CALLING ALL SAINTS TO THIS TOPIC OF EXTREME IMPORTANCE!!!!!!!

[darmin]

SO HERE IS THE SITUATION, I AM A STUDENT AND A MUSICIAN AT  A CHURCH. THIS PAST WEEK WE HAD A REVIVAL AND I WAS THERE ALL WEEK AND MISSED ONE DAY BECAUSE
I HAD A PROJECT DUE IN ONE OF MY CLASSES. I CALLED THE CHOIR PRESIDENT AND TOLD HER, THAT  I WOULD BE THERE AT 6 FOR CHOIR REHERSAL, BEING THAT CHURCH STARTED AT 7:00 PM. NOW UNDERSTAND I WAS UP ALL NIGHT DOING THIS PROJECT THURSDAY NIGHT AFTER THE REVIVAL. I WENT TO SLEEP AT 1 PM FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND WOKE UP AT 8:02 P.M. MISSING CHOIR REHERSAL AND THE MAJORITY OF THE SERVICE. BACK UP MUSICIANS PLAYED FOR MY CHOIR. I CALLED MY PASTOR AND TOLD HIM WHAT THE SITUATION WAS BUT HE DID NOT CARE. TODAY ON SUNDAY APRIL 6 2008, THE PASTOR PREACHED A MESSAGE "THE IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH" KNOWING FULL WELL OF MY SITUATION ON MY CLASS PROJECT. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT, I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, BUT IF I MISS ONE DAY DOES THAT MAKE ME LESS OF A CHRISTIAN? I NEED SOME HELP, DOES MISSING CHURCH DISQUALIFY ME FROM GOING INTO THE KINGDOM WHEN THE LORD HIMSELF SEES ME TRYING. THE PASTOR OPENLY MISINTERPRETTED SCRIPTURE AND TWISTED IT TO FIT HIS MESSAGE!!! NOW SAINTS THIS IS WHAT HAS PUZZLED ME IN THIS SITUATION. I DO NOT LIVE IN THIS CITY I JUST GO TO SCHOOL HERE, I CAME OUT OF TOWN 2 HRS AWAY ON SOME SUNDAYS JUST SO THEY COULD HAVE MUSIC, AND HE PICK ONE DAY THAT I MISS TO CRITICIZE ONE PERSON OUT OF THE CONGREGATION OF 100 PEOPLE. ?  ON THE FLIP SIDE OF THIS ON MUSICIAN THAT WE HAD WAS GAY, CAME LATE, TEXT-MESSAGED DURING CHURCH, AND EVEN GOT UP AND WALKED OUT ON SOME SUNDAYS. YET AND STILL I WAS FAITHFUL. I MUST ALSO EXPLAIN THE FACT THAT BACK HOME I AM A MINISTER, AND I TOO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ASSEMBLY, BUT I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT PEOPLE HAVE SITUATIONS. SAINTS VOICE YOUR OPINION BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY.

[divinemusician]

Wow. I personally would not have taken what the pastor said to heart especially after he had to TWIST Gods word for his own good. GOD knows ur heart and u didnt do it on
purpose or out of an evil vengance. I know it is going to be hard but i encourage you to continue to be the bigger person and return to that church (i know u didnt say you was leaving) and show them how children of the Most High truly acr. GOD will bless you even the more for your faithfulness to Him (God). I will keep u lifted bc u got a tight schedule. Haha

[Virtuenow]

Yeah, I can relate to you somewhat.  I just got "told off" today after church (by pastor).  I was reading my bible during service while others were praising and worshipping.  I was not in a good mood and emotionally drained so I could not focus on the service.  The scriptures about assembling together in praise/worship was quoted to me.  I feel like I understand the importance or praise and assembly-- but I guess it is about being an even better Christian (in this instance).  I was pretty upset afterwards-- but I guess it will take some prayer to push us beyond the offended stage.  While your situation is a bit different, I think you may want to pray and talk to the pastor directly.

[jonesl78]

In all honesty, IFthere was an agreement between you and the church to be at a place at a particular time, then you are held accountable for not keeping your half of the agreement.

[divinemusician]

Jones... That maybe true indeed but they missed 1 service not all and if we cant be compassionate and understanding of faithful musicians but we can do it wit unfaithful musicians than we as a church need 2 change our outlook on what a good musician is. He missed church bc of HIS BODY NEED REST i am sorry and i am totally 4 being faithful but there r times when ur intentions r well but ur body is saying no no no i need time 2.

[clefnote]

In all honesty, IFthere was an agreement between you and the church to be at a place at a particular time, then you are held accountable for not keeping your half of the agreement.

Wow. I personally would not have taken what the pastor said to heart especially after he had to TWIST Gods word for his own good. GOD knows ur heart and u didnt do it on
purpose or out of an evil vengance. I know it is going to be hard but i encourage you to continue to be the bigger person and return to that church (i know u didnt say you was leaving) and show them how children of the Most High truly acr. GOD will bless you even the more for your faithfulness to Him (God). I will keep u lifted bc u got a tight schedule. Haha

I AGREE ON BOTH PARTS , 1 KNOW HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO MAINTAIN SCHOOL,WORK & MINISTRY FULL TIME. JESUS WAS WOUNDED IN THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH. YOU MUST ALWAYS BE PRAYERFUL ,BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING & NOT LET YOUR GOOD BE EVIL SPOKEN OF .ROMANS 12:11-21 AND I QUOTE: NOT SLOTHFUL IN BUSINESS..FERVENT IN SPIRIT...BLESS THEM WHICH PERSECUTE YOU..BE NOT OVERCOME OF EVIL,BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD. BE THE SERVANT THAT GOD CALLED YOU TO BE IT DON'T ALWAYS CONSIST OF WORK IN CHURCH. KNOW WHO YOU ARE IN GOD.

[divinemusician]

I AGREE ON BOTH PARTS , 1 KNOW HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO MAINTAIN SCHOOL,WORK & MINISTRY FULL TIME. JESUS WAS WOUNDED IN THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH. YOU MUST ALWAYS BE PRAYERFUL ,BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING & NOT LET YOUR GOOD BE EVIL SPOKEN OF .ROMANS 12:11-21 AND I QUOTE: NOT SLOTHFUL IN BUSINESS..FERVENT IN SPIRIT...BLESS THEM WHICH PERSECUTE YOU..BE NOT OVERCOME OF EVIL,BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD. BE THE SERVANT THAT GOD CALLED YOU TO BE IT DON'T ALWAYS CONSIST OF WORK IN CHURCH. KNOW WHO YOU ARE IN GOD.

agreed....

[513TrueMan]

SO HERE IS THE SITUATION, I AM A STUDENT AND A MUSICIAN AT  A CHURCH. THIS PAST WEEK WE HAD A REVIVAL AND I WAS THERE ALL WEEK AND MISSED ONE DAY BECAUSE
I HAD A PROJECT DUE IN ONE OF MY CLASSES. I CALLED THE CHOIR PRESIDENT AND TOLD HER, THAT  I WOULD BE THERE AT 6 FOR CHOIR REHERSAL, BEING THAT CHURCH STARTED AT 7:00 PM. NOW UNDERSTAND I WAS UP ALL NIGHT DOING THIS PROJECT THURSDAY NIGHT AFTER THE REVIVAL. I WENT TO SLEEP AT 1 PM FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND WOKE UP AT 8:02 P.M. MISSING CHOIR REHERSAL AND THE MAJORITY OF THE SERVICE. BACK UP MUSICIANS PLAYED FOR MY CHOIR. I CALLED MY PASTOR AND TOLD HIM WHAT THE SITUATION WAS BUT HE DID NOT CARE. TODAY ON SUNDAY APRIL 6 2008, THE PASTOR PREACHED A MESSAGE "THE IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH" KNOWING FULL WELL OF MY SITUATION ON MY CLASS PROJECT. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT, I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, BUT IF I MISS ONE DAY DOES THAT MAKE ME LESS OF A CHRISTIAN? I NEED SOME HELP, DOES MISSING CHURCH DISQUALIFY ME FROM GOING INTO THE KINGDOM WHEN THE LORD HIMSELF SEES ME TRYING. THE PASTOR OPENLY MISINTERPRETTED SCRIPTURE AND TWISTED IT TO FIT HIS MESSAGE!!! NOW SAINTS THIS IS WHAT HAS PUZZLED ME IN THIS SITUATION. I DO NOT LIVE IN THIS CITY I JUST GO TO SCHOOL HERE, I CAME OUT OF TOWN 2 HRS AWAY ON SOME SUNDAYS JUST SO THEY COULD HAVE MUSIC, AND HE PICK ONE DAY THAT I MISS TO CRITICIZE ONE PERSON OUT OF THE CONGREGATION OF 100 PEOPLE. ?  ON THE FLIP SIDE OF THIS ON MUSICIAN THAT WE HAD WAS GAY, CAME LATE, TEXT-MESSAGED DURING CHURCH, AND EVEN GOT UP AND WALKED OUT ON SOME SUNDAYS. YET AND STILL I WAS FAITHFUL. I MUST ALSO EXPLAIN THE FACT THAT BACK HOME I AM A MINISTER, AND I TOO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ASSEMBLY, BUT I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT PEOPLE HAVE SITUATIONS. SAINTS VOICE YOUR OPINION BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY.

Bruh, I was in the same boat as you are.  A couple of years ago with being in school and doing music at the same time.  I missed countless services because of school but fast forward to now and.. I have my degree and still play at the same church.

They (the church, pastor, etc) will get over it.  Don't let it get you down too much.  School should be priority #1.  I'm sure your relationship with God is intact and sometimes you have to make the decision to study as oppose to playing for the church.  Unless they are paying your FULL TUITION, you have to look out for you because the church, pastor and church folks WILL take advantage of you if they can.  I've seen it and experienced it.

Stay encouraged man and GIT R' DONE.. it's so much better on the other side with your degree in hand!!!!

[jonesl78]

Don't get me wrong, I totally understand juggling multiple responsibilities. I've been a church musician for the last 15+ years. The originator of the post said he missed church because he was up all night working on the his project. How long did he know about the project? How long did he know about the church service?

Again, I've gone through the exact same thing. I came to the conclusion that I must PLAN accordingly, Work in a Timely fashion,  and say NO to things that I am unable to do.  If I commit myself to something I MUST meet my obligation.

 

[blesedone1]

SO HERE IS THE SITUATION, I AM A STUDENT AND A MUSICIAN AT  A CHURCH. THIS PAST WEEK WE HAD A REVIVAL AND I WAS THERE ALL WEEK AND MISSED ONE DAY BECAUSE
I HAD A PROJECT DUE IN ONE OF MY CLASSES. I CALLED THE CHOIR PRESIDENT AND TOLD HER, THAT  I WOULD BE THERE AT 6 FOR CHOIR REHERSAL, BEING THAT CHURCH STARTED AT 7:00 PM. NOW UNDERSTAND I WAS UP ALL NIGHT DOING THIS PROJECT THURSDAY NIGHT AFTER THE REVIVAL. I WENT TO SLEEP AT 1 PM FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND WOKE UP AT 8:02 P.M. MISSING CHOIR REHERSAL AND THE MAJORITY OF THE SERVICE. BACK UP MUSICIANS PLAYED FOR MY CHOIR. I CALLED MY PASTOR AND TOLD HIM WHAT THE SITUATION WAS BUT HE DID NOT CARE. TODAY ON SUNDAY APRIL 6 2008, THE PASTOR PREACHED A MESSAGE "THE IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH" KNOWING FULL WELL OF MY SITUATION ON MY CLASS PROJECT. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT, I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, BUT IF I MISS ONE DAY DOES THAT MAKE ME LESS OF A CHRISTIAN? I NEED SOME HELP, DOES MISSING CHURCH DISQUALIFY ME FROM GOING INTO THE KINGDOM WHEN THE LORD HIMSELF SEES ME TRYING. THE PASTOR OPENLY MISINTERPRETTED SCRIPTURE AND TWISTED IT TO FIT HIS MESSAGE!!! NOW SAINTS THIS IS WHAT HAS PUZZLED ME IN THIS SITUATION. I DO NOT LIVE IN THIS CITY I JUST GO TO SCHOOL HERE, I CAME OUT OF TOWN 2 HRS AWAY ON SOME SUNDAYS JUST SO THEY COULD HAVE MUSIC, AND HE PICK ONE DAY THAT I MISS TO CRITICIZE ONE PERSON OUT OF THE CONGREGATION OF 100 PEOPLE. ?  ON THE FLIP SIDE OF THIS ON MUSICIAN THAT WE HAD WAS GAY, CAME LATE, TEXT-MESSAGED DURING CHURCH, AND EVEN GOT UP AND WALKED OUT ON SOME SUNDAYS. YET AND STILL I WAS FAITHFUL. I MUST ALSO EXPLAIN THE FACT THAT BACK HOME I AM A MINISTER, AND I TOO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ASSEMBLY, BUT I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT PEOPLE HAVE SITUATIONS. SAINTS VOICE YOUR OPINION BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY.

I understand where you are coming from! But...just take it to God in prayer and don't  worry too much about it things happen and you are only  human if you just happen to get tired or oversleep it was meant for you to get some rest. I know all musicians push themselves to the point of getting sick to make sure everything is running smoothly at there church and there is only so much we can do and give. 

I give you prompts for trying:  But, please make sure you get some rest in everything that you do and continue to seeking the more of God. I'm glad that you did get a chance to vent here at least you have brothers and sisters who are in the same situations as you.

Be blessed! And just pray about...Don't get stressed out about it. Just say ok and keep going. It tends to work it self out in the end.!

[b_jizzle20]

School should be priority #1. 

Actually your walk with God is #1
When Jesus comes back I dont think it would be a wise move to approach Him and say, "Lord, here's my Degree..."

However I agree with what your saying thoe. Going to church is important, but some situations are unavoidable.



I've Been in simular situations where you do or say something and the next Sunday your the sermon.

[divinemusician]

Don't get me wrong, I totally understand juggling multiple responsibilities. I've been a church musician for the last 15+ years. The originator of the post said he missed church because he was up all night working on the his project. How long did he know about the project? How long did he know about the church service?

Again, I've gone through the exact same thing. I came to the conclusion that I must PLAN accordingly, Work in a Timely fashion,  and say NO to things that I am unable to do.  If I commit myself to something I MUST meet my obligation.

 

ok, i am sorry for taking your word wrong... but i totally agree with that. now that you have explained it. i totally think musicians should be faithful and when we give our word let our word be our bond. but when those things come up that we have no control over and life takes that nucontrollabel course we should be understanding to those facts too... but first and formost be FAITHFUL AND YOUR RIGHT LET YOUR WORD STAND

[Lilfingers]

Dear Brother,
If they don't understand YOUR situation, perhaps you need to look for a more understanding congregation.  Stuff happens----as long as it's not a constant habit of being late or missing a practice, they should get over it!!!!

Don't sweat it!

[mdandrews]

One thing about church folk they will run you in the ground if you let them. Your pastor should understand. You are still a christian even if you miss church. Don't let anyone tell you different. Going to church is for the body of Christ. Paul said don't FORSAKE COMING TOGETTER. You did not forsake. All you have to do is ask your pastor to forgive you for not following up on you word ( he without sin cast the first stone)  everyone has not done one thing they said they were going to do, it happens. After you have done that..move on because it is behind you. Stay faithful because God is faithful


                      IN CHRIST

[darmin]

THANKS GUYS YOU HAVE BLESSED ME GREATLY, BECAUSE QUITE HONESTLY I WAS HOTT ALL SUNDAY AFTERNOON ABOUT THIS ONE. I LOVE THE LORD,
I CANT STAND SCHOOL, BUT IF MY FUTURE IS TO BE DETERMINED I HAVE TO CHOOSE SCHOOL. BUT NO MATTER WHERE I AM, MY WORSHIP IS ALWAYS
FOR REAL. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH NUMEROUS MINISTERS IN MY AREA ABOUT THIS AND, ALL HAVE GIVEN ME THE SAME ADVICE AS MANY OF YOU HERE. I
LIKE TO MAKE SURE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE SEEING THINGS FROM MY PERSPECTIVE.

[513TrueMan]

Actually your walk with God is #1
When Jesus comes back I dont think it would be a wise move to approach Him and say, "Lord, here's my Degree..."

However I agree with what your saying thoe. Going to church is important, but some situations are unavoidable.



I've Been in simular situations where you do or say something and the next Sunday your the sermon.

Of course your walk with God is #1.. I was speaking in the context of him dealing with playing at a service DURING THE WEEK and handling school work.. SHEESH!!

[rayjohnson83]

SO HERE IS THE SITUATION, I AM A STUDENT AND A MUSICIAN AT  A CHURCH. THIS PAST WEEK WE HAD A REVIVAL AND I WAS THERE ALL WEEK AND MISSED ONE DAY BECAUSE
I HAD A PROJECT DUE IN ONE OF MY CLASSES. I CALLED THE CHOIR PRESIDENT AND TOLD HER, THAT  I WOULD BE THERE AT 6 FOR CHOIR REHERSAL, BEING THAT CHURCH STARTED AT 7:00 PM. NOW UNDERSTAND I WAS UP ALL NIGHT DOING THIS PROJECT THURSDAY NIGHT AFTER THE REVIVAL. I WENT TO SLEEP AT 1 PM FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND WOKE UP AT 8:02 P.M. MISSING CHOIR REHERSAL AND THE MAJORITY OF THE SERVICE. BACK UP MUSICIANS PLAYED FOR MY CHOIR. I CALLED MY PASTOR AND TOLD HIM WHAT THE SITUATION WAS BUT HE DID NOT CARE. TODAY ON SUNDAY APRIL 6 2008, THE PASTOR PREACHED A MESSAGE "THE IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH" KNOWING FULL WELL OF MY SITUATION ON MY CLASS PROJECT. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT, I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, BUT IF I MISS ONE DAY DOES THAT MAKE ME LESS OF A CHRISTIAN? I NEED SOME HELP, DOES MISSING CHURCH DISQUALIFY ME FROM GOING INTO THE KINGDOM WHEN THE LORD HIMSELF SEES ME TRYING. THE PASTOR OPENLY MISINTERPRETTED SCRIPTURE AND TWISTED IT TO FIT HIS MESSAGE!!! NOW SAINTS THIS IS WHAT HAS PUZZLED ME IN THIS SITUATION. I DO NOT LIVE IN THIS CITY I JUST GO TO SCHOOL HERE, I CAME OUT OF TOWN 2 HRS AWAY ON SOME SUNDAYS JUST SO THEY COULD HAVE MUSIC, AND HE PICK ONE DAY THAT I MISS TO CRITICIZE ONE PERSON OUT OF THE CONGREGATION OF 100 PEOPLE. ?  ON THE FLIP SIDE OF THIS ON MUSICIAN THAT WE HAD WAS GAY, CAME LATE, TEXT-MESSAGED DURING CHURCH, AND EVEN GOT UP AND WALKED OUT ON SOME SUNDAYS. YET AND STILL I WAS FAITHFUL. I MUST ALSO EXPLAIN THE FACT THAT BACK HOME I AM A MINISTER, AND I TOO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ASSEMBLY, BUT I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT PEOPLE HAVE SITUATIONS. SAINTS VOICE YOUR OPINION BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY.

Man i just went through the same situation.

[T-Block]

If u feel that heated about it, I would suggest u go to your pastor and have a little talk with him, respectfully of course.  If not, then just let it go and keep doing what u doing.

[b_jizzle20]

Of course your walk with God is #1.. I was speaking in the context of him dealing with playing at a service DURING THE WEEK and handling school work.. SHEESH!!

My bad Bruh, I didnt read your post propperly.

[MrTea]

Man, If you was working for me, you would have been fired.  You tell these people you gonna be there and don't show and don't call and tell them you can't make it. So they can find a replacement.  That is not cool.  Man it's the same in the work place.  If you don't show or call, you fired.  So stop crying, and get use to it.  Man, I hated it when musicians are a no show.  That is so common amounst musicians.  Why is that?  Yo ego want let you pick up the phone?