Music as a job

Well I personaly see nothing wrong with it! I also admire those that can. Even those Bluegrass guys!

Don't know what the problem is, or why it is a problem Bro. Curtis. But I know you are right, some people do tend to make a problem out of it!

Why is it ok for a Carpenter to build houses, and not just Church's. Or a Writer, to write a book, and not just Bible commentaries.


God Bless
Sherrie

 

Why would it be sin to be a nude dancer? Or paint desecrating pictures? Or sell drugs? All take some sort of talent, and if they are being done for a living, why should these be considered sin?

Don't believe your line has any logical conclusion. Those that use their talents can use them to honor the Lord and get paid to do it. It doesn't have to be sinful as the end result. Unless you understand what is sin and what isn't, you are going to do what you believe anyway.

 

Yeah, I guess it's the "any kind of music at all" line that gives me pause. Music is a passionate subject here (and evverywhere else) and people seem to be influenced by the music they listen to.

So if your "any kind of music" never encourages sin or promotes a less than holy lifestyle then I would say "ok".

But all that's between you and the Lord just like an investment banker or lawyer.

 

It's not.

 

I disagree.

You can't compare an artist and a lawyer. Anyone can learn to be a lawyer, a real artist has been given a creative gift. If your talent as a musician/artist is limited to what the average man can learn, I would question wheather this is something the Lord is calling you to use as a ministry.

Artistic gifts are gifts of the Spirit and of Grace.

Art exists for glory and for beauty. (Exodus 28:2)

Art is a form of communication, wheather it be painting or music. Christian concepts can be expressed by art but the more important a message is the more carefully it's framework must be chosen, the more beautiful and artistic it should be.

 

Any kind of music? Don't think I would go that far. Any music that promotes illicit sex, drugs, violence, etc. should be condemned strongly. Let's face it: Music is a big influence in the lives of young people and adults as well. Record company executives, musicians and their producers ought to read Mark 9:42. If any of them actually had a conscience, they would think twice about some of the trash they spew out on the airwaves for profit.

 

for the sake of discussion.... i see nothing wrong with making a living as a symphonic orchestra member.

 

What is the difference whether you are a Symphonic orchestra member, or just a Guitarist? Whats the difference whether you sing Opera or you sing Country?

God Bless
Sherrie

 

Could you communicate the Gospel through carpentry?

Musicians and artists have the ability to influence others through their art, we can effect others either positively or negatively.

Therefore it is not simply a matter of using a skill as a means of supporting ourselves, we must consider how are work effects others.

Personally I think that God has given every Christian the ability to do something well, we shouldn't assume that because we can play three chords on a guitar that God has given us artistic gifts which we are almost obliged to use. We must ask God to guide us into the job where we can best glorify Him.

If it is God's will for a Christian to work as a musician or artist I feel that it will be obvious in that He has furnished them with exceptional ability in these areas, by that I don't mean ability as the world means ability, I mean they have a gift in that they can communicate in a positive way and influence people in the right way.

When I see a Christian who is not aware of his responsibilities as a musician/artist I have to question if it is actually God's will that they be working in this profession.

Far better to be be a good carpenter than a bad or thoughtless musician.

 

I think it often becomes an issue because professional musicians (in the Christian realm)
sometimes aren't honest enough to identify themselves as such - they claim to just be ministering. If that's the case, stop selling tickets and pass an offering plate.

 

I have to agree with Bro Enda here. Any kind of intellectual property carries with it a resposibility to reflect our Creator. I don't think that just because someone isn't playing "christian" music that they are being irresponsible but there is a limit to what someone can do and still represent Christ.

Have any of you guys ever heard of David Wilcox? There is a christian who doesn't do christian songs but might be the best christian songwriter alive. He deals with topics outside of the "christian" industry but is giving deep spiritual lessons nonetheless. He's got a cool song called "Start With the Ending" about how to have a happy marriage. Anyone heard it?

 

As a professional musician I can tell you I would much rather do the offering plate than sell tickets...so I'm not sure what you mean by that?

 

But what does that mean? Do you have to sing songs specifically about Jesus? "Jesus is great. Jesus is my friend", etc? Do you have to represent a Christian world view? Do you simply have to live and play with integrity?

Different people glorify God in different ways.

Yes, I love his music. "Guitar Shopping" is one of my favorite songs. He's a good example of what I'm talking about above.

 

As a professional musician I can tell you I would much rather do the offering plate than sell tickets...so I'm not sure what you mean by that? </font>[/QUOTE]No way. It's better to sell tickets. I've never worked on a pass the hat basis but I was a part of a ministry that produced Christian concerts for about eight years. We tried to have "love offering" shows but when people see this, they think "FREE!". And some of these guys were big names in Christian music, too.

 

My guess is that Bro Enda would PREFER musicians who don't do CCM.

right, bro?

 

No way. It's better to sell tickets. I've never worked on a pass the hat basis but I was a part of a ministry that produced Christian concerts for about eight years. We tried to have "love offering" shows but when people see this, they think "FREE!". And some of these guys were big names in Christian music, too.

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I had the vice-president in charge of marketing for Provident Distribution tell me to expect about $1.50 average per person when a church takes up an offering. This is the same guy who guided the careers of Third Day, Jars of Clay, etc...

I average way more than that...I'll do the offering over an honorarium or ticket sales every time and let the chips fall where they may. The Lord always provides abundantly.

I'm sure this must seem crass to speak about making money in music ministry in a public forum for some of you.

I feel weird about receiving for myself sometimes because I would do this for nothing (and proved it over many years!) but there are bills to pay when you have 6 kids and a lovely wife!

 

My wife is a music teacher and teaches K-12. She's been paid to do so for 14 years. She has been training in Kodaly-Orff over the last several years. She's a professional musician and gets paid to do what she loves, music.

 

Absolutely right Yod.

There is music which is not appropriate for sunday worship, that in itself doesn't make it wrong.

What annoys me most is that people insist in calling it Christian. To me that's just using the name of Christ for financial gain.