How much is too much?

[centerpointeworshipper]

When you are leader in a small non-paid staff church, how much responsibility is too much responsiblilty, and is the fact that you are non-paid even an issue?:confused:

[Mike Darley]

I have a couple of thoughts.

I think it's too much responsibility for an unpaid staff member when it interferes with your family and work schedule. I mean ministry requires some level of sacrifice, but I'd still better to be able to spend time with my family as well as provide for them. If I'm not being paid for ministry I have to pay the bills somehow.

In my case I'm leading worship, teaching a Sunday school class, working on a M. Div, as well as working full-time. I seem to be able to do a decent job balancing this, but if I were asked to do much more I'd probably have to say 'no'.

Also, we have to make sure that those ministering in our churches aren't getting burned out. Burn out will come quickly when we're working full-time and taking on the responsibilities of a full time worship pastor.

We need to remember that "a laborer is worthy of his wages" is a Biblical principle.

Just a couple of scrambled thoughts.

[russhutto]

Up to the individual.

We all know how much "work" we can do and when it interferes with our family health and sanity.

I would say that the moment it crosses that line, then that's too much.

[worshiptheKing]

I am actually paid part time as the worship leader at my church. Although I am paid I do feel that I am asked to do too much sometimes. Initially I was expected to commit 10 hours per week. Well, for me, I spend a little more than that on preparation, more like 15 hrs/week. That includes practice, rehearsal with team, other prep, Sunday morning and Sunday night. I also just recently started teaching the adult Sunday school a series on worship. AND took the lead on contracting the sound system for a new building. I also work full time.

I DO TOO MUCH. but...

I don't mind. It needs to be done, I'm called to do it, I have the support of my wife. Not a problem.

I do believe that the time is also coming when I will have to start saying no.