I've been a musician (pianist/keyboards) now for 16years, got saved 5 years ago and I've been a Man of GOD exhorting and glorifying the Lord through the MINISTRY OF MUSIC ever since. Being in the Military, I move around a lot so I've experienced quite a few excellent ministries over the past few years.
As most of you may already know: In most churches across the world, the musicians are being paid. In larger ministries they have salaries that allow them to be free from having to work secular jobs. Although this is so, it seems that there is world-wide on-going yet quiet debate about Musicians being paid.
-There are a lot of people who believe that it's wrong for musicians to be paid because anything done for GOD is from the heart. Yet they don't understand why a lot of churches don't have proficient musicians that are consistent. NOW, I BELIEVE THAT IT IS WRONG FOR AN UNSAVED MUSICIAN TO BE UP THERE PERIOD!!!
-There are others who believe that musicians should be paid because it's biblical & although it is done for the ministry, it's still a profession. Also, if the church does not support the musicians, the secular music industry will and there is already too much temptation for musicians in the church alone.
There is an excellent book out on Music Ministry by the tilte of "Called Appointed Annointed" by Janny Grein & forwarded by Kenneth Copeland.
-When dealing with this issue, I try to understand it from both sides. For example: It's hard for the annointing to flow through an un-trained musician or someone who sings off key and keeps everybody wishing that they would just sit down BUT Professionals who rely on their natural skills can be worst than an untrained musician because either way, the Holy Spirit can be shut out. So for this reason, NO I don't think musicians with the wrong attitude should be paid nor an incompetent one!
(1.)1 Chronicles 15:22 (2.)Psalms 33:3
-However, I do believe that the solid musician who walks in humility and is sensitive to the Spirit should be rewarded and supported by his ministry. I believe that leaders who don't support their musicians in this way will have to give account to GOD for holding back the wages of a hired man. (3)Leviticus 19:13
There are world-wide debates and arguments between ministers, Pastors, Musicians, Deacons, regular church goers and even non-Christians on this issue.
Someone please help me out on this issue. IS THERE ANYWHERE IN THE BIBLE THAT SUPPORTS MUSICIANS BEING PAID?