It depends on the size and affiliations of the church and its members. I've seen entire churches here in the South USA that have no paid staff. Most churches do have paid staff, but many positions, such as teaching Sunday School; working in the nursery; working with the children's church or bus ministry; singing in the choir; even in some churches, playing the piano, organ or other instruments; are typically volunteer, or one lead position will be paid with the rest volunteering or "ministering", as it's called in the church. Some churches have janitorial and landscaping services donated by members. All of these positions require commitment. Remember, it's your tithe and offerings that will be paying the salaries and needs of the church. It's similar to paying club dues or taxes...10?f your income is typically considered a "tithe".
If you are going to join a church, consider joining one that does "mission trips" in your country and abroad. These trips range from working vacations with a theme (religion, in this case) to completely exhausting, but rewarding, experiences (like disaster relief clean up or running a camp for underprivileged children). The church has fund raisers which may not cover all the expenses of travel, stay and food for the participating members, as some of the money raised goes towards the mission or cause. You will likely have to cover part of the costs. It's a great way to get a taste of another country, share your culture and help those in need...not necessarily in that order.
My favorite quote is by Mahatma Gandhi. "God has no religion". I believe this with all my heart. I also believe that prayers and meditation belong to all of humanity in the same way as music and singing does. Those aren't ideas I broadcast before mission trips for obvious reasons. People wanting to evangelize the world typically discriminate against anyone differing from their exact beliefs. So I went on some mission trips, yes, with others that feels as I do, too. We consider that we are offering a broader concept than those more conservative in the mission trip group. We work to help those in need and accept and love them unconditionally...unlike our fellow followers that only accept those like them. It may be necessary for you to accept that some members of the religious organization are more conservative or fundamentalist than you are.
Best to you, Soul Reaper.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minister_(Christianity)
Answered By: ... - 8/15/2012