Contemporary Christian music is popular. So popular, in fact, that congregations want contemporary Christian musicians to perform in the local church. And Christian musicians are more than happy to oblige. That’s their ministry, after all, and for many their livelihood.
And there’s the rub. Churches sometimes resent the amounts demanded by those coming to “minister” to the congregation. The Christian musician, on the other hand, thinks the church is confused about-well, the following candid correspondence between a pastor and a Christian musician reveals (and helps resolve) some of the areas of tension.
Dwight Burchett is the pastor of Valley Community Church in Sacramento, California. Steve Gardner and his wife, Maria, team up as “Steve and Maria” and perform Christian music nationwide.
We pick up the correspondence after Steve has agreed to perform at Dwight’s church and has suggested a fee.
October 5, 1988
Dear Steve:
It was good to talk with you on the phone last week. You seem like a tremendous personality. I’m sure you and Maria have a great impact.
Your financial requests, however, seem strong, even though they were lessened for us. You ask for approximately $1,000 for a Saturday banquet and Sunday morning service. I’ve recently talked with other musicians who request $2,000 to $3,000 for similar engagements. I’m bewildered by musicians who make such high demands. Some of the finest preachers in the world come here and never mention finances. A former president of a Christian college was with us two weeks ago, and, as usual, he never brought up the subject, except in regard to the travel arrangements we shared with two other churches. Be assured, we always send our guests away with sufficient finances to meet their needs.
I trust you can appreciate my concern. And it’s not just my concern. Many of my pastor friends are a becoming dismayed at the financial demands of music guests.
In fact, it seemed that money was the first thing you mentioned on the phone. I wonder sometimes what part God plays in these financial requests. Is this salary you request, or is it an honorarium? Can you clarify? Are you accountable to a board or organization of some type? Maybe you can help me understand better, because it seems that some Christian musicians place financial concerns above ministry concerns.
I deeply appreciate the ministry of music that contemporary Christian musicians offer. I approach this in the most benevolent of terms and I hope you can help me.
In Christian love,
A. Dwight Burchett
* * *
October 25, 1988
Dear Pastor Dwight,
We returned late last night from an extended tour in the Midwest and found your letter waiting for us (along with a bushel of other correspondence). Before I attempt to answer your questions, let me thank you for your frankness, and especially for the consideration of airing your concerns directly.
I am afraid this response will be longer than you bargained for, but you did ask for my help. While difficult questions can be asked briefly, they rarely can be answered briefly without seeming shallow, ambiguous, or too general.
I have struggled with these issues time and again. I have labored the last nineteen years to please the Lord in every aspect of our ministry and daily walk. You will note that I am still left with some questions. I would appreciate any counsel you could offer to the questions I still wrestle with.
Your questions fall into two categories: (1) those that relate to us personally, and, (2) those of a more philosophical nature, which relate to Christian artists in general. Let me begin with the personal side.
While this may sound like one of Murphy’s Laws, it accurately describes our situation: The income side of our ledger is always smaller than it seems, and the expense side is always greater. I’ve just gone to the files and pulled out my tax returns for the last five years. Our joint taxable income is as follows:
1983: $23,898
1984: $ 3,380
1985: $ 5,024
1986: $24,713
1987: $20,267
These years represent our best. The years 1984 and 1985 were down because of unusually large equipment and recording expenditures. But that goes with the territory-it’s just far enough under the surface that most people don’t see it.
Most years of ministry resulted in a tax loss. We survived, but largely on borrowed money. (Keep in mind that we do not enjoy some of the special tax benefits that pastors enjoy. We cannot deduct a housing allowance, for instance.)
Let me, at this point, clear up one gross distortion that many pastors have. Many seem to think we have all our expenses paid and make $1,000 every two days. If every other day were a Sunday, it might be possible. But even then you would still have to account for travel days, intentional days off, and the inevitable cancellations, as well as days that don’t get scheduled. Since there are only four Sundays in the average month, they are extremely important days to us.
While Sundays are not the only days that we can perform, they are about the only days that we can count on. We know if we have an empty Sunday in the schedule, we can probably fill it if we make enough calls. But we can’t count on arranging a concert for any other day of the week.
Let’s say a church in Detroit calls and needs us for Sunday morning and evening. However, they can’t pay $1000 plus travel expenses for us. Could we find other engagements in the area so that other churches could share the expenses? We call a church in Chicago. They would love to have us back again, but they’ve given up doing weeknight things-too much work for too little attendance. They’d be glad to have us on Sunday though. They ask us to consider staying in the Midwest for two weekends.
So we call other places. Nobody has any special midweek events planned for that week. They might be willing to try a concert, but they could promise us only a love offering and nothing for expenses. “And don’t count on much attendance,” they add. “Everybody is so busy these days.”
We know from experience that every open day on the road costs us between $100 and $200, depending on what part of the country we’re in. It doesn’t take a genius to see that two $1,000 Sundays and a $300 Wednesday (if we’re lucky) don’t go very far against $1,000 in airfares and $500 to $1000 in living expenses.
That scenario is far closer to reality than the Shangri-la some pastors imagine. In fact, Sundays are becoming an endangered species for us. A number of churches are abandoning Sunday-night services because of lack of response. For every church that does, we not only lose the potential of that Sunday night, but the pastor also becomes much less likely to yield his pulpit on Sunday morning for a concert.
Suffice it to say that the income side of the ledger is probably about a third of what you imagine. And don’t forget, that’s gross income.
That doesn’t mean we’re sitting on our hands with nothing to do. We sing places that pay us nothing-and we do it gladly. But we choose carefully what places they are. If they are ministries we deeply believe in, and we know that they really cannot pay, then we trust that the places that can pay will, and so make up the difference.
I hate the implication that money alone decides if we come or not. But when people invite us, they typically ask what financial arrangements we recommend. I can’t imagine that you didn’t ask that during our phone conversation. But even if you didn’t specifically ask about a fee or “the arrangements,” the question is implicit in the invitation. That’s why I bring it up, even if the church doesn’t. All kinds of misunderstandings arise if communications are not clear on this point. Would you prefer to have someone avoid all mention of finances, come, and then, later, send you a bill for airfares, motels, restaurants, airport parking, excess baggage charges, skycap tips, dry cleaning, car rental, gasoline, and an honorarium?
As I said, we often deviate from our usual arrangements. And I made a suggestion of what I thought would be reasonable. It was not a “take it or leave it” offer. I didn’t “demand” anything.
In addition, the contrast you make between us and the “finest preachers in the world” is unfair. While they enjoy the security of a salary (whether from a church, college, mission board, or individuals supporting them), we do not. If they are not paid for speaking, it will not devastate their budget. And when an unexpected disaster occurs in their families, their churches or supporters often will give them additional aid.
Having looked briefly at the income side of the ledger, let’s glance at the expense side. Naturally, we have the usual living expenses: tithe, house payment, car maintenance, food, utilities, health insurance (but no group plan), etc. On top of that we have business expenses: telephone, printing, recording ($25,000 minimum investment per album), music, wardrobe, etc. Keep in mind that we have no disability insurance or employer-sponsored retirement plan, no provision for sick days or paid vacations.
When we lose sound equipment either to breakage or theft, we bear the cost of replacement. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it does occur occasionally. Just a few months ago while our van was parked at the airport, it was broken into and everything was taken. While our insurance took care of some of the items, “professional equipment” is not covered. We have attempted to get coverage for it in the past, but it is either uninsurable (due to the itinerant nature of our ministry) or the premiums are exorbitant. So we lost over $2,000 in that incident alone.
Unfortunately, the same people who think we should come for next to nothing also think we should look good, sound good, be educated, conduct our ministry on a professional level, and all the while not disregard our private spiritual walk or family health. I suppose we could fly by the seat of our pants, come unprepared, with poor equipment or none at all, double book, and perform like amateurs. We could do that and save considerable expense money, but who would want it?
We could make our recordings in someone’s basement and save a lot of money, but who would want them? Furthermore, would they honor the Lord? Instead we have elected to make the best quality recordings we can, even though it means we will make next to nothing on them.
For us the message itself has always been of far greater importance than any other consideration. The proclamation of the gospel makes use of one art form or another. Preaching is no less an art form than music. An inherent danger of any professional proclamation is that the art form may begin to dominate the content. The performer may become more enamored with the telling of the message than with the message itself. This is a subtle process, and the temptation recurring. But we constantly seek to maintain the preciousness and sanctity of the message.
Simply put, we are lovers of God more than lovers of music. When the day comes that we can communicate his truth more effectively through another medium, we will gladly relinquish music as our primary vehicle. We continue because we believe God has called into this form of ministry.
I was going to discuss some of the more philosophical issues you raised, but I fear I may have gone on too long already. Instead, let me ask you just one question: What should be the model for supporting Christian artists or musical evangelists?
Should they raise support among family and friends? Sometimes mediocre musicians are able to survive because kind family and friends continue to underwrite their ministry, whether or not anyone benefits from their ministry. Should value be given for value received, no more, no less? Should the churches who value a particular ministry enough to pay for it receive it, and those who do not, not receive it?
Let me put it more directly: Would you be comfortable if Steve and Maria came to your church, requesting a free-will offering but also the privilege of making a strong plea for continued monthly support from your people? We have always based our approach on the assumption that you would not prefer that. Maybe we are mistaken.
Perhaps you’ve heard of a few churches who have an Artist in Residence program. They give a Christian artist a reasonable salary in exchange for his participation in worship a specified number of Sundays per year. This identifies him as “theirs.” It gives him some accountability. It also frees him for a majority of the weekends when his ministry can be utilized elsewhere.
I think this model is attractive. One great drawback, however, is that the sponsoring church might feel it is not getting its money’s worth. It often seems to boil down to that, doesn’t it? If you felt that you were getting your money’s worth, I dare say your letter would never have been written.
Do you know what is probably the touchiest issue we face with regard to finances? It has nothing to do with your questions. It arises when we try to do something special for a church.
It usually works like this: Someone from Cleveland calls and wants us to come. They are too small to handle airfares, let alone an honorarium. They can’t afford it; we can’t afford it; maybe another time. A year later, a large church in Columbus asks us to come for a major artist series. They agree to the normal arrangements. Because we are going to be in Columbus for a Friday night, we realize we could rent a car and get up to Cleveland on Sunday and sing in the small church that really wanted us but could not afford us. So we say, “Great! Let’s do it.” You cannot imagine how many large churches get bent out of shape when they learn we are going to do another concert without requiring the small church to pay half the expenses to get us to Ohio. The fact that we could not sing at the smaller church any other way doesn’t seem to make any difference.
Then there are the churches (and there have been many through the years) in which any financial arrangement other than a love offering is unspiritual and unacceptable-until those same churches become large. Then they see large love offerings going out of their church and decide they will work with artists only on a fee basis. Isn’t that interesting?
Enough for now. I hope to hear from you soon. But please don’t make your reply as lengthy as mine . . . smile.
In him,
Steve D. Gardner
* * *
December 1, 1988
Dear friend Steve:
Thank you very much for the extensive and thoughtful letter. I picked up the phone to schedule you for that weekend but remembered I had not answered your fine communication. I should do that first.
I am tempted to go through page by page and answer, but what I want to do, more than anything, is share with you a “pastor’s heart.” Like you, I have struggled over this subject, but from the pastoral view, and have endeavored to keep a balance.
I know several Christian musicians around the country. I know how they live and the demands they make, and the bad reputation all of you are getting as a result. One musician demands three flower arrangements: one for the church, another for the piano, and another for the hotel. Another musician must have a suite of rooms and a deli tray in the afternoon. Still another who performed for us said the $1,200 we gave him would go for a special missionary cause at which he was to minister, but I learned that he never went! Other musicians have unbelievable lifestyles. I hear people say, “You should see his home!”
Because I do not know you and Maria, I had to learn of you from the printed page and the pleasant phone conversation you and I had a few weeks ago.
Like you, I have spoken, after traveling some distance, and received nothing for myself or expenses. I began my ministry here twenty-seven years ago making $25 a week salary, nothing else. Our little duplex rent was $115 per month. I ask you to figure out how we put food on the table and gas in our car, as well how we paid for light, gas, and other incidentals. Frankly, those early years took a toll on our dental health. Almost every year now I spend $1,000 on crowns. Had we had enough finances to take care of that, I would be in far better shape.
Enough! Apparently, both of us have had to progress the hard way in ministry. It has been very unpleasant at times, but I must confess, those hard times have helped me form values that stand me in good stead at this point of my life. Sounds to me like the hard way has done the same for you.
Anyhow, Steve, I do understand better already. My main concern is that care be taken about musicians who ask for the ideal in care, provisions, and equipment. The local church often is made to operate at much less than the ideal. The Christian artist should not expect to live as Hollywood artists. Lifestyle for pastoral and musical ministry should be within reach of each other. I have often seen a serious imbalance.
Because I came up the hard way, I confess I believe many are less concerned about ministry than about professionalism and support. Pastoring is a heavy responsibility, and many pastors wonder about the comparatively light responsibility of a musical ministry such as yours. Mind you, I’m not saying this is the proper perspective, but it is one many of us share.
We would like to have you and Maria with us some Sunday. I do promise we will take good care of you. Your tape you sent is a great blessing to me. I love the worship included. “Too Busy” is great. It really speaks to the church folks of today.
Let’s continue our dialogue. I have gained a friend by your excellent sharing.
Your friend, in Christ,
A. Dwight Burchett
* * *
December 7, 1988
Dear Pastor Burchett,
What a joy (and relief) to get your letter in the mail today. I was afraid I had offended you.
I agree wholeheartedly with your concerns. Your statement that the Christian artist should not expect to live like Hollywood artists is certainly appropriate. Of course, it must be remembered that there are also many pastors who live at a level rivaling corporate executives. They are obviously a minority, but we have seen many, even excluding those of media fame.
It’s possible that the percentage of Christian artists living at excessively high standards is greater than that of pastors, but I doubt the gap is as great as it appears. For every artist who lives in luxury, there are thousands struggling to survive. Also, for every hundred artists who seem to be doing very well, only a couple of them really are. It is almost a requirement of music ministry to give the appearance of success, even if it means wearing 95 percent of your net worth when you step on the stage. It’s a sad indictment on the public’s ability to judge value.
I’m sure that there are many artists, however, who fully expect to live by Hollywood standards. Some of them, of course, had already made something of a Hollywood career for themselves before crossing over into Christian events. It may be understandable that they would expect to be treated in the Christian arena as they were in the secular.
There always will be a significant difference in perspective between those who see themselves as Christians who minister by means of music, and those who see themselves as musicians who happen to be Christian. That makes a difference in how they expect to be reimbursed. A plumber who happens to be a Christian may confine himself to working in churches yet still feel he is entitled to union wages. That oversimplifies the situation, but you can see the principle. We may admire and appreciate the Christian who ministers through music, but does the musician who happens to be a Christian have a right to his vocation? Probably so. If I were a pastor, I’m sure I would add, “But not in my church.” Nonetheless, while I do not share the philosophy of one who is a musician first, I am uncomfortable banishing him from service in the church.
I think it entirely possible that a Christian artist in today’s environment could make over a million dollars per year and not necessarily be out of God’s will. (Did I really say that?) I think the real issue is the artist’s stewardship of those resources. That places a tremendous responsibility (and temptation) on the shoulders of the artist, but I think that’s where the issue ultimately must be resolved.
The temptation for you and me is covetousness. We may couch it in terms of desire for fairness, but I fear it’s only so much window dressing. Consider the parable of the workers in the vineyard. I tend to rise up with the early workers and decry the injustice of the employer. Yet when I hear Jesus’ reply, I realize there is a different perspective only the law of love can fully perceive.
Doesn’t it sometimes seem that it would be easier if the church were forced underground and our complacent, ingrown, self-serving appetites were blown away? But I guess the real test of a human character is not what we do in prison but how we handle our freedom.
Well, I didn’t mean to launch into another diatribe. This was supposed to be just a brief thank-you note. By the way, we would be pleased to come to VCC. In fact, some time in January would be wonderful if it’s not too late for your schedule.
In him,
Steve Gardner
* * *
December 13, 1988
Dear friend Steve:
Thanks for the “epistle” and excellent thoughts contained therein. Because as artist and pastor we perceive things differently, we may never come to complete agreement. However, I do think we are close.
I, too, believe a Christian should consider himself a Christian first, one who just happens to be a plumber, singer, preacher, or businessman. Over the years, I have watched successful people in many walks of life take just that attitude. It is far more likely that individuals will stay in touch with reality when they do. Viewing the sacred platform as a stage for performing is dangerous, and we have allowed it to go too far.
I also agree that each church and artist must establish a comfort zone for themselves and let God direct their ministry. Limiting everyone to a common economic level is not only impractical, but also would limit expression of the biblical injunction to give according to one’s abilities. I always have felt a generous church should enable ministries to go to those less able to pay. I too have heard of larger churches that refuse to offset the financial needs of the smaller.
We can’t have you in January, but we would like you to be here March 12. Please let us know.
Now, WHAT IS IT GOING TO COST ME???!!! Ha!
God love ya,
A. Dwight Burchett
Copyright © 1990 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal. Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.
