A sad day............

[PraiseCaster]

My P&W Team leader stepped down from the team, and is leaving the church.

Irreconcilable differences between him and the pastor lead up too it.

This P&W Team has been blessed and anointed, and the pastor has just treated us like were the ugly step child.

And this may be one of the final straws on my back, that might help push me out the door as well.

Its just a very sad day today.............

[trag-o-caster]

So sorry to hear this Stephen.

I know this sounds like a cliche, but somewhere down the road this will lead to something better. Just keep believing that my friend.

[scooteraz]

That's too bad. Sometimes Pastors and Worship directors forget that they are on the same team. And I can see it brings you heartache as well.

When you say the Pastor treated the team like the ugly stepchild, what do you mean. I understand the colloquial phrase, I am just wondering what the specific behaviors were. I know some on our team think that the Pastor treats us like step children, but actually he is quite interested, just doesn't show it in the most constructive ways sometimes.

[Parma_TeleMon]

Sorry to hear that, man. Praying for you and your fellowship. FWIW, don't abandon ship too quickly. And for my last cliche - remember there are two sides to every story and our best response is always grace-filled. (ok, last 2)

[PraiseCaster]

Originally Posted by scooteraz

When you say the Pastor treated the team like the ugly stepchild, what do you mean. I understand the colloquial phrase, I am just wondering what the specific behaviors were. I know some on our team think that the Pastor treats us like step children, but actually he is quite interested, just doesn't show it in the most constructive ways sometimes.

Well, all the other ministries are funded. Ours never was. Anything broke, we fixed it, or bought it new. We needed a new sound system, and we had to get all the funds together, and no, we werent even allowed to advertize "bake sale", "car wash", or anything in the bulletin, or distribute a flier.

Also, several times, the pastor would on a whim, tell the sound guy to cut all the stage monitors, because he thought it would make things a little more solemn. We told him, no, it makes things crappier, because we cant hear what where doing! he didnt care, he kept doing it, and the train wrecks got to be bad. Finally, whenever that happened, I just put my guitar down, and started tearing my gear down. I didnt do it to be mean, but I just couldnt contribute to any more train wrecks.

Never once on one of the P&W Team outings, did the pastor ever come, or promote it. Well, he did one time: He mentioned a gig at the Node (a Christian bookstore) to the congregation, but in a way that was weird: "The Praise and Worship Team is playing at the Node, but it probably wont be very comfortable or sound very good, but they do have good coffee there." Yeah, I felt the love on that one!

And some of the back-handed compliments, just cut deep. There were also some comments about musicians that just painted us as handicapped Christians. Just not right.

[mralmostpopular]

Sounds like someone needs to remind the pastor that he's supposed to be working for God, not for himself.

[neocaster]

Pastors come and go too. If you asked for faith, this is your answer.

[mralmostpopular]

Ultimately if you don't feel that the leader/teacher of your church is acting in a Godly manner, then you really ought to think about a different church. You go to church to grow and learn spiritually and you shouldn't let someone interfere with that experience.

[jarrodmichael]

Is there an open, honest dialog with your pastor about what is going on? I would have to think you've already tried (or are trying) that, so I don't mean to imply that I think you're not communicating ... quite the opposite ... but, is your pastor really listening to you? It sounds like he is truly not, and what's worse, that he's actually openly hostile toward you. I don't get that. Maybe he's the "handicapped" one.

If it can't be made better, you might need to make some tough decisions, but I would certainly hope that you and your entire team are really straightforward and clear with him about everything. Pastors are people, too, and maybe in this case he's the one who needs ministering, from you. I'm just saying ...

-jm

[PraiseCaster]

Yeah, its looking like God is nudging me out the door, its just that I minister much more than just music there:

Stepping In The Light is a drug interdiction program that I assist the leader and teach/lead about 25% of the time (there's another group thats treated like an outcast, but atleast they are funded a little!).

Politically Connected: I'm heading up conservative studies there, and educating voters, but again, I'm being heavily censored/monitored in a way that is not conducive to good training and over sight, but more about repression and lack of trust. Heck, I've been at the church for almost 9 years, I'm not some unknown equation that just plunked myself down in a seat.......

And there are other issues I have with the pastor as well: Me and my wife have been having problems, and my wife stopped coming to church. Heck, its been years since my wife came to church. And during this whole time, not once did the pastor ask or inquire, "How's it going with you and Anna?" Oh, he fully well knew what was going on, its not like he had no clue. Were not that big of a church.

And the past few functions that me and the pastor have been at together, he has acted like he didnt really want to be around me, and actually tried to avoid me on a couple of occasions. At least that is what it seemed like.

I'm going to be meeting with the pastor within the next week, so this Sunday may be my last time with the remaining members of the P&W Team.

[Tim Armstrong]

Back when I was in college, I worked as a stock clerk in a large drug store, part of a local chain, and our store manager just plain profoundly hated music. Seems she was tone deaf, and music, ANY music, just plain got on her last nerve. Poor woman just plain couldn't tolerate the sound of it.

I wonder if perhaps your paster suffers from the same affliction?

Tim

[Revman]

Praisecaster, I'm so sorry to hear of the tragic situation at your church. I'm glad that you're going to meet with your Sr. Pastor. Allow me to offer a few suggestions:
1. Ask for clarification on why the Worship pastor left. 2. Inform him of your perspective related to the matters you posted here. Allow him a chance to respond (For example, share with him your thoughts on the matter related to the cutting out the monitors. He needs to hear it from you).
As the scriptures say, if he listens to you, (seeks to understand) then you have won your brother. If he does not listen, give it another try a few weeks later.
Biblically, your responsibility is going to your brother. Reconciliation is the goal. If your attempts fail. You have met your biblical responsibility and the "ball is in his court".

For 9 years you've invested yourself in that specific faith community. Going away without any attempts to reconcile is just flat out not the Biblical way. The world operates that way but we as believers are called to a higher standard. If your attempts fail, then shake the dust of your feet and find another faith community. I've seen many people come through church doors with bitterness and resentment from past hurts. They try to mask it but eventually it comes out. Don't carry that hurt to another church. If he chooses to not reconcile with you then forgive him and move on. If you do not forgive him, you will be most miserable. Yes, pastors can be jerks at times. Worship pastors can be jerks at times but please don't carry that pain with you. What we do for the church is not near as important as is our relationships with those in the church (They were known for their love for one another. Not what they did in the church.) Through your response to this situation, how will your church be known in the community?

[PraiseCaster]

Originally Posted by jarrodmichael

Is there an open, honest dialog with your pastor about what is going on?

Sadly, no.

Originally Posted by jarrodmichael

I would have to think you've already tried (or are trying) that, so I don't mean to imply that I think you're not communicating ... quite the opposite ... but, is your pastor really listening to you? It sounds like he is truly not, and what's worse, that he's actually openly hostile toward you. I don't get that. Maybe he's the "handicapped" one.

He has bantered about a few times (when I think he felt threatened by someone at church), that he is the pastor, and that has to be respected, and a lack of respect towards him is rebellion towards God.

The bible says we have to respect that they are called of God, and I do. I would never call for a pastor to step down. That is between him and God, but I do not follow blindly, and you wont find me in line to drink the kool-aid, because the pastor says so. If I see that he is wrong, I will point it out in the correct way. Not all "Drama", but just as the bible tells us: Confront in LOVE, one toward another. Never insist your preeminence, and serve one another, thinking the other higher than yourself.

Originally Posted by jarrodmichael

If it can't be made better, you might need to make some tough decisions, but I would certainly hope that you and your entire team are really straightforward and clear with him about everything. Pastors are people, too, and maybe in this case he's the one who needs ministering, from you. I'm just saying ...

-jm

I can see our little back up singer Cynthia leaving FLCC and going to another church. Bobby, my bass player, I think he would stay, and try to appease everyone, and suffer within when he realizes he cant make everyone happy. Chris F, my drummer, I see him withdrawing more, and maybe even leaving.

Me, if its God's will for me to leave, I will do it under kindness of heart: I will not make a big dramatic play out of it. I will say good-bye, and if I am chased out of there, I will shake the dust from my feet, and find another fellowship home to participate in.

Me minister to the pastor? I'm willing, dont get me wrong, I just dont know if he would accept it from me, because I think he looks down on me, that I am in no way, his equal. But hey, if its God's will, who can resist?

[PraiseCaster]

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

Back when I was in college, I worked as a stock clerk in a large drug store, part of a local chain, and our store manager just plain profoundly hated music. Seems she was tone deaf, and music, ANY music, just plain got on her last nerve. Poor woman just plain couldn't tolerate the sound of it.

I wonder if perhaps your paster suffers from the same affliction?

Tim

Hee-hee!

We have suspected he is tone deaf, in the sense he cant hear himself, because he really believes he can lead songs acapella really well, but its really bad, plus his timing is legendary for how bad it is: I'm sure many have seen a video of some poor guy just totally into the music, clapping and swaying to it, but he aint on beat, and its almost like he's clapping to some other song? Yeah, that's pastor John.

[PraiseCaster]

Originally Posted by Revman

Praisecaster, I'm so sorry to hear of the tragic situation at your church.

Thanks bro!

Originally Posted by Revman

1. Ask for clarification on why the Worship pastor left. 2. Inform him of your perspective related to the matters you posted here. Allow him a chance to respond (For example, share with him your thoughts on the matter related to the cutting out the monitors. He needs to hear it from you).

Oh, he has heard my perspective on both what has recently transpired, and also about his cutting the monitors out. He disagrees with my perspective on it (P&W Leader leaving), by not addressing it fully, and thinks he knows better about what musicians really need to perform (cutting the monitors out), and that were making more of it than it really is.

Originally Posted by Revman

As the scriptures say, if he listens to you, (seeks to understand) then you have won your brother. If he does not listen, give it another try a few weeks later.

Well, its not the first time that he has been confronted with this, and I am just not going to invest prolonging it much longer, so unless he see's it quickly, and begins a quick tur around, I wont be here a few weeks later to try again.

Originally Posted by Revman

Reconciliation is the goal.

That is the goal, but as you said, the ball is in his court.

Originally Posted by Revman

For 9 years you've invested yourself in that specific faith community. Going away without any attempts to reconcile is just flat out not the Biblical way. The world operates that way but we as believers are called to a higher standard. If your attempts fail, then shake the dust of your feet and find another faith community. I've seen many people come through church doors with bitterness and resentment from past hurts. They try to mask it but eventually it comes out. Don't carry that hurt to another church. If he chooses to not reconcile with you then forgive him and move on. If you do not forgive him, you will be most miserable. Yes, pastors can be jerks at times. Worship pastors can be jerks at times but please don't carry that pain with you. What we do for the church is not near as important as is our relationships with those in the church (They were known for their love for one another. Not what they did in the church.) Through your response to this situation, how will your church be known in the community?

I hear ya! No, I am not simply and without a word, walking away, but, many have gone before me to confront some of these very same issues, and it has fallen on deaf ears. And in the grand scheme of things, I dont foresee this as something that should rise to the level of dragging the whole congregation into some sort of confrontational drama show. I sure dont desire that. It would be best for all, if we left on amicable terms, still able to say we love one another. There is not anything here going on, that I think is doctrinally wrong from the standpoint of the churches mission, so why would I make a big whop-dee-doo about it?

It hurts that I went through this, but I will get over it. Amazing how we are all resilient over things like this.

I'll find a new church home, and maybe if I'm lucky (blessed), I'll get called up to worship ont eh P&W Team there too!

[Parma_TeleMon]

Originally Posted by PraiseCaster

Hee-hee!

We have suspected he is tone deaf, in the sense he cant hear himself, because he really believes he can lead songs acapella really well, but its really bad, plus his timing is legendary for how bad it is: I'm sure many have seen a video of some poor guy just totally into the music, clapping and swaying to it, but he aint on beat, and its almost like he's clapping to some other song? Yeah, that's pastor John.

An old friend (and ordained minister) used to say, "Singers shouldn't preach, and preachers shouldn't sing." Of course, that never stopped either one of us!

[Revman]

Praisecaster,
Not knowing what you had done in the past regarding the pastor's unique ways, I didn't want you to walk away without trying to reconcile. It is sad, very sad, when pride takes over and the the reputation of the Bride of Christ is tarnished in the community. I was also concerned about you as a member of the Levite community in regards to your motivation to serve the Lord. As a member of the Praise Band, we are held to a higher standard. Please know that I was attempting to encourage you to do the Biblical (right) thing and not leave without attempting to reconcile. From your response, it sounds like you have attempted to reconcile with the pastor. Let me say, "Amen" to your efforts. As church musicians go, I find that some are grounded in the Bible and some are not. The ungrounded, operate from an emotional base rather than a Biblical balanced base. Simply, they are ruled by their feelings rather than God's Word. The result, very few of the ungrounded return to musical service in the church.
As a Worship Leader and a pastor, I wanted to exhort you to do the Biblical thing that you may continue to be used for His Glory! To God's glory, it sure sounds like you've done nearly all you can do to reconcile.
One other item. Conflict happens in relationships but how the church is organized can also be part of the formula that creates conflict. From some of your illustrations that you've shared, this Sr. Pastor has "way too much" authority without accountability. I don't know your church's structure, but in my observation, your present church structure is adding to the conflict. Who is your Sr. Pastor accountable to? A personnel team?

Revman

[RodeoTex]

Sorry to hear that Praise. Seems that every church has their little power structures and fiefdoms. My ex's secretary was also the secretary of the church and made some snide remarks about those that contribute more should have a bigger say in the direction of the church and those that contrible less should just bite their tongue. We never wrote another check to that church, only donated cash.
I really don't 'get' praise bands anyway so I really don't understand the importance of all this.

Seems to me1): there's ususally a piano and organ in every church. These seem to be all that is needed to keep the congragation on key while they raise their voices to heaven. Anything beyond that just seems like it is supposed to be entertainment.
I come to church to raise my voice upwards and hear a sermon, which I will digest and learn from in my own way.

Seems to me2): Saturday night is the time for guitars, drums and bass. I'll wave my arms over my head when I'm flagging a plane from a desert island. Sunday morning is a more solemn time when I might need to be reminded of the purity of the human voice and that I need to raise my own voice towards heaven.

Sorry for your current plight, I certainly understand it and do not envy your position. I'm also sorry if this was not the proper way to address my questions on this issue of praise bands et al.

[Saxguitar]

I been playing on the praise team at my church for years, recently our pastor of ten years retired and we are trying to get used to the interum pastor and my church has been turned upside down because everyone is leaving and no one is coming in to take their place. We have a few members who like to see themselves as higher than others and they let people know it, at times I have been tempted to just stop, but i just couldn't I felt like the Father was putting me through this to make me stronger and it did. I don't know if you like to read but a good book to read around this time of year is 40 Days of Purpose by Rick Warren, it is a great book and talks about all sorts of things like how through times of trouble you grow in faith and come out stronger if you don't just give up. We have alot of people at my church who hate having the praisw team because they say it is to upbeat for a congregation of our size (roughly 150) but our praise team has stuck it out and become great becasue of it. I hope this helps, sorry to hear about your situation I hope God helps you make the right decision. (I hope i typed this in the right section)

[Stratopastor]

First off, Sorry for the "Stratopastor" name. I know this is a Tele site but I could not think of another name quick enough because once I read this thread I felt lead to reply.
I don't feel it's right for me to bad mouth a Pastor or anyone for that matter but I can give you all a small perspective on why I left.
Now at 49 I've only attended (2 Churches) in my life. From age 14 till I was 35 I attended a Presbyterial Church. I started leading worship at 16 for a youth group there and eventually became the Youth Pastor for 11 years. Then The Lord moved my family and I to the Church I just left. I was there for almost 14 years.
11 Years as the Worship Leader eventually becoming a Worship Pastor for over 8 years.
Why am I telling you this? Because I'm not a Church hopper. This decision was a heartwrenching difficult one and I'm very saddened but excited at the same time. I've left some good friends there. It has been difficult!
The Sr. Pastor and I had a very close friendship for years but when he made me a Pastor thats when it all changed. I won't get into details but a lot of strange things happened through the years. I wrote a letter to him and the leaders of the church of stepping down and I gave 2 reasons for it.
Of course there were numerous other reasons but I did not want to seem against the Pastor and mess anyone else up. Here were the 2 reasons.

1. I could not perform all the responsibilities that he wanted all Pastors to do. He said it was mandatory for leaders to attend all services, picnics, events etc. I basically did it for years but I began to see the effects is was having on my family and myself. So I did not attend everything. Only Sundays 2 services and Wed night service leading worship for both. I prayed for months about it and felt I was doing what God wanted me to do and I was fine with it. He was not.
2. For years our relationship/friendship was strange, strained and phony. I said in the letter that I believed that since he and I were the most seen through worship and teaching we should have a good communicative relationship. He told me "The Pastor needs to be with the flock". (Strange answer) He believes that once you are a pastor you are not considered part of his flock. He had no desire to work on our relationship.

I'm just giving you a small part of the reasons that lead up to my departure.
Through the years I set up and had LONG conversations with him about the issues (3 in particular) for a minimum of 3 hours each time. The latest was 3 hours. One time I met with him and two other brothers highly respected in the church to try and work out the issues. It never could be worked out. We seemed to always be on different plains. We had totally different perspectives on the issues and it could not be resolved. Honestly in my opinion his perspectives always seemed strange to me. My wife and I prayed about this for almost 2 years. What was Gods will? We received council from 2brothers outside the Church. We started to receive confirmation and God spoke clearly that He was calling us out of the Church. I'm looking forward to what God will do! I've never been in a situation that I was not leading Worship since I was 16 years old. My wife and I RARELY ever drove to Church together in 24 years. We did and sat together the entire service on Easter Sunday at an interum church. It was great but I felt an emptiness and sadness. God will help me with that.

Here is just a taste of the heart the Pastor of the Church I left.

I had been heavily involved in ministry for 14 years serving Mens Ministry, over Married Couples Fellowship, Worship for 12 years, Mentoring men, Coulciling married couples in trouble. I'm not boasting here. Just setting up for what I'm about to say.

On April 5th our last day at the church. The Pastor announced at the very end of the service: "" Well you see John Smith up here leading wirship. Chris and his wife are in the back. This is their last day here at Church. They are leaving. You can say goodbye to them as you leave today".

That was it! My heart dropped. I was hurt very deeply. But God comforted me and reminded me that He is the one I need to keep my eyes on. That send off/Farewell confirmed to me that I had made the right decision.
Men are flawed including myself. I'm trusting that He will guide me to where He wants me and my family.

I'm sure that there could be some replies that ar positive and negative. That's fine. But you need to know that I've only told a small piece of the story.

Peace

Stratopastor

[PraiseCaster]

Originally Posted by Stratopastor

First off, Sorry for the "Stratopastor" name. I know this is a Tele site but I could not think of another name quick enough because once I read this thread I felt lead to reply.

Casterpastor ?

[Chickin-Pickin]

Originally Posted by PraiseCaster

My P&W Team leader stepped down from the team, and is leaving the church.

Irreconcilable differences between him and the pastor lead up too it.

This P&W Team has been blessed and anointed, and the pastor has just treated us like were the ugly step child.

And this may be one of the final straws on my back, that might help push me out the door as well.

Its just a very sad day today.............

I know how you feel, our P&W leader stepped down about a month ago, not due to the pastor, just personal things he was dealing with. It was hard, but there is a plan and you will see when HE is ready for you to see it.

E

[three barrel]

I have heard that whenever a pastor uses some line like "touch not the annointed" then it is time to get the heck out of there. The trick, according to a very respected friend of mine is to leave with the correct heart posture: i.e. give forgiveness where forgiveness is not asked for and do not speak of his deficiencies with anyone from now on. Those two things should give you freedom to move on.

[giantslayer]

A quick question for Stratopastor: are you the guy from Praisecaster's church who stepped down or someone else?

[PraiseCaster]

Originally Posted by giantslayer

A quick question for Stratopastor: are you the guy from Praisecaster's church who stepped down or someone else?

He is the P&W Leader that stepped down at my church.

[Rick Towne]

Steve:

As old doors may close, new doors open....

By virture of last week's divine appointment, you are now an unofficial member of the "Breakpoint Brothers" worship community, soon to be meeting regularly at the newly opened "G [od's] C [hoice]" rehearsal and teaching studios in Woodland Hills.

Details to follow. In the meantime, we've all been there, done that, and worse, and have come through just fine.

By the way, send me my user name for gpawf.

Rick

[jalex]

Sorry to hear about all this. I'll keep you in my murmurs, as I know this can't be any fun yet. And now I know what joy I have to potentially look forward to as I start to lead worship soon (joking). It's a little uphill for me to get started right now, but hopefully I can figure this worship thing out and not dishonor God in the process.

I joined gpawf. Thanks.

[jalex]

On one hand, if every godly member of a church left when there was a bump in the road, the church body certainly wouldn't improve. The new testament is all about peace, perseverance, forgiveness and all that really painful, agonizing stuff.

On the other hand, if church leadership is dishonoring God, who wants to be in their boat when God turns his eyes away from them. Prior to Jesus, I think the Old Testament approach would be to leave the church, escape punishment/doom/abandonment. Of course, the Old Testament still has some application.

I thank God for all these opportunities, whether face in manure or butt on the beach.

[PraiseCaster]

Originally Posted by jalex

On one hand, if every godly member of a church left when there was a bump in the road, the church body certainly wouldn't improve. The new testament is all about peace, perseverance, forgiveness and all that really painful, agonizing stuff.

Yeah, I hear ya!

I did receive a very good lesson through all this: Chris did not just jump and bail when all the weirdness first started. He tried to approach it as the bible discusses (take to the brother in love, if he doesnt receive it, take another brother o two......). He finally opted to walk away, because he did not want to see this escalate into a church rending experience, over differences between the pastor and the worship leader.

[Maximus.opto]

Originally Posted by Stratopastor

Here is just a taste of the heart the Pastor of the Church I left.

On April 5th our last day at the church. The Pastor announced at the very end of the service: "" Well you see John Smith up here leading wirship. Chris and his wife are in the back. This is their last day here at Church. They are leaving. You can say goodbye to them as you leave today".

Stratopastor

Dude, sorry if this is irreverent, but what a prick. Forgive me God. But I am glad you left. That is just a horribly unhealthy place to be. I hope God leads you to a better body of believers. I am excited for you.

[DickensCPA]

Originally Posted by PraiseCaster

Never once on one of the P&W Team outings, did the pastor ever come, or promote it. Well, he did one time: He mentioned a gig at the Node (a Christian bookstore) to the congregation, but in a way that was weird: "The Praise and Worship Team is playing at the Node, but it probably wont be very comfortable or sound very good, but they do have good coffee there." Yeah, I felt the love on that one!

WOW! I couldn't hardly make it thru the rest of the thread after reading that statement. I would struggle greatly to fight getting off in the flesh after that one. Maybe someone should read the pastor scriptures on a Pastor's heart.

Makes me realize how blessed I am. My younger brother is our P&W leader and we had a personal tiff a coupla weeks ago. As a result, I missed Easter Sunday and the following Sunday. Yesterday was my first Sunday back.

Yesterday our Bible School had graduation and the grads picked the songs. They were all upbeat and guitar heavy! LOL! My parents, who don't go to our Church, were the guest speakers and they chose a song also.

After Church my Pastor put his arm around me and said, "Don't ever miss two Sundays in a row like that again. I miss that guitar and I want more lead!" He LOVES the music.

We really rocked out on 3 songs, Decemberadio's "Find You Waiting", "Drifter" and another song called "Washed in the Water" by Need to Breathe(?) I'd never heard Washed in the Water, but what a cool song! Real easy to go bluesy on. It's all in B, E, G#m and F#.

[Mr Penguin]

Holy Smokes!! Turn on the BS detector and get outa there. What a load of messed up ideas.

[PraiseCaster]

Well, just to let you know, the pastor and I are talking, but we keep getting interrupted.

My desire is to do this right, that I walk circumspectly, and in all I do, it can be said, that it gave Glory to God.

Thanks for keeping me in your prayers guys!

[1forthethumb]

It sounds like you have the heart of a servant. I play for a group of 8-12 people on Wednesday nights at a Bible Study at church. I'd like to play on Sundays, but it doesn't matter if that happens.
Churches ALWAYS need more servants. wherever God leads you, youre sure to find a place you can bless His people.

[franchelB]

I could be in the "wrong" here, but despite the fact that my wife and I are music ministers at our church, I also realize that the pastor does have the final say at our church.
I've had some song ideas get "shot down" by not only the pastor, but other fellow music ministers. I've learned to just "go with the flow". Though I believe that my music team is just as "blessed" as any other music teams in other churches, I also believe that we're not so "high on the totem pole", that no one can "treat us like the ugly step child". In fact, I'm certain that we've been blessed even more so whenever we were willing to take some "constructive criticism"...
I'm sure it's really nothing personal. We all have (or should have) the same focus, and goal...to bring people to Christ! It's just a shame that, because we're human...and sinners, that our egos get involved in church politics.

[ravindave_3600]

Originally Posted by Mr Penguin

Holy Smokes!! Turn on the BS detector and get outa there. What a load of messed up ideas.

Mr. Penguin, thanks for chiming in but criticizing without making specific constructive suggestions doesn't really add much to the thread.

[emiller45]

Tough situation indeed. I am sorry you have to go through that.

To offer a bit different perspective: In my several decades of performing experience I have learned that music is an area where people become self proclaimed experts without good reason. They may not know a guitar pick from a shovel but they know if you are too loud, too soft, whether you need monitors, what you should be playing and how you should be playing it... everyone is a sound man. And, the musicians... well they are just "playing". Unfortunately, especially in a volunteer situation such as a worship setting, the less they pay for the band, the less the band is respected. A real catch 22 in this case.

Some good suggestions have been offered here. I would second trying to dialog with the Pastor and/or educate him. He may not even realize the negativity he is putting out there.

Last but not least, I would go to my default position in situations like this: Everyone, including the pastor is doing the best they can. I can pray about it and either deal with it or walk. I certainly would not let it eat at me very much for very long. Life is too short.

[Mr Penguin]

Originally Posted by ravindave_3600

Mr. Penguin, thanks for chiming in but criticizing without making specific constructive suggestions doesn't really add much to the thread.

Thanks for the correction. I'll repent. The love of God just comes shining through doesnt it?

[PraiseCaster]

Well, to update a bit:

We have a new lead singer/acoustic player, and someone new to lead the musical direction. Me.

Its pretty much me being the musical director behind the scenes, and the driving the band direction while playing. Basically, its they feel they have confidence in me when it comes to the band, and I'm leading the musical direction, sorta ala Keith Richards and the Stones.

The Pastor and I are talking, we arent done yet, but it has been done in love and respect..........

so far.

So until God urges me that its time to leave, I'm still there.

[ravindave_3600]

Talking? Love and respect? That sounds like a good direction to be going.

















And I'd like to hear some of your Keith / Stones worship leadings