As a kid, our church elected a volunteer worship leader and backup every year. Same with piano/organ player. I think the church is wasting resources on hiring worship staff. The church had a lively worship service and the members singing was not drowned out by “pros” like today.
In many churches they are catering to those “members” who want to perform. If these members can’t perform, they go somewhere else. Why not have a talent night every Wednesday where those performers do their thing and those that want to listen show up. If no one shows up they could still perform. If someone wants a music career, go into show business or the recording business. I have seen some bands perform concerts in churches and fund themselves by donations.
An affiliated problem in many churches have “members” who leverage their donations to force the church to hire family members for worship or youth leaders.
“Members who leverage their donations to force the church to hire their family members for worship or youth leaders.” You are so right. My church has featured a praise band whose leader was the son of one of the prominent church elders. This kid was a college dropout with no employment prospects. He left after using church money to create recordings of his meager talent which he took to Nashville.
Another prominent church member’s son is leading the praise band and getting paid. Church services featuring his performances were being streamed on YouTube during the COVID shutdown. Unfortunately, this guy wasn’t crediting the composer of the praise songs who certainly isn’t him. Church members who attend the contemporary service have been subjected to him moaning into a microphone every Sunday. Some of us don’t go to church only to be entertained by wannabe rock stars of questionable talent.