[QUOTE]Originally posted by chony:
Would they hire you if they knew you didn't share their beliefs? If they would, then go ahead - take the job -- they're not hiring you as a pastor but as an entertainer.

If they feel that somebody who did not share their beliefs would not do as good a job (for whatever reason), then you probably should not. In other words just be honest with yourself and with them. I know for example that in our community we often take performers who are not of our affiliation and it is not an issue. Because they are there to perform, not to minister.

As a church musician and music director, I hire instrumentalists, not necessarily members of my denomination. I have also played at churches of other faiths. The issue for me is the same on both sides - can the musician be respectful of the situation at hand (liturgy, service, worship, etc.). I do not expect my musicians to pray aloud or even follow along, BUT I would expect some sort of decorum. I have no problem with them going outside during the sermon, as long as it is not distracting. Conversely, I have no problem staying at my station during another's service and meditating or praying in my own way. For $250 I could ignore a lot of religious mumbo-jumbo (whatever that means to you)

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 09-02-2004).]