Greetings All,

I thought I would start a discussion concerning musicians and their role and pay. I was a music minister all of my life and the last church I was the music minister for over 11 years. I loved playing their and was always treated fair. I find that some musicians that council with me feel that they are under paid and worked the hardest. What are your thoughts?

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Well,
As a musician myself, I think some ministries take advantage of the musician.
I remember playing for a service all week long only to earn $30.00 (Thirty Dollars)
Now some musician(s) do try and pimp the church, and that ain't right..
This whole thing goes both ways... come to an agreement along with a written Contract between the musician and whoever does the hiring process...

My personal thought is this; Most Musicians Have No Passion for the gift. I don't preach to get paid, I preach because I'm called to this.

Peace & Favor
S. Jamont Flagg, Pastor
Music is a ministry and should recieve compensation, however this is where the conflict occurs. Musicians are employees of the church and the conflict is managing vs ministry. I just recently became a Pastor (first time rookie) and one of the first concerns was the music ministry. After much prayer, I developed a contract for the musicians of the church. First, we established the music ministry as a ministry of the church, but the individuals of the ministry would have levels of expectations as employees of the church. We established the compensation based on the level of contribution. We pay them for the services the participate and not a base salary. We set-up a budget for a bonus structure based on non-scheduled events, per diem for traveling with myself to speaking engagements. Allotments for training and new equipment as needed. We require them to participate in workshops and convention activitives. All of my musicians teach students on a rate per hour basis. We are trying to create a stable of musicians (and we are Baptist too. Lesson learned from my COGIC friends: Thanks) We review schedules of the musician assignments for weekly services and rehersals.

The key is not in the contract but the manner in which it is presented. It protects both the church and the musician. I lost one musician because the person was recieving compensation for services she did not participate and where playing at another church, but God sent us two more keyboardist/organist/drummer who have come bringing multiple gifts.

Bottom line: The relationship between the church and the musician is often volitile if the grounds rules or level of expectation is not established. 1) Establish the level of expectation, 2) review the level of performance IN CHRISTIAN LOVE, and 3) always recoginize and respect their gift, which will ensure the musician recieves proper pay and the church the benefits of their talents/gifts.
so so blessed, i feel your pain. I have been in similar situation as well. I want you to think on this point. THere are many things that take place during the service to ensure others enjoy the service. Before I became a Pastor, even as an associate min. I would work tirelessly to ensure the service went without a flaw. From director of video to audio, and play the organ, direct the choir, you are completely worn out after service is over. without anybody even saying thank you. Those who work in the service of God are often the ones who make endless sacrifices for others. you can never be paid enough by man to compensate for the depth of your gift but (get this) it's not about money. True the bible tells the stories of many people who were compensated for their gift and talents, but had you not experienced working for God as a sacrifice without pay, you would not be the person you are today. Always teach your clients to never to market your gift from God because you will lose the most important part of the gift which is the passion for worship.

We can be in church worried about the check for the service and forget the reason why we are in service. As Musicians we are in service to worship God, who blesses us with compensation both in money, health, strength, favour, and even more opportunity. Many musician make their gift into a burden instead of a benefit when they are focused on compensation. THey become concerned if the condition are right, mic loud enough, song in the right key, monitors set-up correctly or even the worst if the check is not what is expected.

Please don't think I'm against paying musicians their true worth, but I rather over compensate a person who is concern more about the worship experience than they are about the check. Bless those who spirit is humble for they will truly appriciate their reward.
I understand where you are at. I have been there also. Growing up in church playing for everyone and their "momma" can get old when you are being abused. I played a 12 night revival once. The revival was scheduled for 5 nights and the pastor said the "Lord" said go on for 7 more nights. Do you know know at the end of the revival he handed me an envelope with $12 in it. That was truly an eye opener for me. Actually I will go to a church and if no one is playing I will help out. If the musician is struggling I will help and I don't have my hand out but, if you hire me that is what it is you have hired me for a service. We as pastors have to understand that our musicians are employees and some are members and employes. Treat them as such employee and member.
So So Blessed, I understand your prespective around the word hired, but we are one of those churches who have a large membership/TV ministry/conduct multiple conferences. We "hired" a musician to support a conference and this person was a riot. 1) missed their flight 2) upgraded their room to a suite 3) curse a driver because their was no fresh fruit in the room. 4) once at the church - claimed to be ill and could not sing but want to sell their CD in the lobby. 5) missed rehersal becuase they rather sing to a track.

Well the story has a quick ending because this person was sent on the next flight the next morning because it was about the person and not the gift. Why? because the person was more concerned about self praise than praising him who deserves the praise. Talent is seasonal but the true gift is eternal. I feel sorry for those who turn their gift into a talent

A great Pastor once said be SOULED out and not a sell-out. and maybe you are right.....when it is ALL about the MONEY you get what you pay for.
Well, integrity and character will get further than chasing money. One thing and old wise preacher told me. " Ministry never chases money. Money always chases ministry. If I minster money comes. I come from a very Large ministry also, so I know what you are talking about. Our conference brought over 20,000 people to the city. I was the music director so I had to always choose musicians that had character. So it is a balance act also. Bottom line is no relationship most likely will follow with no integrity. I tell you what. If you need a music diretor or musician feel free to contact me. I will lead you in the right direction.
Can any one explain to me why the piano player normally get paid more than any other musicians. Are could it be the lead player or best player that get the most.
Can any one explain to me why the piano player normally get paid more than any other musicians. Are could it be the lead player or best player that get the most.
i am the minister of music at my church in georgia and i myself do it because i love playing the keyboard i dont do it so i get paid but im a travelling musician and my father wants me to get paid something because he dont want my gift prostituted so how much does a musician in the church supposed to get paid

Anybody that knownS A KEYBOAD PLAYER IN FLA OR SOMEONE THAT WANTS TO MOVE HERE IN FLA TO PLAY

IF SO MY NAME IS APOSTLE SMITH MY NUMBER IS 941-580-2945

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