Charging in Gospel Music Today

Hi Family, my two cents on this matter stems from a conversation with a dear friend and brother who reached out about what my stand on the issue is.  I will tag my brother anonymous but details of the chat will be kept because we delved deep into the matter and here’s how the conversation went:

[11:06:34 AM] A: Good morning Minister Seun. You are one of God's servant I really honor and celebrate every time. I want to ask a question privately Sir. With all that is going on in the body of Christ, What is your perspective on music ministers charging Sir?

 [11:08:30 AM] Good Morning Man of God. Beneath the arguments, I see this as a serious issue aimed at causing division in the body. Very serious issue Causing a divide, Both parties of opinions trying to win the battle, ready to forfeit the war.

As people who deal with human beings everyday, there are times that we let differences slide because we want peace with our people. everybody keeps fighting and arguing but By the time there is a winner, The cut in the body would have been too deep.

  God made this matters one of the many that don’t have a chief judge. Only God will Judge who served him correctly in Heaven. Biblical standpoints favour both sides but also presents to both sides, a line not to be crossed but many have crossed it today, they don’t Honour the Lord, nor his word.

Scripture says A LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS WAGES; and it says, paraphrasing, that Churches and ministries that invite special guests to minister should make sure they do their best to honour them. I will say they should honour them as touching their positions of honour due to work done from their capacity and close to per with the perceived level of value of the minister in the body and in the world at Large. (Notice that I didn’t emphasize popularity) This means if the capacity to Honour is not there, no need extend an invitation. This is not a rule cast in concrete because it all depends and there are many stand points from which this matter is being viewed for which I’m open minded to listen and learn even if I don’t agree with someone from an opposing viewpoint of this issue within Bible context (Outside Bible context, I have nothing to listen to even if I hear it).

So Invitations should stem from 

1) Capacity:- The power, level and ability of that platform to host the minister they wish to invite 

2) Relationships:- Self Explanatory, If there’s access, properly planned honor will be given to and accepted by parties in a friendship or kingdom acquaintanceship or even fatherhood or siblinghood in the kingdom.

3) The leading of the spirit.

4) Proximity and so many other factors like this should be considered.

 Also Scripturally, the MINISTERS, even though they know their worth, ought not to place their demands above the privilege of ministering to Gods people. And tbh guys that do these things are the reason the issue is a problem today

 [11:21:06 AM]A: Wow! This is so explanatory!!!

 [11:21:28 AM] Let’s not mix words. These issues were either underlying or not there a few decades ago. So why now is it this big? Because men have become lovers of themselves. 

It is wicked to place ridiculous fees and different terms and conditions for a service that our reference says we should not demand. And the pastors some of them are comparing themselves to, Saying things like “they get paid too”. It’s not the same ooo. Pastors are submitted to the system of Leadership they are in. Pastors give account. Pastors oversee a lot of things in their order of jurisdiction and have to report according to the order of authority.  Far from what many music ministers are doing, for some, no figure of authority and we can go on but like I said earlier only God knows everything going on and will be the chief judge but he has put principles down on everything, especially for us in the church. I dare almost say there’s really no music minister that’s not been at crossroads on the matter of music ministers charging but wisdom is profitable to direct in all things.   Both sides of the coin carry full details and that’s why the argument won’t stop, Unless we put aside our differences to let peace reign, Keeping our convictions but becoming agreeable and suggestive people so that the body can be one, this is how the matter will keep dragging.

From Biblical Reference and Conviction, I don’t charge.

It doesn’t mean I like being dishonored, But the call of levitical priesthood and taking laws into our hands can never be in the same sentence. Even in extreme issues of dishonor, We must let God be the judge and just appreciate him for the privilege to Minister. 

I also avoid engaging in monetary discussions because whether high or low fees, my heart is affected and no more single once the information of the knowledge of my reward from the ministry is in close proximity to my mind and this affects my delivery, and I want my complete focus to be on God and his call for my life so I’m not swayed by material things on the day I need to yield to the instruction of the spirit as regards accepting a program or declining. It doesn’t mean I won’t want my team members who minister with me well taken care of and transport and welfare covered.

 [11:28:05 AM] It is well. Let me stop here. Thank you for reaching out this morning.  The matter has just been there sitting on my chest. It feels good to share a part of it with you my brother and friend this morning.

 [11:29:41 AM] A: Sincerely,thank you so much for giving this explanation Sir!

Thank you all for reading through. Hope you’re blessed