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FaithD
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« on: April 30, 2009, 01:28:55 PM » |
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In the past my family has always been used by the church because of our talents. My parents never have had their own church, but were very active in the ministry. We traveled 1hr to and from church every week. We struggled financially because of the economy and layoffs with my parents careers.
I began playing a Hammond B3 for the church until I went to college. I pursued my career and never went back to playing. I really never went back to church much after starting college and my family. I was the Easter Sunday only attendee. Nov '07 my parents were in a car accident which took my father's life. My mother was severly injured. I had a full-time job, and am also a mother of 3. I resigned from my job to take care of my mother. My brother who is a pastor made preachers look really sad. I had no choice but to resign because of him. I also had 2 kids 19mos apart and my job wouldn't support my Leave of Absence request! This change in my life brought me back to church where I belong.
I recently started playing for a church 45mins away. I don't get paid. I was told that my style of music is needed. They wanted to be able to get away from the program. I attend a white church but its a mixed congregation. I was asked have a meeting to go over songs. I have not had a meeting to this day. I have been asked by the worship team to bring my songs so they can learn a little soul. I am called 2 or 3 days before rehersal every wk with the songs for Sunday morning worship.
They never sing the same songs twice. I probably hear the same song every 2 months if that from their selection. They only read music but I only play by ear. They don't like to keep repeating the ending to a song. They mostly sing Hillsong styled music. I've given author and song titles and have been told to get this one or that one to listen to it. No one has time to listen or learn any of the songs that I've tried to introduce. They don't even seem moved by my selection when they hear a song. I show up Friday nights for worship rehersal which starts at 6:30 and is over by 7:30. We also have rehersal Sunday am 9:30. I only play for the worship team and also during testimonies. Testimonies don't last that long either at this church. I've been asked to play during offering which is only about 5 mins long (if that long). The service starts at 10:30 and we leave by 12:45.
I'm frustrated and am giving my notice as of today that I am quiting. I haven't worked since resigning from my job in Dec '07. I've showed up faithfully to rehersals. I've played faithfully with little knowledge about their songs during service. I feel out of place. Everything is strictly by the program. I've learned a lot of songs but can't play them, and when I do play they don't sing because they don't know my songs. I'm frustrated, discouraged, hurt, disappointed, and tired. I've been going to this church for 8 mos. I haven't seen any change. Should I go or should I stay?
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THE WOLFMAN
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« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2009, 01:31:46 PM » |
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sis, i wanted to read that, really, but it needs to be put in paragraphs, makes it easier on the eyes to digest.
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momuzik
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« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2009, 02:10:49 PM » |
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Are they paying you? (can't recall; your post is kinda long)
You can have a meeting with the people that matter and voice your complaints or just take it as a job. Play what they tell you. That should take a little pressure off you.
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FaithD
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« Reply #3 on: April 30, 2009, 02:12:39 PM » |
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No they don't pay me
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robdown
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« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2009, 04:06:42 PM » |
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if there was no agreement to pay you when you started, why would they offer to put you on payroll out of the blue? do the other musicians get paid?
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momuzik
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« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2009, 04:12:46 PM » |
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No they don't pay me One upside to not getting paid (and the only one I can think of) is that you have freedom to do what you want when you want or to walk anytime without guilt (not that you would). With no pay or contract in place, it makes it hard for them to put demands and restrictions on you. |
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under13
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« Reply #6 on: April 30, 2009, 04:22:44 PM » |
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I wouldnt bother staying (btjm). I dont like the idea of trying to change church folks to accept a new style of music. Its possible to do, but it will take a long time and there will be a lot of problems. I would just go somewhere where I could fit in better. (btjm)
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baggettcindy
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« Reply #7 on: April 30, 2009, 06:27:09 PM » |
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I feel ya. I was in ND for almost 11yrs (only black) and this is the way it was. I missed Gospel services. They may feel the same way about "soul/gospel" music as you do about "theirs". Ultimately you should seek God, but I would go. with all you are going through, you don't need extra stress from the saints. So many churches would LOVE to have you/a musician. Just my opinion...
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joshuag
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« Reply #8 on: May 01, 2009, 10:29:31 AM » |
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Pray, pray, Pray
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Learning to know God, helps you to learn about yourself...
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betnich
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« Reply #9 on: May 01, 2009, 11:26:42 AM » |
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Pray, pray, Pray
Whether to go or stay - that's a hard call... If you are uncomfortable playing their songs, and if there are other keyboardists maybe you could pull back a bit (don't play on the Praise Team, do your songs for solos/offerings SOMETIMES) until they find the time to meet with you about incorporating your music. Sometimes in these churches it's the leadership who wants to bring in different people to 'freshen up' the worship sound, but some people in the congregation or the Music Ministry resist. I had a similar situation in my last church, which I ignored to my peril. Am praying for you, and that God's will be done... |
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Zipporah
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Posts: 1
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« Reply #10 on: March 19, 2010, 09:30:44 PM » |
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hi, i hope you get this message. keep your head up and pray. no matter where you go, there will always be some kind of adversity. pray pray pray. i myself did not think your post was too long, you had a lot to say. all i can say is pray. if you feel that God led you there to play music, play unto God-not man. if the person who is in charge wants you to play ccm, play the pants off of ccm. but pray, pray, pray, God will steer u in the right direction.
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B3Wannabe
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« Reply #11 on: Today at 02:44:22 AM » |
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I sort of felt the same way when I was playing in an African church.
The thing you have to remember is that you're playing for a different culture. They may, indeed, not be moved by real Gospel music--even though someone (they) told you it's needed. I'd say pay attention to the service/people when you're playing. You may find that your playing is actually having an impact on the people. If that is sufficient, then you may be able to just adjust and learn to play CCM style better. I started a separate choir, and played at other events to satisfy my longing for Gospel music.
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Fenix
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« Reply #12 on: Today at 07:28:07 AM » |
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I'm with U13 and betnich on this: it is soooooo hatd to change a people's music preference. For instance I found it very hard to adjust to African style worship and praise. I was so used to CCM. My youth group, which is entirely African, hates the guitar driven Hillsong stuff I tried to introduce.  Just pray and don't let them frustrate you. |
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If i had a nickel for every time i found a nickel, i'd have 10 cents.
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docjohn
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« Reply #13 on: Today at 08:07:43 AM » |
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Change is a 4 letter word to most irrespective of white/black/young/old/saved/lost etc..Are you ONLY at this place to PLAY?IT sounds like your SOUL needs some soul(refreshing) whether the crowd likes "soul"music or not!
What I've heard as a player usually goes like this;can you play?-when they hear me it's like-you CAN play!I can USE you-got any gear?wink-wink!I played from 97 till last spring,took the summer off;and I'm NOT in a hurry to go back.I have other ministries that I'm involved with,and have a 2 hour weekly set that I play,sometimes by self,sometimes with a few other players.LORD has BLESSED this time MORE than anything in most church settings.
Then there's private time,just before the LORD-sometimes feeling HIM just practicing scales!So,where I'm at/going to is (hopefully) more one -on -one with JESUS leaving the earthly things(churchese') behind.As someone else mentioned,I think you are being vexed by being pre-occupied with others' behavior ;in part.
So,maybe it's time to withdraw(from playing) in a "hostile" enviroment.Don't forsake the assembly;but find one that provides some WORD!.Sounds like that church is on a "schedule" which is good to be respectful of folks time balanced by being ready to "linger lounger"if LORD shows up.I've learned more from audio services that cuts out all the crap to just a 30 minute presentation of the WORD than in a lot of church services.I used to be involved from 7:30 A.M. till 1-2 P.M. every Sun.,3-4 hours on Wed.+Thur..
Considering your financial situation,if you have got the chops + LORD's hand is on you;it sounds only fair that a church PAY you a reasonable amount.My policy now is "no-pay,NO play"excepting where LORD leads me,and YOU provide the (good gear)+ the band.You want to have the band,good sounds,etc.,etc.,pony up$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.There is a difference between being "used"and "used of GOD",sort of the way HE works.HIS covenants are "you do this;I'll do that".So,why do We "improve"upon HIS plan? This is a hard learned lesson ,for me at least.
So,be humble and don't let the other stuff get you down;just look for the door HE will open! be blessed + encouraged
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