So, you wouldn't have a problem with it as long as you know where the money is going?
No, I still have a problem with it. Well actually, I don't have a "problem" with it (semantics?). I just don't really like it. I'm not a fan of dues. Like, if I were in the choir (and I am) and he said from now on, we're assessing dues of $20/month, I would pay them faithfully. BUT... I wouldn't like it at all. It definitely wouldn't be cheerful giving. LOL! Plus, I think $20 is a lot of money for dues. But like I told him, "that's just me." (His response was "yep, that's just YOU lol")
I guess I'll ask him what they will be used for.
He just replied to my inquiry. His response:
and to answer your question about dues. the dues will help cover the care of the music ministry. it will be of help where needed, i.e., gas for engagements, music, cd's, materials for the choir, etc.... eventually, we are going to saving up for robes. I told him that that's his decision to make. A lot of times people come to me for permission or advice concerning areas that are not within my authority, so I like to make it clear that I don't have authority to make this decision, I can just tell you my opinion on it. I reiterated my opinion and said "but that's just me."
I didn't say this part to him, but: I think that gas for engagements should be paid by those riding the van. I don't ride vans, so I don't want to chip in for gas for it, meanwhile still having to gas up my own car. Plus, thus far all our engagements have been local or relatively close so that this is moot for now.
Music - $400/month? That's a lotta music, buddy... lol.
Materials for the choir - I don't know what that means, other than music.
Saving up for robes - Everyone should/can buy their own robes.
That's just the way I see it. But I dare not make a fuss about it because I don't like causing other leaders any headache, since I appreciate it when they don't cause me any headaches.