I have been a musician and M.O.M for approx. 20 years. In my experience what a church has to offer is never an insult unless it is followed by a lot of "fluff" promises. Be honest, consistent, fair, and financially reliable with your music staff and you will be surprised how God will take the little and multiply it for both parties. Please remember that for many of us Music was not just a "gift" (which is something that is at a point of maturity from the outset), but rather a SKILL that countless sweat hours have been invested in to hone and perfect. I've worked for many ministries for as little as $50/Wk to $700/wk and given the same energies and time expenses across the board. Through it all I have found that honesty and true appreciation from the pastor and ministry to be what kept me motivated, along with knowing those ministries were the places that God had ordained me to be and assist. Now that I am pastoring I see a lot of return on my faithfulness and committment from the past, but the same standards apply to me that I mentioned above. God will bless you if you remember that the people you are dealing with are ultimately His. Don't be stressed! Just continue to trust God to provide you with everything you need, including appropriate personnel.
OUSkeeter "The Original"
I don't think this could have been said any better than it was put. You can only offer what you can offer, and if the Musician has sought the Lord about the situation I'm sure it would be no insult. I am also a Minister of Music and I have experienced a range of salaries. When I first started, money was not a factor in the equation at all. When I moved to College I believe I got the big head about my GIFT when I was offered a very nice. Most recently through understanding more about what God has ordained for me, I was able to see that my some of those places I was were not where I needed to be. Even though the money was good, there was very little growth in me and the music ministry. I then resigned and found my most recent assignment from God. They came and basically told me what they could offer, they were entering their fourth year in ministry and had a lot of other expenses. I accepted and had no problem with what they could offer because as OUSKeeter said although my pay may not be what I could be making elsewhere. I am seeing a lot of growth in the Ministry, I am seeing much return in the investment I am putting in. I am giving them the same or possibly more energy. I was struck with a lot of challenges especially with forming the Church's first Choir and training musicians and vocalists. I must say that even with me making considerably at this church, I don't really see a change in my lifestyle or my finances. It is nothing but God. Through my short 7 months as Minister of Music and Director of Music and Arts, I have seen much spiritual growth and in me and the ministry. I have seen growth in the staff of musicians that I have trained. I can attest to trusting God and letting Him work it out. Because it is truly about Kingdom Growth and Spiritual Growth. I am not complaining because all of my needs are met plus. But I am happy where I am working under a Pastor who is straight forward and honest with me and we share a similar vision for the music ministry of the church.
The bible says in Matthew 25:33 "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your lord." Most times I thought that reward was only referring to our afterlife in heaven. However, I have found out that you experience that right here and right now!
