Touchy Subject.....hopefully not

[churchyreal]

For those who are musicians/ministers of music are you playing in your church because you really believe that it is your ministry or are you playing for its economic benefits until you find a job "in the secular world?"

I'm asking this because lately I have been thinking about leaving the music ministry and getting a job in the real world. I feel like the only reason I'm playing at my church is for the economic benefits and not really the ministry, which I think is wrong for me to do. But I'm tired of so much mess that happens in the music ministry. People always fussing, people getting mad when the music ain't right and on top of that I'm in college too and they expect me to play for 6 groups every Sunday with rehearsal.

Has anybody ever been in that situation? By the way I'm 20 and turn 21 next month.

[LaylaMonroe]

For those who are musicians/ministers of music are you playing in your church because you really believe that it is your ministry or are you playing for its economic benefits until you find a job "in the secular world?"

I'm asking this because lately I have been thinking about leaving the music ministry and getting a job in the real world. I feel like the only reason I'm playing at my church is for the economic benefits and not really the ministry, which I think is wrong for me to do. But I'm tired of so much mess that happens in the music ministry. People always fussing, people getting mad when the music ain't right and on top of that I'm in college too and they expect me to play for 6 groups every Sunday with rehearsal.
Has anybody ever been in that situation? By the way I'm 20 and turn 21 next month.

The nerve of them!!!

Oh, by the way, do they PAY you any "economic benefits" to play for 6 groups every Sunday with rehearsal?

I guess I don't have anything else to contribute to this thread since I'm neither a musician nor a MOM... nor have I ever been, nor will I ever be.... lol. 

[churchyreal]

The nerve of them!!!

Oh, by the way, do they PAY you any "economic benefits" to play for 6 groups every Sunday with rehearsal?

I guess I don't have anything else to contribute to this thread since I'm neither a musician nor a MOM... nor have I ever been, nor will I ever be.... lol. 

Well they just pay me on Sundays and I guess they expect the pay on Sunday to cover rehearsals. The pastor just implemented paying the musicians for choir engagements, something they were doing from time to time.

[LaylaMonroe]

Well they just pay me on Sundays and I guess they expect the pay on Sunday to cover rehearsals. The pastor just implemented paying the musicians for choir engagements, something they were doing from time to time.

Sounds like you're not clear on your role, responsibilities, and compensation. 

Not that any of that is relevant to your original question, anyway.   

[churchyreal]

Sounds like you're not clear on your role, responsibilities, and compensation. 

Not that any of that is relevant to your original question, anyway.   

But it is my friend. That's one of the biggest problems: nothing is clear. I want it to be clear but I don't want a contract because I don't want anything too binding. That's what makes the job even more stressful.

[under13]

For those who are musicians/ministers of music are you playing in your church because you really believe that it is your ministry or are you playing for its economic benefits until you find a job "in the secular world?"

I'm asking this because lately I have been thinking about leaving the music ministry and getting a job in the real world. I feel like the only reason I'm playing at my church is for the economic benefits and not really the ministry, which I think is wrong for me to do. But I'm tired of so much mess that happens in the music ministry. People always fussing, people getting mad when the music ain't right and on top of that I'm in college too and they expect me to play for 6 groups every Sunday with rehearsal.

Has anybody ever been in that situation? By the way I'm 20 and turn 21 next month.

I would never want music to be just a job for me. They say if you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life.  While I see nothing wrong with people making thier living as a church musician, I dont like when people are in it just for he cash. To me thats no different than a pastor  who just does it for the money. You should be doing this because you like it and you wanna minister to people.

If you really are fed up with your church situation,  I would suggest that you get a full time job, and find a less demanding church job with less stress. Instead of being a MOM, go back to being just a musician.

[LaylaMonroe]

But it is my friend. That's one of the biggest problems: nothing is clear. I want it to be clear but I don't want a contract because I don't want anything too binding. That's what makes the job even more stressful.

Then I'm glad I said something... maybe I can help.  A contract is only as binding (as in "restrictive") as the contract language.  You can (and probably should) have a clause in your contract that says that either you, the employee, or them, the employer, can end the contract with written notice provided two weeks in advance (or any amount of time you both deem is fair and reasonable).

Other than that, the purpose of the contract is to protect you and them, and is overall a very good idea.  I highly recommend having one, personally.

[jlewis]

Then I'm glad I said something... maybe I can help.  A contract is only as binding (as in "restrictive") as the contract language.  You can (and probably should) have a clause in your contract that says that either you, the employee, or them, the employer, can end the contract with written notice provided two weeks in advance (or any amount of time you both deem is fair and reasonable).

Other than that, the purpose of the contract is to protect you and them, and is overall a very good idea.  I highly recommend having one, personally.

Yea man, what she said.   If  you want clarity,  then get a contract.   Yall can negotiate  rehearsals, number of sundays, number of hours expected,  outside engagements , everything.   Then you don't have to feel obligated to be there every time the church is open.  Additionally,  you'll know beyond a shadow of a doubt, when you ARE expected to be present and prepared.

if you are getting paid,   then I would reccommend  this highly.   Now if you aren't getting paid, then you are rendering voluntary services and nothing is binding.   You just let your yes be yes  and your no be no.

Jlewis

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

The hardest groups for musicians to play for is church folks.  They tend to be the main ones to try to get more out of you than they're willing to pay for and use God to justifiy it.  Fi you're not being fulfilled, then do what works for you.  If you flunk out of school because you give them all of your time are they gonna take care of you?  NO!  Find out what they really exoect of you, and If they're willing to truly reward you for your sacrifice to them(I mean the people because God knows your heart) then stay if you can handle it, if not, then move on and God will give you the right opportunity. 

[chevonee]

I minister music because I LOVE IT!! I had to love it before I actually started to benefit financially..as a MOM that is. I've been playing for nearly 10 years...seriously for about 5, I didn't start to get paid for being the MOM until earlier this year. So I had to love it first...  Ain't that right Mother Rue!! We got blessed like on the same day...that's going to be what we celebrate as Abba comin out day...PRAISE JESUS!!!

[T-Block]

If you flunk out of school because you give them all of your time are they gonna take care of you?  NO!

You better say it man.  People will take advantage of you only if you let them.  Sounds like u being taken advantage of, I would sit down with your pastor and talk about your situation.  You can come to an agreement w/out a contract, but like LaRue said contracts are a very wise thing to do, especially in this day and age.

[musallio]

I just have 1 thing to say:

People will treat you the way you indicate you want to be treated..
If you make it appear as if you a main door carpet--they lose their christian principles & treat you as such.
Once you start to treat yourself with due respect & spell out the boundaries, then they will tuck in their tails & either treat you with more consideration & respect or try to make life a living hell..

Of course only the wolves will do the latter..

let me shet up..

[nessalynn77]

I just have 1 thing to say:

People will treat you the way you indicate you want to be treated..
If you make it appear as if you a main door carpet--they lose their christian principles & treat you as such.
Once you start to treat yourself with due respect & spell out the boundaries, then they will tuck in their tails & either treat you with more consideration & respect or try to make life a living hell..

Of course only the wolves will do the latter..

let me shet up..

You spoke a word!  I need to start putting this into practice...

[Agape]

I just have 1 thing to say:

People will treat you the way you indicate you want to be treated..
If you make it appear as if you a main door carpet--they lose their christian principles & treat you as such.
Once you start to treat yourself with due respect & spell out the boundaries, then they will tuck in their tails & either treat you with more consideration & respect or try to make life a living hell..

Of course only the wolves will do the latter..

let me shet up..

Man you better say that!!! LOL! Its sad that you had to put it like that but if that isnt the TRUTH, then I dont know what is....