How do you ask for a raise in the Church if you are a musician?

Question

This is a serious question for serious responses please. I would like to hear from church folks who have a role in their church and are paid for their services- such as musician, clerk, custodian, etc. I have a problem 'asking' the pastor for a raise. I am a musician and have been for 16 years. The first 15 I was paid $500 per month to play the piano, sing, teach songs to the choir, be available for other services of the church, and outside visitation, prayer, etc. Since then, I have received one raise of $100. So, for 14 years this is the salary I have made. I can almost count on one hand the times I have missed. I have never 'officially' taken a vacation, my expectations have increased (we go out to serve more, when members of the choir do not show up, I sing their lead and backgrounds, I lead (all the time), I arrange music, write; play for funerals, weddings, arrange workshops, play for revivals (this also conicides with my regular work). The problem is I am ashamed to ask.

Somehow I feel that I will be rejected and they will tell me that I have a 'regular' job. Our congregation is small and of course, we depend upon the tithes and offering of the members to pay the church expenses. Last Christmas I received $200 , That was the FIRST time in 15 years! I have had offers to play for other churches with a much higher salary, but I love my church and I don't want to leave for that reason. I struggle with this and hesitate asking for fear of rejection and embarrassment. I consider myself spritual and believe that God supplies my need however, I also realize I have a gift and talent and could be using it other places (clubs, etc.) but my pastor would definitely frown upon that. I have additional expenses that have come into my life and I need to get rid of this debt. I don't want to be selfish, or appear greedy - I love my work for the church and would never leave unless God said, but I could use your input. Please advise your thoughts on this matter. Thnx

FYI _ The day of my mothers funeral service which was at another church that evening - that morning, I was at my church in my position, playing and singing for joy. I am not saying this to receive any pats on the back, but I know that I have been faithful. I also serve with the Nursing Home ministry and play for that service. I am always asked to sing special songs and I am blessed for that, but in a nutshell - I need the church to recognize that my service and gift is worth more than $600 a month. What do you think?

Answer 1

Serious answer. I am involved in my church's board of trustees. In our church, the minister is responsible for setting salaries for staff (other than his own, which is set by the board). Anyway, you should go to whoever determines your salary and simply have a talk about what you deserve. You can prepare yourself with information on what is considered fair compensation for church musicians and all the extra work you do. You might want to say that in order for you to make ends meet, you are having to look at taking on some other work (if you give private lessons, you may have to take on more students, etc) and that this activity would mean you will have to cut back on a lot of church things you do, which you really don't get paid for.

You deserve fair compensation for your work and don't be afraid to ask for it. But, the way church budgets go, you might have to take some gradual increases over a period of time, but get a committment.

As the Bible says, Ask and you shall receive. If you don't ask, you won't received.

PS. My denomination has had a push in the past decade to provide fair compensation for staff members, from ministers to custodial staff. A number of years ago, we had a major canvass drive aimed mainly at providing better compensation. Our members often are politically involved in issues relating to economic equity so it was easy to appeal to them to do the same in their own house. Getting pledges up to the point where we could get there for all staff took a while though, but everyone is happier for it.

Answer 2

I will say this much... I have been playing for churches for approximately 15 years now. I am 26. At one time I was embarrased to discuss personal salary with my fellow musicians. The churches I played for were more than capable of providing additional funds but were very tight. It took a string of events for me to leave and go to another church. Right now I am the minister of music at 2 churches and very satisfied with my compensation.

I would definitely say that you ask. The worst they can say is "no" for whatever reason. People tend to cross church and business up as if it all goes together when in fact it really doesnt. Some pastors will try to run the guilt trip on you and make you question your walk with God because you are requesting an increase. I know what it feels like to be a part of a ministry that doesnt appreciate your hard work and dedication. It's very disheartening.

Pray to God for an answer... I hope this helps you.

Answer 3

Where is God?

My dear sister, have you prayed to God about this?
What did He say?

Are you giving your tithes? If your not that's pretty bad, since even the Levites and the Priesthood contributed to the tithes

Why do you need the money? I can't give you a solution but a good place to start is to start giving to the poor and to the homeless. God will never be outgiven, and you will never outgive God if you have a pure heart and clean motives

I think you should be spending this time on your face before God in prayer, you will get a better answer than anyone else here can give you. Plus you will be talking to God the owner of it all.

Answer 4

You need to pray on this.

If it was me and I felt spirit led to ask for a raise I would do it. If the spirit led me to quit I would.

Now a lot of people think $125-150 for a couple of hours on Sunday is a lot of money. Knowing how much time it takes to prep and then lead the practices and present on Sunday I realize the pay is more like $10 an hour or less.

That said, I have seen music directors work for nothing and I have seen music directors get paid much more. You need God's guidance on this. Not mine or anyone else's.

Answer 5

As a person who has had your position I would lay it out like you did. You are a professional pianist, singer and also choir master so you should be on a salary. I would negotiate from a salaried standpoint as their are many other churches that would pay you for what you've done. If you are exclusively engaged by this church then they should see things from your point of view.
Church is church but business is business and you should be compensated accordingly. Period.

Answer 6

Certainly you cannot expect to get paid the "going" rate for your services.....but if you feel you've earned a raise and the Church can afford to give you a raise you'll only get one if you ask for it.

All they can do is say "NO"......so be prepared to hand in your resignation and look elsewhere. There are ads in Church bulletins all the time looking for musicians.

Answer 7

Good luck! Churches are the worst employers there is. I worked for a church once. They wanted me to 22$ an hour work for 6$ an hour. They will bleed you dry if you let them. The preacher was making 250,000$ a year. NEVER AGAIN WILL I WORK FOR A CHURCH. I won't even do contract work.

Answer 8

If I were you, I'd do a few things:

- Ask around (find out what others make, who have a similar postion)

- Write it up in a friendly letter. Explain that since it's a paid position, people often have "performance reviews" like at other jobs. Say that you'd like one. You're open to criticisms and are willing to change if your performance isn't up to par. In addition, if it IS up to par, would they consider a raise? Then bring up what others are making.

It feels less confrontative in a letter. Be sure to include that it is difficult for you to even ask and be sure to thank them for the past 14 years.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

The church isnt afraid to ask for donations so, just take from the church trays! Simple really.