Should you be required to be a member of the church you are a M.O.M?

[jt3n1]

Its been awhile since I have been on the forum, but I am considering taking a M.O.M. that I have been playing at full time for the last 2 years.
I am currently not under any contract, but I have also not missed any Sundays since I started playing there including when they traveled out of town for morning services and I had to pay my own gas and toll fees, and have only missed 3 rehearsals during that time.
I am asking the question, because it is written in the church by-laws the the M.O.M. has to be or become a member in order to fill the position. Right now, there is no leadership in the music dept. I just come in and play the songs someone chooses, and rehearse with the choirs/praise team. Just looking for the thought process behind if that is a necessary idea.

[LaylaMonroe]

Welcome back.

I think we've discussed this in the MOM forum, so you may want to do a search there for more answers.

My answer: I can understand why churches would want their leaders to be members. At the same time, the Bible never discussed any membership criteria or anything even remotely close to what we have today, so it's not really a matter of right or wrong, but a matter of what works for the church. Back in the day, membership meant commitment. These days, not so much.

If I were a pastor, I would want my MOM to be a member of the church.

[jt3n1]

Thanks I will see what else I can find on the subject.

[Poet_fo_life]

Only if it is what the Lord leads you to do... The bible says that God assigns us Shepard's after His own heart, if this ministry is not where God intends you to join, then keep doing what your doing until led by the spirit.  Position only means one of two things, money, or responsibility... seems like you already have the responsibility, so don't compromise or sell out for money... You soul and flesh could fall out of His will for your life, and whom He may have set to pastor your life.  You don't have to necessarily go to your pastor church with good communication and fellowship, but be careful...

[musallio]

I believe that in order to fulfil your duties with the right mindset, you need to be a member. So it's not just a job,period, but rather a responsibility you are fulfilling as an elder of the church.

I consider a MoM position to be that of an elder. An elder has the concerns of the church at heart, besides the music. yes, ultimately you are responsible for the music, but the music is influenced by other physical and spiritual affairs within the church. To effectively deal with those, you need to have a fully vested interested in the church.
of course the other alternative is the one from Poet of Life.

[kingrhollo]

I believe that in order to fulfil your duties with the right mindset, you need to be a member. So it's not just a job,period, but rather a responsibility you are fulfilling as an elder of the church.

I consider a MoM position to be that of an elder. An elder has the concerns of the church at heart, besides the music. yes, ultimately you are responsible for the music, but the music is influenced by other physical and spiritual affairs within the church. To effectively deal with those, you need to have a fully vested interested in the church.
of course the other alternative is the one from Poet of Life.

T-Totally Agree

[ProMaestro]

It's great to be a member of that church, but I don't think you have to be. I've been playing at this church of a different denomination for more than 3 years now and I thoroughly enjoy it there. I have grown spiritually being there moreso than my home church, in which whom my membership is still with.  I said I would never join this church because it was very political, but as God has worked with me during that time, I feel compelled to join, only because God has called me to do many things in that church, Plus, I am getting spiritually fed!! Halleljuah!!!    Let God guide your heart. Don't just join because someone tells you that you NEED to be a member, but follow wherever God leads you! Your dedication to God in providing ministerial worship through song to the folks is prime and most important than having your name on the that specific church roll. In my humblest opinion...

[under13]

It's great to be a member of that church, but I don't think you have to be. I've been playing at this church of a different denomination for more than 3 years now and I thoroughly enjoy it there. I have grown spiritually being there moreso than my home church, in which whom my membership is still with.  I said I would never join this church because it was very political, but as God has worked with me during that time, I feel compelled to join, only because God has called me to do many things in that church, Plus, I am getting spiritually fed!! Halleljuah!!!    Let God guide your heart. Don't just join because someone tells you that you NEED to be a member, but follow wherever God leads you! Your dedication to God in providing ministerial worship through song to the folks is prime and most important than having your name on the that specific church roll. In my humblest opinion...

100 percent agree

[Mysteryman]

If they hired you then I feel you don't have to be a member. I have been playing at one of our sister churches since last new years. Currently, I would not join this church. There are some things I just don't agree with but that doesn't make it a bad church. Currently I'm training one of their young guys to take my place once I leave next year Lord's will. If they said I would have to join I would stop playing immediately. They do have a right to have that requirement.

[melodic_keyz]

Personally, I can relate to the every comment posted.  However, as I grew spiritually, I no longer wished to be divided between churches.  I realized that membership requires faithfulness so why call a church "home" if I would hardly be in attendance?"  I am thankful that God led me to the ministry I am currently over, and also I proud member of.  Bottom line: Allow God to lead you to a place you can truly call "home."  This way, all of your "needs" will be met without feeling conflict.