Pastor uses ad to seek praise and worship leader

Praise and worship sessions are just as important as preaching the gospel in church, and Pastor Obet Cephas of the Harvest Bible Chapel in Spanish Town said this is why they are currently seeking a trained praise and worship leader to join their team.

The pastor, who advertised the post in the print media, said that the potential praise and worship leader should have the church's best interest at heart.

"One of the things that we want to do is to ensure that the person who we are getting is not motivated only by what the salary is going to be. We know that this is going to require a lot of dedication and work from this person, so we are prepared to pay them. I served in that role for over 10 years without a salary, but a lot of worship leaders have spent thousands of dollars to get trained in music and are using it as a career. Of course, we would be happy if we could get a volunteer, but at the same time, we believe we should take care of these persons who are doing it for full-time ministry," he said.

While there are persons who would criticise the move, Cephas strongly believes that compensation should be given where necessary.

'Money-making' business

"There are times when some of these persons would leave the church and go and play for secular events because the church does not take care of them. It is sad to know that persons may label the church as a 'money-making' business, but it is all about organisation. In the Old Testament, David organised his church very well. We are not a business, but a non-profit organisation," he said.

Those applying for the post are being asked to attach a video of themselves directing a praise and worship session. After being shortlisted, the candidates will have to do an audition and an interview.

Cephas said that it is extremely important for the candidate to be able to research, plan, and evaluate high-impact worship services, as well as assist with the recruiting and developing of worship team members.

"We had someone before, but that person had left, so we are now seeking someone who is trained and is versatile on playing an instrument. We would prefer someone between the age group of 20 to 40, as that person would be able to capture persons from all ages. We want to have someone who is familiar with the rich traditional songs, and we don't mind if they are done in contemporary styles either," he said.

Interested persons are being asked to sub mit a resume and sample worship videos to harvestbiblesptn@outlook.com.