The Church's Exploitation of Musicians Exposed!

This video exposes the exploitation of musicians by the church. Find out the truth behind the treatment of musicians in religious organizations.
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[Soundofjoy]

I retired as a Pentecostal/Baptist/Methodist church musician after 48 years and experienced every topic covered. Lost a huge portion of my adult life supporting the ministry instead of the opportunities to grow musically in various areas. If the sacrifice is not equal adjust your life accordingly.

[MemphisMike]

You can rest assured that church that skipped out paying you, the Pastor did NOT go unpaid

[sethb]

This is why I think church music ministry shouldn’t become too big a machine. When churches themselves become too big they are more about gathering for a concert with a Christian TED talk rather than worshiping God, studying his Word, serving the community, and connecting with other Christians. That order is important as well.

[tondasticks]

everything you mentioned happened to was replace by a younger player that "fit" in with the music ministers kids that were on the praise team....so much wrong on so many levels. Felt like I was gotten rid of like a pet they no longer hurt. but life goes on. Important topic you thank you for exposing this.

[artvandelay]

A lot of churches expect musicians to come in and play for free, taking the position that they're doing it for God. In reality, churches should pay musicians MORE, not less that what they get paid in secular settings because the churches don't have to pay taxes the way other businesses do. And let's face it, churches are businesses. They are set up to make money. The minute that they're not hugely profitable, they close down. When a church has a plumber come in to fix the toilets, do they expect the plumber to do the work for free because they're doing it for God? Musicians have a unique skill and they have to take lessons and practice for many years to reach a level of proficiency to play at a professional level. To have musician play for free is STEALING from them.

[BillVincent]

Thank you for this! Not only do musicians get exploited in church scenarios, but also sound and lighting people, to a horrible degree. They are expected to be at all services, and sound and lighting is supposed to be perfect, many times while also having to juggle a livestream broadcast as well. Hours are spent in rehearsals with choirs, etc... and some think that because they are "doing God's work" they shouldn't complain or ask to be paid. Here's the takeaway: THESE CHURCHES HAVE PLENTY OF MONEY TO PAY YOU. They are TAX FREE ENTITIES. They have not only the ability to pay you well, but the RESPONSIBILITY to pay you well for their church business, which is what you are doing/participating in - church marketing. Volunteer your spare time to help build shelters, meals on wheels, food banks, soup kitchens, things that actually HELP humans in need. Music is only there in the church to put on a better "show" and attract more people. It is CHURCH MARKETING. They OWE you a decent salary for your services. He and his staff are ABSOLUTELY getting paid, and probably VERY well. When it comes to using your talents for church business, get paid. Nobody needs another volunteer church musician or tech - except the church leaders. If you are not getting paid, ask yourself why. Churches have a way of making you feel like they don't have enough money - ever. This is the biggest bunch of BS there is. The church MAKES BIG MONEY off of your services, and you should be compensated for that. If you are not, you are allowing yourself to be exploited, and it isn't "for the Lord" - it is for a church leadership who would rather exploit you than do what is right. Don't confuse godly servitude with greedy church leadership. Use your servitude to serve people who actually need your help. Believe me, there are enough full-time musicians who are already exploited horribly in the club and circuit scene, getting a fraction of what they should be paid. Churches should be making the life of their musicians easier, not harder.

[michaelalfonso]

I have been playing in a church in Hawaii since 1976, (I was 19 and working my way through college). This was an unusual youth church where the leaders were young adults, (college and below) the pastor was an adult. I knew how to play the guitar but didn't know the names of the chords. At church I learned the names of the chords and one year later, they made me the worship leader. A few guitars a bass and piano. Since it was a youth church, we didn't get paid, I didn't care. Through this church, I learned about God, life and my purpose in life. I was the Singles adult leader, High School Sunday school teacher and Camp Director. I also got my dream of having my own band, (that went to old folks homes, etc.) playing our church music and some originals (Jesus music). One time I suggested we sacrifice our family time and go on Christmas day. It broke my heart, most of the residences had visitors. One elderly lady was clapping and a daughter on a resident was in tears praising God and thanking God for sending us.
God then moved me to a big church (1980) to learn to become a sound engineer. It just so happened a sound company had just started at the same time this church was growing. So the church bought their equipment and gave us instruction.
I went back into worship, but then God moved me to another church (1997) which became the fastest growing church in the nation. I sang in a men's worship team that met on Saturday mornings. Right after the World Trade Center collapse, the Men's Worship Team and Halau, (Christian Hula) went to visit the Fire Stations to give gifts, sing, dance and pray for them. I have been playing for a Christian Reggae band for the past 16 years, (we do original songs), then a pastor or my church asked us to help him open a new branch church. It was the first in it's history to start with a full band, (2 guitars, bass, keys, drums and percussion).
So far I am proud that I don't get paid, (I have a career, its hard to make it in the arts in Hawaii). I am so blessed to serve God, with what ever talent I have. I have never played professionally, I enjoy playing for Jesus. I do listen to live music in the clubs, (I don't drink, either). The band would ask if I play, to which I would reply, "only in church." They would invite me to sit in, then aske me to join the band. I politely say no, I really enjoy playing in church. I found God brought me there to bring back musicians/singers the used to go to church. I also help dinner places and clubs with their sound systems, again not asking for money. God gave me the gift of salvation; which is free. Because of Him I can sing, play guitar, (Ukulele of course), drums and percussion). And no, I don't know how to read music. One time in a club, I requested the singer/piano player play Spain (Chick Correa). I sat in on percussion. I know the song, but never played or practiced it before. She later said Chick was her favorite piano player and I could play with her anytime. That was a God thing, you can't pay for those moments!
This is my journey, I am not saying it's wrong to get paid, as long as the church can afford it.

[mrlevhil]

I played at a church with around 500 weekly attendees. Within the first year, I played at 24 funerals. That averaged to two funeral services per month. When I renewed my contract, I charged them $200 flat for each funeral. This exposed the fact that the church was initially requiring me to play for the services of people who were family members of church attendees (i.e sister Smith's cousin's ex-husband). That stopped immediately.

[hermask]

As an atheist, both the video and the comments are providing valuable insights into Christian morality.
<fun> I’m putting another shower on top of my moral high ground*
.
* one inch over sea level
.</end fun>

[edwardv]

You ain’t never lied. Now, the church i was playing for was pretty straight forward. Knew the pay rate, paid on time, looked out on the equipment side, etc. i could not say the same for some of my fellow church musicians at different churches. Very unfortunate and most of these black, gigging musicians come from the churches so it’s really unfair to watch them abuse such great talent.

[abstractmodule]

Reminds me of all the reasons I stopped being a church sound guy.

[evanjames]

What about musicians who are not paid at all and still expected to have full availability?

[BrunodeSouzaLino]

Despite being surrounded by church musicians, I never felt like it was an accommodating place for me as a musician. Looking from the outside, I see several complaints about how musicians are demanded to deliver the best whilst being treated like second grade citizens and justifying that disregard using religion.

[KirbyMac-ut]

had a terrible time as my years as a "church drummer" even with a good attitude you will get outed and you better not have an opinion, i'm a christian and its safe to say i'm done with the church

[janenmarelia]

The whole scene in my country is completely different, church musicians are usually members of the church that play an instrument, volunteers and not payed.
Most are no professional musicians.

But when I had a band that was hired by a church, even my own church we got payed.


I have no problem with that system and I feel highly appreciated by both churches I play (I am sort of detached to another church) even if not everything is perfect.

[donexcelcisimo]

Not a professional musician. Played for my church for 20 years for free. Best times ever.

[alanchicas]

i left church for 5 years and believe in God bc i was at church playing and being exploited i was practicing no having time to eat or sleep. i was playing every day losing time of my life and they started getting in my personal life at some point the environment got so toxic agains me bc they wanted the perfect life and my own family was letting them to get in my life and I decide las church service i over play got out that toxic church i got hate in my hearth bc inside me i knew that wasn't God... few months i started going back to others church's see what's best for my self the God ik now this vide is true thanks for talking about it sharing to people that the shouldn't give away their life for a talent and work that they do. for now in my house play for god by my self

[loudandclearmedia]

God is the one who gave me these skills, and it is to God I reciprocate. As such, I wouldn't take a dime, even if they offered. If you'd like to see that as exploited, underappreciated... whatever. I'm secure with where I'm at with it.

[datbeats]

My question is where did the idea of music ministers come from. For example: Some churches are giving atheist bass players a ministerial position, it seems.

[gabharri]

I went through everything you mentioned as a musician. Funny enough, I went through similar things as a teacher. Go figure!