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[Ramar]

Is it okay to play for a church because you absolutely need the money?

Here's my scenario:

     I've been playing for my current church for about 9 years, getting paid very little... it was OK at first, but ever since I lost my job, i've been struggling for the last few months...

     Anyways, a church put an ad in the paper looking for a new organist... and the pay is satisfactory to me. I've been to the church before, and it's a really nice church that doesn't conflict with my beliefs, so I won't be there JUST for the money, I can get a good word, too.

     Now... being in my situation, would it be wrong to leave the church that I'm currently at, and play for the other church? I'm not the greedy type, nor am I an arrogant person... I just know that my talent is worth much more than I'm settling for, and I really NEED the money right now, as I'm behind on my bills and my needs aren't being met...

--By the way, there is another organist at my current church, but the Pastor and First Lady prefer me.

[musallio]

Hi Ramar- It's a tough one.

But I think the 1st step is for you to go to your pastor/ church leadership & tell them the exact story you've told us:

ie> 1) You were ok with the pay, but since you've lost your job & are behind in your bills, playing for the other church might bail you out of your financial woes.

2) The prospective church teaches sound doctrine & you can grow there spiritually, so you could really be tempted to apply for the offer- but you want to stay at this current church if possible.

3) Ask if the current pastor can't make some arrangement to help to at least meet your bills.

I suggest that you do that today & see the response rather than apply first & tell your pastor you've applied for a post & ask for his input afterwards.
This should earn you more respect from the leadership because it's a strong sign that you really want to work with them & a great display of integrity.

[kmccray]

Hi Ramar- It's a tough one.

But I think the 1st step is for you to go to your pastor/ church leadership & tell them the exact story you've told us:

ie> 1) You were ok with the pay, but since you've lost your job & are behind in your bills, playing for the other church might bail you out of your financial woes.

2) The prospective church teaches sound doctrine & you can grow there spiritually, so you could really be tempted to apply for the offer- but you want to stay at this current church if possible.

3) Ask if the current pastor can't make some arrangement to help to at least meet your bills.

I suggest that you do that today & see the response rather than apply first & tell your pastor you've applied for a post & ask for his input afterwards.
This should earn you more respect from the leadership because it's a strong sign that you really want to work with them & a great display of integrity.

I totally agree.  You said that you have been to your church for  9 years and the pastors prefer you.  I would speak with them and let them know what you have shared with us.  It will at least give them the opportunity to act on the situation rather than being put in the position of reacting if you tell them after applying.

[Ramar]

Hi Ramar- It's a tough one.

But I think the 1st step is for you to go to your pastor/ church leadership & tell them the exact story you've told us:

ie> 1) You were ok with the pay, but since you've lost your job & are behind in your bills, playing for the other church might bail you out of your financial woes.

2) The prospective church teaches sound doctrine & you can grow there spiritually, so you could really be tempted to apply for the offer- but you want to stay at this current church if possible.

3) Ask if the current pastor can't make some arrangement to help to at least meet your bills.

I suggest that you do that today & see the response rather than apply first & tell your pastor you've applied for a post & ask for his input afterwards.
This should earn you more respect from the leadership because it's a strong sign that you really want to work with them & a great display of integrity.

I followed your advice, and I'm happy to say that the issue has been resolved... I got the raise!! Praise God!

[sonicfoxbody]

I followed your advice, and I'm happy to say that the issue has been resolved... I got the raise!! Praise God!

lol I bet you wished you would have done that long ago. I'm in the same boat (sorta), however I haven't been at this current church very long at all. Needless to say Thanksgiving is my last time playing.

[musallio]

I followed your advice, and I'm happy to say that the issue has been resolved... I got the raise!! Praise God!

Congrats Ramar   My heart is jumping up & down for you- no one was hurt & the work of the Kingdom continues without any hiccups- Yippee, praise the Lord!!!

Sonicfox my friend, I'm sorry it was a bit too late for you- but it's a learning experience & you will be the wiser next time. Best wishes in all your endeavors.

[sonicfoxbody]

Sonicfox my friend, I'm sorry it was a bit too late for you- but it's a learning experience & you will be the wiser next time. Best wishes in all your endeavors.

yep, I learned never to blindly jump into a commitment. I started without ever meeting the pastor, hearing the choir, nor going to the church to see their instruments. After many lies and broken promises I'm fed up and done.

[musallio]

yep, I learned never to blindly jump into a commitment. I started without ever meeting the pastor, hearing the choir, nor going to the church to see their instruments. After many lies and broken promises I'm fed up and done.

Eish, that's a tough one--
You should be very cautious man.
Always start by familiarizing yourself with the leadership & identify the people who show responsibility & maturity. At my home church we've had to attend to guys who were promised big things by guys who were not even responsible in the music ministry. So we had these guys literally dumped on us & we had to see how we fit them in & explain to them how we operate.

Just don't take the betrayal etc personal- if the situation is beyond repair, start afresh & make sure that any promise made to you comes from a credible party & make sure that you always pray for your ministry & the ministry you support.

[sonicfoxbody]

Eish, that's a tough one--
You should be very cautious man.
Always start by familiarizing yourself with the leadership & identify the people who show responsibility & maturity. At my home church we've had to attend to guys who were promised big things by guys who were not even responsible in the music ministry. So we had these guys literally dumped on us & we had to see how we fit them in & explain to them how we operate.

Just don't take the betrayal etc personal- if the situation is beyond repair, start afresh & make sure that any promise made to you comes from a credible party & make sure that you always pray for your ministry & the ministry you support.

In this case the promises were from the pastor on our various phone conversations. I didn't know that he truly had no say so in what happens in the church. I'm used to churches that run sorta like the judicial system, the pastor being the judge and his deacons. deaconesses and secretaries are the jury. The judge is the overseer and has the power. It's the total opposite there. If I would have known I wouldn't have took his promises or anything he told me seriously. I've turned in my letter of resignation already, I guess it will all hit and sink in by the time choir rehearsal comes. The crazy part is that the church I'm going to is on program at my current church in a few weeks 

[musallio]

In this case the promises were from the pastor on our various phone conversations. I didn't know that he truly had no say so in what happens in the church. I'm used to churches that run sorta like the judicial system, the pastor being the judge and his deacons. deaconesses and secretaries are the jury. The judge is the overseer and has the power. It's the total opposite there. If I would have known I wouldn't have took his promises or anything he told me seriously. I've turned in my letter of resignation already, I guess it will all hit and sink in by the time choir rehearsal comes. The crazy part is that the church I'm going to is on program at my current church in a few weeks 

Oops, this must have been caused by poor communications or lack of total transparency on the part of some people. My church runs on a similar system where we have the pastor & the governing board. There exists mutual respect between these parties & communication is the key to ensuring that the pastor does not trample on the board's line, but the board is open to his advice at all times. But that was me going off-tangent...
The most important thing is that you have formally notified the church that you are leaving- it is important to have a very clean, clear record- if any error, let it not be on your part.

[jonesl78]

Very excellent and wise advice musallio! I've been on both sides of the fence; providing and hiring musical services. Communication is very important. Although a verbal agreement is acceptable, a written contract IMO is optimal. 

[musallio]

Very excellent and wise advice musallio! I've been on both sides of the fence; providing and hiring musical services. Communication is very important. Although a verbal agreement is acceptable, a written contract IMO is optimal. 

I'm glad to hear that the nail hit the heart of the wood.
I was just speaking based on what I have observed mostly in my very close association with musicians and church leaderships.

[robin of drummin]

I read the threads, its hard to believe churches function in that way but that way it is now a days, dont get me wrong not all churches  are like that, but churches govern them selves like business so to say its relatively all business majority the times, in order to keep the congregation happy sometimes it takes a good worship team rather small or big, there are alot of things that apply to the gospel rim some good some bad, but most important of all is to have a good solid foundation in your belief and good reputation.  Don't jump the gun if have a pastor that cares for you and the congregation.  Always go to God in prayer!