ProSam Music

Dear Music Minister,

Abeg, if you are sending your song sketch to your producer try singing on beat, use loop or just clap a steady rhythm...

Biko, you're not ministering to your producer

Help him understand your original song structure, so that he can preserve original elements as much as possible

There's nothing wrong with a volunteer-based music ministry.
Many churches genuinely depend on volunteers, and that's perfectly understandable.

The problem begins when token compensation is treated as professional pay while professional-level commitment, availability, preparation, and excellence are still expected.

If what you're offering only augments transportation expenses, it should be regarded as support towards the volunteer not payment for a professional service or employment.

Have you experienced this as a musician or church leader?
Share your perspective in the comments.

YOU CAN'T GET PROFESSIONAL RESULTS WITH A VOLUNTEER BUDGET

Let me say this plainly.

The quality of what you get from your music department is directly connected to the value you assign to the people in it. You cannot separate the two. If your compensation says "we see you as a volunteer" do not be surprised when the delivery reflects exactly that.

This is not an attack, it is a pattern that has adverse impact on the music ministry across many local churches

#1. First, Both Have Basic Expectations

Before we get into the distinctions, let us agree on something.

Whether a musician is a volunteer or a professional, certain basics still apply:

- Show up prepared
- Respect the space and the team
- Maintain a basic standard of conduct
- Serve the moment with your best available effort

This baseline does not disappear because someone is not on salary. But beyond it the expectations are entirely different. And confusing them is exactly where churches get into trouble.

Cont... In comments 👇

If serving for free as a church musician commands God's blessing like church leaders say, why are they not lobbying for their kids to serve in the music department??

2/3 The Uncomfortable Answer

Here is what I think is really going on.

Church leaders know something they will not say publicly. They know that the music department, in its current state, is not a path they would recommend to someone they love. They know the sacrifice is real. They know the compensation is poor. They know the respect is low. They know the politics are draining. They know the growth opportunities are limited.

And so, quietly, without making a big announcement they steer their children elsewhere. Medicine. Law. Engineering. Business. Tech. Abroad, even.

But on Sunday morning, they stand at the pulpit and tell someone else's child to serve for free because God will bless them.

This is a double standard in my opinion

Complete thought on the original post... 👇

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19FJuSbqJu/

ARE YOU PLAYING FOR GOD OR PLAYING FOR MONEY?
By ProSam

This question gets thrown at church musicians like it is supposed to settle the argument. Seems like a trap that proves something.

Have we ever thought that it is possible to be both?

Let's Go to the Bible Since That's Where We Like to Settle Things

The musicians who played in 2 Chronicles 5 were paid musicians.

These were Levites, appointed, trained, and sustained by the tithes and offerings of the people. They didn't show up voluntarily out of passion. They were professionals in the truest sense. Their music was their vocation, their assignment, and their livelihood.

And yet — read what happened:

"It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD... the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God." 2 Chronicles 5:13-14

Paid musicians. Full compensation. And the glory of God so thick that the priests could not stand up.

So una wan tell me say because they were receiving pay, God no dey bless them? That their heart posture was corrupt because they were on salary? That the cloud would have been thicker if they had volunteered?

Come on.



Cont... In the comments 👇

IF GOD BLESSES EVERY MUSICIAN WHO SERVES FOR FREE, WHY AREN'T PASTORS' KIDS PLAYING?
By ProSam

I believe God blesses every church musician who serves faithfully without receiving any form of compensation. I genuinely believe that.

But here is the question that has been hanging unanswered and I wish someone can answer it honestly:

If serving for free in the music department carries such great blessing... why aren't the children of church leaders doing it?

Why are pastors not sitting their children down and saying "Go and learn an instrument. Serve in the music department. Give your gift to God without pay. The blessing will come."