The contemporary Christian band I helped to form, 'Loyal To One' is playing our first official gig at a church function in a few weeks. Here is the background:

Our church, like many others is involved in small groups (or lifegroups as some calle them) wherein, 10-12 groups choose a Biblically based study that lasts for 6-7 weeks. In between that, our church does something called 'Parkview Celebrate' (it's Parkview Baptist Church) where they have communion, do baptisms and baby dedications. The last few times they have done this, a few bands have come in to play a mini-show (5-7 songs) and at the end, there would be an offering for the band.

Our band is having a discussion about whether or not we should have our Pastor ask for an offering for us. A couple of us think it wouldn't be a good idea because we're members of the church and how does it look asking for an offering for people that all play in praise bands. My view is that 'Loyal To One' is a band that operates outside the church walls. Even though we all play in any one of the three praise bands we have, this is a totally separate band. Our goal is to play around the area, not just at our church. In order to do that, we need equipment and certain things any other band needs. An offering would go towards the purchase and maintenance of that equipment as well as what we put in out of our own pocketbooks and wallets. None of us are looking to profit personally, but I don't think it is out of line to ask the Pastor to ask the congregation to give if people their feel led to do so.

Anybody have any thoughts?

when i invite bands to my church, i prepare the congregation (mainly youth) by stating that a "love offering" will be taken up to give to the band(s). then after the show, i gather what is given and pass it along to the band. sometimes its a lot, other times not so much (i throw in some to help out as well).

i've never asked to have an offering for my bands tho, i just did it as part of my service.