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dkmontgomery New user Missouri 24 Posts |
There is some very good information in this post. My wife and I have traveled for years now in children's ministry. Ususally, the first question we are always asked from a church is "How much is your fee?" Then we explain that we request that our travel, lodging and meals be taken care of and a love offering. Most churches go above and beyond in taking care of us. However, we have had a few times that we wished we would have set a fee. But there have been so many times that if we would have set a few we would have short changed ourselves. God has a way of taking care of us we have found. Although, there have been many times we have contemplated setting a fee, but so far we have not journeyd on that path.
Dan Montgomery
www.montgomeryfamilyministries.com |
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Belleque New user 81 Posts |
Well a lot has been said here and what a variety of answers! My situation is also unique to me. I am a missionary who uses magic, puppets and balloon animals etc. in my ministry. As a nonprofit organization I am supported by those who God has led to give to my ministry. Therefore my income covers my living expenses (Well most of the time!). I don't need to charge for my programs but as others have said I will take a gift or love offering to contribute to my ministry so I can do more. That being said I found something that Duane Laflin said at our FCM regional last year very interesting. He said that at large events in larger churches to ask for a love offering is inappropriate because those offerings could be way beyond the fair fee for a show. Some churches see that as taking money from their ministry and would rather pay the appropriate fee. This really made sense to me so in larger venues I will ask if there is a budgeted amount before I mention love offerings. I thought this was a really good piece of info for this thread.
By the way many have mentioned Duane's Book "Greater Gospel Magic". Unfortunately it is not only out of stock but also out of print! I am going to see Duane this weekend so I will mention that there are many still interested in getting a copy! I hope he will consider a reprint!! Brett |
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Bendy Special user Columbus, Ohio 518 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-02-08 12:43, Belleque wrote: Please do!! ...And if he happens to have a spare copy lying around somewhere, I'll be glad to buy it from him! |
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magic4jc Regular user Texas, USA 148 Posts |
Me TOO!!!!!
mikecorry.com
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dkmontgomery New user Missouri 24 Posts |
Me Three!
Dan Montgomery
www.montgomeryfamilyministries.com |
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Rodney Palmer Inner circle 1317 Posts |
Duane's Book is currently selling for over $ 200.00. I recently saw one on a books for sale site.
"Creating Memories That Last A Lifetime"
In order to keep "MAGIC ALIVE" Please become a Mentor to a Young Person. |
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Gospel shows for churches are about 10% of my overall business picture.
At one time I used to charge a discounted fee, compared to my regular shows. Now I charge the same fee. (In a way, I am a little inclined to charge more, because I am offering a quality fun show, and combining that with a message, which is extra work. Just because I am passionate about doing them, does not really mean they are "easier" or less value.) The unique thing about what I do, is that I am not just doing ministry / evangelism, I also am offering entertainment. And one of the great things about a show, is that it can draw people to the church that might not normally attend any event at a church. I do not think it is wrong to ask for a decent fee (more than "covering expenses") comparative to what you might charge other non-church groups. I know some who work for "love offerings", but I have not felt led to do the same in the 30 years I've been performing. I have charged churches and camps fees in the neighbourhood of $350-$1500, depending on what their needs were (what I was providing), and where they were located. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Belleque New user 81 Posts |
Since I originally mentioned Duane Laflin's new theater in Libby, Montana on this thread I wanted to give everyone a follow up review after attending a preview of the show this weekend. If this post would be better on another thread please let me know.
Duane and Mary Laflin have converted two "store front" type buildings into a great, intimate (100 seat) theater in Libby Montana. Complete with snack bar and magic museum the theater is going to be a pleasant suprise to those enjoying Montana for summer vacation. The hour and a half magic show with 15 minute intermission has enough magic, music and fun to please just about everyone! It is definitely a family show. No blue humor or inappropriate material. The show features Duane's trademark silk act as well as several fun illusions including a unique vertical levitation. There are several audience interaction bits that brought different specators on stage to participate in the magic! Each helper enjoyed their experience and each time Duane asked for an assistant many hands filled the air! After the show I was treated to a backstage tour and history of the project. Duane and Mary and many helpers have put in an incredible amount of work into the theater. It was a complete renovation and a project that took two years of research before beginning. Before the show there is a dvd presentation with Duane and Mary sharing their love of Montana and their desire to perform there and bring a little magic to their hometown. They certainly have done that! I think probably the most incredible part of the show is how much they accomplish with just a handful of people! There are several costume changes and set changes that certainly keep everyone hopping! Duane and Mary and their two on stage assistants keep the performance smooth and the pace upbeat and interesting. Libby is a small town but is located in a great recreational area. It is truly beautiful and has many lakes, rivers, hiking trails and camping sites. It is also within a days drive of Glacier National Park. The Laflin's are hoping to draw their audience from those who are enjoying the countryside and want something fun and memorable to do in the evening. Besides the magic show they will also be presenting a program called the "King and Presto" a music show that includes some magic as well. I would encourage you to consider a vacation in Montana and enjoy the Montana Wonder Theater! I certainly did! For more info check out http://www.laflinmagic.com Brett |
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mommymagic New user 20 Posts |
I would really like for him to reprint the book but I do not see it happening in the near future. I have the very first copy and that is the only one I have. I would like to have a copy for each of my children.
Brett, I am glad that you were able to attend the show. I saw the buildings when they were first being remodeled but have not been back since. I know that my parents are very excited about the theater and the opportunities there. I am so proud of them and really pray that the theater will be a blessing for them and the communitee. Our family is planning to visit them in August and hope to help with the theater while we are there. I encourage anyone who can to take a trip to Montana. The scenery is gorgeous and the entertainment cannot be beat. Rebecca |
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Bendy Special user Columbus, Ohio 518 Posts |
Thanks for the update on the Lafflin's new theater, Belleque.
...I think I just put Montana on my list of places to vacation! |
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Kevin Puckett New user 15 Posts |
I had the privaledge of seeing the theater at the same time as Belleque. Duane and Mary Laflin are a joy to see perform Being at the Montana Wonder Theater was a wonderful experience. I encourage everyone to visit in the future!
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Daniel Faith Inner circle Neenah, Wisconsin 1526 Posts |
There is certainly nothing wrong with charging your normal fee to a church.
We do have to make a living too. I agree with MrTricky's post completely. I had a church that was so insistant that they had no money that I agreed to do the show for love offerings only. I ended up making much more than I would have charged them. If the Lord is at the center of what you do. He will take care of you. To those of you trying to get a start in gospel shows. Do shows for love offerings. You will get tons of church shows that way.
Daniel Faith
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MagicDawg19 New user 13 Posts |
I usually don't charge my own church. If another church contacts me to do a show, they usually have it in a budget for that particular event to pay me. I just check to see what they can afford. I never charge a church my regular rates for private companies or individuals. The Lord will provide you the wisdom on when and how much to charge. God Bless You.
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Dan Bernier Inner circle Canada 2298 Posts |
I don't know if I'll add anything new that hasn't already been said, but I thought I would share my view on it as I view my Gospel Magic as a ministry. As a ministry, God has provided me with the means, the tools, resourses, and opportunities to be able to spread the message of Jesus Christ using magic and illusion. I am first and foremost a christian. I use magic as part of my ministry to convey the message of Christ, I do not use the ministry to show off my magic, or try to make a living at it. I do it because I love God, and I want people to know about Him. I want people to hear the truth about Jesus Christ. I do not take fee's from churches although some have asked what my fee's were. Sure my ministry has costs, and no, I'm not rich by any means. However, I do have people who support my ministry financially, and others who pray for me as a group. Although I except no fee, the congregation will usually collect a love offering. This amount can sometimes be a substantial amount, and sometimes it may be very little. I know people have to earn money to continually be able to support themselves and their families. People in full time ministry who are serving the Lord should be able to earn enough to be able to support their family. It's those who choose to make it a priority over their ministry that saddens me. It makes it sound like they decided to get into Gospel magic as a career rather than looking at it as a real ministry. One must be willing to make sacrifices, and even be willing to suffer. I know that sounds pretty heavy, but before anyone gets into Gospel Magic as a part-time ministry, or even full-time, make sure you know and understand the cost.
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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padre rich Special user 635 Posts |
I did the VBS circiut for several summer. I never asked for an honorarium but always recieved one. When folks would ask what was approariate I told them the range of what churches gave and told them to feel no obligation . They were normally far more generous than I thought they would - I paid for seminary that way
God's grace rocks! It makes a good cups and balls routine look pretty boring in comparison.
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Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
I was on the road for 8 years doing Kid's Krusades and traveled 20 states. It was our full time ministry. We never turned down a church due to finances, we came for an honorarium. When asked, we told them they should try to have at least a weeks salary for that church, that gave them a goal. It supported us full time and we did krusades 30 to 40 weeks a year. But here's my thought as a pastor. There's no reason any size church that wants a program, can't take care of their speaker. It's called planning ahead, or writing it into their budget. They are biblically wrong not to try to take care of their guests that come in.
I am one of those who if someone starts putting lots of demands on us before they will come, like so much money and so forth, they more than likely won't be coming to my church. My wife and I lived by faith on the road and God took care of us. If it's a truly God called ministry, God will take care of them too... God has blessed our church to be able to take care of all of our Evangelist. Just a thought from someone who has done it full time... |
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