THE KINGDOM OF GOD DON'T EXSIST TO BUILD YOUR KINGDOM(I FELT THAT) JAMAL YOU ARE A PASTOR MY BROTHER YOUR HEART IS IN SUCH A PIVOTAL SPACE SIR YOU HAVE SAID A MOUTHFUL TO THE ENTIRE BODY OF CHRIST RIGHT NOW YOUR PREACHING THE DEVIL OUTTA BUSINESS RIGHT NOW
This was very helpful. I shared this video. I can relate to being a volunteer an helping out in different ministries. As a volunteer, there is always the tension of wanting to do your best because you're serving God and yet due to time constraints, you have to know your limits. On the other hand, leaders need to understand that operating with the spirit of excellence doesn't necessarily mean having the best choir in the city or the biggest youth group in town. Our success should be based on how we as leaders and volunteers help each other grow and develop in the fruits of the spirit and working to be freed from the power of sin an lead a life restored due to the power of Christ. Again thank you for sharing.
Wow, thanks for this video. I'm a P&W leader and keyboardist for a large church, and I recently had to choose to step down from certain responsibilities. Your description of the volunteer musician was spot on for me. Wife and 3 kids, full time job, barely make ends meet sometimes. The whole video doesn't apply necessarily, my church family and pastor are very kind and aware of the dynamic of God 1st, then family, then ministry. I'm blessed to serve where I do--no one made me feel bad for stepping down, but I guess I was just kinda hard on myself about it. I'm still doing a lot, basically running music for 1 weekly service and once a month Sunday night service. But I just hate to say no, because I love what I do and I love being in the presence of God and ministering. Main reason I stepped down was because I couldn't find time to learn our Sunday morning set, or to make it to the practice on Saturday, and I didn't want to "wing it" (although I can) and I want to bring excellence.
This IS SAVING MY HEART!!! I help at an awesome Holy Spirit filled church that I have found family with and especially with the part of the anointing yet comfortable with skill realizing God wants our best and to be great with the craft He has given us, was so refreshing to hear especially out of someone who is a worshipper like you. I need prayer and action in this area. Thank you so much for following the spirit on this. I’m not the only one, but I know this morning after prayer early in the morning and to scroll on RU-vid and felt God prompted me to stop watch this is ON TIME.
Thank you! I am here talking to you like a fool until I realized I am alone in my living room 😂😂😂. May the Holy Spirit guide you. You will be in my prayers
I visited a church that only had a young drummer and his mother was the vocalist. She asked my family did any of us play the keyboard? I had been practicing for a few years and even took some private lessons. I went up and got on the keyboard and after a couple of weeks me and family decided to become members at that church and I became the keyboardist. I was asked what songs I could play and could I learn the song they wanted to sing, and I said I could as long as I could find a tutorial on those songs. Throughout the first year of attending this church I learned quite a bit of songs and became a much better musician. Long story short, I was going to work on a icy winter day and hit by young driver with no license. I was off work for months and told the church that I could not be their because I was on pain meds for my neck and back. They said that they would be praying for me, but after a couple of months I returned to church and saw another musician playing the keyboard. I waited around after church to see if anyone was going to explain what was going on. The Bishop nor the vocalist said a word about the situation. I came to church for the next few weeks and they still did not explain to me why this guy is playing as well as getting paid to play. They did not pay me when I was playing but this guy is getting paid every week and leaves the church when the song are over. I listened to the guy play the keyboard and I know for a fact that I am a better musician than him because his music does not even match what is been sang. I not hating on him but I am a more skilled musician and I do not play for money but if they was going to pay anyone it should of been me because I am a member and I was their up until the car accident. I am not the best musician and when other musicians would come play when we had visitors I would take notes and talk to them because they were really skilled in their craft, but this current guy is a problem because the church should have communicated that they were moving in another direction to me. Also, the Bishop always mentions that he is the only member who holds an office in the church...... Any thoughts on this?
I like your comments at 11:43 man I remember your first video and I was like yeah this is what I need man I didn’t have what it took and I knew it but at the church I was at I was the last man standing the former musicians moved on and I was “given” the opportunity to play (I was the only guy who had a keyboard) in short God said he would bless the work of our hands (Deu. 28:12) as long as I put aside time to learn and practice God blessed it even beyond what I learned when I didn’t or got complacent it diminished not everyone’s story just mine
That’s my whole worship team at my church they all volunteer. That’s a hard one. 💯 It’s why click tracks are so essential to our church it’s the only way we sound profesional.
I am glad that you've mentioned this. Glory to God I am happy that you are letting your self be used by God I've noticed around 2016 that you shifted to teaching fruits, discipline, integrity, Honor respect as musicians. God bless you so much for that. I am also renovating my self as a man Of God. Keeping it real If I ain't right I ain't playing. Simple. We need people who keep right and real. So when I am reading who ever else is they can become more powerful and God filled to give unto others.
I love this because I am a musician that had a full time job and is volunteering as well. I am faced with the possibility of stepping down for a season because of my health! I love that you shared from both sides of the spectrum.
Excellent point sir As musician and pastor who also works a secular job full time, I understand this and know the games that people play both in the pulpit and in the band!
I also want to say that for all the focus we have on "excellence" if we are not careful we will miss out on where God's heart is. I have been in services where the skill level was not high on the musician's or singer's parts, but there was a tremendous move of the Holy Ghost! Because everyone's hearts were in the right place--submission to Almighty God. "Excellence" means different things for different people. That doesn't mean we should be lazy or sloppy; but sometimes we need to just understand that our skill level isn't what moves God... it's our heart and preparation level that I think creates an atmosphere where God can move. With that said, I do NOT want God to have to move "in spite of" my lack of preparation.
Get out of my head man and stay out of my prayer closet!!! Lol. Part 1 and 2 hit on a lot of the things my husband ( church drummer) and I (worship leader) have been talking about.
A Pastor/Elder who asks for more “licks and tricks” to “Take it to another level” would already have red or at least yellow flags going off for me. That language alone suggests a massive flaw in priorities and reveals what’s going on in the heart. I’m a stickler on doing everything to the best of our ability and being excellent with the gift of music God has entrusted to us as musicians. This includes continuing to stretch ourself and grow in skill level. This is how we grow the Talents God gave us, growing in what He gifted us is an act of Worship in and of itself. As a full time working drummer, it’s an absolute must to remain growing. That being said, I feel music has been an Idol in MANY churches for a minute now, Especially within the black church, It pains me to say it but it’s true. Gospel music that only strives to Entertain brings in the masses so if Church leaders only care about getting butts in seats and bringing in more financial contributions to their church(business) then go ahead. Have the dopest and freshest cats holding down the music regardless if they are Christians or not, They just need to be good. Have The best singers, Make sure to play all the new hits on the Gospel Charts , regardless if they are theologically sound and point people to Jesus or not. Unfortunately, this is the mentality of so many people within Gospel music now and it’s heartbreaking. Its awesome to have great talent within our worship teams, Choirs and musicians but that can’t be the main objective, Jesus is. Ultimately, It’s the Spirit of God that draws Men unto Christ not us. As musicians, we have the privilege to be able to use our gifts to Exalt the name of the Lord and help point people to Christ, The One who deserves all honor, all praise, all adoration. He purchased my salvation on the cross, He payed my debt. Why should we gain from his reward? I think much repentance is in order and the gaze needs to be shifted back on the one who deserves it. When that happens and people really encounter the living Savior, there will be no need for “Licks and Tricks”. There is no need for tricks when something real and life changing is taking place. Love your channel and the tools you give Gospel musicians to better grow in their craft. Most importantly, I really love your heart after Gods Heart. You’re being used in a profound way to grow Gods Kingdom, Appreciate you man, have for a long time! Blessings
This video came at a PERFECT time. I'm a college student and just stumbled upon a great opportunity as a keyboardist at a large church down the road.. but everything/everyone (except the MD) is volunteer based. They don't have midweek rehearsal (because the band is used to each other and all the songs according to the MD). It sort of bothered me at first... and I didn't understand the dynamics of it all.
Hey Jamal. Awesome wisdom bro. I'm positive that I know the next step God is about to move you in. When God reveals it to you, accept it! God has given you great influence.
@@GospelMusicians First, let me say that your vids over the years have helped gotten me to the level im at now as a musician ( keys) The season where you are reminds me of where myself and my wife have been. With some of the things that you and your wife have been through with churches, are probably a lot similar to what myself and my wife have been through. I've been a church musician all my life just about. Now I am a Pastor. I went from a musician that knows how to ( speak, preach, teach) to a pastor that knows how to play. I could be wrong, but I am sensing ( not trying to be deep there lol) that your next assignment will be starting a ministry. Its needed.
I needed this. I was somewhat in this position. I would have been at the church 3 days a week for free. I have a job and working on my MBA. I love playing, and have been for 13 years, but I can't volunteer my time with full-time duties for free.
Musicians has to have a relationship with God, Honor God, depart from what ever is drawing them away and draw closer to God. Although they have work and all like me. We can all take out time at least 2-3 times a week to fast and deep prayer at least 4-5 times a week besides saying "thank you Jesus protect me and love me." Before we walk out the door.
Good word....Its always about who likes/favors you, not skill level in and of itself, relatively speaking...Many highly skilled musicians may never get paid their worth and lesser skilled may be seen as an affordable option to many pastors/ churches. If you direct the choir, play organ, play keys, plus aux, and sell popcorn during offering you might get paid decent. No seriously, some of these churches are a trip and you must do it at the end of the day for God, regardless of PAY. God first, job second (so you can take care of a family), then family, then church..
In countries with very few Christians (like Spain, where I live) is laughable to expect getting paid for playing, but at the same time no one tries reach a professional level of musicianship, so it becomes like any other service in church.
My question then is...where is the line drawn as a paid musician and the amount of work your job entails. What separates the amount of work you do as serving vs. work? I would love your insight Jamal!
Thas how I've been feeling about "church" it's gone wordly in the most subtle way. Shows for the saints to keep em sitting in the stands no growth no real worship no real disciples just shows and " next levels" that have nothing to do with edifying the church but have to do with just building more and making more and bigger better sound and lights etcetera which leads to nothing that's not where God's heart is that it's a shame 😔
A quick thought -- volunteer or not, when we play in church, we want our "offering" to be acceptable before God -- I mean, in reality, we serve the church, but we minister to God. I've been trying to get that slap bass right for 3 years now, still fumble at it... but there's no letting off on the practice.
Why is it that there is always tension within choir / singers. Been experiencing this for months it actually hinders me from going to church or even singing lead (I already have confidence issues). Please help
Question for you: Do people that hand out tracks get paid? Do the people that prepare the communion get Paid? Do people that witness at work get paid? Do people that spend hours per week or day praying for others Get paid? Get a grip my friend. The christian church of the day is more entertainment { annointing....?} than it is ministry. Want to fill a Church... get some bangin musicans.... get some lights.... get some Funk and youll get full. Get Back To Basics. Worship God, not music or personality. Pastors that want more licks and tricks should be looking for alternative work. They are not Shepherds, the are something other than that. Another level in a Church should be found on your knees not from an amp.
For a year I really Love and enjoy the church I’m at really don’t care about the money I just wanted to know where us on the lower end fall I served at a church for 12 yrs making 100 minus my tithes a Sunday it’s not about money we should be doing this for God and serving where we are getting properly fed!!!!
How do you deal with a guy who's playing lead trumpet in an orchestra and can't really cut it? Sounds out of tune, doesn't read well and blames other people for the problem? Nobody else to replace him and you can't fire a volunteer. What do you say?
Jamal H. bro get out my business....lol . Bro. this has been me for a minute, i work a job that cause me to work overtime EVERYDAY 10+hr. I drive over an hour each way. That means 12hrs a day at the minimal. I dont get paid to play i just love music and the pastor is my father-in-law. I play by ear and dont have any musical education. Ive been putting in extra hour trying to learn chord progression and theory but its a slow process.... What should i do to get better. I am trying to find out how chords are connected, how do you know what chord comes next when youre just freestyling. Im almost still in the beginner stage... but bro you hit the nail on the head... I want to be a great. Its embarrassing to have to get up from the keyboard and let a visiting musician play for YOUR church. Im desperate to be better... BRO I NEED HELP
hey brother, God bless. Just keep practising and you dont have to get up by force for a visitor unless you have utterly messed the songs repeatedly. Play the songs as simply as compact as possible to begin - nothing wrong, get the groove going. Music is more than just the individual eccentricities, keep it sharp and compact many a time.Keep listening to music and God, and get away from leeches, judges, over-enthusiatic and competitive peepz...they will stir you wrong - play and live with meekness and simplicity.Add me on Google Hangouts or YOutube Messenger and we can talk more. NEVER FEEL INTIMIDATED,JUST CHALLENGED TO BE GREAT and dont compare your life to anyone. Bless
Oh, don't mean to be a real downer here, but I suspect I am. Praise teams are wrong, just wrong. They are composed of kids that are there to gather all of the praise to themselves. They are not thinking of God, but they put the focus on themselves. How do I know this - couple of clues. Praise team members do not change, there is no constant recruiting to see if perhaps someone from the congregation might want to participate in this ministry. Point #2: Praise team members are in the building only for their song, then they leave, only to show back up for the closing song. #3: They sing to overwhelm the congregation singing, making sure their voice is front and center. They attempt to sing the song professionally, with all of the variations a professional might use, leaving a lot of the congregation scratching their heads. Much better if you let one person lead the singing so it can return to what this is supposed to be - a congregational singing and praise time.
Maybe this is an American thing. My church here in the Uk we are all full time volunteers’ we play to the best of our abilities, (which is pretty cool) - we all know music and our instruments -we practice very regularly - about the worship - it’s not a show-piece! No one gets paid - our value is pure worship! The way in what it’s supposed to be! From the head down , everyone loves the way we have it. I think it’s a shame that some of your church’s have this other foolish very FLESHY nonsense going on!
This is not just an American concept at all. So i disagree that this is an American concept. I've been to the UK a few times to do conferences and the showing off is definitely there too.
Gospel Musicians in much larger organisations and I’m talking about local church not massive conferences - everyday local church! And mor also defending the paying thing
Honestly this every church. Even latin churches. I Love the Baptist church but even they Got affected to. People don't know what true gospel worship is. I am looking for The Holy Ghost and power. But please make mention for those who are not praying or fast for Christ. A lot of musicians don't even pray or seek The Lord. To many musicians sound good but have no anointing. They may know how to call the presence but don't know bring presence. Many know how to change the atmosphere.
Music don't make the church that's crazy. We are so caught up in the wrong thing when it come to church God don't work like the main thing you want to get learn word. Church is not about entertainment church is not a business the you wonder why folks don't go to church
