Why are most praise team members poor?

It is an undeniable that praise teams are playing central role in the success of every spiritual ministry. But most members seem to be poor. I find out from Pastor Favour Master why there is such a gap. Excerpts:

What is the role of a praise team?

The role of a praise team in a church is to lead people in the service. Through their songs praise teams inspire believers to worship God whole heartedly.

You may wish to know that the first musician is God. On their way from Egypt to Canaan, Israelites were singing because songs are part of weapons believers can use to defeat the devil. Hence, there can’t be victory in our worship if there is no praise team in a church.

Do you think this role is being recognised by pastors in local churches?

Absolutely not. I am saying this because I have seen many countless members of praise teams failing to go far with their education yet their churches have enough resources to help these needy members pay their fees with. Most churches are paying for the services of security guards and cleaners, but not members of praise teams. Leaders in most churches do not recognise the important role these members play to bring success to their ministry.

In some instances, you’ll find pastors engaging the services of very strange people to work for a church leaving out our choir or praise team members.

Do you think that pastors are being greedy and do not want to share what they get from congregants?

I think so. There are so many ways you can prove this. Some junior pastors are complaining in some churches of lack of support yet senior pastors are leading an upper-class life.

It is this greed that is chasing away most of our successful gospel musicians. You’ll agree with me that a lot of local gospel musicians have trekked to South Africa in search of greener pastures. They made this decision after seeing that their churches do not show interest in helping them. We should understand that man is both body and soul. It is the body part that drives our musicians away.

What other challenges do praise teams face?

Lack of and sometimes faulty equipment and lack of good working relationship between a praise team and church elders.

Have you been a member of the praise team?

Yes, I have. Actually, I’ve been a member and instructor of many praise teams and that is why I am able to know their challenges. Personally, I’m the musician who did Sanathane Nane Ambuye and I know what one goes through to produce a song.

I’ve been in Botswana teaching music and that’s whenI saw the big gap that exists between the life of a pastor and praise teams. I urge pastors to support their praise teams.

This is the only way to build the church.