Worship and Creative Arts Jobs?

There are few things in life that can cause the type of stress that looking for a job does. There is definitely nothing like looking for a job in the Church. I am graduating in a few weeks and I am at the point of no return. I am looking for a job. I am looking to be employed by a church as their Worship and Creative Arts Pastor. Some might say that I shouldn't have a problem, there are so many church's in need of someone to take over that aspect of ministry. Unfortunately, it is a little more difficult than that. It is true, there are a large number of church's looking for a Worship Pastor. There are actually some quality church's out there in need. The unfortunate part is that most of these church's, though great church's, cannot afford to pay this position or pay inadequately.

You see, most church's want someone who has been in ministry for many years and has experience in leading in a church of over 500 or more. They are not willing to take a chance on a 23 year old straight out of college. The church's that are interested in taking that chance, typically are not large enough to pay an adequately enough for me to live and pay off school loans. You see the issue?

I have come across one or two church's that are very promising. The first is a church in Arizona that is a church of 250 and willing to bring me on full time with very promising salary and benefits. The other is a church plant that isn't able to pay off the bat. Most would say, why not just take the job that pays? Well, I have decided something in my search. I have decided that I want to go to a church that has strong leadership, vibrant vision, stable and logical belief's and promise of growth (whatever that looks like). I want to go to a church where I trust the leadership and their ability to lead. I also want to go to a church where I have some freedom. Freedom to work within my ministry, without a dictator telling me what songs to sing each Sunday. Freedom to be innovative with the media and graphics. I want t be valued for what I can contribute.

With that said, I am debating. Go to a church where the salary is great, but I don't know the leadership as well. Or go to a church where I know, trust and love the leadership. Where I know I will be valued because I have ministered with the Pastor and leadership team for the past two years. Where I know I can go in and mold my area of ministry. It's tough, because the first church might be a place where I can do that as well. I know God will guide my steps, I also know that he gave me a brain to be logical.

God guide me in Your will, that I might be where you are working!