Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen,

This topic is borne out of the burden, as I felt over the issues of what is normal, not normal and what is right. Most times, the frequency at which we do some things may actually impair our judgement of normality and rightness.

I am not really amused by the level at which churches are being run especially in this our nation, Nigeria, as many have turn churches, that suppose to be a house of God, to business avenue all in the name of God called them to do it.

Let us not forget that majority of Pastors nowadays get paid for their religious service rendered to church members, leaving all other workers at their own peril. Another thing that is very much common in churches nowadays are, “they usually pay those invited singers and instrumentalists that do come to their church to perform, while leaving their own church choristers unpaid for that same services that the outsiders do give to the church”.

Some funny part of it is that the choirs and other instrumentalists in churches are the one doing the most works in the church with their music and style of drumming, making lots of church members to rejoice and be glad to come to church. It is clear that people comes to church to serve and worship God, while some comes to church because of the entertainment they enjoy from the church choristers, and some comes to church because of Pastors religious service.

Here’s the story that trigger the questions; One day, a very close believers friend visited me and continuously ranted about how his church where he plays Keyboard is disappointing him for not yet paying his December salary. I was really surprised to heard this from him, since that’s my first time of hearing of such payments, and this make me to questioned him on the necessity for such since I believe he did it for GOD and that resulted in a long argument with him giving an untold reasons.

During the argument, a bible verse “Nehemiah 11:22-23” was quoted to back up his claim. The verses reads: “Says of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God. For it was the Kings commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for everyday”.

I was also confused when an hear-say neighbor also explained that if a choristers or instrumentalists are full-time staff of the church; and employee of the church; such a person must be paid. It is just like working in a bank. The church is his or her office, so such a person must be paid.

And another person said; It is wrong to be waiting for payment because you are choir, drummer or instrumentalist, when you are a member of a church and still get your source of livelihood elsewhere. You cannot be working in the bank, a company, self employed, etc, and still tell your church to pay you because you are a choir, drummer or instrumentalist. Does it mean you cannot help God’s house without being paid?

With all the aboved submissions, my question is still: “Is it right for churches to pay their church choristers, drummers or instrumentalists, all because their Pastors also get paid”?

Your opinions will be appreciated.

Comr. Saliu Olamide Daniel

Publisher, Genesis Media Hub

www.genesismedia.com.ng

Do you have a stories, updates or news you want to share with us, Call or message us on What’sapp: 07054990933, or send to: genesismedia93@gmail.com