my family helps out with music and other ministries at our church. We've been members of the church for several years. We both work secular jobs and do not receive pay for our ministries etc. we are dealing with confusion due to our pastors decisions and need direction and advice. We're praying for strength to endure and guidance at this time. In the past we've felt like God said stay put, so we've not left. The pastor will request that our team produce a lot, music that is detailed & technical and he wants it just right - so do we. The issue is that when we have a practice planned, the pastor has cancelled to have work nights or other events as well as has given permission to fellow key music team members to be absent for parties, other events. We feel that over time we are not being given the respect or resources to accomplish what he is asking. Yet when we've spoken to him about any concerns on the past he's chalked it up to us having a wrong spirit. And no changes were made. Admittedly, we have had a wrong spirit due to feeling disrespected. Although we know and have repented that our attitude wasn't correct, we still constantly feel disrespected, disregarded. When friends & family have visited, they advise us to pray and consider that there are serious leadership problems. I think one major issue we have is that if another ministry asks for support they normally get it. And when his wife's ministry is in need of support or practice times etc, it's as if the whole world stops just to accommodate that ministry. And we are normally involved in that as well. We have a couple that is the head of the music dept and they have also confided in is that if something doesn't change, they are not sure how things will end up. I realize this is a small segment of what we see week to week. There are obviously other major problems happening but it's really too much to type. We do not know what to do or where to turn and do not want to cause division or harm our leaders in any way. We're hurting and confused and things don't make sense. Can anyone help?
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CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.
Need biblical direction & advice
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This is a common problem. "Work flows to the competent, until they finally submerge." Your work in the church should be edifying, not produce bad attitudes (or worse, a "root of bitterness"), which is the purpose of church membership. Keep in mind that God is also teaching your pastor, and there might be a good lesson ahead for him in this regard. A good shepherd doesn't drive his flock, unless there is danger present.
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aiki
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So, why are you involved in the ministry in the first place? What is your fundamental motive for being on the music ministry team? Is it to honor and serve the Lord? Or are there more self-centered reasons for your involvement? Being really clear about why you are doing what you are doing helps to identify whether or not - and how - you ought to be doing it.
If your pastor won't provide you with the means to do what he has asked you to do, then do your best with what you've got and leave the outcome to God. If your pastor complains, graciously but directly remind him of your need of more support. If he wants better output, he must improve his input.
If you can't participate in the music ministry "heartily as unto the Lord," then I would urge you to cease your involvement in it. Not as a protest to your pastor, but because you shouldn't be serving God with an attitude of resentment and ill-will held in your heart.
This shouldn't, by the way, be cause for you to leave the church. As in all things, your situation is one in which you can learn to be more like Christ. (Ro.8:29) Walking away because your frustrated and offended is not the way of Christ.
Selah.
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Thanks for your response. I've always thought I did ministry with pleasing God at the forefront. But after reading your response I definitely felt convicted! I have some serious thinking to do. I wouldn't leave the church due to frustration, as I mentioned, there are other things going on that don't sit right with us but for fear of calling them out, I chose not to mention the details. I definitely want to be more Christlike and reach souls, bottom line. God bless.
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