Deep train of thought

[terranb7]

I wanted to post something that has weighted on my mind for a long time, I am a novice on the keys although I am mom for a church that sits about 250 with about 50 active, my problem is whenever we have a special day such as Women's / Men's day, Church Anniversary they call in other musicians and it makes me feel like I'm only good enough when their is no visiting church. I never really took lessons because I didn't have the money and I only get paid $25 a week from the church to play and train the choir sanctuary and youth , I just basically pick up something here and there LGM has been the best thing that has happen to me musically anyway I spoke with my pastor about the way I feel and his explaining it to me was that during this time we always want to put our best foot forward and this is the reason they call in other musicians.  I know I should'nt feel this way but those guys come after service has started and I'm already on the keys then I'm asked to get up and let them have it, and they play so much better then I do and to it makes me look bad althought all those guys once played there and left.

[kodacolor]

I understand your frustration.  But you can use this situation to your advantage.  If the musicians stay after and jam or whatever you can go up to the keyboardist and say, "Hey I really liked that run/how you played that song/whatever you did during service today.  Do you think you can show it to me?"

Don't be offended if the guy/gal that's on the keys gets snobby with you.  Some musicians are just mean like that.  However there are some that really won't mind helping you.  With their help and LGM combined sooner or later your pastor won't feel the need to keep bringing in extra people! 

[under13]

I think that if you are good enough to play for regular services, then you are good enough to play for special services.

My advice to you is to just hang in there and practice and pray. You will get better soon. Dont worry about comparing yourself to other musicians, they were once on your level, and you will one day match or exceed thier level

[kodacolor]

I think that if you are good enough to play for regular services, then you are good enough to play for special services.

My advice to you is to just hang in there and practice and pray. You will get better soon. Dont worry about comparing yourself to other musicians, they were once on your level, and you will one day match or exceed thier level

COSIGGITY

[1voice]

I think that if you are good enough to play for regular services, then you are good enough to play for special services.

My advice to you is to just hang in there and practice and pray. You will get better soon. Dont worry about comparing yourself to other musicians, they were once on your level, and you will one day match or exceed thier level

co-sign  co-sign

[Gospelstar21]

I understand what you mean.. but try not to let it discourage you. As some people said use it to your advantage and learn all you can..your elevation on the keys comes with your desire to play to fullest of your ability for God's Glory!! This means you are constantly praying " God increase me Lord.." This along with practice and you will be there in no time. It was sorta the same for me and leading songs. I would see people leading and just being free in Jesus and it seemed I couldn't let loose like them..I would sing what I heard from the c.d...nothing more nothing less, but one day I fell on my face and said Lord, I wanna be able to sing for freely for You. I said Lord how can I minister if I am scared or limited..Then God began to do it for me..now I be gone!! I be making up stuff, singing stuff that I hear the Lord saying.. the whole 9! Just be encouraged..your season is coming..Do get weary in well doing. God even see how hard you work in your ministry..Do it like you're doing it for Jesus..Remember ALL PROMOTIONS COME FROM GOD!

[cutepreacher]

First of all..... if they can come and move you off the keyboard, you are not the MOM. You are just a musician that carries that title. Another thing.... One of the churches I play for is less than 50 people and I don't get $25.00. I bet they don't pay those other musicians $25.00. But then, you have to ask yourself why they aren't there anymore. There are so many things that come into play (Do you have a contract?,What are your duties? etc...) Yes this is a training ground for you, but don't let them take advantage of you. You deserve respect like everybody else. And this does not make you any less saved. Does it make them any less saved when they bring former musicians in to make themselves look good? Practice time is very important and prayer. I have so much advice I can give, but I'll stop here.

[KurzLand]

So, your pastor wants to put the best things out there that the church has, but he brings other stuff that the church doesn't even have so that visiting churches think that your church has good stuff? 

I would feel disrespected.

[kodacolor]

1) First of all..... if they can come and move you off the keyboard, you are not the MOM. You are just a musician that carries that title.

2) Yes this is a training ground for you, but don't let them take advantage of you. You deserve respect like everybody else. And this does not make you any less saved. Does it make them any less saved when they bring former musicians in to make themselves look good? Practice time is very important and prayer. I have so much advice I can give, but I'll stop here.

1)  I noticed that.  Even though the pastor works with the M.O.M on somethings pertaining to the music ministry this wouldn't be one of them.  I would think the M.O.M would have full control over the music ministry including who plays and who doesn't.  As I was driving to church for practice I was thinking about this thread.  I thought, "How can you put YOUR best foot using someone else's foot?"      

2)  True. 

[terranb7]

I appreciate all of the advice that has been given, basically the to things I'm hearing is It comes through much prayer and practice, one thing I do is thank God for my LGM family because whenever I need some encouragement it's there.

[nessalynn77]

I think that if you are good enough to play for regular services, then you are good enough to play for special services.

My advice to you is to just hang in there and practice and pray. You will get better soon. Dont worry about comparing yourself to other musicians, they were once on your level, and you will one day match or exceed thier level

Good advice.