PPP

PPP is my abbreviation for paid per performance, i.e., gig to gig, or paid per purchase in the form of royalty checks which are a dispersed a few times a year. Those are two major means of financial support in the music industry. Unless you are on a consistent gig right now, or have writer’s credit on a hit song, or several songs for that matter, the gap in between performances and royalty checks can be stressful and financially nerve racking.

So, are you supposed to be on PPP in this season of your life? Don’t answer that just yet.

Marvin worked a secular job for many many years before entering full-time ministry. Usually, with a full-time job are a plethora of benefits, medical insurance and the ability to retire with dignity. So why give up all that for the fickleness of the music industry, the uncertainty of enough gigs to buy groceries, let alone pay a mortgage payment and a car note? One word…"called.”

It’s very hard to make it in this industry, first if you aren’t exceptionally gifted on your instrument and secondly if you aren’t called. Being in full-time ministry means you work for God. He is the one that called you. He is the one that opens door after door. He is obligated to provide for you. God didn’t call everyone to full-time ministry. However, if He did, there is a set time for you to step out. Timing is a critical component and something you don’t want to get ahead of God in.

“But I’m gifted." Everyone has gifts of some kind. They were given to us by our Creator and are called just that…a gift. He doesn’t want them back, you don’t owe Him for it. It’s been given to you to enjoy and in many cases enjoyed by others. But should that gift be the sole provision for your family? Maybe. Maybe not. That’s something you must seek God concerning and know beyond the shadow of a doubt if it’s for you. Not knowing for certain will bring many unnecessary storms, and in the words of my pastor, if God didn’t send you to the storm, He’s not obligated to take you through it.

On the flip side, if you’ve been struggling with the decision of going into full-time music ministry and you know that God has been calling you for quite some time, it’s time to get out of the boat. Every day you don’t, is another day of walking in disobedience. Your breakthrough is connected to your obedience. You can trust God, He won’t let you sink. Provision will come in between performances in ways you can’t imagine because you answered the call.

In the beginning it was very hard for us to make ends meet. But that kept us leaning and depending on God. And He ALWAYS made a way. The day came when we were able to cross over from "not enough" to "more than enough." It’s inevitable when you’re walking in obedience.

Your gift will make room for you. You don’t have to go looking for gigs, or opportunities to minister. They will find you. The way has already been made for you in whatever He’s called you to do. Full or part time is another story.

Many years ago under the tutelage of my late pastor, he would often say, “some are called, some are sent, some just packed up and went.” You truly don’t want to go if God isn’t sending you. Challenges will come. Uncertainties will arise. But when you know, that you know, that you know, you’re doing what He called to do, victory is assured every time.