Help! Approaching pastor bout being a paid musician!!!

[benniedm]

Hey everybody,

I want to approach my pastor about becoming a paid keyboardist. Being that my church has never(?) paid musicians before(not because they wont do it, just never brought it up), how should I approach my pastor about it? Being paid is not to strong of an issue for me( i mean i been doing it for 5 years without wanting a dime), but it sure would help being that im in college and need to gain some type of independence. Also, my church membership is less than 100. What should i request to be paid?

Any help on this issue????

[musicman205]

In a situation like this maybe you should ask for anywhere from 50 to 150 dollars a sunday. No more than $200 in my opinion for a church of that size. Research the financial status of your church. Pray to God so that he can touch your pastor's heart.

[pianofingers21]

On average that would be requesting upwards of $25 an hour....    I dont think that would be wise... but then I dont think it wise to ask for reimbursement either.  I would first of all pray about it.  IF the Lord lays it upon your heart that you should be payed, then talk to your pastor.  Otherwise I wouldn't mention it. It may cause tension between you, the pastor, or other members of the church.

Our church runs between 50-100.. and we dont even pay the M.O.M....

[benniedm]

First, thanks for your comments. After approaching my pastor, she approved my request to become a paid musician. I must, however, wait until funds become available. The building of the church annex and our small church population lmits funds. So, she promise a paid position when funds are more accessable. I must say, I was nervious to a "T". Noone is on payroll accept the van driver, head musician, and chruch sec, and there pay is limited. So, knowing that made me rethink asking. Thanks again and liberated to leave more comments.

[ncottoncandy]

No NO NO NO NO! Again I repeat NO! My MOM did the same thing he even threated to leave the church. I disagree with people wanting the church to give them  a salary for playing an instrument. What about the sunday schoo teachers that are there every Sunday, Biblestudy teachers that are there every Wednesday. Like I have told my mom its not the church job to keep a roof over your head. Get a job! Because if we are depending on man, man will let you down. We all know that in the black churches ecspecially they put these pastors out just because they didn't like the suit he wore Sunday b4 last. So if its extra cash that you are looking for McDonalds  loves to see you smile.

[aljeres]

No NO NO NO NO! Again I repeat NO! My MOM did the same thing he even threated to leave the church. I disagree with people wanting the church to give them  a salary for playing an instrument. What about the sunday schoo teachers that are there every Sunday, Biblestudy teachers that are there every Wednesday. Like I have told my mom its not the church job to keep a roof over your head. Get a job! Because if we are depending on man, man will let you down. We all know that in the black churches ecspecially they put these pastors out just because they didn't like the suit he wore Sunday b4 last. So if its extra cash that you are looking for McDonalds  loves to see you smile.

noone depends on a man, just because they are paid a love offering to play, and that's what it is! you can't really pay anyone for their services in the church!, but the church can understand paying the pastor, but not a musician?
what does the bible have to say? their is nothing wrong with giving ya musician a love offering on a weekly basis, a musician is essential in a church and its growth, truth be known! and i think its blaten ignorance in the heart of anyone who feels a musician doesnt deserve to recieve a love offering on a weekly basis................you will pay a teacher to teach ya kid, how to play, but not the musician who has spent yrs, and schooling, and has earned the right to play! and be paid for it! some of these schools charge $40,00 and hr.........in home may charge $25.00,
everyone didnt sit in church and get it from god the same way!, and even god wants ya to study! and it cost to even study! even a pastor pays for the study material he or she yses!!!!!!!!!!!! but then tells a muscian who is investing in his growth as well, you don't deserve to be paid!  i just don't agree with it!.................and before you go running ya mouth against what i just said, no this,........i been playing for 14yrs. no pay! and i am still there, i don't agree! but i do my best to be obedient to the call of god! which is more important! ya soul.......don't loose ya soul over it! it aint worth it!................

[mr.dj]

noone depends on a man, just because they are paid a love offering to play, and that's what it is! you can't really pay anyone for their services in the church!, but the church can understand paying the pastor, but not a musician?
what does the bible have to say? their is nothing wrong with giving ya musician a love offering on a weekly basis, a musician is essential in a church and its growth, truth be known! and i think its blaten ignorance in the heart of anyone who feels a musician doesnt deserve to recieve a love offering on a weekly basis................you will pay a teacher to teach ya kid, how to play, but not the musician who has spent yrs, and schooling, and has earned the right to play! and be paid for it! some of these schools charge $40,00 and hr.........in home may charge $25.00,
everyone didnt sit in church and get it from god the same way!, and even god wants ya to study! and it cost to even study! even a pastor pays for the study material he or she yses!!!!!!!!!!!! but then tells a muscian who is investing in his growth as well, you don't deserve to be paid!  i just don't agree with it!.................and before you go running ya mouth against what i just said, no this,........i been playing for 14yrs. no pay! and i am still there, i don't agree! but i do my best to be obedient to the call of god! which is more important! ya soul.......don't loose ya soul over it! it aint worth it!................

Amen, Amen, Amen
Nice break down aljeres,

[ncottoncandy]

Amen, well put! I don't know your exact circumstance, but I was talking from the stand put of what happened at my church. MOM was 40,000 a year. Doesn't want to come to B.S., S.S, and only wants to show up on Sunday morning. MY mom doesnt have to spend money on materials. The church supplies all of that and on top of that we have what he calls fundrasiers. He is one of the best know MOM in our state. He has told us that he is so good that he does not have to practice so we bring our tapes for him to hear on practice night, and he picks it up by ear. All I am trying to say is that we make a big deal about the Pastor getting a raise but we are so willing to give the MOM a raise in a heartbeat. He doen't go visit the sick or call you to see how you are doing. All I know is that many MOM expect the church to pay them so that they can buy houses and cars and feed there family. Yes, the church is there to help but go out and get a job! If this is not your case than no need for you to respond. But if the shoe fits wear it. Amen

[mr.dj]

Amen, well put! I don't know your exact circumstance, but I was talking from the stand put of what happened at my church. MOM was 40,000 a year. Doesn't want to come to B.S., S.S, and only wants to show up on Sunday morning. MY mom doesnt have to spend money on materials. The church supplies all of that and on top of that we have what he calls fundrasiers. He is one of the best know MOM in our state. He has told us that he is so good that he does not have to practice so we bring our tapes for him to hear on practice night, and he picks it up by ear. All I am trying to say is that we make a big deal about the Pastor getting a raise but we are so willing to give the MOM a raise in a heartbeat. He doen't go visit the sick or call you to see how you are doing. All I know is that many MOM expect the church to pay them so that they can buy houses and cars and feed there family. Yes, the church is there to help but go out and get a job! If this is not your case than no need for you to respond. But if the shoe fits wear it. Amen

ncottoncandy
That is a job just like any other if your MOM was being paid 40,000  he had to go through a Interview process and honestly you don't pay him to come to S.S. or B.S unless there is music being played.  Start looking at this as a job and ministry you would see it in a different light

[KurzLand]

MOM was 40,000 a year. Doesn't want to come to B.S., S.S, and only wants to show up on Sunday morning. MY mom doesnt have to spend money on materials. The church supplies all of that and on top of that we have what he calls fundrasiers. He is one of the best know MOM in our state. He has told us that he is so good that he does not have to practice so we bring our tapes for him to hear on practice night, and he picks it up by ear. All I am trying to say is that we make a big deal about the Pastor getting a raise but we are so willing to give the MOM a raise in a heartbeat. He doen't go visit the sick or call you to see how you are doing.

Some "MOM" that is. IMO, I wouldn't want to play with someone like that. The mom has the same responsibilities as the other musicians. Only because he plays good and brags that he is good doesn't mean that he shouldn't be there during rehearsal. Again IMO, he can miss sundays and some bible study but not rehearsal.

ncottoncandy
That is a job just like any other if your MOM was being paid 40,000  he had to go through a Interview process and honestly you don't pay him to come to S.S. or B.S unless there is music being played.  Start looking at this as a job and ministry you would see it in a different light

It doesn't matter if there isn't music. He still needs to learn and be fed with the word.

 

[benniedm]

Well let me say ncottoncandy,

I haven't read this thread since my last reply. Upon rereading it, its funny to see all that's been said. I will say, however, I think you could have kept the McDonalds comment, eventhough it was funny...lol.

 Ncottoncandy, Your MOM gets paid big bucks but on purpose miss BS. S.S. and whatelse?? It's seems he is not spiritually quilified to operate in that position. HE is the Head of Music, and when you have mess starting from the head, it will flow down and through body. His "not coming" is not the problem, but his "not coming" reveals the deeper spiritual condition he's in. He needs deliverance. Continue to pray for him, the Lord's wants to use him, but he needs to go through a refining process. Look into his future and not his present and birth him forth as God directs. You are the shepard of the flock Ncottoncandy, so birth him, dont get mad at him...lol. That may even require sitting him down.

Now as for paid positions, your right, the church cannot pay everybody. I dont even know when paid musicians even started from. I will say, however, if the funds are available, pay them. If not, don't. And if you pay them, set the duties and expectations. Give them a mandate from the church(be at rehearsals, all church services) and a spritual madate from God(his purpose for you being in this position, what God's is trying to do in this season in the music minstry, where God want to see the music direction flow, blah blah blah).  If they dont follow it, pray, talk and even fire them it nesseary(but only by the leading of the Holy Ghost).

If they demand money especially to the point they threatend to leave the church, God is not pleased, God has someone eles purposed for that positon. If i was getting paid 40,000 for a musician. I would be at church 8 hours a day, seeking His face, worshiping on the piano, studing, understand the Church's vision, interceeding for the music ministry, creating new songs, learning new songs/techniques. networking, fullfilling God's will,  and all that other stuff. But hey, i do that now and dont even get paid for it, nor am i the MOM...lol

[nessalynn77]

You are the shepard of the flock Ncottoncandy, so birth him, dont get mad at him...lol. That may even require sitting him down.

For the record, I don't think ncottoncandy is the shepherd at her church.

[benniedm]

Opps....LOL

[CreoleChica]

Yeah some MOM's get paid a lot.  I know 2 MOM's that make 6 figures.  They are MOM's at mega churches. 

My aunt plays the organ at a very small church and they pay her $200.00 a week.   

I'm shocked because I've never heard of churches not paying mucisians.  My dad paid his, and my pastor pays his big time money.  I guess it comes down to whether or not the church can afford to pay.

[Furious Styles]

Some church leadership are such hypocrites and crooks. If there is an upstanding agreement that the church fellowship can't afford to pay then it should reflect in other services that the church spends money. I've seen small churches have media ministries and not pay their musicians. People will use you and site their created or "god given" position/authority to make you feel guilty. You must determine whether God has placed you in this ministry. Is he calling for something more out of your personal walk or are you getting all God has for you there? It's not wrong to ask for money considering you are a college student. The modern church though it has achieved success has become the den of thieves that Jesus despised in his day. There are churches that will pay you but your dilema is the teaching that new fellowship will minister to you..

peace

[aljeres]

Well let me say ncottoncandy,

I haven't read this thread since my last reply. Upon rereading it, its funny to see all that's been said. I will say, however, I think you could have kept the McDonalds comment, eventhough it was funny...lol.

 Ncottoncandy, Your MOM gets paid big bucks but on purpose miss BS. S.S. and whatelse?? It's seems he is not spiritually quilified to operate in that position. HE is the Head of Music, and when you have mess starting from the head, it will flow down and through body. His "not coming" is not the problem, but his "not coming" reveals the deeper spiritual condition he's in. He needs deliverance. Continue to pray for him, the Lord's wants to use him, but he needs to go through a refining process. Look into his future and not his present and birth him forth as God directs. You are the shepard of the flock Ncottoncandy, so birth him, dont get mad at him...lol. That may even require sitting him down.

Now as for paid positions, your right, the church cannot pay everybody. I dont even know when paid musicians even started from. I will say, however, if the funds are available, pay them. If not, don't. And if you pay them, set the duties and expectations. Give them a mandate from the church(be at rehearsals, all church services) and a spritual madate from God(his purpose for you being in this position, what God's is trying to do in this season in the music minstry, where God want to see the music direction flow, blah blah blah).  If they dont follow it, pray, talk and even fire them it nesseary(but only by the leading of the Holy Ghost).

If they demand money especially to the point they threatend to leave the church, God is not pleased, God has someone eles purposed for that positon. If i was getting paid 40,000 for a musician. I would be at church 8 hours a day, seeking His face, worshiping on the piano, studing, understand the Church's vision, interceeding for the music ministry, creating new songs, learning new songs/techniques. networking, fullfilling God's will,  and all that other stuff. But hey, i do that now and dont even get paid for it, nor am i the MOM...lol

NOW YOU ARE RIGHT ON IT! THIS PERSON DOESNT DESERVE THAT POSSITION..........I PERSONALLY DON'T CARE TO BE IN A CHURCH THAT CANNOT MINISTER TO MY SOUL! NO MATTER WHAT MONEY IS BEING PAID! HOW CAN MUSICIANS PLAY FOR CHURCHES AND YET THE CHURCH DOES NOTHING FOR YOUR SPIRIT! IT'S CRAZY!
THAT'S MORE LIKE PROSTITUTING YA GIFT!
I AM WORTH MORE THAN THAT! PLAYING FOR MONEY IS GOOD, BUT THE SOUL IS MORE IMPORTANT! THIS ORGANIST OBVIOUSLY DOESNT LIKE THE MINISTRY, BUT HE APPARENTLY LIKES THEIR MONEY! AND THEY ALLOW HIM OR HER TO DO IT! SO HE WILL! THAT IS THE BIGGEST DISADVANTAGE TO PLAYING FOR MONEY, THE MONEY GETS THE MUSICIAN, AND THE DEVIL GETS HIS OR HER SOUL! I FEEL AS A PASTOR, IF YOUR MUSICIAN CANT BE IN YA BIBLE STUDY, OR YA SUNDAY SCHOOL, THAT'S A SLAP IN THE FACE! THOSE ARE THE TRUEST AREAS OF MINISTRY, AND THEY ARE THE REAL CHURCH! HE OR SHE IS OUTRIGHT TELLING THAT PASTOR, I LIKE YA PREACHING, BUT I DON'T LIKE YA TEACHING, AND TEACHING IS BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CreoleChica]

NOW YOU ARE RIGHT ON IT! THIS PERSON DOESNT DESERVE THAT POSSITION..........I PERSONALLY DON'T CARE TO BE IN A CHURCH THAT CANNOT MINISTER TO MY SOUL! NO MATTER WHAT MONEY IS BEING PAID! HOW CAN MUSICIANS PLAY FOR CHURCHES AND YET THE CHURCH DOES NOTHING FOR YOUR SPIRIT! IT'S CRAZY!
THAT'S MORE LIKE PROSTITUTING YA GIFT!
I AM WORTH MORE THAN THAT! PLAYING FOR MONEY IS GOOD, BUT THE SOUL IS MORE IMPORTANT! THIS ORGANIST OBVIOUSLY DOESNT LIKE THE MINISTRY, BUT HE APPARENTLY LIKES THEIR MONEY! AND THEY ALLOW HIM OR HER TO DO IT! SO HE WILL! THAT IS THE BIGGEST DISADVANTAGE TO PLAYING FOR MONEY, THE MONEY GETS THE MUSICIAN, AND THE DEVIL GETS HIS OR HER SOUL! I FEEL AS A PASTOR, IF YOUR MUSICIAN CANT BE IN YA BIBLE STUDY, OR YA SUNDAY SCHOOL, THAT'S A SLAP IN THE FACE! THOSE ARE THE TRUEST AREAS OF MINISTRY, AND THEY ARE THE REAL CHURCH! HE OR SHE IS OUTRIGHT TELLING THAT PASTOR, I LIKE YA PREACHING, BUT I DON'T LIKE YA TEACHING, AND TEACHING IS BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is very common for musicians, in my area, to play for 3 different churches every Sunday.  Many don't have a connection with the churches and are just doing it for a paycheck (they do enjoy the services but they are not members of the churches.)   I don't now if this only happens in the larger churches, but it is very common....especially for churches that are known for recording CD's.  They want the best musicians and there are only a few who are at the top of the game....and those particular ones are in demand.   I think it is a blessing if a church can pay someone for their God given talent.  I bet Israel Houghton is making a lot of money as the MOM at Joel Osteen's church and William Murphy Jr is making a pretty penny at Eddie Long's church.  There was an organist at Christ Universal Temple in Chicago (Rev Johnnie Coleman is the founder) and he was making $70,000 a year playing at that church.  He is no longer there because he was fired a few years ago and the church had no problem giving him the boot and replacing him that next week.   

It all boils down to what the church can afford.       

     

[uniquepraise]

I wouldnt bring it up.  I would pray on it and ask God to touch his heart.  God can and give you more than what you can ask or think

[MrSparrow]

I'm enjoying this conversation (even though I'm late)

I commend you for seeking advice first and then talking with your Pastor. It is SOOOO funny that the only time "reaping and sowing" is preached is when it's time for the musicians to sew/give their gifts and the church to reap/recieve the benefits. The only time "reaping and sowing" is talked about is when a musician is asked to sacrifice what he SHOULD and COULD make for his/her family to make it and the church reaps the benifit of their dedication... When there's a dispute between a church and a musician concerning salary and especially when there's a split, you never hear the church was being cheap do you? You always hear that the musician was GREEDY or all about the money... The church always gets the benefit of a doubt. Why is that?

To me it sounds like your situation is different. The thing that you need to understand is that in Psalms 133 (Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethern to dwell together in unity ...) David talks about the flow of the oil...

Aaron was annointed on his head and the oil flowed down to his beard and even the skirts of his garments...

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together F364 in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Where you can't get blood out of a turnip (if you got a small church and they can't pay yet, then accept that and serve or accept that and move on) it is important that you watch the flow of the oil...

Aaron could have been a wicked priest and kept the oil from flowing down but he didn't. A lot of Pastors have issues with that... They want to drive in their 2007 Escalade while their staff are car pooling and their musicians are riding the bus... That's a problem. If your Pastor is volunteering, then you should be volunteering also. If your Pastor is getting broke OFF, your staff should be also...

Read Nehemiah 13 to get a better understanding of what I feel is going on again in our day concerning musicians/Levites/workers of the Tent of Meeting...


MrSparrow