church politics

[NEB]

Church politics. I do so try to stay completely out of it, but occasionally it does tend to try and find me. There's a certain church warden in my new church that has issues. and they're being directed at me, although I think because I'm new around there I just happen to be in the way.

I suspect that this warden/pcc member is feeling a little sidelined. They havn't had a strong musical leader for ages (the previous was rubbish and got sacked), which has meant wardens etc. had been busy actively putting in the 10 pen'rth and then some leaving the musical activities to be direction by committee. Now they have someone with an education and gobs of experience who knows what they're up to and she don't like it one bit!..

This is gonna get interesting when my temper snaps and I suggest she get 10 years pre college education, then 3 years college + 2 yrs postgrad + many years pro experience and then come back and talk to me!


Politics ain't my thing, and I don't see why I should have to have a fight on my hands to get on and do the job I've been employed to do! (Actually the Priest is right behind me and hopefully will smooth things over...)

[Corno Dolce]

Hi NEB,

I empathise with your situation, recognise it, and acknowlege it since I've been there before myself. Here's what I did when I was employed at a Church: A churchperson came up to me and bitterly complained about the music, liturgy, and the decision-making process at the Church. I calmly invited the person to attend the weekly music and worship meeting with the Priest and share her grievance and why her wishes should take precedence over the gainfully authorised and employed office holders by the Board of Trustees.

She never came, thus the problem was solved. Take care of the emotions that may well-up unexpectedly inside you when you're confronted by ignorant people. Politics, I'm afraid, is a part of the Church life since it is an organization made up of humans who are prone to fallibilty, especially when they have not had the benefit of an education that prepares them for the ministry of Fatih and the ministry of Music.

Humbly,

Corno Dolce

[NEB]

You're right of course Corno Dolce, and I do think it to be an innovative approach that if it comes to it, I may well try. I'm hoping that the problem will simply go away and she will grow up!

Have to say, I've been a pro musician for more years than I care to remember, and this is just another of those experiences, and I'm probably always going to have one enemy or non-friend on the church council. C'est la vie. There's plenty right behind me who are delighted with what I'm doing and the leadership I'm providing in co-operation with the clergy.

Other than this one person, this new job is excellent in every other respect...

with thanks

NEB

[Contratrombone64]

I'm glad I'm not involved with the Church heirarchy in any way ... the politics happens everywhere. I also find they hate it if you remind them of the wonderful part in The Lord's Prayer about Loving thy neighbour ...

[methodistgirl]

Church politics. I do so try to stay completely out of it, but occasionally it does tend to try and find me. There's a certain church warden in my new church that has issues. and they're being directed at me, although I think because I'm new around there I just happen to be in the way.

I suspect that this warden/pcc member is feeling a little sidelined. They havn't had a strong musical leader for ages (the previous was rubbish and got sacked), which has meant wardens etc. had been busy actively putting in the 10 pen'rth and then some leaving the musical activities to be direction by committee. Now they have someone with an education and gobs of experience who knows what they're up to and she don't like it one bit!..

This is gonna get interesting when my temper snaps and I suggest she get 10 years pre college education, then 3 years college + 2 yrs postgrad + many years pro experience and then come back and talk to me!


Politics ain't my thing, and I don't see why I should have to have a fight on my hands to get on and do the job I've been employed to do! (Actually the Priest is right behind me and hopefully will smooth things over...)

It sounds to me like it's time to change churches and find one that
will except you better. The one you are talking about sounds like
one of those I call an iceberg. There are more churches that are
willing to take someone in who needs a job or new membership.
I was done dirty by some former churches that I went. Believe me,
the number one reason why some churches act like that money talks
in some of these so called churches instead of the word of God.
To me that's really sad. There are some churches here in Madisonville,
kentucky that are like that. I told someone one time that as bad
as I wanted to have a job with the praise team it won't happen.
But, if I was rich beyond my wildest dreams they would have me as
their number one song leader. To make things worse, I rode the
church bus and others at this church would make a real difference
out of us on the church bus. I got tired of it and found another
church and my best friend who invited me to this other church was
done dirty. Now I go to this methodist church and it seems to be
different. Everybody in that church seems to pull together and at
least try and make it work which is better. So I can say again it's
time you found another church.
judy tooley

[Contratrombone64]

In the good old days the Romans used lions to solve liturgical problems, kept the poor beasts well fed I understand.

[NEB]

Funny that CT64 not least since I happen to be a Leo!

Roooooooaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!

[Contratrombone64]

NEB - me too. And a well fed one at that, though not on clergy thank god.

[NEB]

Rofl

I've already tasted that delicacy. One Easter I had a run in with clergy and bawled one out in front of the band... He ran away with his tail between his legs and did what he was supposed to be doing in the fiist place. Everything went fine after that...

[Contratrombone64]

Leo's are never known for their tact, that's for sure.

[Corno Dolce]

Hi NEB,

You are very welcome dear sir and colleague . I'll pray for you that the situation resolves itself in an amicable way. Something that I have noticed in all my years of Church service is that when one problem gets resolved, another one pops up to take its place.

Sometimes I wonder if it is because that as musicians, churchpeople think that they can get away with bullying one, moreso than bullying the priest. Rare, however, is the congregation where all is smooth sailing.

Cheers,

Corno Dolce

[NEB]

Hi Corno Dolce,

Having mostly been a visitng deputy filling in while the regulars are away on other business or holidays, I've never had to deal with Parishioners much other than those wardens in charge of looking after me, and they're always glad to see the relief organist walk through the door - they're even happier when you start the prelude and it doesn't sound like squeeky-gate music...


cheers

NEB

[Corno Dolce]

Hello NEB,

*Glad to see the relief Organist* - My oh my, how exalted that must make you feel - *Squeaky gate music* : HAHAHAHAHAHAHA - ROTFLMAO - Thats a keeper.

Cheers,

Corno Dolce

[methodistgirl]

Corno! You have changed your avatar under your Corno Dolce name!
I like it a lot better!
judy tooley

[Corno Dolce]

Thank you, Ms. Tooley.