Friends:

I've spent the majority of my feeble career in the employ of either Anglican or RC clergy. One works at their pleasure. There is no lay person to whom one can appeal anything. It brings to mind the case of one of the finest men of our profession, who, within a year or two of his well-deserved retirement was told, for absolutely NO good reason, to clear out his desk within 24 hours and GET OUT. We are talking about one of Dr. McCurdy's best-known students, a man who is still loved by all who know him. He had absolutely NO recourse. The problems begin to develop when a senior musician sees many clergy come and go, the quality of same almost always sinking lower and lower. When I was a boy, in the late sixties, there were giants in them thar hills. Not today.

The secret is to pick your boss with at least the same care that they imagine they are choosing you. All the useless gas-bagging about resolving conflicts avails nothing. One must be in accord from day one. The reply for all requests is "Yes, father (mother)." I know this sounds extreme but it's worked for me.

I was actually formed by Presbyterians and so enjoyed the multi-layered committees and boards of governance. The Methodists also have quite a few layers of lay persons to work with. It's very nice until, of course, they presume to make decisions about one's work, decisions that should be in the hands of professionals. The ideal arrangement, I think, is to work solely with the senior minister to make any worship decisions and then to employ committees to do the dirty work (fund raising and the like, concert series arrangements, choir camp planning, etc.).

Just my opinion and not meant to step on anyone's toes or to imply disrespect of THEIR procedures. My thoughts are based on what's worked for ME.

[Name removed....]