by Don Chapman
Should you hire a non-Christian? I never
would hire a non-Christian vocalist to lead
worship [or sing special music], but paying
a local professional instrumentalist might
reap rewards beyond just having better music.
The musician might become a believer or experience
spiritual renewal.
There are those who would
argue that playing
an instrument is leading
worship, too. I
personally believe the
message is in the
words, sung by vocalists.
If you're singing
with tracks, would you
say the tracks are
leading worship?
At one church I inherited
a paid guitarist
who probably shouldn't
have been there. He
was a local studio guy
and could do anything,
but his heart [and soul]
was obviously not
in it. Church was just
another "gig."
He just didn't gel with
the team. We saw
no evidence of spiritual
progression. Eventually
he was hired away by a
local megachurch who
paid more - problem solved.
One time I was in a pinch
and hired a drummer
who was a local legend.
This guy had lived
in Nashville for years
and had played with
top names in entertainment.
After the praise
set was finished, we stepped
outside for
a few minutes and talked.
He said "You
know, I just don't believe
all this Christianity
stuff." He was also
a little negative
during rehearsal, so, remembering
the guy
I just talked about in
the previous paragraph,
I decided I wouldn't hire
him again.
Miraculously, this guy
was hired on a steady
basis by the same local
megachurch, developed
a relationship with the
pastor and became
a textbook salvation case
- a totally transformed
life. I learned my lesson
and will never
prejudge someone's spiritual
potential again.
Since then I've hired an
unsaved bass player
who, after playing with
us for two years,
had a wonderful spiritual
awakening and accepted
Christ.
So should you pay or not? It sure worked
for my ministry. I can tell you this - don't
forget to ask God for advice when you're
setting the standards for your ministry.
He'll certainly guide your decisions.
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free music
