LearnGospelMusic.com Community

Gospel Instruments => General Music Hangout => Topic started by: Lilfingers on October 28, 2009, 12:46:54 PM

Title: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: Lilfingers on October 28, 2009, 12:46:54 PM
Give me some help and suggestions:

My Pastor (for the 2nd time) has hired an organist without consulting any of the musician at the church.  The 1st time--the lady was from out of town--decided it was too much and quick---well good! I am one of the musician (not the main one). I only one Sunday a month---(that's all I want) 

The other pianist/organist plays (or was playing every Sunday--fine with me--he plays the organ with me on my Sunday and the piano every other Sunday.

Pastor took it upon himself to HIRE this new lady without our input.  I'm old school--(hymns, basic congregational songs) she wasn't doing a good job keeping up with me.
There is NO WAY she's going to be able to do anything with him!!! This man is a very gifted and talented musican--he can play ANYTHING HE HEARS AND IN ANY  THAT YOU WANT HIM TO PLAY IY. 

No one wants to hurt her feeling--she's called me and told me that she didn't think that she can do it (HOORAY!!) I was agreeing with her--I even said that maybe you can join the choir (like I did--and learn that way)but by the end of the conversation---she was----do you think they'll still pay me to sing in the choir?


I 'm not an organist---but I can still on the organ and to what she does--(turn it on, hold down some chords)


The bottom line is she doesn't want to quit because she wants the money, BUT she can PLAY!!!!

Hopefully, she'll quit---when she does, the other musician and I are going to the Pastor and tell him to PLEASE DO NOT HIRE ANYONE IN THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT WITHOUT INPUT FROM ONE OR BOTH OF US!  The choir is suffering--we're trying to attract more people--aint happening now1

Sorry to be so long---just had rehearsal last night--it was fresh on my mind.

Thanks for listening!


Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: churchyreal on October 28, 2009, 12:51:42 PM
I'll put it like this: A lot of people in the church have the view that the Pastor doesn't have to talk to ANYONE before doing whatever they want to do since they have the vision and at the end of the day is the leader. I think that view works against you because many feel like the Pastor has the right to do whatever he wants without consulting anyone as long as God is pleased.

Have you thought about everyone in the music ministry having a meeting with the Pastor to talk about your issues? That might be the best solution.
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: under13 on October 28, 2009, 01:08:08 PM
Your story was very hard to follow...

But anyway, If you are not the Minister of music, not on the church council or not a trustee or a leader at all, I dont see why the Pastor would have to consult you when hiring a musician. Maybe you need to find somewhere else to play if you dont like the way the leadership is structured in that church.

Yes in cases where the Pastor or leaders dont know music, it would be nice to be there for the hiring process, but I learned that leaders are gonna do what they want to do. If you dont like it you know where the door is.

Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: churchyreal on October 28, 2009, 01:15:30 PM
Your story was very hard to follow...

But anyway, If you are not the Minister of music, not on the church council or not a trustee or a leader at all, I dont see why the Pastor would have to consult you when hiring a musician. Maybe you need to find somewhere else to play if you dont like the way the leadership is structured in that church.

Yes in cases where the Pastor or leaders dont know music, it would be nice to be there for the hiring process, but I learned that leaders are gonna do what they want to do. If you dont like it you know where the door is.


That's how they view it and that's why it will always be viewed that way....lol!
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: churchyreal on October 28, 2009, 01:17:23 PM

But anyway, If you are not the Minister of music, not on the church council or not a trustee or a leader at all, I dont see why the Pastor would have to consult you when hiring a musician. Maybe you need to find somewhere else to play if you dont like the way the leadership is structured in that church.


Let's think about it this way: It would be courteous of the Pastor to at least mention to the musician that he wants to hire a person who can play. I mean the way it's viewed he really doesn't have to but for the sake of respect and courtesy.

But at the end of the day, people gonna do what they want.
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: under13 on October 28, 2009, 01:31:01 PM
Let's think about it this way: It would be courteous of the Pastor to at least mention to the musician that he wants to hire a person who can play. I mean the way it's viewed he really doesn't have to but for the sake of respect and courtesy.

But at the end of the day, people gonna do what they want.

I think it depends on the church, the way the music ministry is set up, the kinda music you play, wheat instrument the new musician plays and his skill level etc etc..too many factors to just have one answer to this issue
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: Lilfingers on October 28, 2009, 02:46:00 PM
There is NO MOM---on my check is Music Director.  The young man is an excellent musician---we both agree that the lady CANT PLAY.  He wants/ we want to continue for things to go as they have, but Pastor wants a full time organist--not just on the Sunday I play. 

I'm saying that since we are playing piano and/or organ already---we should at least be in on the audition!
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: Fenix on October 30, 2009, 06:23:57 AM
Many pastors don't understand the need for musicians to gel together first. You can't just go hiring another musician and then expect the other musicians who are already there, to just sit back and stare.

The pastor should have consulted you guys first.
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: Lilfingers on October 30, 2009, 08:45:21 AM
Thanks, guys---that's all I'm saying----I just feel since this is the second time that this has happened----I just feel we should at least be in on the audition---or it--just let the person TRY-OUT FOR A SUNDAY---instead of hiring him/her on the spot!

Thanks
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: betnich on October 30, 2009, 11:44:09 AM
Try-outs are good - get several candidates to play, then decide.

Also, I think they should be at any rehearsals before playing the next Sunday. That will show their attitude, talent and spiritual level...
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: under13 on October 30, 2009, 12:24:11 PM
Try-outs are good - get several candidates to play, then decide.


You act like there is an abundance of musicians just hanging around :D
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: Big T. on October 30, 2009, 01:21:04 PM
Many pastors don't understand the need for musicians to gel together first. You can't just go hiring another musician and then expect the other musicians who are already there, to just sit back and stare.

The pastor should have consulted you guys first.
I agree. One of the churches that I play for has just done the same thing, for the third time in a year. None of these musicians has lasted a month, because they were not presented to the church and music ministry decently and in order. That is the only way that God will add His blessing, and the ministry wil prosper.
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: Lilfingers on November 01, 2009, 05:02:21 PM
Well Guys---she did it today---NOTHING!!!!!  She sat up there and NO ONE HERAD HER PLAY A NOTE! On a couple of songs, she didn't even bother to try. 

After church, she told me that she was going to just join the choir. I was so happy---I said, let's tell Pastor now---he said that he'll get with us later because he was talking to some prospective members about joining church.  When I was about to leave her, she said that she will "PLAY" until he finds someone to play the organ----well---that may take SOME TIME---like---NEVER!!!!!  Then she said, that she feels more COMFORTABLE PLAYING WITH ME!!!!!!

I don't want to rude, but the young man (who can play anything) and I have been playing together for about 8 years--  (he knows my mistakes before I even make them---in other words, he can make my mistakes sound good)  I don't want her to play with me either.

I just wish that she would do the Christian thing and admit that she can't handle it, stop taking the money, and just join the choir with the rest of us.

Any suggestions for me not to be brutly honest, but to let her know that I prefer to play with the young man and not her.
 

still holding out!
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: Lilfingers on November 01, 2009, 05:16:42 PM
Oooooooooh, one more thing I forgot---even though I only play (1) Sunday a month---I'm responsible for getting all the copies of music--CDs, words, coordinating the attire, bringing in new songs, directing if I need to, etc. for every Sunday.  They tried to pay me EVERY Sunday---I SAID NO---I ONLY PLAY ON 4TH SUNDAY---YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY ME FOR ANY OTHER SUNDAY or FOR ANYTHING ELSE. 

I don't feel it's right---because I get $25.00 more than the young man---and actually, he does 98% of the work---he's doing the ACTUAL PLAYING.  The "new organist---THAT CAN PLAY---also get $25.00 more than he does.  No, I don't think he knows this or hasn't put it together yet---but if they continue to let her SIT THERE AND DO NOTHING--I'm going to see that we ALL get the same amount! I might be wrong, but I feel it's the right thing to do.

Something here is not adding up!


Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: T-Block on November 01, 2009, 05:58:49 PM
Have u personally consulted your pastor about this issue? It seems to me like ur just venting to everyone else about this situation except the person who has the power to do anything about it, ur pastor.

Just go to him respectfully and voice ur concerns. If u don't feel comfortable going alone, have someone go with you for support. You can complain all day about this, but until u go to the man in charge, nothing will change.
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: Lilfingers on November 01, 2009, 06:38:34 PM
You know, you are  absolutely right!!!!

Rehearsal is Tuesday evening-If he's not too busy, I TRY to talk with him then.

What do I say?
--she's not working out--or She can't play? (I don't feel that I can "play" either)--Have you heard her play a complete song the last two Sundays?---come on--help a sister out!  What do I say to him?

But I did need to vent also!!!!

 Thanks

Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: SheilaTim on November 05, 2009, 01:44:55 PM
T-Block hit the naild on the head; GO TO THE SOURCE, and if you are going to deal with this you need to utilize the Word of God!  According to the Word you MUST go to the person that you have the problem with. 

Also, why can't you just KEEP IT REAL WITH THE PERSON and tell them how YOU feel?  If you feel that it's a hinderance to the choir, tell them!  If you feel that they're taking the money and doing nothing, tell them!  Go to the person in brother LOVE!  Tell them what God's word says.  You must handle God's people wiht God's Word... 

As for your Pastor, maybe he hired the person because this was a way to help the person financially by giving them a job.  If you're sitting under this leadership, you must trust it, I would hope?  Maybe you should pray and ask God to show you SPIRITUALLY why the Pastor made the decision.  It might surprise you!

I pray that all works out for the glory of God!
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: under13 on November 05, 2009, 02:00:07 PM
T-Block hit the naild on the head; GO TO THE SOURCE, and if you are going to deal with this you need to utilize the Word of God!  According to the Word you MUST go to the person that you have the problem with. 

Also, why can't you just KEEP IT REAL WITH THE PERSON and tell them how YOU feel?  If you feel that it's a hinderance to the choir, tell them!  If you feel that they're taking the money and doing nothing, tell them!  Go to the person in brother LOVE!  Tell them what God's word says.  You must handle God's people wiht God's Word... 

As for your Pastor, maybe he hired the person because this was a way to help the person financially by giving them a job.  If you're sitting under this leadership, you must trust it, I would hope?  Maybe you should pray and ask God to show you SPIRITUALLY why the Pastor made the decision.  It might surprise you!

I pray that all works out for the glory of God!

Honestly, I wouldnt go to the other person and confront them. I'd go to the pastor first. IMO thats just asking for more drama.
Title: Re: Getting Paid for NOTHING
Post by: Lilfingers on November 06, 2009, 12:37:32 PM
Thanks for all your comments: 
Pastor did come on Tuesday night----

Actually I asked her to play the piano----surprisingly, she did fairly well----she has an old-school set pattern for playing hymns (sounds great)--- but she can't play the organ.  She was hired to play the organ---the young man does not want to play the organ--he wants to play the piano----I'M GOING TO STAY OUT OF IT and LET THEM WRESTLE IT OUT!!!!!