Should MUSIC MINISTERS Be Paid?

Ideally, servant-leaders in the Church who effectively preach and teach the Holy Scriptures should be well paid (1 Corinthians 9:14; 2 Timothy 2:6). The Bible says they are “worthy of double honor” (1 Timothy 5:17) wherein the Greek word for ‘honor’ is a financial term, shown here. So, if a music minister or praise & worship leader is preaching and teaching the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16) then, ideally, they should be paid.

Musicians who assist the praise & worship leader would fall under the category of “helps ministry,” meaning the ministry of deaconship. Leading in praise & worship, however, is typically not considered a deacon position, particularly if the minister is serving in teaching and preaching.

Keep in mind that the primary function of praise & worship ministry is focused on leading the congregation in praise/worship through music and additional ministry (giving a word between songs or a prophecy, etc.). As such, it’s considered a core part of the church service.

I was part of a large assembly for a decade from 1986-1996 and the praise & worship leader was a graduate of a quality Bible college. Besides leading in praise & worship, he also ministered the word on a fairly regular basis (Acts 6:1-4) and composed the majority of songs used in the praise/worship service. I’d say he deserved his pay and very much so.

Should Christian Musicians Be Paid?

It depends on if the believer is using the gift as a side-service for the LORD or if they’re a music minister in an occupational sense. If the latter, they’d have to make money serving in this manner in order to pay the bills and eat, similar to the pastor of an assembly. Payment could be on a donation basis or a set amount, either/or. Ron Kenoly is a good example. Should effective music ministers like him be paid? Obviously.

Is It Okay for Christians to Make a Living From the Arts, Including Music?

People tend to sneer at the idea of making a living from the arts, but consider the first reference in the Scriptures of art relating to human beings and even as an industry. (By ‘industry’ I mean the production of a good or service for people in the community to utilize). Here’s the first mention in Scripture:

20Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. 21His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes. 22Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. Tubal-Cain’s sister was Naamah.

Genesis 4:20-22

As you can see, three major industries are noted at this very early stage of humanity:

LIVESTOCK, which concerns human sustenance.
MUSIC, which relates to art as a craft and the corresponding human appreciation or entertainment (in the positive sense).
TOOL MANUFACTURING, which involves technology and human convenience or advancement.

Thus art — and music specifically — is noted in the same breath as two other industries vital to human existence.

Official Prophets (Ministers) and Independent Prophets (Ministers)

Who Should You Receive from—Official Ministers or Independent Ones?

Should Ministers Officiate Weddings and Funerals?

Women of the Bible / Women in Ministry

Mentor & Protégé Dynamics

Ministerial Pitfalls and Abuses

Can a Certain Style of ART Be Evil?

FORMS OF ART IN THE BIBLE, Including Music, Visual and Performance Art