Many worship leaders and creative leaders I know have more than one job. What about you?
For starters, many part-time paid worship leader roles allow someone with a regular day job to serve a congregation on the weekends. This comprises a large chunk of the paid roles for musicians and leaders. Depending on the church’s style, size, and budget, many different people can serve in this specialized ministry. And it’s not just music – it can be other creative roles, such as audio, visual, graphics, social media, video, or another ministry role in the creative realm.
Many people I know who serve in full-time “arts” ministry within the church also have a couple of other irons in the fire. Often, thinking about gigs, even if you don’t have more than one steady job regularly, there are opportunities to serve in various aspects as a musician. I don’t typically refer to ministry roles, especially leading worship, as a gig, but I understand the concept. Any opportunity to make money using your craft is a good gig. It can also be a great ministry opportunity to be a witness as you are serving.
So what about you? Do you have a side job going?
I serve in part-time worship leadership and lead Harvest Ministry. I’ve been living in this arrangement for over twenty years and find the balance between the two refreshing and invigorating. In addition to Harvest Ministry, I have the opportunity to record podcasts, write blogs, and, in general, add some creative ministry components to my schedule regularly.
I’ve been conversing with various worship leaders lately, and many people in the creative ministry realm can relate to this.
Here are possible reasons why having more than one job is so prevalent in the art world:
YOU’RE THE “FRIEND”
If you are a musician (or own a sound system or create videos, etc.), friends probably call you to participate in various events. As a result, though you may not call it a business, you get all kinds of side jobs singing for weddings, creating videos for family events, etc. Everyone loves to have a friend who can play a little music for something. It’s always fun!
IT’S A CREATIVE OUTLET
In addition to your regular ministry role, you may need other creative outlets. Again, this may provide income or be a hobby – but it’s an opportunity to use your skills and gifts. The options for these side creative outlets are endless – from recording music to writing to photography. These things can often produce some income, but they also add value to life, usually sharpening and enhancing the ministry role and church you serve.
PROVIDES EXTRA INCOME
The need for extra income is a powerful motivator when serving in ministry. Though your official ministry role may not have much money, the calling is still essential. And then God has gifted you with creative aspects of life that may also be able to help produce extra income to make it all work. Again, I’ve seen this play out in numerous ways – from giving music lessons to serving in two different roles, teaching and church music, or producing music and videos that people purchase. There are many ways for creative church staff to add income to their lives through their gifts and abilities.
It can be a blessing for the church to have a staff member who is also involved in other ministry areas and has a different income.
What advice do you have for people serving in one ministry role but having side jobs?