I'm an atheist, don't believe in God and what else, but really you make want to. Why ? Because the warmth you show, the faith in music, etc. I don't know if there is a God, but your decisions, what you did and what you say... Is heavenly right. Maybe the fact my wife and kid and I are about to quit everything to do something else has something to do with it, but anyways, your confidence is so warming. Merci vieux.
Can anything come into creation from itself ,it takes a creator,God is a spirit and we must worship in spirit and in truth,look at the world we live in it is hurting because there is no love in it for thy neighbor,the earthquakes,floods ,valcanoes erupting around the world are the birth Paine's Mathew chapter 24,talks about this , revelation chapter 13 talks about the rfid chip it's here,they tested it in animals,my pet has the chip in her,just say Lord Jesus show me that you are real,give me a dream or a vision please show me you are the way the truth and the life, God cannot lie,there are chariot wheels in the red Sea where Moses and the Israelites passed through on dry land and not one perished,we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God,I have been transformed from unbelief to a believer and have been walking with him for 20 years and he uses me for his glory,the best is yet to come for believers,Lord Jesus send your ministering spirits toward them and show yourself strong amen.
It is so easy to forget God's presence and power when we face uncertain and difficult times. Our faith falters and we doubt that God is with us, sometimes even doubting that He is real and who He says He is. God knew that we would struggle with unbelief and has spoken reassuring words to us through the Bible. When you begin to doubt, read these Bible verses about believing and pray that God will renew your heart and mind toward who He says He is and who He says YOU are! Be encouraged as you see God move through all circumstances in life to grow your faith. I love you bro . 1 Thessalonians 2:13
As a Christian who has had a fair share of encounters with God the best I could say is ask God to reveal himself to you, humble yourself and ask for forgiveness for you are speaking to your creator who desires to be in your life ❤️
Romain, je prie que tu rencontres ce Dieu extraordinaire qui transforme les cœurs et les vies. May God reveal Himself to you in a life changing way. Remain blessed
I've played professionally for 30 years. Being paid has allowed me to live, raise a family, pay the rent and not lessen the value of all those hours I spent honing my skills or undercutting my fellow musicians by playing for nothing. Pay your musicians. Pay them half of what you'd pay a plumber to come on out on a Sunday morning and work.
I've been worship leader since I was 16 at several churches and I've had pastors take advantage of my will to serve in the music ministry for free. But God has always been there for me and provided. I actually feel guilty when pastors offer to pay me if I play at their church because I don't want to sell what God has given to me for free. All I can say is that God is the best boss and takes the best care of his servants!
As a Bass Player and singer, I have played in Churches for over 55 years for free as my part of worship wherever I attend. Pay would be nice but I believe in getting my reward in Heaven. My fulltime gig was working as an Electronics Engineer all over NY state and CT. Always try to remember who we truly work for. God Bless.
@rquance1, I partially agree with you my brother, I am the Bass player, sometimes the drummer and a Associate Pastor at my church. These talents that God has given to me was FREE. When I was in the world playing worldly music of course I charged, I had a wife and 2 daughters to provide for. When I gave my life to the LORD, I also gave Him all my talents for free. (no charge). Whether we are a small church or a big church I can't even think of charging God's house for using a gift that He gave to me for FREE. Matt.10:8.
@@eldwinhernandez6678 yes God will bless you BUT if you go to a church that is clearly collecting tithes and offering then search the scriptures to see where that money is to go as well concerning the musicians. Idk how ppl over look the scriptures to seem Godly or holy. In short your church collect tithes and offering? Then your church musician are supposed to be paid. I did not say this the Bible does
As a pastor of a small church in Atlanta in need of musicians I cannot tell you how much your transparency blessed me and gave me renewed hope that there are musicians out here who want to be apart of a vision and grow with a ministry. I don’t have a problem paying a musician but I do have a problem with those who just show up for a pay check with no concern about the church community beyond that. Thank you
Just want to say those musicians are the same as the church members they need to be able to make ends meet too ...they not just playing for a check they playing to take care of they family too .
I have been playing for the same church several years. It is a small church with about 75 members and they paid me a small salary which was all they could afford. But the amount at least paid my monthly electric and water bill.Then I decided 5 years ago to play for free. The devil said ok, there goes your utilities being paid but I trusted that God will provide. The very next month I got an unexpected raise at my job in the exact amount that the church was paying me. That right there was confirmation that I made the right decision and I haven't been paid since. On the other hand I have way more money now than I ever had when I got paid from the church. I hope this testimony helps some musician make that leap of faith and watch God provide.
EVERY Pastor should Love, Pray and TAKE CARE of their "Faithful" musicians! This video is NOT for EVERY musician, but it is definitely a "healthy" discussion on the differences between Church Gigs and Music Ministry; hence, it explains why I, personally, no longer do "Church Music Gigs". Thanks for the positive feedback ❤️, comments ✏️and "likes" 👍
@PrettySimpleMusic Can you do one on why musicians should get paid? I know of so many musos that get the “your payment is in heaven” speech while their pastors lavish in all the money from giving and tithes
PrettySimpleMusic I love all you said... Hey KC, I’m about to buy myself a keyboard, but I was wondering what audio monitors to buy... what audio monitors would you advice??? I’m looking for something good, not expensive...but good enough for a nice home sound
soooo... you're in Tulsa... im in OKC!!! you really need to come visit sometime here and do a clinic or something. We just had a drummers clinic last week! It'll be dope if we could set something up ASAP!!!
Hey! I usually dont respond to musician youtube post however, I needed this video at this time. I was just praying and meditating about this same topic because I was feeling a bit discouraged about the music ministry.
This video came up twice.. Once before I started performing at this church I now engineer their streaming platform on top of playing Bass, but now today. I remember about 5 to 6 months in playing at this church; the Pastor shared with me some of the struggles he was facing. Knowing how difficult paying rent is in my neck of the woods: I reached in my pocket and had two checks that I had yet to put into the bank .. I handed him those checks and ask that he voided those checks. I get you.. I have a day job so .. I am not hurting but the day job is NOT guaranteed in my industry. To have this same video come up a year later is a blessing. Thanks for being here. Thanks for the message. And thanks for keeping it real! Merry Christmas, Happy Blessed New Year and to those reading this Happy Holidays!
Bro, I feel so touched by ur humility. GOD resists pride but enough grace is given to the humble. U are doing the right thing and these seeds you are sowing now will speak for u soon. Its only for a while. Cheer up bro.
This is a powerful video. By reading the title, my mind initially started throwing shade. But as a Minister of Music(Choir Director, Worship Leader), I taught, the choir, lead praise and worship, and was at every home and visiting church service. Yet I never got paid. Only the organist and drummer did, and it is still this way. However, as this brother said, God will bless your obedience and faithfulness. Favor is better than finance. Money HELPS, but God will open doors you could not imagine, only if you listen and follow Him.
My friend, I don't even know you, but I love you! God is good, and He will always bless us if we let Him. My Dad was a preacher and I was the prodigal son. God was always with me in the buddy seat, but I came to realize I needed to let Him drive. I could tell you some stories of my "adventures" once I turned my life back over to Him, but just suffice it to say I am blessed beyond measure!! You just blessed me as well.
Oklahoma? I got a nephew living in Tulsa. He keep telling me if I come there I will find the right church that will allow me to be the writer and musician that God has blessed me to be. Continued blessing to you.
I appreciate your realness bro. I have played for free forever. Little gigs, small churches, whatever never charged anyone anything. But God has blessed me because of my faithfulness I have played for big name gospel artists, I have opened at concerts for big name artists and people call me all the time to play and the bless me with money now. I don't ask for it they just give it to me. And the truth is I'm not all that good. It was never about the money for me. When you take care of God's work he will take care of you.
Exactly! Exact same for me, minus the playing big gigs. But I do get called by a lot of local churches and I don’t ask for pay but they usually pay me well, and I’m not extremely good either. I do it because I feel God wants me too.
I can appreciate your story. This is why we need to be in “tune” with our relationship with the Lord. He will direct our paths, and open opportunity so that we prosper no matter who is in control. This is a great testimony of hearing, listening, and doing the will of God! I pray your family be a blessing to those in Tulsa,OK. I also pray that God pours into you as you serve others with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
This is blessing from God. So what you're saying is you moved from doing church "gigs" into doing music ministry. That's a blessing indeed, and a powerful testimony. I'm a drummer at two churches and a minister at both (a pastor at our home church). I've never been paid for playing and seldom for preaching but God is good, His work is the main thing and His mercy endures forever. God bless and keep you in this gift of music ministry. I pray things are going well for you, your family and your new church. In Jesus' name.
Man, I love your heart and your obedience to what God is leading you to do. Thank you for this video. So many musicians need to hear this and heed what you’re saying. I’m a musician who has been called to Pastor and your words are a blessing to me, because I have lived what you’re testifying to from both perspectives. Thank you and God bless!
I love it when brothers stay together.Loved your comment about KC. I've always being subscribed to you Warren..You've being a blessing to me. You've made me a better keyboard player in my church.
I admire your testimony. I'm a musician myself (drummer). I've been playing 10+ years at the same church - never have gotten paid, lol. I don't look for it. It frustrates me to have been a witness to a few musicians who've left my church just because another pays them more. But, I know that God will bless us if He wills! 🤙🏾
My Husband has been playing drum for our church since he was 14 now he's 47 still plays drums and for diffrent bands and churches he never ask for money Just like h says "I play to the one who gave me this gift for his glory"
@Mikkirose1 some people are full-time musicians and cannot afford to play for free. You invest so much time and provide a service for which you need to be compensated. Yeah, it's commendable, but that doesn't put food in most musicians' families' mouths
Awesome testimony! I’m actually on the other end of your past situation. I have been ministering in my church for over 20 years without pay. It gets a little frustrating at times when I’ve seen the church growth especially through the music ministry. But this testimony has truly encouraged me because I am moved to work on a few projects of my own that I believe God will bless me because of my faithfulness and heart! God bless!
I pray blessings on your new project ventures... because you've served faithfully, your paths will be made clear and the provisions will be made to make your projects worry free!!!
Thanks for this. After quitting playing all together, I felt drawn to my old childhood church to play. I don’t receive pay either, but what I get is priceless. I have a wonderful church family that I love and they love me more. I have a pastor and First Lady that are so down to earth it’s startling. The pastor doesn’t even take a salary. Because money is not an issue, everyone is just so much happier. We all come to church to serve and praise God. Other musicians in the area have questioned why I went back to playing and for free. This video put it in a way that I couldn’t. God has supplied all of my needs and I am so happy and free.
You are absolutely right my brother. Playing with the church is not a gig. Is a Ministry. I took a pay cut when the church were struggling. I even helped with some of the finances the church needed. There are good people with honorable intentions for the most high. It's also a benefit. You're giving a blessing with the gift you have been blessed with. Love is something when you give it away. It comes right back to you. I learned that when I was a a little boy.
Kevin thank you for the reminder to check my motives. That’s always been the hardest thing for me as a musician. The truth is I LOVE the adulation that I’ve often got from people telling me how great they think I am on the guitar. And I get real egotistical real fast. Jesus had me away from playing for about 6 years or so and I was heartbroken at the time. Thought my music was finished. But out of nowhere 3 years ago I was asked to play on the church’s Celebrate Recovery worship team, which is honestly where I believe I belong since I am in recovery for addiction. The CR worship pastor also had has own band that plays at both CR ministries on town and restaurants and fairs. He asked if I would join the band. And it’s been wonderful. I still have to work on my motives daily. I have to remind myself all the time that it ain’t about me. It’s about the Lord reaching his people.
i grew up in church..never played.. i make music now...still cant play..you tube recommend this vid.i have seen others...this one hit me because i am in the middle of moving to take care of my mother in law who has cancer. im going to the midwest and i am coming from cali. i wasn't stressed about the move i knew it would be different but listening to this story thinking it was gonna be about something else is synchronicity in itself. this speaks volumes to my own situation. i am happy this video came to me for real my guy......i am much more excited for my new beginnings now. that church and the way you are putting it together is exactly what its suppose to be and i feel like im gonna do something similar in the community or something
Love this man! I play at a CCM church and played for free for years. God has blessed me in so many ways during my time there and I know my heart is in the right place!!
That's an awesome story man! way to follow God's path. Right now God's telling me to move to California, so I am applying for jobs. I am a musician and recently dropped a gospel album. I appreciate your content!
I find it funny that people think musicians shouldn't be paid and say that it's ministry not a job. Being a pastor is ministry not a job but almost everyone in church doesn't have a problem with the pastor taking a salary. Perfecting your musicianship is work aka a job and it's not easy it takes a lot of time and it also puts a lot of pressure on the musician. Forget about other genres but when it comes to church, musicians are expected to know songs on the spot which can be pressure filled. At the end of the day the absence of your musician is almost the 2nd most felt absence of anyone in the church. Lay people can miss service any day or they can go in to work to do overtime and make money any day but if your musician does that service most likely than not is ruined, I've been apart of a few services where the musician was absent and it wasn't the same at all. If you want to pay your musician fine if you don't fine just get the right people and don't ever think playing is easy.
Man it's definitely not easy. Learning music, teaching parts, working with musicians (some who you have start from scratch), the different personalities. It's not easy at all. It's a trip how people want to sing and shout to the mysic but don't want to pay for your time and skill.
Church musicians are the most sought after because 1. We learn sometimes new songs every week, parts, chords etc 2. We play at something which cant be quantified but is higher than skill itself and thts the anointing. 3. We push ourselves to excellence, sometimes over competitive(can be a negative thing) because of the law of supply and demand in church. Too many musicians, too little opportunities so its a fight to play 4. We are extremely high skilled because of need to meet that demand on a Sunday 5. We push hard despite being under appreciated but because of our passion we continue. 6. The complex chords/ arrangements we have to study and learn which puts gospel music above most music from an arrangement point of view. I believe you should renumerate musicians/be a blessing to them because them not being able to take care of their families is wickedness itself. This topic is definitely something to ponder on..may God give us wisdom as we tend the vineyard
@@OneWayDesigns have you ever been to a Sunday service where the main musician didn't come in? Not pretty at all. In some services you may hear the musicians more than you hear from the pastor. And dont get me started about a hooping preacher idk how it would sound if he didn't have an organist to back him up. On top of that I hear preachers talk about musicians alot.
@@b.e.r.nnetwork8251 i have been in a service like that. And guess what? I ended up on the organ! The pastor's in my area all talk about musicians bit here it's bc there aren't many musicians that can sing, teach parts, direct and are truly saved, filled with the Holy Ghost. There are a few churches here and all you here is music. It can be challenging finding the right church. But thank you Jesus for prayer and being lead of the Holy Ghost!!!
@@OneWayDesigns I hear everything your saying but since you play organ and will get up and play then you may never know what I mean. I actually mean the organist/pianist is gone and no one else can play it. It's not a good sight at all.
I am on the praise and worship team and have been singing all of my life. I think it's right that the musicians get paid. You want them to be there EVERY SUNDAY, FOR EVERY REHEARSAL, AND EVEN TRAVEL TO OTHER CHURCHES. Many times if you have a really good musician that is his only job. So they need to get paid, period. My daddy is a musician and I have many musician friends who only job is playing. So many churches don't think about the cost of gas, the equipment, maintenance of the equipment, and the hrs spent rehearsing songs they don't even want to play half the time. (As a side note, they try to get their jam in during the offering but then someone who thinks they know what they playing starts singing a totally different song and messes up the groove. ) My point is, pay them. Especially the ones who are faithful an on time. ❤️
David Robles Man I don’t know if youre just a troll or what ..... but she is right. I am a musician my self and I have seen how much of a difference music can make in a service , Musicians are some of the most important people in the ministry.You also got to realize that doing this job takes lots of time ( Rehearsals, programming , recording stems , practicing etc) and may not leave a lot of time for your average 9-5 job ... So being a musician maybe for a church is their only job Thats why I feel like church musicians should be paid for everything we do (However in your defense I have seen musicians who care nothing about god play at churches just to get a check......Thats upsetting to see but Christian or not,its still a job)and I am a Christian myself
@@davidrobles1034 You are just super lame… and covetous!!!! You can praise the Lord for free…. Just go to a church with no music and your problem is solved!!!!! … you wishy washy… why don’t you work on your secular job for free as a Christian .. why somebody got to pay you to show love and support to your neighbor and company???? I guess the preacher is wishy washy too…, what does he need an offering for to preach…???? He don’t have to have no church building or pulpit to preach.., Jesus said go into the hedges and highways!!! You wishy washy for having a car etc… why are you spending money on a car when you can give that money to the poor…, you don’t need no car to praise the Lord and this world is not your home!!??? To COVET is a GREAT SIN… stop coveting the gifts, purpose and talents of GODS SERVANTS AND CALLED OUT ONES!!! Some people are called to WORK…. WORK …. WORK … for GOD and to WORK in the Kingdom of God in this life! WORK … can include… reward.., COMPENSATION… a check.., and pay etc…. both in this world and the world to come!!!!!
So when I read the title I thought as a Pastor what is he talking about. You are awesome young brother, and your heart is what is needed in musicians, singer and YES especially pastors. Kev you are light my brother
Thank you for a frank and helpful discussion about serving God in church music. I've been a subscriber for a while because of the great content and I'm delighted to see this insight into your church life.
Wow KC!!!! I really enjoyed this video. Sometimes I get frustrated. I am a musician at a small church as well. The thing is it's only me and an older gentleman who play for the church and I have to play the drums while his on the guitar. When the worship team steps off, I have to jump on the keys again and flow with my pastor. Most times it's frustrating because I feel like there's this huge weight placed on me. Also the singers are fairly new and singing in tune sometimes becomes a challenge, especially with songs that go slightly high. And also I can't just stay out of church for any reason because as you know we're only two and it affects the service. But after hearing this I am really inspired and i am humbled. Thanks so much!! You are great!
This is definitely a discussion that most churches don't want to discuss. Thank you for talking about this. There is a huge difference between the two. When God sees your motive and heart God will provide and bless you!
KC brother I love your realness, and your gifting. What you have shared is the truth. We will receiving another video how greater a blessing God will pour out on you and the church. Cant wait to hear from you again. I lift you and the church and family up.
Freely have you received freely ye give. I believe as children of God, our talents must be used to Serve God. If as musicians all we care about is money then think deeply, we are probably not born again Christians. If a church can afford to give you something for your service, praise God but that shouldn’t be a determining factor for you to go to church. You’re a Christian before a musician. I’ve played for years without a penny from my church and guess what, it never even crossed my mind. I do it with all my heart and in return I have a good job. I’ve always had a good job and I believe God has been given me these Jobs. KC YOUR TITLE THREW ME OFF BIT. SO I HAD TO LISTEN CAREFULLY. I’M GLAD GOD IS FIRST BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE.
Money is not all people care about, it's about what we need to make ends meet... People have bills to pay and you want to give their full time and energy to the church and not get paid for it? That's exploiting musician's talents and using God's name to justify it.
I’ve been in the same church all my life, The Lord begin to teach me when I was 13yrs old to play piano, I’m 47, never been paid to play for God, paydays coming, I wouldn’t be playing if it weren’t for the Lord. And I ❤️it, it doesn’t matter to me. But I live your testimony especially how God pulled on you until you went back, that’s major!! Musicians need to do the same thing cause Only what you do for Christ will last😇🙏🏾🎹🎼🌹
Was not going to watch due to the title........ but man ohhhh man I’m sooooo glad I did, I am the church musician in my home town of Lafayette La. and I don’t get paid, but I’m here everyday the doors are open and now I’m preaching in this church. But your testimony has really inspired me to keep on doing for god and the rest will come. Thank you brother
I really felt touched by your playing to the point of crying. It's very difficult to be a Christian musician in this world today. You have inspired me with your playing and I've learnt a lot from your instructional videos. But to see you take a stand for the ministry, the spiritual side of the music, which is the most important part, makes me feel so inspired. You are one of a kind in a world where it's all about the music and the money. Please stay on the path. We in the music community need a light to help us remember what this is really about. Thank you very much for being a light KC. God bless you always.
It`s so hard to find solid save musicians my brother. I`ve struggled to play with guys on the same level of spirituality as myself. These musicians can`t even flow at times with the anointing and are all over the place as soon as the preacher comes on. I feel like sharing this video. God bless you for the encouraging words.
My dad the minister always told me that I should be humble when I finished a song, keep my head down, not accept any applause. It's still hard for me to look at an audience when I perform somewhere.
Amen. The holy spirit leads me to be humble too. Let self be slain. When I forget to be humble (something somehow is lost.) the feeling is more exhilarating when you are humble before God, he lifts you up........ Inside. It's better for the congregation. When they see you focused on God. It leads them to him. The sole purpuse of the ministry. May God be praised 🙏🏾🙌
I COMPLETELY agree that ministers of music/musicians/singers should maintain humble hearts. However, I have a different opinion. I think it’s important to make eye contact with an audience and accept their kind words with gratitude. Sometimes when we do, people will share how God encouraged them or spoke to them while we ministered and we may have another opportunity to get to know them and share our faith with them once again.
@@terrymiller111 He was the adult child of an alcoholic. Very much an all-or-nothing sort of guy. Inflexible, judgmental, etc. As he has passed on, I imagine the Lord sat him down and straightened him out by now. : )
Such a powerful testimony! I appreciate how you talk about the heart of the music, being spiritually mature, and knowing the heart of the work! What an inspiration!
I have played at different churches on and off for 20 years. I decided to stop playing at churches because it was getting in the way of my faith. I would see the behind the scenes gossiping and back biting and judgmental folks. I know churches are full of people and people are just that ..... people but it got really old to listen to folks in front worshiping and in back being Christians that Jesus would not be proud of. I am not perfect by far but I do know that I have flaws and I try to do my best to walk the right way. Thanks for the posting. I know this was an older vid but just came upon it. Thanks for your story.
MISAO It’s not a bad thing. It’s just a test. When your heart is fixed in the right place you’ll pass with ease. People in the leadership positions test individuals all the time to see where their loyalty is and it helps us to redefine our WHY.
Trey Fontenet Well said brother. I concur. I don’t believe men should ever assume the position of God and try and test their brothers for they’re loyalty. However, as seen in the video there was still a blessing. God can use a man to test you and use a man to bless you as long as it’s God inspired and not stemming from pride. I do completely agree with you as well.
@PrettySimpleMusic KC, I have always enjoyed your videos, but now I can say that I really love what you're doing. To humble yourself for the sake of doing God's work is one of the greatest acts of any kind. I am a minister and a musician. I've done everything from being the church drummer, keyboard and organ player. I've been over the choir, developed a youth band, been minister of music... you name it. I've never been on a payroll, but I've still given my total heart in everything I've done. The difference in me and you is that you are a professional, and (I know that you know this) churches would pay you BIG MONEY. So, for you to do what you're doing is praiseworthy! God Bless you brother! I pray that He blesses you even more... beyond belief! Don't stop brother!
Amen brother - thanks for your transparency and honesty. It’s so difficult to recognize where your calling is with size and numbers and finances but if your heart is right with the Lord he will lead the way!
@PrettySimpleMusic I've been a "free" church musician for over 25 years. And always been about ministering through music. I always hated to see other musicians to not play if not getting paid. Because we should do this unto the Lord first with our whole heart! But I don't see anything wrong if they receive a gift offering but like you said, what if church can't pay anymore? Playing should be about ministry not money. Thank you for this video, I'm very thankful to see every musician is not only about gigs and money! 👍
Agree to you brother. I've been on our church since I was a little child and been playing since I was 12, now I am 25 and still playing for God in the church He called me. I do it voluntarily, without being payed but all I know is God is more than enough for me to continue ministering for Him 😁 God bless!
Well said I believe that if you're a musician playing in a church make sure you have the right motives or at a relationship with God and he'll take care of the rest.
My brother what you are doing is so exceptional and graceful, I was like in tears when watching your video and I extend my greatest gratitude to you for this work; this is exactly what I do in Liberia and I pray to have all my musician friends to come to this knowledge that they will use their gifts for Christ with a reference heart to serve God with their talents not for physical gain, and God in return will bless them spiritually and physically. Even if you are serving and it don't seem to be benefiting you in your pocket directly in that Church you may be in, put that behind you and serve faithfully and God who is all powerful will definitely bring some sort of support to fill in the gap in your life and at times it may not even be within that Church the support may come from but it's because of your work in the Church that's opening doors for you.
I WISHHHHHHHHHH!!! MORE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD THIS! It is so hard to find someone dedicated to ministry. And why is it that we are quick to pay a musician, but if a church talk about giving the pastor a stipend or giving a monetary anniversary offering. I'm just amazed at how people aren't totally sold out for God and willing to offer the talent God has given them to help further the ministry. Cheerful giving is not just about money, but service and time too. When we honor, truly honor God with our gifts from a heart of gratefulness as opposed to feeling like we're owed something, the Lord will come through abundantly above all that we could ask or think.
Romans 4:4 ESV--Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. James 5:4 ESV--Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. Jeremiah 22:13 ESV---Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages. Deuteronomy 24:15 ESV--- You shall give him his wages on the same day, before the sun sets (for he is poor and counts on it), lest he cry against you to the Lord, and you be guilty of sin. If you have it in you to willingly give of your time, your effort, your skill, and your artistry to lift up people in a church, or synagogue, or mosque, to praise, love, and be close to God, then that is of course your choice. And that last part is key---your choice, chosen willingly and freely from your heart, not someone else's. Usually, not always, but usually in that situation, you would be a member of the church, and be giving freely of your services because you felt like a member of their family. And that's ok. However, since playing music can be both a ministry and a career, it's important to realize that giving it away for free doesn't always work from a practical standpoint. I always like to joke with people when they expect it for free and say something like, "well, you're a doctor. How about you show up and give everybody some free medical care?" Or, "you're a lawyer, how about some free legal advice?" Usually, I'll get laughter of the "you've gotta be kidding" kind, or an incredulous look that says the same thing. Folks, it takes a loooong time and a lot of effort to be able to play on a halfway decent professional level as a musician, let alone a really high level. And so, you have a gentleman posting this video about playing for free and feeding into the expectation of giving it away for free whether he's truly willing or not. That's wrong. And it's something that is systemic in American society. One of the reasons that musicians are paid so low in terms of wages is that the American public loves music but is not willing to pay all that much for it. This is true for the local musician who plays in bars, at weddings (both receptions and ceremonies), teaches in school, gives private lessons, and yes, even teaches in university. Frankly for a lot of the general public, they don't really have the ability to perceive the difference between a bad performance versus a good (much less a great) one. I realize that in some parts of American church culture it is, at least somewhat, an expectation exists that if you have a talent, it should be given for free to enhance the life, love, and well-being of the church you belong to. Again, IF you choose to do so willingly, then that is your choice. But one of the worst things you can do is to coerce someone to give something of theirs (possession, time, talent, etc.) to you or your organization, even if it is a church, when they really don't want to. I believe one of the modern phrases is you try to "guilt them into it." Well, that's a very subtle form of emotional manipulation. And basically, it's wrong. It takes longer to study and become a good musician (let alone a great one) than it does to become a secretary, administrator, janitor, or any other support position in the church. This is true, folks. It takes a lot longer, and financially, it's a lot harder road. And yet, in most churches, it's the general consensus that people in the support positions should be paid, because it's work and it's necessary to have the work done so the church can function properly. Musicians? Well, that's another matter. Many people feel that since this activity is one that can be (at times) enjoyable and fun, that it's not as hard as doing the kinds of duties that a secretary, janitor, or administrator does. However, they're mistaken, it is work, and yes, it's hard work, like any other job or career. As for the pastor saying that he was testing to see where the music minister's heart was by telling him that he was going to have to cut his salary, well, that's plain old manipulation. A more honest approach would have been to just have an honest conversation with him about how he felt about the church, and whether he felt he was doing a ministry or it was "just another gig." I know this is only a paraphrase and not a Bible quote, but if you have an issue with your brother, go speak to him in private. If you resolve your differences, you have gained (or retained) your brother. In other words, if you have problem with someone, talk PRIVATELY with them about it. And give them a chance to say honestly what they think and feel about the subject. And even if they disagree with you, they'll appreciate the fact that you took the time out of your day to approach them in private in an honest, adult, respectful manner, even if it means that there is a parting of the ways. This also is part of the commandment that says "Thou shalt not lie." Just be honest folks---it's always the best policy. I know I haven't changed any hearts or minds here. If you want to give it away, and can do so with a full heart of love and caring, and you feel that you can do it, ministering with no expectation of earthly rewards, well, more power to you. I just wanted to present another perspective. There have been, are, and will always be musicians out there who do this because they love music, but also pay the rent and buy their groceries by playing music for a living. And for what those folks are thinking and feeling in their hearts, please refer to the Bible quotes above. Respectfully, PMH
Roosevelt Kemp Learning the music is work, remembering the timing is work. Church services are held during weekends which compete with paying gigs. Even with a part time time job juggling church responsibilities is difficult. Donations of your time, talents & treasures should be free will be not coerced. The pastor owes him back pay. And whether the music director is Christian or pagan shouldn't affect the pastor's ministry nor the congregation's devotion to God.
By far the best one I've read in this wall of comments. I do have another perspective to possibly add, though. The pastor, assuming he was sincere in his test, did actually the right thing if he was TESTING THE MUSICIAN'S FAITH. This might imply that the musician, while starting off as a full-time job, has also taken interest in the faith. Now AFAIK, there is a thing about "people not acting their most real when they are aware they are being tested" ... I forgot the name of that whole theory/study/psychology/term. If the pastor made the musician aware that he will be testing the musician by not paying him for the time being but eventually giving him pay after said test, the musician might adapt by budgeting his expenses just enough until the test is over, knowing that he will be paid again, anyway. This means that this is not as genuine as he would have been tested in the way the guy said in the vid. Then there's also a chance of him not agreeing to it and not play at the church anymore, because he's not getting paid. The CHOICE factor is still present in this scenario, because if he wasn't faithful (i.e. just in for the money), why would he continue playing (save perhaps some form of pity and probably training someone else to play in his stead)? He would have opted out at that instant (which he did at first), because he WAS made aware that he wouldn't be paid! Yet he did return, and the pastor, after seeing his faith, did compensate the loss by doubling (I might have to get back to the video to confirm this; EDIT: confirmed) his pay. The musician sacrificed for a short time, but was rewarded with even more pay that his previous amount. It eventually evens out, and could probably be getting more, even. Then there was God blessing him in his property (I won't get into detail into that, though, but Praise God!). He's gotten so much for doing less for himself for a short time. Just saying.
So many misled people. CHURCH is traditionally where lead footed young Drummers learn rhythms and timing at the tolerance of the members, other musicians learn how to play by ear and in the correct key while testing the patience oh the Choir. If some person thinks they are worthy of compensation by the Church, then let them KNOW how to read charts and lead sheets, compose songs, inspire the other artists and compensate Choir members, Soloists, Praise Team , Sound Personnel and support Team. After a year, go out into the cold world and sell what you know to a buyer .You will soon know that the learning experience received is far more valuable than 50 pieces of Silver.
Thank you for your insightful comments. I read every word and I must say that I agree with you! Currently I am playing guitar at a church that I've only been a member of for one year. I have been faithful in my service and even played by myself when both the organist and drummer were absent! There are only 3 musicians and I am the only female. Both guys work regular jobs, but I am a stay at home single parent who homeschools my child. The church has a small membership, but I've recently learned that the other musicians are making substantially more than I am. And while I take my service to God wholeheartedly, I subscribe to the verse of scripture that says a man's gifts will make room for him. You are right; music is not easy to perform to an acceptable standard. I will be asking for a raise and I pray that I get it, because I am unwilling to continue to WORK without adequate compensation for my skill set. I'm good and NOT just for a female! If I don't get a raise in salary, I'll have to make the decision to either leave and find another church, or become a bench warmer. I love my current church, but the work of a musician doesn't just begin on Sunday morning; it starts at home with learning the material/songs, then choir rehearsal and finally morning worship services; that's a lot of work for little or no pay! I also understand that non-musicians may have no idea of the work that goes into preparing to play a song. When I ask for a raise, it's my plan to educate them on what all music preparation entails.
Joy ComesFromJesus no he didn’t. That was super unprofessional and disrespectful of that pastor. You don’t call somebody in the office and strip their income away without any notice. This man has bills that he paid with that money every month and he put him in a bind like that to prove a point. Shame on that pastor.
Joy ComesFromJesus bruh. I’m not going for it. I could understand maybe a month for this “test.” Do you realize how much income a month of Sundays is. He’s a keyboardist who said his salary was increasing significantly weekly. So for the sake of argument, let’s say that by that time he was making around $550 a week (decent pay for a keyboardist). That is literally stripping that man of $26,000 for that year. That’s not ok. I can tell you don’t play. Even if dude was in corporate America making 75k to 80k a year, $26,000 is a lot of income to lose suddenly. Not a pay cut, but totally wiped out. That was super inconsiderate. Musicians aren’t viper. We’ve just been taken advantage of for years and are starting to make churches “RESPECT” our time. No it’s not going to fly anymore that a church has a budget for $100 a week but want 3 rehearsals and nothing extra for afternoon or weekly engagements. I grew up with a father that did the exact thing he had to do for pennies and the flip side of that is the effect that it has on those musicians’ families. My dad would be at these churches and they would not pay well and he would be gone all the time but at the same time, he coulda just had second job to make more substantial income. If you reasonably take care of musicians we are normally willing to go above and beyond. I’ve played at churches that treated me well so I was willing to come and do some extra rehearsals and a some extra services free of charge, as long as it’s communicated before hand.
Finding this video is one of the best things to happen to me on UA-cam. This video just answered one if the questions many choir members ask. Thank you for this sir
I agree w the message of using God’s gifts for ministry, not employment. If it’s God’s will, it’s His Bill. He provides. Appreciate your transparency and grateful God has blessed your faithfulness 🙏🏾
AMEN! Whenever my choirs had "engagements" (not performances) the FIRST thing I'd do, is correct whoever introduced us as "the next group performing...". Of course I'd do it in a Christian manner and say ".. excuse me, may I respectfully make a correction in that introduction? Then Id turn to the choir, Youth or Adult, and I'd say "we don't entertain, we what?" They'd respond "We PRAISE"!!! Our first song we'd ALWAYS sing was "We'(ve) Come to Have Church". The key line in the song states "...we have not come, to entertain,we have ONLY come TO LIFT UP JESUS NAME...". Many times the members in the congregation would come to me after their service and tell me that they appreciated our choir's perspective. Many even said that they'd carry that principle to their church. It felt good! Please pray for me. If you noticed, I'm speaking in past tense. I got progressively worse thru the years, abt 14, with MANY aliments/illnesses. This slowly but surely pushed me away from my leadershio positions in the music ministry. I became too inconsistent . I grew up in church.. Im the fourth generation of ministers of music in my family. I even used to crawl across the foot pedals while Mom was playing the organ! 😂😂 I MISS IT - BADLY!! Im saying all of this, because I haven't been to church in almost 3 years, and I miss it more than I can say! Im going thru some med tests that will determine what THE DOCTOR'S SAY abt my future. Please pray that tho God's will be done, I ask that He see fit to not only get back to church, and even to be able to get involved with the music ministry. "Music Minister Emeritus" sounds nice, but nowhere near as nice as the sounds from the piano you're playing or choir you're directing, as an offering to God! I'm so glad watched your video. It touched me! Ironically, I was trying to remember the words of some of the songs I'd written for the kids. Most of the hard copies we're destroyed in Katrina. I was feeling a bit blue, but then I saw your video, and it lifted me up. Thank you for helping me feel better. I too used to work basically for free. I'd get paid, but I'd sign the check and put it in the offering plate. You brought me back to the 'good ol' days', bit with EVEN MORE determination to move forward! THANK YOU! (I'LL TAKE MY SEAT NOW 😀) GOD BLESS YOU!
I so appreciate you sharing what God did with you. It's a person's testimony of what God had done that tells the world who God is. We tell what God will do for others, but we can share what he's done for us. Thanks for sharing.
I hired a dog sitter and had her watch my pup for me while I was out working for years, she watched my dog grow up and got attached to my dog fairly quick. When my pup turned two years old I told my sitter that I wasn't going to pay her for taking care of my pup anymore because it was trained, but she could still come take care of it for free. Wanting a service done for you for free is manipulation. Any church that doesn't pay their musicians is manipulating them and taking advantage them because "they'll get greater gifts in heaven"; yet on earth they're starving. Pastors get paid for citing words to people every week, I don't see why musicians don't get paid.
I think each situation, church and individual has to seek the Lord and make their own decision on this issue. Some of the best musicians I know have donated their time and talent to play and sing, getting no monetary compensation, believing the best compensation will be hearing "well done thou good and faithful servant". In some cases the pastors weren't taking a salary and worked a secular job to pay their living expensives. No one viewed the music ministry as a way to cover their living expenses. But as a church gets larger, finances improve and the demands on a worship leader increase to the point where it becomes a full-time job some compensation should be offered, especially if the ministry limits their ability to do secular work that pays the bills.
pmh1nic This comment is by far the most balanced and on point. Each person needs to lead with their own relationship God, not with any blanketed logic that “one has to play for churches for free or that one has to be paid”. The key is the churches demand on the musician. The more work the musicians has to do, this will determine if paying becomes necessary. I think Christians have consistently placed legalism over Godly guidance, and it has gotten us into trouble. People just need to seek God’s guidance on whether they should seek compensation or not. I’m sure a number of them will get an okay from God and others will be lead down a different path.
Why not accept money from the church for providing a service? There are obviously extremes and excesses that are not godly (megachurch financial realities). However the bible says: Deuteronomy 25:4 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn .
(KJV) Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. (KJV) 1 Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. (KJV) 1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (KJV)
O Pell if it is your interpretation that church “labor” is acceptable for you, I am not suggesting that you don’t do it. It’s my personal feeling that if I go to a House of Worship, then I am there to Praise God where two or more gather in His Name, and I am also there to give. That’s just me and it doesn’t have to be you or anyone else. Thanks and Blessings!!!
This is about one of the best testimonies I've heard. Thanks so much for sharing and encouraging musicians everywhere to judge every situation by God's voice and their pocket book.
So many thoughts.....but I'm going to keep them to myself. Just leave it at this. Struggling churches will wear you out. So will mega churches for that matter. One has to follow their own heart when it comes to church life.
Wonderfully said. Beautifully said. I am really tired of musicians treating churches as an industry gig. Leading worship is a mandate of personal and spiritual means.
Let me see,,,,,,but it's perfectly OK,for these pimpin' pastors to prosper and live(totally off of the church )in the name of Jesus tho right? GET the fuc* out my face,wit' that ol,bullshyt!!! People are so damn quick to down the musician(for refusing to allow these churches ,to make slaves out of us,,.)Not to mention all the hours a REAL musician spends at home practicing for many different services/conventions,,,,,,but the musician is still made to feel he is WRONG,for asking to be compensated for all of his time/hard work??? People forget way too often,that TIME is way more valuable than MONEY,because you can go ANYWHERE and make some damn money,,,but TELL ME ,where can a musician go,to get back all of his damn TIME,,that he spends practicing(at HOME)and all those hours sweating ,and playing at church?? And U BETTER NOT tell me "when he die,hell get paid for his time",,,then WHY AIN'T "PASTOR" waitin' to die too??? It's all BULLSHIT!!!
Man! That's powerful. My prayers go with you and your new church. Your heart for ministry is what I try to explain to the few musicians at our church. We still are seeking an organist. Be blessed.
I left this amazing church in Roswell , Ga called Eagles Nest because of a particularly meeting I had with an Elder of the church . He asked me what do I see myself doing in the ministry or church setting , he looked me in my eyes and I felt his spirit and he was prayed up and could see through my unsureness . I was still living in the world but wanted to help in childrens church particularly teen youth because I believe my testimony could help them . With that said he responds he didn’t want to let me serve the children church ministry because he felt I could be used as a greeter in the parking lot . But little did I know that was my test of being a good and faithful servant. I wanted to be used by God but wasn’t 100% . Sometimes our pride can get in the way of our blessings . Who knows where I could be in the church now if I had set my heart on serving the Lord instead of my position or status at the church shouldn’t matter. I know he can use me even now . But this spoke to my heart , spirit , And mind . I am so glad I watched this video. It reminded me that I WILL MAKE IT no matter what and I have to stay faithful to the Lord and serving and using what he has already given me . Thank You Jesus ! I have the victory !
😁👌🏾😜He brought the “receipts”on that “mattress job”! I really enjoy these types of videos from you...transparency is priceless. Your experience and testimony are always so reassuring! God Bless you!
Wow.......who plays in church in for money??? Understand that’s your earthly payment. In heaven you’re going to get nothing. Been playing drums, guitar, and sing in church for 13 years. I will never receive money to play for God in my church. Never!! God is my boss and he chose the angel of his church to lead his pasture. I know my reward shall come one day but even if I don’t receive it. Just knowing I’ve done something for God has brought me so much joy in life. Jesus I love you
That’s what I’m trying to figure out. If your going to a church and that’s your church and you go there religiously, why are you getting paid? Ive been born and raised in my church and started playing drums there not expecting to get paid because that’s my church and I didn’t go there to warm up a chair. I get if it’s an annual convention or something but other than that, getting paid is unnecessary.
And u hit it right on the spot bro.I asked everyone to help me learn the piano and it was all about money.I come from a poor family.And so far God has been teaching me and people like you on youtube.God bless you all
ckextreme not really, he still has to work a full year to get the retro pay. Example: If you receive a bonus at work, you get the full amount whether or not you work another day.
You are on point! I just had a similar conversation on this a few days ago with a musician, who is facing this decision of "ministry vs. industry" in regards to income. Gigging is more of an industry objective, for accomplished artists/musicians who work in the industry locally, teaching, performing, etc. Giving is the foundation of ministry. Musicians are most effective when they have a heart to give and serve for the church they are in. I published a book in May 2018 that discusses some of the issues faced by the music ministry in the Black Church. It is called Moving Forward and Facing the Future (In the Black Church Worship Experience). It is based on extensive research on the issues faced in the music ministry of the Black Church. Church musicians must understand their biblical appointment, if they are truly called to minister through music. In the book, pages 45-46, and 79-81 touch on this root cause of this issue; spiritual maturity. As a fellow musician, I understand that we are vulnerable to the "gig vs give" dilemma, gigging from the heart or giving from the heart. Everyone who sings or plays well is not appointed and anointed for the call. It's all about the motivation of the heart and the spiritual maturity. It's a dangerous place to be spiritually because our talent and gifting has the ability to influence others, just as Lucifer, a perfected musician did, when he convinced 1/3 of the angels to bow down and worship him over God. However, at the same time, churches must understand the importance of effective budgeting and planning for growth. This includes having a plan to cover expenses that are critical to growth; music and worship arts. Giving is based on what is reasonable and the church cannot expect free for the long term. I've found that this creates an impoverished mentality and limits vision for growth. See beyond your bank account. Check it out Amazon (you can view a sample), or order from Google Books, Barnes and Noble and national booksellers. It's available as e-book and hard copy. Signed copies are at GospelMusicOneSound.com . The official book release is Nov 17, 2018 in Raleigh, NC where Pastor William Becton and I will conduct a music seminar. Those interested can register at MovingForwardBookRelease.eventbrite.com. By the way, I work for John Deere. That's my gig, but I give there too.
I am so grateful I came upon this video. Thank you so much for sharing..I've played in the church for a long time and have been feeling myself being tugged toward my old church where I played for free. I'm glad you mentioned motives, because that what I hear Him asking me right now...wow!! Thx again and I love watching your videos! GOD BLESS YOU!!
You shouldnt play for church if your heart is for money. Serving God wont just come with rewards with in the life were in now but we should be aiming for eternal things. Also if a person in the music ministry is a non-believer this will interfere with the presence of God. This is not to offend or disrespect anyone. God bless 😁👏🙏
Daniel Sangil the church is a place for fellowship and is a business entity. This video is not good because it encourages beta male mentality. Our former church wanted to use my husband’s services for free. We said “he’ll nag”. It’s all a trick to keep you poor. That pastor reduced your value.
Well said @daniel. To my fellow commenters not every church has a pastor trying to get rich off of the people. And why would you ethically want to be a part of that anyway if you know the pastor's doing that? This is what we're talking about as far as being true born again believers, and why the spirit of God wouldn't be able to enter a space/service with hearts and minds like that. The other responses to this post do not reflect the type of mind and actions of Jesus Christ the foundation of our belief showed in the gospels! Period! May God bless us all to do what's right WITHOUT contingencies or JUSTIFICATIONS. In Jesus Christ's Holy name! Amen!
Why play the “withhold or eliminate your pay” game, when you are clearly working effectively in your capacity, faithfully? I feel like if the pastor wanted to know where your heart was, he could’ve simply had a face-to-face sit down. Just wondering. . . if this was a small, tiny, a little church, how are they able to pay you more than every church in the region? And, how would you know what other musicians in the region were being paid?
KC I have been following you for a while and even though I am a guitar player your lessons have given me so much inspiration to stay focused and play from my heart. Your story hit close to home. When you put in the right work in the right way the lord will pave the road you need to walk on in your journey. Blessings my brother!!!
I play for a lot of churches in Atlanta for free. Because that's what they say we supposed to do with black musicians but I realized in Atlanta that was not my purpose I love music and I love praise and worship but I found out my calling was in the studio as a writer and a sound designer cause I love tech. I moved to Houston found my purpose started walking in my purpose and he provided everything in my studio paid for.
mrclarky They sure do. I’ve been victim of this myself. There are talented people who want to play music for Jesus but some churches want “professionals” who may or may not follow Jesus Christ.
@@mikef6063 if you don't go to church and you don't really pay attention to the music ministry or any ministry in charge at a church, I guess you WOULDN'T know.
Guy, that's a great testimony!! Glad for you. I also play for church and they don't pay me anything. They had offered to give me some small pay, or tell them my needs whenever possible, but just decided to do it free and I've seen God provide for me!! Those are my pastors in the picture. Lead pastor is in green shirt
I'm an atheist, don't believe in God and what else, but really you make want to. Why ? Because the warmth you show, the faith in music, etc. I don't know if there is a God, but your decisions, what you did and what you say... Is heavenly right. Maybe the fact my wife and kid and I are about to quit everything to do something else has something to do with it, but anyways, your confidence is so warming. Merci vieux.
Can anything come into creation from itself ,it takes a creator,God is a spirit and we must worship in spirit and in truth,look at the world we live in it is hurting because there is no love in it for thy neighbor,the earthquakes,floods ,valcanoes erupting around the world are the birth Paine's Mathew chapter 24,talks about this , revelation chapter 13 talks about the rfid chip it's here,they tested it in animals,my pet has the chip in her,just say Lord Jesus show me that you are real,give me a dream or a vision please show me you are the way the truth and the life, God cannot lie,there are chariot wheels in the red Sea where Moses and the Israelites passed through on dry land and not one perished,we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God,I have been transformed from unbelief to a believer and have been walking with him for 20 years and he uses me for his glory,the best is yet to come for believers,Lord Jesus send your ministering spirits toward them and show yourself strong amen.
It is so easy to forget God's presence and power when we face uncertain and difficult times. Our faith falters and we doubt that God is with us, sometimes even doubting that He is real and who He says He is. God knew that we would struggle with unbelief and has spoken reassuring words to us through the Bible. When you begin to doubt, read these Bible verses about believing and pray that God will renew your heart and mind toward who He says He is and who He says YOU are! Be encouraged as you see God move through all circumstances in life to grow your faith.
I love you bro .
1 Thessalonians 2:13
As a Christian who has had a fair share of encounters with God the best I could say is ask God to reveal himself to you, humble yourself and ask for forgiveness for you are speaking to your creator who desires to be in your life ❤️
Romain, je prie que tu rencontres ce Dieu extraordinaire qui transforme les cœurs et les vies. May God reveal Himself to you in a life changing way. Remain blessed
Ll Romain 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Fake 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I've played in worship teams throughout my whole life and 3 different countries, I've never been paid... and I've never lacked a thing
Cuz u have to do for God, and he will provide
Gods Child You don’t do for God you just fulfill the purpose He designed for you and God doesn’t need us but He uses us because we are willing to.
I've played professionally for 30 years. Being paid has allowed me to live, raise a family, pay the rent and not lessen the value of all those hours I spent honing my skills or undercutting my fellow musicians by playing for nothing. Pay your musicians. Pay them half of what you'd pay a plumber to come on out on a Sunday morning and work.
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I've been worship leader since I was 16 at several churches and I've had pastors take advantage of my will to serve in the music ministry for free. But God has always been there for me and provided. I actually feel guilty when pastors offer to pay me if I play at their church because I don't want to sell what God has given to me for free. All I can say is that God is the best boss and takes the best care of his servants!
I play at a small church in a small town 30 minutes from the city. This nice lady brings me a dozen farm eggs every week. I am truly blessed
As a Bass Player and singer, I have played in Churches for over 55 years for free as my part of worship wherever I attend. Pay would be nice but I believe in getting my reward in Heaven. My fulltime gig was working as an Electronics Engineer all over NY state and CT. Always try to remember who we truly work for. God Bless.
Agreed!
Amen 🙏
@rquance1, I partially agree with you my brother, I am the Bass player, sometimes the drummer and a Associate Pastor at my church. These talents that God has given to me was FREE. When I was in the world playing worldly music of course I charged, I had a wife and 2 daughters to provide for. When I gave my life to the LORD, I also gave Him all my talents for free. (no charge). Whether we are a small church or a big church I can't even think of charging God's house for using a gift that He gave to me for FREE.
Matt.10:8.
❤❤❤🙏🏽
I've been playing in a church, not being paid but being blessed by God daily!
@@MusicWithA147 Well that's your opinion
Exactly that's what I want to do, I want to learn how to play the piano for Jesus christ not to make money just to volunteer to show his glory
Sure 🤔
That’s how it supposed to be
But if the church has the money to pay you we’ll that’s another blessing
@@eldwinhernandez6678 yes God will bless you BUT if you go to a church that is clearly collecting tithes and offering then search the scriptures to see where that money is to go as well concerning the musicians. Idk how ppl over look the scriptures to seem Godly or holy. In short your church collect tithes and offering? Then your church musician are supposed to be paid. I did not say this the Bible does
As a pastor of a small church in Atlanta in need of musicians I cannot tell you how much your transparency blessed me and gave me renewed hope that there are musicians out here who want to be apart of a vision and grow with a ministry. I don’t have a problem paying a musician but I do have a problem with those who just show up for a pay check with no concern about the church community beyond that. Thank you
Just want to say those musicians are the same as the church members they need to be able to make ends meet too ...they not just playing for a check they playing to take care of they family too .
I have been playing for the same church several years. It is a small church with about 75 members and they paid me a small salary which was all they could afford. But the amount at least paid my monthly electric and water bill.Then I decided 5 years ago to play for free. The devil said ok, there goes your utilities being paid but I trusted that God will provide. The very next month I got an unexpected raise at my job in the exact amount that the church was paying me. That right there was confirmation that I made the right decision and I haven't been paid since. On the other hand I have way more money now than I ever had when I got paid from the church. I hope this testimony helps some musician make that leap of faith and watch God provide.
BEAUTIFUL beautiful
75 members is not small, but ur testimony is wonderful
Wow... such a beautiful testimony!!! ❤️❤️❤️
That’s the way to go, never play for money
God does this sorta thing all the time.
EVERY Pastor should Love, Pray and TAKE CARE of their "Faithful" musicians! This video is NOT for EVERY musician, but it is definitely a "healthy" discussion on the differences between Church Gigs and Music Ministry; hence, it explains why I, personally, no longer do "Church Music Gigs".
Thanks for the positive feedback ❤️, comments ✏️and "likes" 👍
PrettySimpleMusic sup ox the truth is always better than lies sure people may hate but the truth is the truth it saves but lies kill😂😂😂😂
@PrettySimpleMusic Can you do one on why musicians should get paid? I know of so many musos that get the “your payment is in heaven” speech while their pastors lavish in all the money from giving and tithes
PrettySimpleMusic I love all you said...
Hey KC, I’m about to buy myself a keyboard, but I was wondering what audio monitors to buy... what audio monitors would you advice??? I’m looking for something good, not expensive...but good enough for a nice home sound
Get the roland keyboard amp. I think its the 550 or 560.
soooo... you're in Tulsa... im in OKC!!! you really need to come visit sometime here and do a clinic or something. We just had a drummers clinic last week! It'll be dope if we could set something up ASAP!!!
I love the way you made your point without sounding too religious or boring.
You are a blessing boss
Hey! I usually dont respond to musician youtube post however, I needed this video at this time. I was just praying and meditating about this same topic because I was feeling a bit discouraged about the music ministry.
Qweci Bless truth
This video came up twice.. Once before I started performing at this church I now engineer their streaming platform on top of playing Bass, but now today.
I remember about 5 to 6 months in playing at this church; the Pastor shared with me some of the struggles he was facing. Knowing how difficult paying rent is in my neck of the woods: I reached in my pocket and had two checks that I had yet to put into the bank .. I handed him those checks and ask that he voided those checks. I get you.. I have a day job so .. I am not hurting but the day job is NOT guaranteed in my industry. To have this same video come up a year later is a blessing. Thanks for being here. Thanks for the message. And thanks for keeping it real! Merry Christmas, Happy Blessed New Year and to those reading this Happy Holidays!
Dude! You blessed my socks off. What a genuine, gracious heart for God. I appreciate you brother. God bless you and your family.
Bro, I feel so touched by ur humility. GOD resists pride but enough grace is given to the humble. U are doing the right thing and these seeds you are sowing now will speak for u soon. Its only for a while. Cheer up bro.
This is a powerful video. By reading the title, my mind initially started throwing shade. But as a Minister of Music(Choir Director, Worship Leader), I taught, the choir, lead praise and worship, and was at every home and visiting church service. Yet I never got paid. Only the organist and drummer did, and it is still this way. However, as this brother said, God will bless your obedience and faithfulness. Favor is better than finance. Money HELPS, but God will open doors you could not imagine, only if you listen and follow Him.
My friend, I don't even know you, but I love you! God is good, and He will always bless us if we let Him. My Dad was a preacher and I was the prodigal son. God was always with me in the buddy seat, but I came to realize I needed to let Him drive. I could tell you some stories of my "adventures" once I turned my life back over to Him, but just suffice it to say I am blessed beyond measure!! You just blessed me as well.
Oklahoma? I got a nephew living in Tulsa. He keep telling me if I come there I will find the right church that will allow me to be the writer and musician that God has blessed me to be. Continued blessing to you.
I appreciate your realness bro. I have played for free forever. Little gigs, small churches, whatever never charged anyone anything. But God has blessed me because of my faithfulness I have played for big name gospel artists, I have opened at concerts for big name artists and people call me all the time to play and the bless me with money now. I don't ask for it they just give it to me. And the truth is I'm not all that good. It was never about the money for me. When you take care of God's work he will take care of you.
thankyou for this mannn!
BEAUTIFUL beautiful
Say that again. As i just posted. Your attitude will always determine your altitude. God is not blind honey, he will always take care of his people.
Exactly! Exact same for me, minus the playing big gigs. But I do get called by a lot of local churches and I don’t ask for pay but they usually pay me well, and I’m not extremely good either. I do it because I feel God wants me too.
@@furstnaymelassnaim9206 can't go wrong. God looks out for his children
I can appreciate your story. This is why we need to be in “tune” with our relationship with the Lord. He will direct our paths, and open opportunity so that we prosper no matter who is in control. This is a great testimony of hearing, listening, and doing the will of God! I pray your family be a blessing to those in Tulsa,OK. I also pray that God pours into you as you serve others with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
Wowowowow!!! Thanks so much for the encouragement and for the blessings you've spoken over my life...
Bruh... Let God lead you and he’ll never disappoint. God has a way of always BLOWING OUR MINDS!!! 🤯 Be Bless...🙏🏾
This is blessing from God. So what you're saying is you moved from doing church "gigs" into doing music ministry. That's a blessing indeed, and a powerful testimony. I'm a drummer at two churches and a minister at both (a pastor at our home church). I've never been paid for playing and seldom for preaching but God is good, His work is the main thing and His mercy endures forever. God bless and keep you in this gift of music ministry. I pray things are going well for you, your family and your new church. In Jesus' name.
Man, I love your heart and your obedience to what God is leading you to do. Thank you for this video. So many musicians need to hear this and heed what you’re saying. I’m a musician who has been called to Pastor and your words are a blessing to me, because I have lived what you’re testifying to from both perspectives. Thank you and God bless!
This is inspiring KC, continue to use your gift for the lord my brother. You are an inspiration to me, stay blessed 😊🙌🏽🎹🙏🏾
You're great as well
Warren, you're my inspiration to.
Steeve Rafael Ferreras Andre 😊👍🏽🙏🏾
My Mentor, Warren. Much Love
I love it when brothers stay together.Loved your comment about KC. I've always being subscribed to you Warren..You've being a blessing to me. You've made me a better keyboard player in my church.
I admire your testimony. I'm a musician myself (drummer). I've been playing 10+ years at the same church - never have gotten paid, lol. I don't look for it. It frustrates me to have been a witness to a few musicians who've left my church just because another pays them more. But, I know that God will bless us if He wills! 🤙🏾
My Husband has been playing drum for our church since he was 14 now he's 47 still plays drums and for diffrent bands and churches he never ask for money Just like h says "I play to the one who gave me this gift for his glory"
@Mikkirose1 some people are full-time musicians and cannot afford to play for free. You invest so much time and provide a service for which you need to be compensated. Yeah, it's commendable, but that doesn't put food in most musicians' families' mouths
Awesome testimony! I’m actually on the other end of your past situation. I have been ministering in my church for over 20 years without pay. It gets a little frustrating at times when I’ve seen the church growth especially through the music ministry. But this testimony has truly encouraged me because I am moved to work on a few projects of my own that I believe God will bless me because of my faithfulness and heart! God bless!
I pray blessings on your new project ventures... because you've served faithfully, your paths will be made clear and the provisions will be made to make your projects worry free!!!
PrettySimpleMusic Praying the same!
Thanks for this. After quitting playing all together, I felt drawn to my old childhood church to play. I don’t receive pay either, but what I get is priceless. I have a wonderful church family that I love and they love me more. I have a pastor and First Lady that are so down to earth it’s startling. The pastor doesn’t even take a salary. Because money is not an issue, everyone is just so much happier. We all come to church to serve and praise God. Other musicians in the area have questioned why I went back to playing and for free. This video put it in a way that I couldn’t. God has supplied all of my needs and I am so happy and free.
You are absolutely right my brother. Playing with the church is not a gig. Is a Ministry. I took a pay cut when the church were struggling. I even helped with some of the finances the church needed. There are good people with honorable intentions for the most high. It's also a benefit. You're giving a blessing with the gift you have been blessed with. Love is something when you give it away. It comes right back to you. I learned that when I was a a little boy.
Kevin thank you for the reminder to check my motives. That’s always been the hardest thing for me as a musician. The truth is I LOVE the adulation that I’ve often got from people telling me how great they think I am on the guitar. And I get real egotistical real fast. Jesus had me away from playing for about 6 years or so and I was heartbroken at the time. Thought my music was finished. But out of nowhere 3 years ago I was asked to play on the church’s Celebrate Recovery worship team, which is honestly where I believe I belong since I am in recovery for addiction. The CR worship pastor also had has own band that plays at both CR ministries on town and restaurants and fairs. He asked if I would join the band. And it’s been wonderful. I still have to work on my motives daily. I have to remind myself all the time that it ain’t about me. It’s about the Lord reaching his people.
i grew up in church..never played.. i make music now...still cant play..you tube recommend this vid.i have seen others...this one hit me because i am in the middle of moving to take care of my mother in law who has cancer. im going to the midwest and i am coming from cali. i wasn't stressed about the move i knew it would be different but listening to this story thinking it was gonna be about something else is synchronicity in itself. this speaks volumes to my own situation. i am happy this video came to me for real my guy......i am much more excited for my new beginnings now. that church and the way you are putting it together is exactly what its suppose to be and i feel like im gonna do something similar in the community or something
sorry to hear what?
This obviously not for every musician but I know THIS VIDEO IS FOR ME. Thank you KC
Emmanuel Zioncoast Emmanuel, we need more videos from you man!
@@CurtisEubanks okay man, working on some things. Just stay tuned
Emmanuel Zioncoast awesome, yessir will do!
Love this man! I play at a CCM church and played for free for years. God has blessed me in so many ways during my time there and I know my heart is in the right place!!
That's an awesome story man! way to follow God's path. Right now God's telling me to move to California, so I am applying for jobs. I am a musician and recently dropped a gospel album. I appreciate your content!
love people like this man nothing holding him down but gravity
I find it funny that people think musicians shouldn't be paid and say that it's ministry not a job. Being a pastor is ministry not a job but almost everyone in church doesn't have a problem with the pastor taking a salary. Perfecting your musicianship is work aka a job and it's not easy it takes a lot of time and it also puts a lot of pressure on the musician. Forget about other genres but when it comes to church, musicians are expected to know songs on the spot which can be pressure filled. At the end of the day the absence of your musician is almost the 2nd most felt absence of anyone in the church. Lay people can miss service any day or they can go in to work to do overtime and make money any day but if your musician does that service most likely than not is ruined, I've been apart of a few services where the musician was absent and it wasn't the same at all. If you want to pay your musician fine if you don't fine just get the right people and don't ever think playing is easy.
Man it's definitely not easy. Learning music, teaching parts, working with musicians (some who you have start from scratch), the different personalities. It's not easy at all. It's a trip how people want to sing and shout to the mysic but don't want to pay for your time and skill.
Church musicians are the most sought after because
1. We learn sometimes new songs every week, parts, chords etc
2. We play at something which cant be quantified but is higher than skill itself and thts the anointing.
3. We push ourselves to excellence, sometimes over competitive(can be a negative thing) because of the law of supply and demand in church. Too many musicians, too little opportunities so its a fight to play
4. We are extremely high skilled because of need to meet that demand on a Sunday
5. We push hard despite being under appreciated but because of our passion we continue.
6. The complex chords/ arrangements we have to study and learn which puts gospel music above most music from an arrangement point of view.
I believe you should renumerate musicians/be a blessing to them because them not being able to take care of their families is wickedness itself. This topic is definitely something to ponder on..may God give us wisdom as we tend the vineyard
@@OneWayDesigns have you ever been to a Sunday service where the main musician didn't come in? Not pretty at all. In some services you may hear the musicians more than you hear from the pastor. And dont get me started about a hooping preacher idk how it would sound if he didn't have an organist to back him up. On top of that I hear preachers talk about musicians alot.
@@b.e.r.nnetwork8251 i have been in a service like that. And guess what? I ended up on the organ! The pastor's in my area all talk about musicians bit here it's bc there aren't many musicians that can sing, teach parts, direct and are truly saved, filled with the Holy Ghost. There are a few churches here and all you here is music. It can be challenging finding the right church. But thank you Jesus for prayer and being lead of the Holy Ghost!!!
@@OneWayDesigns I hear everything your saying but since you play organ and will get up and play then you may never know what I mean. I actually mean the organist/pianist is gone and no one else can play it. It's not a good sight at all.
I am on the praise and worship team and have been singing all of my life. I think it's right that the musicians get paid. You want them to be there EVERY SUNDAY, FOR EVERY REHEARSAL, AND EVEN TRAVEL TO OTHER CHURCHES. Many times if you have a really good musician that is his only job. So they need to get paid, period. My daddy is a musician and I have many musician friends who only job is playing. So many churches don't think about the cost of gas, the equipment, maintenance of the equipment, and the hrs spent rehearsing songs they don't even want to play half the time. (As a side note, they try to get their jam in during the offering but then someone who thinks they know what they playing starts singing a totally different song and messes up the groove. ) My point is, pay them. Especially the ones who are faithful an on time. ❤️
you're just a wimp a wishy-washy Christian how dare you say Church got to pay you to praise the Lord is it worth your soul you pity human
David Robles Man I don’t know if youre just a troll or what ..... but she is right. I am a musician my self and I have seen how much of a difference music can make in a service , Musicians are some of the most important people in the ministry.You also got to realize that doing this job takes lots of time ( Rehearsals, programming , recording stems , practicing etc) and may not leave a lot of time for your average 9-5 job ... So being a musician maybe for a church is their only job Thats why I feel like church musicians should be paid for everything we do (However in your defense I have seen musicians who care nothing about god play at churches just to get a check......Thats upsetting to see but Christian or not,its still a job)and I am a Christian myself
@@davidrobles1034 I experienced a lot of Christians who spoke and condemned people this way, and that is why I will never attend church again my life.
@@davidrobles1034
You are just super lame… and covetous!!!! You can praise the Lord for free…. Just go to a church with no music and your problem is solved!!!!! … you wishy washy… why don’t you work on your secular job for free as a Christian .. why somebody got to pay you to show love and support to your neighbor and company???? I guess the preacher is wishy washy too…, what does he need an offering for to preach…???? He don’t have to have no church building or pulpit to preach.., Jesus said go into the hedges and highways!!! You wishy washy for having a car etc… why are you spending money on a car when you can give that money to the poor…, you don’t need no car to praise the Lord and this world is not your home!!???
To COVET is a GREAT SIN… stop coveting the gifts, purpose and talents of GODS SERVANTS AND CALLED OUT ONES!!! Some people are called to WORK…. WORK …. WORK … for GOD and to WORK in the Kingdom of God in this life!
WORK … can include… reward.., COMPENSATION… a check.., and pay etc…. both in this world and the world to come!!!!!
So when I read the title I thought as a Pastor what is he talking about. You are awesome young brother, and your heart is what is needed in musicians, singer and YES especially pastors. Kev you are light my brother
Thank you for a frank and helpful discussion about serving God in church music. I've been a subscriber for a while because of the great content and I'm delighted to see this insight into your church life.
Every musicians needs to here this. Thank you for sharing your testimony
Thank you KC for sharing your experience and wisdom... Please do more of these videos... Much love from a brother in Nigeria
Wow KC!!!! I really enjoyed this video. Sometimes I get frustrated. I am a musician at a small church as well. The thing is it's only me and an older gentleman who play for the church and I have to play the drums while his on the guitar. When the worship team steps off, I have to jump on the keys again and flow with my pastor. Most times it's frustrating because I feel like there's this huge weight placed on me. Also the singers are fairly new and singing in tune sometimes becomes a challenge, especially with songs that go slightly high. And also I can't just stay out of church for any reason because as you know we're only two and it affects the service. But after hearing this I am really inspired and i am humbled. Thanks so much!! You are great!
Chad Abrahams Chad May God bless you for your servants heart!
@@CurtisEubanks Thank you sir.
Chad Abrahams you’re welcome
This is definitely a discussion that most churches don't want to discuss. Thank you for talking about this. There is a huge difference between the two. When God sees your motive and heart God will provide and bless you!
KC brother I love your realness, and your gifting. What you have shared is the truth. We will receiving another video how greater a blessing God will pour out on you and the church. Cant wait to hear from you again. I lift you and the church and family up.
Freely have you received freely ye give. I believe as children of God, our talents must be used to Serve God. If as musicians all we care about is money then think deeply, we are probably not born again Christians. If a church can afford to give you something for your service, praise God but that shouldn’t be a determining factor for you to go to church. You’re a Christian before a musician. I’ve played for years without a penny from my church and guess what, it never even crossed my mind. I do it with all my heart and in return I have a good job. I’ve always had a good job and I believe God has been given me these Jobs.
KC YOUR TITLE THREW ME OFF BIT. SO I HAD TO LISTEN CAREFULLY. I’M GLAD GOD IS FIRST BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE.
Ive been blessed by your testimony brother. Keep it up for God's Glory 😊
Money is not all people care about, it's about what we need to make ends meet... People have bills to pay and you want to give their full time and energy to the church and not get paid for it? That's exploiting musician's talents and using God's name to justify it.
No, that brutha did NOT start hittin' the bloc boy @4:55 😄👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
You are good all the time and all the time you are good
Rob Brown I hollered on the inside!
He did
Hit it for Jesus!!
No different from Kirk, Tye, John and alot of the new gospel artist! Peace!
I’ve been in the same church all my life, The Lord begin to teach me when I was 13yrs old to play piano, I’m 47, never been paid to play for God, paydays coming, I wouldn’t be playing if it weren’t for the Lord. And I ❤️it, it doesn’t matter to me. But I live your testimony especially how God pulled on you until you went back, that’s major!! Musicians need to do the same thing cause Only what you do for Christ will last😇🙏🏾🎹🎼🌹
Was not going to watch due to the title........ but man ohhhh man I’m sooooo glad I did, I am the church musician in my home town of Lafayette La. and I don’t get paid, but I’m here everyday the doors are open and now I’m preaching in this church. But your testimony has really inspired me to keep on doing for god and the rest will come. Thank you brother
I really felt touched by your playing to the point of crying. It's very difficult to be a Christian musician in this world today. You have inspired me with your playing and I've learnt a lot from your instructional videos. But to see you take a stand for the ministry, the spiritual side of the music, which is the most important part, makes me feel so inspired. You are one of a kind in a world where it's all about the music and the money. Please stay on the path. We in the music community need a light to help us remember what this is really about. Thank you very much for being a light KC. God bless you always.
It`s so hard to find solid save musicians my brother. I`ve struggled to play with guys on the same level of spirituality as myself. These musicians can`t even flow at times with the anointing and are all over the place as soon as the preacher comes on. I feel like sharing this video. God bless you for the encouraging words.
@@josierodriguez673 it's that time the spirit anoints the person in charge going a direction but musicians going a different one.
@@josierodriguez673 that was an example not Definite meaning but I guess you understand by now.
LOVE seeing free-flowing worship, dancing, Joy ! ❤️
My dad the minister always told me that I should be humble when I finished a song, keep my head down, not accept any applause. It's still hard for me to look at an audience when I perform somewhere.
Move self out the way and let God use you
Amen. The holy spirit leads me to be humble too. Let self be slain. When I forget to be humble (something somehow is lost.) the feeling is more exhilarating when you are humble before God, he lifts you up........ Inside. It's better for the congregation. When they see you focused on God. It leads them to him. The sole purpuse of the ministry. May God be praised 🙏🏾🙌
I COMPLETELY agree that ministers of music/musicians/singers should maintain humble hearts. However, I have a different opinion.
I think it’s important to make eye contact with an audience and accept their kind words with gratitude. Sometimes when we do, people will share how God encouraged them or spoke to them while we ministered and we may have another opportunity to get to know them and share our faith with them once again.
Sorry but your dad sounds a little over-righteous. How can you not accept applause for expressing God-given talent in a Godly forum?
@@terrymiller111 He was the adult child of an alcoholic. Very much an all-or-nothing sort of guy. Inflexible, judgmental, etc. As he has passed on, I imagine the Lord sat him down and straightened him out by now. : )
Such a powerful testimony! I appreciate how you talk about the heart of the music, being spiritually mature, and knowing the heart of the work! What an inspiration!
Man I am so blessed by your video . And I was not even going to watch it. Thank you for the blessing and the praise report!
I have played at different churches on and off for 20 years. I decided to stop playing at churches because it was getting in the way of my faith. I would see the behind the scenes gossiping and back biting and judgmental folks. I know churches are full of people and people are just that ..... people but it got really old to listen to folks in front worshiping and in back being Christians that Jesus would not be proud of. I am not perfect by far but I do know that I have flaws and I try to do my best to walk the right way. Thanks for the posting. I know this was an older vid but just came upon it. Thanks for your story.
Not sleep with the whole praise team 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️
and the Dance Team!!!! 🤣
My God on today 🤦🏾♀️
Jasmine Williams Riiiight! I was hollering😂😂😂
Jasmine Williams..ya you heard him
😂😂 standard.
A pastor that plays games to test where your heart is...not cool.
MISAO It’s not a bad thing. It’s just a test. When your heart is fixed in the right place you’ll pass with ease. People in the leadership positions test individuals all the time to see where their loyalty is and it helps us to redefine our WHY.
Trey Fontenet Well said brother. I concur. I don’t believe men should ever assume the position of God and try and test their brothers for they’re loyalty. However, as seen in the video there was still a blessing. God can use a man to test you and use a man to bless you as long as it’s God inspired and not stemming from pride. I do completely agree with you as well.
Yes it’s stupid.
When its a Handpicked Pastor who following the Spirit of the Lord is there is Liberty
A test is not a game.
@PrettySimpleMusic KC, I have always enjoyed your videos, but now I can say that I really love what you're doing. To humble yourself for the sake of doing God's work is one of the greatest acts of any kind. I am a minister and a musician. I've done everything from being the church drummer, keyboard and organ player. I've been over the choir, developed a youth band, been minister of music... you name it. I've never been on a payroll, but I've still given my total heart in everything I've done. The difference in me and you is that you are a professional, and (I know that you know this) churches would pay you BIG MONEY. So, for you to do what you're doing is praiseworthy! God Bless you brother! I pray that He blesses you even more... beyond belief! Don't stop brother!
Amen brother - thanks for your transparency and honesty. It’s so difficult to recognize where your calling is with size and numbers and finances but if your heart is right with the Lord he will lead the way!
Not a surprise at all. God supplies His church with what it needs! Keep kingdom building!
@PrettySimpleMusic I've been a "free" church musician for over 25 years. And always been about ministering through music. I always hated to see other musicians to not play if not getting paid. Because we should do this unto the Lord first with our whole heart! But I don't see anything wrong if they receive a gift offering but like you said, what if church can't pay anymore? Playing should be about ministry not money. Thank you for this video, I'm very thankful to see every musician is not only about gigs and money! 👍
Agree to you brother. I've been on our church since I was a little child and been playing since I was 12, now I am 25 and still playing for God in the church He called me. I do it voluntarily, without being payed but all I know is God is more than enough for me to continue ministering for Him 😁 God bless!
Well said I believe that if you're a musician playing in a church make sure you have the right motives or at a relationship with God and he'll take care of the rest.
My brother what you are doing is so exceptional and graceful, I was like in tears when watching your video and I extend my greatest gratitude to you for this work; this is exactly what I do in Liberia and I pray to have all my musician friends to come to this knowledge that they will use their gifts for Christ with a reference heart to serve God with their talents not for physical gain, and God in return will bless them spiritually and physically. Even if you are serving and it don't seem to be benefiting you in your pocket directly in that Church you may be in, put that behind you and serve faithfully and God who is all powerful will definitely bring some sort of support to fill in the gap in your life and at times it may not even be within that Church the support may come from but it's because of your work in the Church that's opening doors for you.
I WISHHHHHHHHHH!!! MORE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD THIS! It is so hard to find someone dedicated to ministry. And why is it that we are quick to pay a musician, but if a church talk about giving the pastor a stipend or giving a monetary anniversary offering. I'm just amazed at how people aren't totally sold out for God and willing to offer the talent God has given them to help further the ministry. Cheerful giving is not just about money, but service and time too. When we honor, truly honor God with our gifts from a heart of gratefulness as opposed to feeling like we're owed something, the Lord will come through abundantly above all that we could ask or think.
Cut the pastors pay and you'll see if he'll be preaching that Sunday.
There are tons of pastors who don’t take a pay and do so much for their church.
He'll preach beacause it's not about the money.
A lot of pastors don't get paid. They are many who preach and have a job for the most part. They don't use doing things in church as a career.
🤣🤣🤣
My thoughts exactly.
Romans 4:4 ESV--Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.
James 5:4 ESV--Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
Jeremiah 22:13 ESV---Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages.
Deuteronomy 24:15 ESV--- You shall give him his wages on the same day, before the sun sets (for he is poor and counts on it), lest he cry against you to the Lord, and you be guilty of sin.
If you have it in you to willingly give of your time, your effort, your skill, and your artistry to lift up people in a church, or synagogue, or mosque, to praise, love, and be close to God, then that is of course your choice. And that last part is key---your choice, chosen willingly and freely from your heart, not someone else's. Usually, not always, but usually in that situation, you would be a member of the church, and be giving freely of your services because you felt like a member of their family. And that's ok.
However, since playing music can be both a ministry and a career, it's important to realize that giving it away for free doesn't always work from a practical standpoint. I always like to joke with people when they expect it for free and say something like, "well, you're a doctor. How about you show up and give everybody some free medical care?" Or, "you're a lawyer, how about some free legal advice?" Usually, I'll get laughter of the "you've gotta be kidding" kind, or an incredulous look that says the same thing. Folks, it takes a loooong time and a lot of effort to be able to play on a halfway decent professional level as a musician, let alone a really high level. And so, you have a gentleman posting this video about playing for free and feeding into the expectation of giving it away for free whether he's truly willing or not. That's wrong. And it's something that is systemic in American society. One of the reasons that musicians are paid so low in terms of wages is that the American public loves music but is not willing to pay all that much for it. This is true for the local musician who plays in bars, at weddings (both receptions and ceremonies), teaches in school, gives private lessons, and yes, even teaches in university. Frankly for a lot of the general public, they don't really have the ability to perceive the difference between a bad performance versus a good (much less a great) one. I realize that in some parts of American church culture it is, at least somewhat, an expectation exists that if you have a talent, it should be given for free to enhance the life, love, and well-being of the church you belong to. Again, IF you choose to do so willingly, then that is your choice. But one of the worst things you can do is to coerce someone to give something of theirs (possession, time, talent, etc.) to you or your organization, even if it is a church, when they really don't want to. I believe one of the modern phrases is you try to "guilt them into it." Well, that's a very subtle form of emotional manipulation. And basically, it's wrong. It takes longer to study and become a good musician (let alone a great one) than it does to become a secretary, administrator, janitor, or any other support position in the church. This is true, folks. It takes a lot longer, and financially, it's a lot harder road. And yet, in most churches, it's the general consensus that people in the support positions should be paid, because it's work and it's necessary to have the work done so the church can function properly. Musicians? Well, that's another matter. Many people feel that since this activity is one that can be (at times) enjoyable and fun, that it's not as hard as doing the kinds of duties that a secretary, janitor, or administrator does. However, they're mistaken, it is work, and yes, it's hard work, like any other job or career.
As for the pastor saying that he was testing to see where the music minister's heart was by telling him that he was going to have to cut his salary, well, that's plain old manipulation. A more honest approach would have been to just have an honest conversation with him about how he felt about the church, and whether he felt he was doing a ministry or it was "just another gig." I know this is only a paraphrase and not a Bible quote, but if you have an issue with your brother, go speak to him in private. If you resolve your differences, you have gained (or retained) your brother. In other words, if you have problem with someone, talk PRIVATELY with them about it. And give them a chance to say honestly what they think and feel about the subject. And even if they disagree with you, they'll appreciate the fact that you took the time out of your day to approach them in private in an honest, adult, respectful manner, even if it means that there is a parting of the ways. This also is part of the commandment that says "Thou shalt not lie." Just be honest folks---it's always the best policy.
I know I haven't changed any hearts or minds here. If you want to give it away, and can do so with a full heart of love and caring, and you feel that you can do it, ministering with no expectation of earthly rewards, well, more power to you. I just wanted to present another perspective. There have been, are, and will always be musicians out there who do this because they love music, but also pay the rent and buy their groceries by playing music for a living. And for what those folks are thinking and feeling in their hearts, please refer to the Bible quotes above.
Respectfully,
PMH
Peter Harrison .You PLAY music...not WORK music.
Roosevelt Kemp Learning the music is work, remembering the timing is work. Church services are held during weekends which compete with paying gigs. Even with a part time time job juggling church responsibilities is difficult. Donations of your time, talents & treasures should be free will be not coerced. The pastor owes him back pay. And whether the music director is Christian or pagan shouldn't affect the pastor's ministry nor the congregation's devotion to God.
By far the best one I've read in this wall of comments.
I do have another perspective to possibly add, though. The pastor, assuming he was sincere in his test, did actually the right thing if he was TESTING THE MUSICIAN'S FAITH. This might imply that the musician, while starting off as a full-time job, has also taken interest in the faith. Now AFAIK, there is a thing about "people not acting their most real when they are aware they are being tested" ... I forgot the name of that whole theory/study/psychology/term. If the pastor made the musician aware that he will be testing the musician by not paying him for the time being but eventually giving him pay after said test, the musician might adapt by budgeting his expenses just enough until the test is over, knowing that he will be paid again, anyway. This means that this is not as genuine as he would have been tested in the way the guy said in the vid. Then there's also a chance of him not agreeing to it and not play at the church anymore, because he's not getting paid.
The CHOICE factor is still present in this scenario, because if he wasn't faithful (i.e. just in for the money), why would he continue playing (save perhaps some form of pity and probably training someone else to play in his stead)? He would have opted out at that instant (which he did at first), because he WAS made aware that he wouldn't be paid! Yet he did return, and the pastor, after seeing his faith, did compensate the loss by doubling (I might have to get back to the video to confirm this; EDIT: confirmed) his pay. The musician sacrificed for a short time, but was rewarded with even more pay that his previous amount. It eventually evens out, and could probably be getting more, even. Then there was God blessing him in his property (I won't get into detail into that, though, but Praise God!). He's gotten so much for doing less for himself for a short time.
Just saying.
So many misled people. CHURCH is traditionally where lead footed young Drummers learn rhythms and timing at the tolerance of the members, other musicians learn how to play by ear and in the correct key while testing the patience oh the Choir. If some person thinks they are worthy of compensation by the Church, then let them KNOW how to read charts and lead sheets, compose songs, inspire the other artists and compensate Choir members, Soloists, Praise Team , Sound Personnel and support Team. After a year, go out into the cold world and sell what you know to a buyer .You will soon know that the learning experience received is far more valuable than 50 pieces of Silver.
Thank you for your insightful comments. I read every word and I must say that I agree with you! Currently I am playing guitar at a church that I've only been a member of for one year. I have been faithful in my service and even played by myself when both the organist and drummer were absent! There are only 3 musicians and I am the only female. Both guys work regular jobs, but I am a stay at home single parent who homeschools my child. The church has a small membership, but I've recently learned that the other musicians are making substantially more than I am. And while I take my service to God wholeheartedly, I subscribe to the verse of scripture that says a man's gifts will make room for him. You are right; music is not easy to perform to an acceptable standard. I will be asking for a raise and I pray that I get it, because I am unwilling to continue to WORK without adequate compensation for my skill set. I'm good and NOT just for a female! If I don't get a raise in salary, I'll have to make the decision to either leave and find another church, or become a bench warmer. I love my current church, but the work of a musician doesn't just begin on Sunday morning; it starts at home with learning the material/songs, then choir rehearsal and finally morning worship services; that's a lot of work for little or no pay! I also understand that non-musicians may have no idea of the work that goes into preparing to play a song. When I ask for a raise, it's my plan to educate them on what all music preparation entails.
Questionable tactics by the pastor. Surely there was another way to find out where your heart was at
I agree!
And he waited a whole year after he came back lmao. Brutal to say in the least
Joy ComesFromJesus no he didn’t. That was super unprofessional and disrespectful of that pastor. You don’t call somebody in the office and strip their income away without any notice. This man has bills that he paid with that money every month and he put him in a bind like that to prove a point. Shame on that pastor.
Joy ComesFromJesus bruh. I’m not going for it. I could understand maybe a month for this “test.” Do you realize how much income a month of Sundays is. He’s a keyboardist who said his salary was increasing significantly weekly. So for the sake of argument, let’s say that by that time he was making around $550 a week (decent pay for a keyboardist). That is literally stripping that man of $26,000 for that year. That’s not ok. I can tell you don’t play. Even if dude was in corporate America making 75k to 80k a year, $26,000 is a lot of income to lose suddenly. Not a pay cut, but totally wiped out. That was super inconsiderate. Musicians aren’t viper. We’ve just been taken advantage of for years and are starting to make churches “RESPECT” our time. No it’s not going to fly anymore that a church has a budget for $100 a week but want 3 rehearsals and nothing extra for afternoon or weekly engagements. I grew up with a father that did the exact thing he had to do for pennies and the flip side of that is the effect that it has on those musicians’ families. My dad would be at these churches and they would not pay well and he would be gone all the time but at the same time, he coulda just had second job to make more substantial income. If you reasonably take care of musicians we are normally willing to go above and beyond. I’ve played at churches that treated me well so I was willing to come and do some extra rehearsals and a some extra services free of charge, as long as it’s communicated before hand.
Prep's Casket thank you
Finding this video is one of the best things to happen to me on UA-cam. This video just answered one if the questions many choir members ask. Thank you for this sir
My pleasure my brother!!! God bless! ☀️💚
Thanks too....Hope you don't mind me doing a reaction video to this particular video? This is just superb!!
I agree w the message of using God’s gifts for ministry, not employment. If it’s God’s will, it’s His Bill. He provides. Appreciate your transparency and grateful God has blessed your faithfulness 🙏🏾
4:55 this guy really doing the shoot at church🤦🏽♂️😂
Is that what that dance is called????? I was like young dude is definitely hype during offering...lol 🤣
IT'S LIT!
For Jesus :D
Art by Atlas amen🔥😁
Bruh 😂😂😂
I was searching for this comment at 4:55
AMEN! Whenever my choirs had "engagements" (not performances) the FIRST thing I'd do, is correct whoever introduced us as "the next group performing...". Of course I'd do it in a Christian manner and say ".. excuse me, may I respectfully make a correction in that introduction? Then Id turn to the choir, Youth or Adult, and I'd say "we don't entertain, we what?" They'd respond "We PRAISE"!!!
Our first song we'd ALWAYS sing was "We'(ve) Come to Have Church". The key line in the song states "...we have not come, to entertain,we have ONLY come TO LIFT UP JESUS NAME...".
Many times the members in the congregation would come to me after their service and tell me that they appreciated our choir's perspective. Many even said that they'd carry that principle to their church. It felt good!
Please pray for me. If you noticed, I'm speaking in past tense. I got progressively worse thru the years, abt 14, with MANY aliments/illnesses. This slowly but surely pushed me away from my leadershio positions in the music ministry. I became too inconsistent .
I grew up in church.. Im the fourth generation of ministers of music in my family. I even used to crawl across the foot pedals while Mom was playing the organ! 😂😂 I MISS IT - BADLY!!
Im saying all of this, because I haven't been to church in almost 3 years, and I miss it more than I can say!
Im going thru some med tests that will determine what THE DOCTOR'S SAY abt my future. Please pray that tho God's will be done, I ask that He see fit to not only get back to church, and even to be able to get involved with the music ministry. "Music Minister Emeritus" sounds nice, but nowhere near as nice as the sounds from the piano you're playing or choir you're directing, as an offering to God!
I'm so glad watched your video. It touched me! Ironically, I was trying to remember the words of some of the songs I'd written for the kids. Most of the hard copies we're destroyed in Katrina. I was feeling a bit blue, but then I saw your video, and it lifted me up.
Thank you for helping me feel better. I too used to work basically for free. I'd get paid, but I'd sign the check and put it in the offering plate.
You brought me back to the 'good ol' days', bit with EVEN MORE determination to move forward!
THANK YOU!
(I'LL TAKE MY SEAT NOW 😀)
GOD BLESS YOU!
It's the best musical experience I have ever had! I still don't get paid! But God!!
Your honesty and heart for God inspired me SO MUCH. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings from South Korea,
Insung Park
I so appreciate you sharing what God did with you. It's a person's testimony of what God had done that tells the world who God is. We tell what God will do for others, but we can share what he's done for us. Thanks for sharing.
I hired a dog sitter and had her watch my pup for me while I was out working for years, she watched my dog grow up and got attached to my dog fairly quick. When my pup turned two years old I told my sitter that I wasn't going to pay her for taking care of my pup anymore because it was trained, but she could still come take care of it for free. Wanting a service done for you for free is manipulation. Any church that doesn't pay their musicians is manipulating them and taking advantage them because "they'll get greater gifts in heaven"; yet on earth they're starving. Pastors get paid for citing words to people every week, I don't see why musicians don't get paid.
Yes, I feel like many people take advantage of people's faith in "God" to make them work for free by saying that God will reward them lol
I think each situation, church and individual has to seek the Lord and make their own decision on this issue. Some of the best musicians I know have donated their time and talent to play and sing, getting no monetary compensation, believing the best compensation will be hearing "well done thou good and faithful servant". In some cases the pastors weren't taking a salary and worked a secular job to pay their living expensives. No one viewed the music ministry as a way to cover their living expenses. But as a church gets larger, finances improve and the demands on a worship leader increase to the point where it becomes a full-time job some compensation should be offered, especially if the ministry limits their ability to do secular work that pays the bills.
pmh1nic This comment is by far the most balanced and on point. Each person needs to lead with their own relationship God, not with any blanketed logic that “one has to play for churches for free or that one has to be paid”. The key is the churches demand on the musician. The more work the musicians has to do, this will determine if paying becomes necessary.
I think Christians have consistently placed legalism over Godly guidance, and it has gotten us into trouble. People just need to seek God’s guidance on whether they should seek compensation or not. I’m sure a number of them will get an okay from God and others will be lead down a different path.
I can’t accept money from a church.... that’s just me. Thanks and Blessings! Jesus, I Trust in You! Hallelujah!!!
I hear what you saying brother God bless you at least we know where are ritches are being stored
Why not accept money from the church for providing a service?
There are obviously extremes and excesses that are not godly (megachurch financial realities).
However the bible says:
Deuteronomy 25:4 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn .
(KJV)
Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. (KJV)
1 Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. (KJV)
1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (KJV)
O Pell if it is your interpretation that church “labor” is acceptable for you, I am not suggesting that you don’t do it. It’s my personal feeling that if I go to a House of Worship, then I am there to Praise God where two or more gather in His Name, and I am also there to give. That’s just me and it doesn’t have to be you or anyone else. Thanks and Blessings!!!
Slim Pickens I’m not playing in any church anymore.
Thank you K.C , all the way from Nigeria. May God bless the works of your gifted hands. AMEN!
This is about one of the best testimonies I've heard. Thanks so much for sharing and encouraging musicians everywhere to judge every situation by God's voice and their pocket book.
So many thoughts.....but I'm going to keep them to myself. Just leave it at this. Struggling churches will wear you out. So will mega churches for that matter. One has to follow their own heart when it comes to church life.
Wonderfully said. Beautifully said. I am really tired of musicians treating churches as an industry gig. Leading worship is a mandate of personal and spiritual means.
Thanks Nathan... You hit it on the nail, "Leading worship is a mandate of personal and spiritual means."
Why isn't it or why can't it be both?
Let me see,,,,,,but it's perfectly OK,for these pimpin' pastors to prosper and live(totally off of the church )in the name of Jesus tho right? GET the fuc* out my face,wit' that ol,bullshyt!!! People are so damn quick to down the musician(for refusing to allow these churches ,to make slaves out of us,,.)Not to mention all the hours a REAL musician spends at home practicing for many different services/conventions,,,,,,but the musician is still made to feel he is WRONG,for asking to be compensated for all of his time/hard work??? People forget way too often,that TIME is way more valuable than MONEY,because you can go ANYWHERE and make some damn money,,,but TELL ME ,where can a musician go,to get back all of his damn TIME,,that he spends practicing(at HOME)and all those hours sweating ,and playing at church?? And U BETTER NOT tell me "when he die,hell get paid for his time",,,then WHY AIN'T "PASTOR" waitin' to die too??? It's all BULLSHIT!!!
Thats powerful man! Thanks for sharing.
Carleton Maybell Tutorial King!
@@CurtisEubanks LOL first time i ever been noticed in the comment section! This is going in the books! Thanks bro.
Carleton Maybell lol oh my! You’re welcome! Keep up the great work!
Man! That's powerful. My prayers go with you and your new church. Your heart for ministry is what I try to explain to the few musicians at our church. We still are seeking an organist. Be blessed.
I left this amazing church in Roswell , Ga called Eagles Nest because of a particularly meeting I had with an Elder of the church . He asked me what do I see myself doing in the ministry or church setting , he looked me in my eyes and I felt his spirit and he was prayed up and could see through my unsureness . I was still living in the world but wanted to help in childrens church particularly teen youth because I believe my testimony could help them . With that said he responds he didn’t want to let me serve the children church ministry because he felt I could be used as a greeter in the parking lot . But little did I know that was my test of being a good and faithful servant. I wanted to be used by God but wasn’t 100% . Sometimes our pride can get in the way of our blessings . Who knows where I could be in the church now if I had set my heart on serving the Lord instead of my position or status at the church shouldn’t matter. I know he can use me even now . But this spoke to my heart , spirit , And mind . I am so glad I watched this video. It reminded me that I WILL MAKE IT no matter what and I have to stay faithful to the Lord and serving and using what he has already given me . Thank You Jesus ! I have the victory !
😁👌🏾😜He brought the “receipts”on that “mattress job”! I really enjoy these types of videos from you...transparency is priceless. Your experience and testimony are always so reassuring! God Bless you!
I've been playing percussion in my church for many years now and I am not being paid by a man but by GOD. I lack absolutely nothing!
Wow.......who plays in church in for money??? Understand that’s your earthly payment. In heaven you’re going to get nothing. Been playing drums, guitar, and sing in church for 13 years. I will never receive money to play for God in my church. Never!! God is my boss and he chose the angel of his church to lead his pasture. I know my reward shall come one day but even if I don’t receive it. Just knowing I’ve done something for God has brought me so much joy in life. Jesus I love you
I been getting paid over 20 years.
Sucker.
That’s what I’m trying to figure out. If your going to a church and that’s your church and you go there religiously, why are you getting paid? Ive been born and raised in my church and started playing drums there not expecting to get paid because that’s my church and I didn’t go there to warm up a chair. I get if it’s an annual convention or something but other than that, getting paid is unnecessary.
You right bro!!
Mk- Honey, the only reward you will receive is here on earth. Please, wake-up!
Thank you for this, Brother. This is so significant to allowing the GIFT and the BUSINESS to align with a greater purpose.
And u hit it right on the spot bro.I asked everyone to help me learn the piano and it was all about money.I come from a poor family.And so far God has been teaching me and people like you on youtube.God bless you all
That pastor should’ve shown you his true heart and retro paid you for a year’s service.
He kinda did since he doubled his pay.
Did he pass the minister's test is what I want to know?
Now that's straight Biblically based talk.
Vincent Rivers Agreed that's what l thought he was going to say.
ckextreme not really, he still has to work a full year to get the retro pay. Example: If you receive a bonus at work, you get the full amount whether or not you work another day.
so inspiring brother....keep up the good work....God bless you and your family
That was a great story bro with some great truth to it it’s always the big picture!
wheatworkspro
98% just want to use you up and keeping saying one day!
You are on point! I just had a similar conversation on this a few days ago with a musician, who is facing this decision of "ministry vs. industry" in regards to income. Gigging is more of an industry objective, for accomplished artists/musicians who work in the industry locally, teaching, performing, etc. Giving is the foundation of ministry. Musicians are most effective when they have a heart to give and serve for the church they are in. I published a book in May 2018 that discusses some of the issues faced by the music ministry in the Black Church. It is called Moving Forward and Facing the Future (In the Black Church Worship Experience). It is based on extensive research on the issues faced in the music ministry of the Black Church. Church musicians must understand their biblical appointment, if they are truly called to minister through music. In the book, pages 45-46, and 79-81 touch on this root cause of this issue; spiritual maturity. As a fellow musician, I understand that we are vulnerable to the "gig vs give" dilemma, gigging from the heart or giving from the heart. Everyone who sings or plays well is not appointed and anointed for the call. It's all about the motivation of the heart and the spiritual maturity. It's a dangerous place to be spiritually because our talent and gifting has the ability to influence others, just as Lucifer, a perfected musician did, when he convinced 1/3 of the angels to bow down and worship him over God. However, at the same time, churches must understand the importance of effective budgeting and planning for growth. This includes having a plan to cover expenses that are critical to growth; music and worship arts. Giving is based on what is reasonable and the church cannot expect free for the long term. I've found that this creates an impoverished mentality and limits vision for growth. See beyond your bank account. Check it out Amazon (you can view a sample), or order from Google Books, Barnes and Noble and national booksellers. It's available as e-book and hard copy. Signed copies are at GospelMusicOneSound.com . The official book release is Nov 17, 2018 in Raleigh, NC where Pastor William Becton and I will conduct a music seminar. Those interested can register at MovingForwardBookRelease.eventbrite.com. By the way, I work for John Deere. That's my gig, but I give there too.
I am so grateful I came upon this video. Thank you so much for sharing..I've played in the church for a long time and have been feeling myself being tugged toward my old church where I played for free. I'm glad you mentioned motives, because that what I hear Him asking me right now...wow!! Thx again and I love watching your videos! GOD BLESS YOU!!
You shouldnt play for church if your heart is for money. Serving God wont just come with rewards with in the life were in now but we should be aiming for eternal things. Also if a person in the music ministry is a non-believer this will interfere with the presence of God. This is not to offend or disrespect anyone. God bless 😁👏🙏
Daniel Sangil the church is a place for fellowship and is a business entity. This video is not good because it encourages beta male mentality. Our former church wanted to use my husband’s services for free. We said “he’ll nag”. It’s all a trick to keep you poor. That pastor reduced your value.
Someone gets it😂😂
Well said @daniel. To my fellow commenters not every church has a pastor trying to get rich off of the people. And why would you ethically want to be a part of that anyway if you know the pastor's doing that? This is what we're talking about as far as being true born again believers, and why the spirit of God wouldn't be able to enter a space/service with hearts and minds like that. The other responses to this post do not reflect the type of mind and actions of Jesus Christ the foundation of our belief showed in the gospels! Period! May God bless us all to do what's right WITHOUT contingencies or JUSTIFICATIONS. In Jesus Christ's Holy name! Amen!
@@carrandoholmesii9710 this guy gets it too😂😂😂
If that's the case, these pastors should start serving for free. Why is everyone else in the church encouraged to serve for free but the pastor?
Why play the “withhold or eliminate your pay” game, when you are clearly working effectively in your capacity, faithfully? I feel like if the pastor wanted to know where your heart was, he could’ve simply had a face-to-face sit down.
Just wondering. . . if this was a small, tiny, a little church, how are they able to pay you more than every church in the region? And, how would you know what other musicians in the region were being paid?
GOOD...CAUSE THESE ARE NOT GIGS...THESE ARE WORSHIP SERVICES...MUSICIANS ARE NOT NEEDED...WORSHIPERS..YES.
God bless you. I haven’t played a regular church gig in nearly a year. This is a real blessing and they are harder to come by in media.
KC I have been following you for a while and even though I am a guitar player your lessons have given me so much inspiration to stay focused and play from my heart. Your story hit close to home. When you put in the right work in the right way the lord will pave the road you need to walk on in your journey. Blessings my brother!!!
I play for a lot of churches in Atlanta for free. Because that's what they say we supposed to do with black musicians but I realized in Atlanta that was not my purpose I love music and I love praise and worship but I found out my calling was in the studio as a writer and a sound designer cause I love tech. I moved to Houston found my purpose started walking in my purpose and he provided everything in my studio paid for.
wowowowow!!! So from Atl - to Houston... and the studio equipment was provided by your faithfulness... that's amazing!!! ❤️
I do everything for free onto the Lord and the Lord has provided me with everything I need do so and some.
LaVoice Brandon amen
....DONT TEST ME, PAY ME..LET the church take PASTOR $$$$,AND HE WILL BE GONE...
hahahahaha!!! for a lot pastors, that would probably be the case...lol
Wait what, churches pay people to play for them?! Wow I have never heard of that in my country.
Thanks for sharing the good message tho :)
mrclarky They sure do. I’ve been victim of this myself. There are talented people who want to play music for Jesus but some churches want “professionals” who may or may not follow Jesus Christ.
I’m from America and I’ve never heard of this either lol
@@mikef6063 if you don't go to church and you don't really pay attention to the music ministry or any ministry in charge at a church, I guess you WOULDN'T know.
@@neetrab When did I ever say I don't go to church or pay attention to music ministry? I didn't. Oops. You just defeated yourself. Goodbye
Guy, that's a great testimony!! Glad for you. I also play for church and they don't pay me anything. They had offered to give me some small pay, or tell them my needs whenever possible, but just decided to do it free and I've seen God provide for me!!
Those are my pastors in the picture. Lead pastor is in green shirt
The word of God says your gift will make room for you. Awesome brother. Didn't expect you to say all that you did.