I need advice about playing worship music for audiences

[justsavedvince]

I apologize for the long paragraph, I just feel it's necessary to explain the situation and I hope you musicians can help me out.
Hey guys, I have a serious performance issue to resolve. To many people, this may seem like a small thing, but for me it's a big deal. I play the drums and I was invited to play at the Baptist Student Union at my school. I thought it would be fun and all, but once I started, I realized that I was so focused on myself and how I sounded. I worried if my beat was connecting with the rest of the musicians and if the audience was enjoying it.
I want people to enjoy it because I believe that music makes a strong impact on people's attitudes and that the music we listen to shows a lot about our character. I used to listen to a metal band called Sevendust because I loved the drummer's style.. then I started hearing the lyrics and understanding where the singer was coming from and I felt the same emotions he was feeling.. unfortunately the lyrics were depressing and angry and Sevendust became my outlet when I was angry or depressed. I practically worshipped this band. But basically the drumming brought me into feeling the lyrics.
After I gave my life to Christ I stopped listening to Sevendust and many other bands with negative lyrics and leaned towards more positive music and Christian music. To be invited to play at BSU was awesome and my goal is to play well so that maybe someone walking by outside will hear the drums and say.. "That's cool" then they might come in and see what's going on because they liked what they heard and might possibly return every week just because of the drums... like the same reason I started listening to Sevendust... and then the Christian lyrics would start sinking in and I'd hope that God would convict them through the lyrics and the music. So in that sense, I would be playing for God and glorifying Him through playing drums.
Here's the thing... Sometimes I feel God's presence when I'm playing and I'm not concerned about my surroundings... yet sometimes I am concerned. My friend told me he has experienced this too. Have you guys any comments or advice on what I can do in this situation?
I also just got invited to play at a church full time... I experienced the same thing there but in a different way. They don't let me play at a normal volume, it's all soft, so I can't really express myself through my music because I'm so focused on playing soft for the rest of the band. I hope someone can help me out here. I've prayed about it and will continue to do so.

 

[stephen]

Here's the thing... Sometimes I feel God's presence when I'm playing and I'm not concerned about my surroundings... yet sometimes I am concerned. My friend told me he has experienced this too. Have you guys any comments or advice on what I can do in this situation?
I also just got invited to play at a church full time... I experienced the same thing there but in a different way. They don't let me play at a normal volume, it's all soft, so I can't really express myself through my music because I'm so focused on playing soft for the rest of the band. I hope someone can help me out here. I've prayed about it and will continue to do so.

Hello brother. It is natural to feel the way you do when you play. This is the experience of all who seek to minister or bless.
Be aware........is the advice I would give to you.

 

[justsavedvince]

why do we experience this though?

 

[Levites10]

Praise the Lord in your life justcontinue to minister just give all the Glory to our Living GOD
and HE will use you mightily.Let the worship be your life style with humility and Play skillfuly.God bless you brother

 

[butterfly]

Allow God to take control of your worship time.I am part of the dance ministry at church and also battled to enter into worship infront of people,but i learnt to worship in the comfort of my own room and before i go onto stage to minister unto God's people, i leave everything at His feet and ask Him to take over. He has given me a heart of worship and now when i dance it's just me and God.I enter into His presence and He does the rest.

Be Blessed and continue doing what God has placed on your heart.Allow God to take control.

Luvies
Butterfly

 

[kenwyn]

I think that you have raised some really important issues here. It is a problem that all creative people face when they use their gifts in a Christian setting.

I don't believe there are any easy answers.

First of all, drumming is not worship. Nor is singing or driving a car. Worship comes from your heart and your attitude to God. I am sure that you are aware that you can keep the beat equally well whether or not your mind is set on God.

Also to play well you need to be aware of your surroundings. You need to be listening to what other musicians are doing, and you need to be watching the group leader for direction.

For as long as you play in a worship group you will experience tension between your creative expression and the needs of the other worshippers.


You may or you may not feel the presence of God while you are playing, but that is not as important as your attitude.

My advice - I am a musician too - would be to keep a tight check your motives for playing. Ask yourself are you there solely for your own satisfaction or to help others praise God? Keep in mind that one of the highest compliments that anyone can give a musician is that they are selfless, creating plenty of space for others to express themselves.

If your heart is right, then get on and enjoy giving your very best.

Everybody loves a happy drummer.

 

[Happyday333]

Heart of the matter.....

I've read a really good book : The Heart Of The Artist by Rory Noland... totally recommend it (it's lengthy but so good)

I know that God has given all of us talents and wants us to use and develop them fully! God always looks at our hearts.... knowing this, ask God to help you play for Him. Ask God to help you remain humble. You can with his Grace. You have his spirit in YOU! His grace in you will help you! Don't struggle by yourself, ask God's help and guidance. The best way to help me when I feel wrapped up in myself about a talent, I go and humble myself by being interested in others. I focus on helping other people. And it gets my mind off of ME And helps with not being so self-conscious!

It's funny how we as artists know things that we do or don't do, but no one else probably sees it. In other words, while we think we did a horrible job at something, others didn't know that it was horrible... we just tend sometimes to point out the negative.

Plus remember, it's ok to make mistakes You're learning, and like all things, there's a process. Allow God to develop you in character by being available to serve others and asking God for his guidance. It's not always the music alone that draws people's attention, but the heart of the people behind the music. Have you noticed that? People can see genuineness by observation and that alone speaks without words.

Don't become burdened down with condemnation or guilt. Condemnation is not from God! 1 John chapters 3-5 are so good if you can read it!

 

[EuphoricForest]

i think happyday333 nailed it. what she said totaly makes sense, it even helped me as a musician. Ask for courage and confidence from God and his holy spirit will be with you always granting you these gifts.
when you perform, remember just to have fun, and not worry about anything.
try to be more laid back, and focus all of your energy on God and your playing.

i have confidence in you brother!
God bless all

 

[CrazyForChrist]

I agree with everyone. There is never only 1 answer unless the answer is God Himself. So i suggest try applying all the advice people give, only using one set of advice/examples can cause a single view on many things and leads to much ignorance. Just trust God. Hugs and love brother:shade:

 

[steve1979]

maybe helpful??

its a hard thing to do at times to differentiate between playing for god alone and preforming for people, and hitting wrong notes, and being to loud. i believe that worship is an offering to god, and also warfare. there is a guy named don potter who used to play on a darkened stage alot of times facing the wall behind him, to keep his focus right. colossians ch 3:15-17. do all to the glory of god!