be taken care of. We NEVER approached them about money. Now 3 years later in our new church and a congregation that went from 1200 to 3000 they haven't said anything...BUT...it is all good....Because of my playing exposure I have the opportunity to play for other groups and churches that do compensate. For the group playing we get paid when we play at the House of Blues Gospel Brunch,etc.....Other churches pay and I give right back because it is not the need but just the thought and that I guess is my point..just the thought because truth be told, our volunteers are more reliable that our paid musicians LOL!!! We are always on time and accountable when we have to miss. I love playing and will continue to as long as GOD sees fit...Actually I enjoy being able to say I am going to take a break this sunday without having to get permission or fill out a vacation request like the paid musicians have to do......
Ac

[BassMan2000]

My point is show some acknowledgement.

Sometime I go to a Church just to enjoy the message and the first thing I hear is" Did you bring your bass".
I don't need the money, God has truely bless me, but I do charge large Churches.  I played at one Church from 8:00 am to 7 pm. They had their morning and evening services, but the Women had a program at 3:00 pm and then a special Evening program and all I received a very nice dinner for payment.

I even thank the Mail Carrier for bring the mail

[kingbee]

Yeah, good point. It's not the money itself so much as it's the gratitude that it represents. Being taken for granted isn't fun for anyone. And I definitely agree that it's messed up that a church wouldn't explain why they pay some members of the team but not others.

No matter what, you're getting your reward.

[jmain]

So I guess if you put things in perspective, not getting paid is not all that bad, huh? 

Very true man, very true!!!

[Torch7]

Your in good company, Jesus himself was not thanked for his service all the time.  I'm not trying to harp on the point, but trust me God sees  your heart and knew what it took to play from sun up to sun down.  You just have to trust that it wasn't done in vain.

Should people show appreciation, yes, do they always, no.

Trust me I know the feeling of not being appreciated.  I went through a season when, when ever and wherever I saw a need in the church, if no-one stepped up, I would just do it.  The only night I had avaliable for me was Monday Night, every other day of the week, I was busy serving. I was on the servanthood team, finance committee, Youth Ministry Leader (hauling folks kids all over town, spending my own money on them, etc), Men's fellowship, Church Tech support, Webmaster, Audio/Visual responsibilities, Praise Team, Evangelism Team, I cleaned the church, any repairs or improvement projects such as laying wood floors and the lot, I was right there heading things up.  I'm sure there were a few other things I was doing as well, while building my own house, working full-time and finding time to spend with my family. The only person who told me that they appreciated me was my Pastor.

The Lord spoke to me one day, if you want someone to say, well done, great job.  That's your reward.  But rather you want me to say "Well done!"

I understand a little appreciation would go a long way.  Just keep on pressing if it never comes.  Count it a blessing that you are becoming the greater servant, in the Kingdom.

[Bassyboy]

They offer and pays him,but not me. [/b] He fumbles on simple song,like pass me not,glory glory then he don't change chords and give excuses to not pratice.
But get all of the praise and thanks. I still go and play but my heart just not in it like it once was.
My wife on me to leave and I can do better. But I stay because God told me to.
I know the devil is working some underhand tactics here. But he won't win this time.
So I feel you

I feel you bro...In fact...May gods blessing pour upon you until the end of time for you have stayed strong with him by not giving up on the bass because of what the devil is attacking with but staying back to glorify his name with your instrument......Stay blessed brother..