Expert: Tom Schott - 8/9/2005

Question
Tom, what is ministry?

I'm struggling with knowing the difference between a volunteer ministry and a paid ministry.

Ministers of Music are paid by the parish because they are trained in their field, but does that make them any less of a "gift"?

Are volunteers somehow more precious in God's eyes?  Are paid ministers suspect?

Trying to get an old job back, but getting the distinct vibe I'd be welcomed back as a volunteer and not as a professional.  That hurts, especially after what I've been hearing at Masses musically these past weeks of them auditioning candidates.  Awful!  

I know I'm better.  Counsel me!

Answer
Hey Sheila,

 How are you doing? I haven't seen you since that day you drove up behind me on your way downtown. You know as well as I, dear, what the difference between paid and volunteer ministry is. I don't think that's your struggle. Your struggle is with the perceived slight you've been given, a diminution of your talent and training. I understand that quite well. I cannot shed any light on what's going on with the hiring of the music director. You are probably aware that the new pastor has a couple of music degrees. I would imagine that he has a different set of standards and expectations than his predecessor. Not that you cannot meet these, just that he is going to be deliberate about this choice. And he's going to take his time.

  I don't know about you, but I don't always trust vibes--even if they seem distinct. You haven't been turned down flat, have you? If not, it's not time to be fretting about it.