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Gospel Instruments => Bass Guitar => Topic started by: MYCAL on June 30, 2007, 02:51:43 PM

Title: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: MYCAL on June 30, 2007, 02:51:43 PM
 IHAVE BEEN PLAYING BASS AT CHURCH FOR SOME TIME NOW. I DON'T WANT A SALARY I JUST WANT ENOUGH $$$ FOR EXPENCES SUCH AS MY EQUIPMENT AND SO FORTH.THE CHURCH DOES'NT GO ALONG WITH THAT EITHER.IAM ONLY ASKING $75.OO PER WEEK.THE MOM IS BEING PAID $400.00 PER WEEK.WHATS YOUR OPINION ON  MUSICIANS BEING PAID IN THE CHURCH ??????
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: fbass on June 30, 2007, 02:54:39 PM
i dont think a musician should be paid unless he knows where it says he should in the bible....... please tell me the mom is not the church mother and if she is does she do anything besides sit in the special chair lol
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: mr.dj on June 30, 2007, 03:07:04 PM
MOM=Minister Of Music
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Basso Gruvitas on June 30, 2007, 05:15:37 PM
Some churches pay their musicians, some don't.  It's a matter of submitting to the philosophy of the church.  If you see playing bass in a church as a gig, then find a church that pays their musicians.

BTW, my home church does not pay me for when I play there.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Maestro87 on June 30, 2007, 05:59:09 PM
They probably do not see you as a member of the staff at the church.  It is not wrong to ask because you still have to live and depending on how much time and effort you put into your playing at your church then you will need some compensation down the road.  Try and help them understand how much work you do but realize that once you get on a payroll you will not be a volunteer anymore and there will most likely be some things that will be expected of you even more than before.  Keep asking and if the Lord leads you to step down or change churches then do what you gotta do.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: MikeGee on June 30, 2007, 07:23:01 PM
I would not play for a church that would not pay me if someone else is getting paid soley to play an instrument or sing. IF no one is getting paid then I'd be glad to do it as a gift. I think it's a matter of can the hurch afford to pay . I think the only rule should be if you pay one you pay all.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: ghodom on June 30, 2007, 08:06:01 PM
Hi, I just signed to this site and I was browsing and this caught my eye...over the years I have seen churches hire musicians to play and pay them outrages salaries, $600.00 a Sunday, they never attended Bible study or anything other than choir pratice.. there is nothing wrong with giving a love offering, but when the focus is about a pay check and not ministry and they are not a member, the Pastor might want to rethink before he reacts. I believe that if the church has staff positions and you pay them, then you certainly need to do likewise about your musicians. The church need ministrels, annointed and can get the vision of the house, in the church that I attend my son is the pastor a young man and believes those whom God has ordained to be a part of the ministry will not come looking for a salary but to be a part of what God is doing in the Ministry. We are raising up Ministrels from within the church, those who have the desire to play, we do pay a music teacher every week to give lessons to our inspiring Ministrels. It is a priviledge to serve God, not a favor...Music touches the heart of God!!!!!
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: ssabass on June 30, 2007, 09:30:32 PM
hello my brothers in christ. I am new to this sight, and I just want to say hello to everyone. well my thoughts on this subject is, I think in certain circumstances, anyone that give his or her time & effort should be compensated. I believe if the church that you play at is your home church, & you go every sunday I believe that person should not be paid, because then it becomes a part of your worship to the father,  unless thier is some traveling involved, it is still part of your worship But, now were talking about  more than just learning a few songs, now were talking, gas, food ect. now if you have been recruited to play at a church, than yes  you should be compensated. how much  should be based on expereince, and knowlegde. But paid or not paid, it should always be about worshipping the father.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: 6stringapprentice on July 01, 2007, 03:51:10 AM
The way i see it is that I am a member of choir. The only way that I would feel that I should be paid if the entire choir or music section was being paid. Now on the other hand if the church wants to give me a compensation for dedication and the time I would have no problem. Because lets be honest when it is time to travel and most times the choir can hop on a church van and we usually are loading equipment into personal vehicles and driving. I would never demand money from the church I worship at. I think that musician payrolls are steering a lot of young musicians in the wrong direction.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Quebass86 on July 01, 2007, 06:04:09 AM
Wow! You have hit a sore subject at my church. I mentioned in another venue that myself along with another bass player and lead do not get paid, however the two drummers, organist, keyboard and MOM get salaries. I am not doing it for the money but it is frustrating when we have to learn the same music, be at the same rehearsals, etc. Plus when we show up we have our own instruments which we have to maintain in order to play which costs money. They are considered staff and we are considered volunteers. The volunteers are more reliable and accountable than the staff are. That is the frustrating part. How would you feel when neither drummer shows up and the lead or bass player has to play drums and yet the drummer(s) still get their check? Or the organist doesn't show up for rehearsal or Sunday Service but still gets his check? I have been playing for 6 years and actually I am past that because as a volunteer I do just that. I love my church but I have cut back on all of the services that I used to do. The sound, audio/video people get paid, along with a number of other positions. It is funny because we have never asked for anything but when we built our new church a few years ago they said we are going to get you guys paid just hang on a minute. Well it has been 3years since. I love playing for God and I love playing the bass. It has given me exposure and allowed me to play with and meet some wonderful people at other events, churches and services. My rewards and Blessings have from other areas. We have about 2800 memebers and some of the churches with 200 members pay their musicans. When I go and just sit in with some of my friends that are MOM at other churches they go out of their way to try and give me something and when they do I usually give it back in a love offering. It is just the thought and appreciation.......
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: nickjrnz on July 01, 2007, 06:10:43 AM
whats up from down under !!!
:)
If your making an album and selling it, I think that the cost of the musicians/choir every1 that contributed should recieve something yes only because the end product is that someone is making money from a combined  effort, unless your doing like a charity aid thing or something like that.
 playing in church, you wnat people there that are their because they are called ,have a heart to see worship go to a new level and contribute to the vision of your local church and give back what God what he has placed in your hand to give him the glory and see people won. I think we need to be careful that we dont get the attitude well Im not going to do it unless I recieve $$$. (although hey we all have bills to pay but our dependancy is on God not the Money we may recieve @church. Hey if its in a churches budget fine... but if your going to church and dont want to contribute because "they dont pay me... enough... (whats enough) check the heart ???

Freely you have recieved... so freely give. MAT 10.8

"free will" .....offering....... is a some words that comes to mind.

Love u all peace

Nick
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Ken Felder on July 01, 2007, 07:44:06 AM
i havent been on in a while but this subject caught my attention. When getting paid by a church they will expect you to be every where.
like following the pastor all over. some musician are not even a member of the church thats paying them.  i agree with Basso Gruvitas if you want to get paid find a church that will pay you.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: DWBass on July 01, 2007, 07:49:43 AM
Wow! You have hit a sore subject at my church. I mentioned in another venue that myself along with another bass player and lead do not get paid, however the two drummers, organist, keyboard and MOM get salaries. I am not doing it for the money but it is frustrating when we have to learn the same music, be at the same rehearsals, etc. Plus when we show up we have our own instruments which we have to maintain in order to play which costs money. They are considered staff and we are considered volunteers. The volunteers are more reliable and accountable than the staff are. That is the frustrating part. How would you feel when neither drummer shows up and the lead or bass player has to play drums and yet the drummer(s) still get their check? Or the organist doesn't show up for rehearsal or Sunday Service but still gets his check? I have been playing for 6 years and actually I am past that because as a volunteer I do just that. I love my church but I have cut back on all of the services that I used to do. The sound, audio/video people get paid, along with a number of other positions. It is funny because we have never asked for anything but when we built our new church a few years ago they said we are going to get you guys paid just hang on a minute. Well it has been 3years since. I love playing for God and I love playing the bass. It has given me exposure and allowed me to play with and meet some wonderful people at other events, churches and services. My rewards and Blessings have from other areas. We have about 2800 memebers and some of the churches with 200 members pay their musicans. When I go and just sit in with some of my friends that are MOM at other churches they go out of their way to try and give me something and when they do I usually give it back in a love offering. It is just the thought and appreciation.......
Wow, not show up and still get paid?? How does that work?? And how are they deemed pros and you deemed a volunteer?? Wow! I'd have to pray hard on that one!!

My take is, if there is a budget, then all musicians should get paid equally with the exception of the MOM who should get a little extra if they are productive, IMO. I would not expect any small church to be able to afford to pay their musicians. The big churches that have huge memberships are more apt to having budgets.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: floaded27 on July 01, 2007, 04:07:22 PM
i guess gotta chime in on this. this is one of the fastest growing threads ive seen on LGM.
this pay thing gets outta hand because left unchecked it breeds an attitude of greed and this "everybody owes me" attitude that starts to destroy the image of (1) musicians and (2) christians (because thats what we're all supposed to be and not just the church people are watching)

the way i see it is that there should be no fixed salary. too many times have i seen our organist come in at the last 5 minutes of rehearsal during the week and show up late on sunday morning, but lookin for his money every week. and dont let there be an error with the check. and im like, "why should u get paid for what u didnt do?" and its not like our drummer whos 14, who cant come unless his mother brings him or comes with his older brother, this is a grown man who works for a living. so where's the responsibility? there is none because whatever he do, he gettin paid. dont come to bible study, dont give offering, barely pay tithes, but u want ur money like the church owe you. RIDICULOUS.

our drummer he's a kid. i dont mind that they pay him. they dont pay him nowhere near what the organist gets. but i think what he gets teaches him lessons as he's growing. I try personally to show him how to manage his money and be right with God and not just about playin and getting paid. and automatically i think a drummer should be first compensated for the cost of equipment (like sticks which are a frequent expense) on top of anything else the church wants to give.

me, as the bass player, i dont get paid at all. and i dont WANT to be paid. for 1 i dont need it (the Lord blessed me with a good 9-5) and (2) i dont feel i deserve it. what extra am i doing that i need to be paid? i have to attend every rehearsal - i was already there being on the choir and i would be if im not playing. i gotta be at every service - already did that. i gotta learn the songs - thats just practice time that i was already doing before as i was learning to play. i gotta pay for my instrument and equipment - if i didnt play in the church i would have to do that anyway and was doing so before i was. so what extra would i be doing when playing for my church that i wouldnt be doing not playing? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. so there's no logical reason to get paid. i believe because i'm playing for God, God is giving me blessings that no amount of money the church could give me could match.

my thing is i dont have a problem with a musician being compensated, but every musician that does get paid should act like its a blessing, not something that is owed them. and once u realize u doing this for God and not just for money, God will definitely bless you in your gift and you will give more of yourself too. and if you're going to get paid, learn to be a professional about it. if the boss at your job asked u to stay a bit late or come in a bit early to finish up a project you'll do it, but let the choir director ask to go over the song one more time and its 7:59 and rehearsal is from 6-8.

thats not everything i would like to say about the subject but i'll leave it at that. as for MYCAL's question, i think that if a musician wants to be paid simply to cover expenses, then i think the church should comply. but since equipment expenses arent too frequent (u cant include travel expenses, thats ridiculous) maybe u can get them to compensate u for expenses as they occur, rather than to pay towards that on a regular basis.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: bigneil on July 01, 2007, 04:52:02 PM
[ if the boss at your job asked u to stay a bit late or come in a bit early to finish up a project you'll do it, but let the choir director ask to go over the song one more time and its 7:59 and rehearsal is from 6-8.]
[/quote]

I have been put in this situation many times before and if I have something else to do then I have something else to do. My boss asks me to stay over and come in early all the time and alot of the time projects need someone to stay over or come in early so it can be completed, but if my family is involved i'm not staying over and I have proven that many times. On the same hand I have walked out of rehearsals because my family comes first. I lost my daughter a couple of months ago and some of the time that she was in the hospital I was being "faithful to my church" by being at every rehearsal and every service instead of being with my daughter. So I don't care who asks if there is a reason for me to leave when others want to stay I will leave. I hear that comment all of the time from people about the job and church and it really gets under my skin.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: floaded27 on July 01, 2007, 06:47:25 PM
So I don't care who asks if there is a reason for me to leave when others want to stay I will leave. I hear that comment all of the time from people about the job and church and it really gets under my skin.

its not like that. and i didnt mean it like that. if you have a legitimate reason then thats more than ok. its God, family, then the church. im talkin about when u wont put in that extra effort/time at all simply because ur not paid to. its ok to refuse, but not all the time ONLY because ur not getting extra money for it.

i do apologize if my comment bothered you. it was not my intention at all. i do hope my clarification alleviated that.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Quebass86 on July 02, 2007, 12:08:03 AM
I agree my brother, I too am very Blessed to have a great career and a job that pays me well. GOD has Blessed me and my family and the money is not needed. I would give it back. I never asked my church for anything, they have on many times said "we will get you guys taken care of". I would be fine with a "play/pay" method. I do play for the love and am greatful to have the opportunity. I have only been playing for 6 year and never imagined myself playing with and for some of the people and places I have already. As a volunteer I do just that. If I have something else going on then I take care of that. I don't like it though when I get checked for not being there and then they tell me I should take care of my home church, well it does work both ways. I went and played at a small church where my frat brother is the minister of music. I went to their rehearsal and played on that sunday because I enjoy playing and learning from other musicians and they don't trip. They wanted to give me $100 that sunday for playing with them. I gave it back to them to put towards their new church they will soon be building. As the old folks used to say, "it's the thought that counts" and "it is nice to be appreciated".

Because of my exposure at church I am playing for several other gospel venues that pay me well. So my Blessings have come through another resevoir. Our MOM is full time, that is his job so he is at the church from 8-5 everyday with the Pastor and the other church staff ministers who are full time, but some of the others that don't show up or come in late or can't make it to an afternoon event, or don't call to say they won't be there, I am sorry that is just not right. The lead guitar has to put down his instrument to play drums, but the drummer will get his check in full come the 1st and the 15th.

Anyway, as it has been said by me and others, I play for GOD  and his Glory.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: dhagler on July 02, 2007, 05:57:48 AM
I agree with MikeGee that if one is paid then all should be paid.  Not necessarily at the same salary, mind you.  I started out playing for nothing and, after a year and an overhyped search for a keyboardist and a drummer, the church finally got around to considering whether or not I should be paid.  I give back half of the whopping $100 a month they give me.

Let's turn the page...should church musicians and ministers of music be under contract?
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Keys410 on July 02, 2007, 08:39:56 AM
Man this is a touchy subject. I first start by saying I don't get paid to play in church. I am the MOM, organ, keyboard,drummer, and bass player(Yes, I play them all in a sunday). I have discussed with my Bishop regarding salary but the church doesn't have it(It's a small church). I think alot of church mess themselves up when they do not pay musicians fairly. I know someone who was a Pastors son and drummer. Keyboard player was getting $200 and he was getting $75. Just not cool. I think if you pay one then you need to pay all FAIRLY. If someone leaves because they started getting paid less so others can get paid....Well they were there for the wrong reason and someone can step right in that has the right spirit.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Quebass86 on July 02, 2007, 09:09:14 AM
As mentioned earlier, my MOM is full-time staff so he is under a contract along with the other "paid" musicians (keyboard, organist, and drums). We have HR committee at church and they have an employee handbook, etc.

They have to submit in for vacation time or to be off just like a 8-5. It is funny how things work because the "volunteers" are all involved in other church ministries like teaching 9th-10th grade youth Bible Study, or working in the Marriage Ministry or just attending sunday school and Bible Study, while the "paid musicians" well, let's just say most of the time if they are not playing, they are no where to be found. 3 of them came to play and then eventually became members but you don't see them if they don't play.....Hmmmmm!!!
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Keys410 on July 02, 2007, 09:28:29 AM
As mentioned earlier, my MOM is full-time staff so he is under a contract along with the other "paid" musicians (keyboard, organist, and drums). We have HR committee at church and they have an employee handbook, etc.

They have to submit in for vacation time or to be off just like a 8-5. It is funny how things work because the "volunteers" are all involved in other church ministries like teaching 9th-10th grade youth Bible Study, or working in the Marriage Ministry or just attending sunday school and Bible Study, while the "paid musicians" well, let's just say most of the time if they are not playing, they are no where to be found. 3 of them came to play and then eventually became members but you don't see them if they don't play.....Hmmmmm!!!

IMO...That's out of order. Music ministry carries alot of weight in service. If they are not spiritually getting what they need such as bible study, prayer, etc the music ministry will not be as effective as it should be.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Quebass86 on July 02, 2007, 10:47:42 AM
Don't get me wrong, they are great guys but it is hard to get the true chemistry down. They never want to put in extra time to practice so we can really get locked down. It can be frustrating at times because they are really gifted and blessed with alot of talent, I am the late bloomer and I know I need the extra work to perfect my craft.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: MYCAL on July 02, 2007, 01:05:23 PM
I agree with most of the commits.I do have a job.I do enjoy the worship experience each and every Sunday,and I love to play.Not looking for another salary,just a little something for strings,repair or calibration of my basses etc..... Maybe fund could be set up for that purpose? I know that we all love the worship and love music the bass.

  thanx too you all. The keepers of the bottom Line.  Mycal
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: dfwkeys on July 02, 2007, 02:32:02 PM
This is a great topic! I'm not sure why some make biblical that you shouldn't be paid to play.    There are those that go to college getting masters and p.h.d. in music.  So of course they expect to use this as a career.

1 Timothy 5:17-18, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

1 Corinthians 9:14 declares, “In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”

Most people chooses a career according to their passion, if music a passion and you want to play for the church instead of the world and you choose this as your career, why not get paid. 

It's not a sin, it doesn't go against the word of God.

Since there are so many churches that does so many funds such as building funds, building funds, and more building funds.  How about changing the game to a musicians funds, and that way if churches have a problem paying salary, they can at least give a fund.



Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Quebass86 on July 02, 2007, 03:13:48 PM
When I grew up, we had that building fund that never went towards building anything.

I too am in no way looking for a salary, like mentioned before, we use our own instruments and must maintain them in order to perform during the week at practice and on sunday. Just an appreciation sometimes would be nice. I mean, when you get appreciated better at other churches than your home church that can hurt a little bit.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: dfwkeys on July 02, 2007, 03:26:54 PM
When I grew up, we had that building fund that never went towards building anything.

I too am in no way looking for a salary, like mentioned before, we use our own instruments and must maintain them in order to perform during the week at practice and on sunday. Just an appreciation sometimes would be nice. I mean, when you get appreciated better at other churches than your home church that can hurt a little bit.

i totally agree.  Most churches (from what i hear by the members) say that there's been building funds for year and not even a door knob has been replaced.  Maybe not a salary unless you're playing full-time for a large church like Potter's house that requires traveling, rehearing daily, recording albums etc.. but for the smaller churches let's start a musician fund.  Even $20 dollars given to me for appreciation means a lot and keeps me motivated.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: floaded27 on July 02, 2007, 04:42:03 PM
this is kinda turnin into a building fund forum. the building fund isnt just to replace stuff (renovations) in the church but to maintain the church, like pay light, gas, phone, and water bills, property taxes, loans, and rent (for churches that dont own the place they're in), all of which an average member doesn't see, but benefit from nonetheless.

there is a strategy to alleviate the original problem. if equipment care and maintenance were considered and included as legitimate church maintenance expenses (which already probably is for the house system) then your problems of bass care would be taken care of. note, however, that if you want proper care or something done of your choosing, you may have to pay out of pocket at the time and get reimbursed by the church afterwards, which is how my church does for drum equipment. otherwise u'll have someone who dont know a bass from a guitar taking care of that, like buying strings for u or taking ur bass to a shop for maintenance, etc., which u most likely dont want.

the musician fund makes sense in theory, but i have a feeling that people will start paying towards it based on their feelings of your performance, which could go from legitimate to outright stupid. For instance, a choir member could say "none of the musicians showed up for rehearsal this week so im not giving anything" (legitimate). but then u could have a member on sunday morning say "i didnt like the songs they played today so im not giving anything (totally unfair). it could be done as a supplement to what the church put aside, but not as the only source, unless its a church that cant afford anything at all.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: DWBass on July 02, 2007, 04:42:32 PM
Just want to clarify that sometimes, the 'building fund' is to pay bills, fund repairs and such and not for actually building anything. Building meaning the actual building that is occupied. It also depends on the property. Does the church own the actual property? Many old traditional faith churches cannot be built upon because they are considered historical properties.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: DWBass on July 02, 2007, 04:43:10 PM
Wow, talk about posting at the same time! :)
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: BimmerFan99 on July 02, 2007, 05:03:09 PM
First, let it be known I'm not here to divert this thread into a discussion on the Sabbath.

To add on to the divisiveness of whether or not to pay musicians, my home church is Seventh-day Adventist.  There seems to be a strong divide between people who think musicians should be paid and those who don't.  Many of those who think musicians should not be paid cite Sabbath-keeping texts that teach against working on the Sabbath.  So, in their view, musicians who get paid are working on the Sabbath and thus the church and the musicians are both breaking the law of God.  Others think that musicians possess a gift given to them by God, so it is wrong to request compensation.  On the other side, some Adventists believe that musicians are skilled and a critical component to the worship service and thus should be compensated accordingly.

Personally, I believe musicians should be paid for their time and expertise because they are ministers and are jointly responsible for the worship atmosphere with the pastor and/or MoM.  I've heard some say, "Well, Bro. What's-his-face can play the piano."  But, we all know being a service musician is almost a completely different being.  It takes years of experience to understand the worship atmosphere and play accordingly.  I'm sure even the most seasoned service musicians on these boards are still learning.  I believe the amount of commitment, time and effort to do this is worth fair compensation just as much as the pastor spends time not just learning the Bible, but developing techniques to effectively teach it to his congregation.

Furthermore, ALL musicians should be held accountable for professionalism - paid or not.  If you make a commitment to be at a certain rehearsals or services, then you need to do just that.  It is simply irresponsible to come late or just when you feel like it and only leads others to classify musicians into negative stereotypes that feed the bitterness others have against musicians.

I do not get paid at my home church, but I spend plenty of time outside of service preparing, practicing and putting together charts for the band.  If the musicians are not paid, then I believe churches should provide adequate funding to the music ministry so that the musicians can have good equipment and keep their own instruments in good condition.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: bigneil on July 02, 2007, 05:27:51 PM
its not like that. and i didnt mean it like that. if you have a legitimate reason then thats more than ok. its God, family, then the church. im talkin about when u wont put in that extra effort/time at all simply because ur not paid to. its ok to refuse, but not all the time ONLY because ur not getting extra money for it.

i do apologize if my comment bothered you. it was not my intention at all. i do hope my clarification alleviated that.

No, no my fellow low ender. I didn't say that to lash out at you. In fact, the comment didn't even bother me. I wasn't saying that you making that comment got under my skin. I was refering to the people I'm around, but I didn't make that clear and I do greatly apologize for that. I'm kinda still in the mourning stage with the loss of my daughter and somethings about how the house of God is handled really burns me right now, but I truely apologize for making you feel as though I lashed out at you.    :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: dfwkeys on July 03, 2007, 08:34:39 AM
i thought that's where the tithes and offerings come into place for the light bills etc... Most of the churches i've visited there an announcement of the building fund to build a new church.

Sorry for getting off topic, let me swing back to the topic above.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Keys410 on July 03, 2007, 08:56:56 AM
i thought that's where the tithes and offerings come into place for the light bills etc... Most of the churches i've visited there an announcement of the building fund to build a new church.

Sorry for getting off topic, let me swing back to the topic above.


Dude there are alot of people not paying either...Not giving God his 10% and not giving him a offering for his goodness.

Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: MYCAL on July 03, 2007, 09:06:37 AM
Quebass86 and Dfwkeys you are right on the mark.Let me explain what happened and why this topic came up in the first place.Two years ago the church came up with the idea of having a fund for our strings,sticks,drumheads etc.What happened was it got abused by one person.And you had to go through some paper work just too get $30.00 for some strings.Thats when I drew the line.I asked for about 75.00 per month nothing more.I don't think that is much too ask for.
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Quebass86 on July 03, 2007, 09:56:02 AM
They have work shops at the GMWA on paying musicians. My thing at my church is that some of us do and some of us don't get paid. I have never inquired either way. My MOM and church administrator have put it on the table. I don't worry about it because now that I have been playing for awhile and have made alot of friends in the gopsel music ministry I have been Blessed to have friends that at various music stores, guitar centers, etc. that give me good deals on strings, setups, etc. Not that I couldn't afford it but it is nice to know that I can get a setup done in 24 hours at no charge if I need it.

We have all been Blessed to one degree or another to be able to handle such an awesome instrument and present it before the Lord. Personally, I never had a goal of playing for my church or any other group. I never thought I would be good enough to do that, especially at starting to play so late in my life (late 30's). Now, it has truly become a part of my life. I can't wait to get home from work and practice or try something new that one of you have posted or done. I can truly see myself growing more and more in this ministry. I played trumpet for 20 years through college so I know about practicing long hours. But when you have a chance to create your own melody and blend in with the others and give the song life, it is a wonderul thing...

Be Blessed!!

The only thing I am concerened about is when judement day comes GOD will say, "Your music was a sweet sound to my ears and it Blessed My Spirit, well done my good and faithful servent"


Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: dhagler on July 03, 2007, 11:51:44 AM
Like Quebass86, I started playing relatively late in life (I am nearly 43 and I started playing just over two years ago) but I believe that God has blessed me by (1) giving me opportunities to play alongside some outstanding musicians; (2)increasing my ability to read music and to play by ear; (3) putting it on the hearts of the trustee board members at not one but two churches that I should receive some compensation; (4) introducing me to this forum.  Playing the bass has added so much to my life that I can't imagine NOT playing.  I want to continue playing at church but I also want to develop as a jazz musician.

That said, let me attempt to turn the page again.  If you are a compensated musician or minister of music, should you be under contract?
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: Quebass86 on July 03, 2007, 02:25:33 PM
Since I am neither here is my general opinon. YES! A contract is in order. I feel it is the benefit for  both sides depending how you draw it up. First, as a paid staff member there are certain expectations of you as far as rehearsals, programs in addition to regular service and I think you should also be held accountable for being in Sunday School, Bible Study....It is a leadership position and you  must be grounded in the word at every position in the church ministry. My father who just turned 80 is still the head pastor at my church back on the east coast and when I was a kid growing up I remeber that if you were in any kind of leadership role in the church you were expected to be in SS and BStudy at a minimum and at that time we had pianist and sometimes an organist...they were paid $25/sunday...this was back in the 70's. He still holds that philosophy.

Now on the other hand, a contract is good for the musicians too because we do have musicians that write their own music and have gotten them scored, copy righted, etc. so they can make sure that they have their music protected as well.

I believe in knowing what is expected from both sides of the table and having a bassline foundation and guidelines so there are no shades of gray....
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: MYCAL on July 05, 2007, 08:31:23 AM
This was a good thread guys and gals,I know we have some gals out there thumping.Want to hear from them also.Anyway time to move on. Thanx
Title: Re: SHOULD MUSICIANS BE PAID IN CHURCH AND HOW MUCH?
Post by: bishop424 on June 18, 2013, 07:28:38 PM


Hi, It's been a long time since I've been on here. I have been playing organ and piano for churches for 21 years. I've been getting paid because the church requires it. I charge based on my services and or have an agreement based on what's needed. As far as persons Christian Education, That should be personal between the individual and God. I understand that some musician get burned by pastors because they are not worthy of what they are worth or should play for free. I also know that musician burn pastors because of greed.

When musicians are needed, they have to sacrifice their family, work, and time to prepare for choirs, groups, and for order of service.

If musician plays for free, then he has financial income to make ends meet. But when a musician doesn't, that musician has to struggle including still deal with the church.

Now for the record: I read sheet music, play by ear, teach, vocal train work with choirs and or groups based on classification format.
I am on a contract where the church and I agree on what's required and what is said to be paid so there is no confusion and no problems.

I have been well grounded in a church for 8 of those 21 years so as professional I have been taken care and been very respected.


Be Blessed :D