Worship Leaders : Are you paid?

[LeadWorship]

This question came up in the other forum section here I frequent. They stated they were shocked to find that a church was paying their Worship Leader. Here is my repsonse:

Hey!

As a Worship Leader, I'll toss my input in. I'm not paid in my position.

It was something that shocked me too, when I found out that some Worship Leaders, Music Ministers, whatever you call us, do get paid by their church. It just didn't sound right. This was before I started being the full time Worship Leader. After pouring through scripture and classes and lessons and trainings, I started to realise how involved the position of Worship Leader is. You don't just pick songs week to week. You pray over songs, find an order, make sure they are in transitionable keys, make sure the slides are in order, transcribe the music for 4 different people/instruments (more or less depending on the band size), organize practice for the band, then for the singers, then also because you are the leader of a 20 person unit, you must take on all the personality issues, prayer concerns, keep up with who can and can't make practices or services. You are, for all counts and purposes, a Manager of Music.

I know, you don't see all that when you sing those 5 songs on Sunday morning. Oh, they're gifted! It comes easy to sing and play for them! Why pay the Worship Leader? I'm on call by the Pastor, and the entire Worship Team (band, singers, sound team, technical team). I work a full time job, have 2 kids, a wife, attend all church functions, organize monthly saturday night worship services, and spend between 20-25 hours a weeks doing what needs to be done for the worship team. Mind you, because I work full time, those 20-25 hours take me away from my family.

When my Pastor first said, "We can't pay you yet, but one day we will be able to." I thought "that can't be right. You shouldn't pay me for that." But now I realize that it's the time thats paid for. The Worship Ministry is a huge ministry in the church, such that I never realized it before. However, I don't neglect my calling for it because of non-payment. My dream is to be able to afford to only work part time in my current job, so that I can volunteer 2 days a week at the church and put together things that NEED to be done for the Worship ministry that aren't getting done because I work full time. I simply don't have the time to do all the small details at the moment. God's Grace is sufficient, but my team deserves everything I can give them, and they aren't getting that at this time.

So, in my odd little way, I can see how the thought of paying a worship leader sounds ridiculous, but because of my position, I can totally see why there are paid Worship Leaders in the body.

How about you guys?

In Him.

 

[SGM4HIM]

My worship leader is not paid.

 

[TakeAllOfMe]

Our worship leader is paid but works in the church 4 days a week. I'm not sure I agree with being paid to be at Sunday services though. I think they should just worship like the rest of us. Not make that part of it into a job.

 

[LeadWorship]

Our worship leader is paid but works in the church 4 days a week. I'm not sure I agree with being paid to be at Sunday services though. I think they should just worship like the rest of us. Not make that part of it into a job.

I tend to agree to a point, in regards to Sunday Morning. There's lots of work and no, I don't feel that Sunday AM should be "on the clock" so to speak. I do, however, know that if that worship leader doesn't do his job during the week, that Sunday AM will suffer. So, in essence, the paid time is allowing for Sunday AM to happen so well.

Also, several, including myself, other worship leaders find time in their own schedule for those intimate worship moments that many people have on Sundays. The WL cannot always get caught up in the spirit every song on every Sunday, they must keep a soft heart and a sensitive ear to Holy Spirit, yet they must be aware of when transitions need to be made, when and how to end songs or carry a song on, etc. There's more there than seems at first glance. Just a thought.

Thanks for the replies!! Keep'em coming!

 

[Outofthebox42]

You make my day, LeadWorship!! I'm glad there's someone out there that is another worship leader that UNDERSTANDS why worship leaders need to be paid. The average churchgoer walks into sunday morning service, sings a few songs, then wonders, "Why are we paying them to do that??" But there truly is a TON of stuff that worship leaders do. Many times they also act the part of a pastor when the senior pastor isn't available.

Worship leaders amaze me, and I think it's about time they know how much they're appreciated!!!

 

[LeadWorship]

Worship leaders amaze me, and I think it's about time they know how much they're appreciated!!!

Amen!

 

[jwp]

A funny but true story..
I was blessed to be in on a new church start up and through a series of attritions became the lead worship minister. The pastor and I would go to lunch often and discuss phlisophies and beliefs and were in agreement (or so I thought) every single time. His wife would tell me after the services "Boy I really appreaciate how you do that I really feel I can enter in (to worship)" etc. Things were going great and I volunteered all my time as unto the Lord.

Over the next few months, the church grew and grew. My job became more difficult because I had to coordinate musicians (if you know what I mean). But I also had a very demanding job (where I got paid). This left me in a state of getting behind on things but still, I had good intent a good heart and wanted to do the right things. But by now there were many more people that were appointed to positions such as the lady who prepared the bulletins every week. Well she was getting irritated with me because I didn't call in all the songs for next Sunday so she could put them into the bulletin. I'm thinking sheeesh what would she do if the spirit ever wanted one not on the bulletin.

I kept this up for a while but needed additional folks in the band because well hey your dealing with musicians if you know what I mean. I asked my pastor if I could bring in two outsiders that, weren't christians but were interested in coming, and playing. He agreed that that would be a good thing and we started doing that. I also raised up an entirely separate team so they could take 1/2 of the month and relieve me and the others plus give the folks a break on songs, styles and vocals.

Everything went well until one day my pastore asked one of my buddies in the band to lead the offering song. He had a good heart was a baby christian but only knew secular songs. He started singing an old John Prine number that had the word Lord in it. I was really really embarrassed but had nothing to do with the situation. But guess what happened?

The blame was laid on me. Even though everything I ever did was approved by my pastor. Who and what was the blame? I found out later that the two big money bags in the church were behind it. One of them told me so. They wanted 'more professionals' in there. So I was removed from the position and would have gladly stayed if the pastor would have only told me the reason they now had to go out and HIRE FOR PAY a different person...He refused to tell me the reason.. I left the church and laid my guitar down.

It's been 5 years now since I've played it (I'm a 30 year guitar player). We returned to the same church just recently, but I have no standing. Their new praise team is slick. They have great vocals, and good playing (although their guitar playing is amatuer)... It hurts me a lot that I have this talent I can't seem to use.

I have this to say about music ministry in general, better put on a thick coat of protection because you are going to be shot at...As far as pay.. If you pay the pastor you should pay the music minister. Otherwise don't pay either. Everybody thinks that playing and preparing music is a cinch because it's so enjoyable when they hear it. They have no idea that 1 song alone can take weeks or months to master.

I think organized religion is a 'red flag' anyway... but hey that's my 2 cents.

 

[TakeAllOfMe]

I tend to agree to a point, in regards to Sunday Morning. There's lots of work and no, I don't feel that Sunday AM should be "on the clock" so to speak. I do, however, know that if that worship leader doesn't do his job during the week, that Sunday AM will suffer. So, in essence, the paid time is allowing for Sunday AM to happen so well.

Also, several, including myself, other worship leaders find time in their own schedule for those intimate worship moments that many people have on Sundays. The WL cannot always get caught up in the spirit every song on every Sunday, they must keep a soft heart and a sensitive ear to Holy Spirit, yet they must be aware of when transitions need to be made, when and how to end songs or carry a song on, etc. There's more there than seems at first glance. Just a thought.

Thanks for the replies!! Keep'em coming!

The thing is that the worship leader isn't doing any more than we are on a Sunday morning. We are there out of love of God to worship and lead others into God's presence. I think the worship leader should be the same. It seems to 'taint' it a bit when Sunday worship is a paid thing. We all get there at 7am, we all leave at 1pm, we all set up, we all rehearse, we all have the same requirements on us. So that one day, I don't think should be paid unless they are doing stuff over and above the norm.

I completely agree with paying for during the week work time.

 

[LeadWorship]

The thing is that the worship leader isn't doing any more than we are on a Sunday morning. We are there out of love of God to worship and lead others into God's presence. I think the worship leader should be the same. It seems to 'taint' it a bit when Sunday worship is a paid thing. We all get there at 7am, we all leave at 1pm, we all set up, we all rehearse, we all have the same requirements on us. So that one day, I don't think should be paid unless they are doing stuff over and above the norm.

I completely agree with paying for during the week work time.

I agreed by saying

I don't feel that Sunday AM should be "on the clock"

I really do agree

 

[LeadWorship]

I have this to say about music ministry in general, better put on a thick coat of protection because you are going to be shot at...As far as pay.. If you pay the pastor you should pay the music minister. Otherwise don't pay either. Everybody thinks that playing and preparing music is a cinch because it's so enjoyable when they hear it. They have no idea that 1 song alone can take weeks or months to master.

That is so true. Thank you for sharing your experience. I am a self-learned musician, and am learning everything as I go. I have changed my degree from IT oriented to Music Theory. The Bible says we should be trained and skilled in music, so I'm doing what I can. However if the Pastor feels like God wants someone else to do this job, then so be it. I'd hate to have been in your shoes though. That just reeks of discord. I too, have learned that thick skin is needed. That's hard for me, because I like to keep people smiling, but God is giving me the boldness to obey Him over keeping someone happy.

 

[Sushi614]

Wow, there are definately some vaired opions on this subject! I'd like to start out by saying our Worship Leader is NOT paid. But being on the team myself and being her left-hand girl I know what all goes into it and it is a position well in need of a paycheck. My heart goes out to any and everyone in leadership of any kind. Not to mention dealing with "musicians" (as was mentioned earlier) is always a toss up, lol.

As for the former leader guy, thanks for sharing your story, hang in there. Please don't give up on music. My husband did that 5 years ago and it made him a hollow man. He was hurt at our former church. Its a long story but we were very close to this church family and friendships suffered greatly for many years. Please continue to play, even if its only between you and God during your personal quiet time. Learn to enjoy the worship at church knowing you are not responsible for it. You can focus all of your engery on worshipping God, not "is the spirit flowing right for us to sing that chorus again", lol.

Hang in there, God has a master plan.

 

[joyousNOISErecords]

As a new worship leader and also a youth leader and also a "whatever needs to be done" guy I also feel like sometimes I should get paid for what I do. My only comfort is that I believe that God will surely pay me back in full and more for what I do for Him, as long as it is for Him (because sometimes we do seem to take the Glory.. oh what a shame...). Also, I gotta say that it I do feel guilty as well whenever the thought comes up! haha because I am always reminded of how good God is... as if He's saying "is that not enough?" haha but I know that that could be a tool for the devil as well. But I just try to remain faithful and if God wants to pay me! Praise God! If not, still, PRAISE GOD! = )

 

[JoeyWhiteshoes]

There is no room for hurt feelings, egos or politics on the worship team. It is too important to let things like that creep in. The Isrealites used to send their musicians out ahead of the army. Others contribute a lot to the running of the church...but we lead the charge.

JWP...your story is not funny. Satan has had a powerful victory over you and your former church. When you have the annointing you just cannot put your instrument down for five years. (After 30 years of playing, you probably have some awesome gear).

Pick up your guitar. Today. Now. Worship God wherever you can. In your basement if there are no openings at your church. Or find another church that needs a musician. Or help out with the children or youth. Or just be happy being the second or third rhthym guitarist in the band on Sunday mornings.

It's not about us. It's about the Lord.

BTW, I'm not a coward. I would be telling you this if we were face to face...even if we just met. Worship is too important and I feel a big hole in the worship community where you used to be.

Joey

 

[kittystorm92]

HI, first time here, I was a worship learder for a former church where I chose the songs, lead them in service, also made the powerpoint slides for the service as well and I did not get paid either. I do know a Music Minister at another church that does get paid, but she is also the choir, and handbell director and also the organist. I guess it's the choice of the church and what their buget will allow.

 

[Silver-winged Flyer]

I don't think Worship leaders should get paid unless its their fulltime job and they do not have another job. If there's too much work for the worship leader to do and their job and family life are suffering then I think they should delegate or find somebody to share the duties with.

 

[JoeyWhiteshoes]

Our band used to get paid to lead worship at another church. I actually felt bad about taking their money so we put it all together and bought the young guitar player a good electric guitar.

The second time were were paid to lead out, BTW each time was for several months, it came at a time where we needed the money real badly and considered it a gift from God.

I still don't feel comfortable about taking money for worshipping, though.

Joey

 

[married asaph]

For those who don't feel the worship leader should be paid, my question is on what Biblical basis do you make that decision? I find both the priests and levites were to partake in the offerings and sacrifices offered to God, which would be their only means of support as they were devoted to serving in the temple.

Next, should the pastor be paid for preaching on Sunday? Isn't his preaching a form of leading worship -- moving the people to reflect on God's Word? Being in front of the congregation, "executing" shall we say the God-given plans prepared during the week, is both physically and emotionally draining, at least in my experience. It is by far the hardest-working day of the week, and certainly must be considered to be "on-the-clock."

Finally, I don't believe either the pastor or worship leader would consider what they do a "job." It is a calling from God, a calling that requires a significant investment of time and talent, a calling that brings them to a servant's position. We don't in any way consider ourselves "on the clock," rather, we are totally consumed by our calling to serve the Living God with the entirety of our beings.

 

[kittystorm92]

Welcome to CF, glad you are here and I do believe what you say is correct about it being a calling and not a job. At my former church where I was doing all the leading of music and other stuff (read above post), I sometimes felt that the other people who where part of the group never really thought that I did much and everytime we had meetings they would get all bent out of shape when I would tell them that I needed whatever they were doing for the service by a certain point so I had time to make the powerpoint and do all the other things. I do feel bad for the people that came to the service that I helped form, but due to other reasons my family had to leave. Now I'm going stir crazy since I'm not part of a group yet at the new church and have not been fullfilling my calling.

 

[Silver-winged Flyer]

For those who don't feel the worship leader should be paid, my question is on what Biblical basis do you make that decision? I find both the priests and levites were to partake in the offerings and sacrifices offered to God, which would be their only means of support as they were devoted to serving in the temple.

Next, should the pastor be paid for preaching on Sunday? Isn't his preaching a form of leading worship -- moving the people to reflect on God's Word? Being in front of the congregation, "executing" shall we say the God-given plans prepared during the week, is both physically and emotionally draining, at least in my experience. It is by far the hardest-working day of the week, and certainly must be considered to be "on-the-clock."

My comment was that if the worship leader has another full time job then he shouldn't get paid for leading worship but a minister's full time job includes preaching so yes he should get paid for that.

Finally, I don't believe either the pastor or worship leader would consider what they do a "job." It is a calling from God, a calling that requires a significant investment of time and talent, a calling that brings them to a servant's position. We don't in any way consider ourselves "on the clock," rather, we are totally consumed by our calling to serve the Living God with the entirety of our beings.

I agree with that completely.

 

[LeadWorship]

Amen, great stuff flowing around here. Thanks for all the awesome replies!