I'd like your opinions

[PraiseCaster]

My band has been approached by a promoter, and has offered us a slot in a battle of the bands at BB Kings in Universal City Walk.

We would be bound to a ticket pre-sale (35 tickets, 10 bucks a pop). I dont see that as a big issue.

My question is, "Would you play at a Battle Of The Bands at BB Kings", and why or why not.

[ChurchPlayer]

Is this a spiritual ethics question? Like, is it OK for a band of Christians to play in a place that serves alcohol?

My reply is neither "Yes" nor "No". I believe that if you have to ask yourself the question then you probably already know the answer in your heart and you're head is looking for a little help in justifying going against the heart decision. That almost never works out in the things of God, in my experience.

If it's a matter of some of the band wanting to do it and others saying that it's not right then, in the model Paul gave us, I would recommend not doing it so as not to offend those who would prefer not to play there.

[neocaster]

I guess it comes down to "would I pay $350 to play at BB King's?" If the gig includes a band photo with the man himself, it's money well spent. Otherwise it's just another promoter trying to cover the club's electric bill for the night.

[PraiseCaster]

I think it is safe to say that the band looks at this as an opportunity to reach out to those that would probably never set foot in a church.

Just to let you know, we are just beginning to discuss it, and pray about it, and this is one way I am looking at different aspects, that maybe I have not noticed before (I dont want to go in, or cast to the side with tunnel vision).

[endzone]

The first thing that came into my mind when I read your post is Denver and the Mile High Orchestra on Fox's Next Great Band Show (or whatever it was called). I know it's not apples to apples cuz there's not alcohol involved in the Fox studio (or is there?), but it was still secular and they played secular music and I'm sure they wrestled with the same question. But look how they handled it. They were a witness and a testimony to the entire viewing world. I can't say anything negative about them being on that show and put in that position. I truely believe that God gave them an opportunity and used it to honor Him. They got an opportunity to show Christ on worldwide television. I don't see anything wrong with your band participating in that environment as long as everyone is OK with it and you've prayed up.

[refin]

"The earth is the Lord's,and the fullness thereof."

Think about the parable in Jer. 24 about the good figs and the bad figs.The Jews taken into captivity to Babylon were the GOOD figs---the Jews who stayed in the holy land were the BAD figs.
"This parable forever ends the sin of place.Babylon with all it's evils did not corrupt the captive Jews.Why?Because the right kind of geography was INSIDE of them,not outside.This was exactly the reverse of the Judean Jews,whose hearts were wrong but their surroundings were right." (From "Daily With The King").
I say go for it if you feel okay............anyone who gets offended is probably spending 97% of their time with other believers and church functions,and has practically no contact or understanding with the lost.

[BellyBoy]

Your band may be the only bible the people in that bar may ever read.
I have asked myself the following questions.....
Are you ministering to the saved or the unsaved?
Did Jesus hang with the believers or did he go to the masses?
Do you or any of your band members have a drinking problem that may be affected by being around alcohol?
You need to pray about it and understand that there may be temptations involved. Are you and your band strong enough in your faith to withstand any temptations?
I would be open to playing but not if my own spiritual walk could be at risk.
You can't put yourself into situations that you may not be able to withstand.
On the other hand, there may be one person in that club whose life could be changed by your ministry... I don't mean to walk the fence but there is much to be considered.

[LK]

You have to spread the word where ever God leads you to do so. I have never understood people who say things like a christian band should not play here or there because of what they may or may not serve. Or it's not christian enough. All I have to say to those people is, I'm sure glad Jesus did not think that way.

I say do it. You never know who you might reach for Christ.

LK

[Beerts]

quite a few years ago my band had an invitation to play at a local bar and we told the owner that as long as we were allowed to play our own music (EVANG-O-ROCK) we'd do it. it was wierd to be playing in that atmosphere, but when God opens a door I figure you go through it!

[Trimmed&Burnin]

Originally Posted by BellyBoy

Your band may be the only bible the people in that bar may ever read.
I have asked myself the following questions.....
Are you ministering to the saved or the unsaved?
Did Jesus hang with the believers or did he go to the masses?
Do you or any of your band members have a drinking problem that may be affected by being around alcohol?
You need to pray about it and understand that there may be temptations involved. Are you and your band strong enough in your faith to withstand any temptations?
I would be open to playing but not if my own spiritual walk could be at risk.
You can't put yourself into situations that you may not be able to withstand.
On the other hand, there may be one person in that club whose life could be changed by your ministry... I don't mean to walk the fence but there is much to be considered.

Darrell Mansfield and I played at a number of small bars a few years ago,, we had people comin out to the parking lot asking us to pray for them. I used to play at bars regularly,, I was part of the house band at a road house that was "occupied" by a chapter of the Bandidtios. The only condition for me to be in the band was that we did one set of Gospel Blues every night.
There was a time when it would not have been a good idea for me to be in a bar for any reason so like Mr. Mannion said,, check it out, be in prayer, be open, but be wise.
We should all commit to prayer about this oppertunity for Brother Praisecaster and band.

[maestrovert]

added to the list !

[bobthecanadian]

Sounds like a good gig and opportunity to play in a different venue.

[GoldieLocks]

I say "Do It!". When you look back later it was a cool opportunity. Just act the way Jesus would want you to (as I'm sure you will ).

In the long run its only music and a night out. I doubt most (most) music played in bars has an impact on peoples morals & faith, other than to make them feel guilty & uncomfortable for 5 minutes. But if you can actually touch someone's soul with music...then keep doing it.

I totally disagree with the $350 (crooks) but its for a cool showcase. Just take lots of picture for the memories.

[tom grossheider]

Light the light bro! When will it be? If I am visiting Glendale I'll make sure and catch the show and show some support.

[Bangbang]

Just do it

[Pickalittle]

Why is there even a discussion about this? Can we stop over-spiritualizing this and just go play for Jesus, bro!
Didn't Jesus dine with (and love) prostitutes, tax collectors, scammers and self-righteous religious nuts?
How could he spread his message and have relationships with them if He didn't "get amongst 'em!"

[PraiseCaster]

We've discussed putting together a "street team" to go to this gig. Requirements are that they not set their and judge others on their appearance or their behaviour (besides, thats God's job, not ours), and they must have it in their hearts to share the Love of God, not only amongst themselves, but to everyone else at the venue. That in itself will be a ministry that I think will glorify God!

[Trimmed&Burnin]

Originally Posted by Pickalittle

Why is there even a discussion about this? Can we stop over-spiritualizing this and just go play for Jesus, bro!
Didn't Jesus dine with (and love) prostitutes, tax collectors, scammers and self-righteous religious nuts?
How could he spread his message and have relationships with them if He didn't "get amongst 'em!"

You're right man,,, however Jesus was'nt an alcaholic trying to recover, or an addict, or whatever. Some people need to stay away from this type of atmosphere untill they are strong enough,,, this can take time and should be a consideration IF there is any history of these problem in the band.
Otherwise,,, do it!

[Pickalittle]

Shannon:
As usual, the Good Lord uses others more informed and wise to set me straight! You're right, and pardon me for being so zealous to just get out there and sing for Jesus. I'm the Peter (impulsive) and you're the Paul (wise, excellent with words and discerning!).

Thanks for the correction, bro!


Scott

[Trimmed&Burnin]

Originally Posted by Pickalittle

Shannon:
As usual, the Good Lord uses others more informed and wise to set me straight! You're right, and pardon me for being so zealous to just get out there and sing for Jesus. I'm the Peter (impulsive) and you're the Paul (wise, excellent with words and discerning!).

Thanks for the correction, bro!


Scott

I did'nt mean to come across like I'm correcting you man,, sorry! I've been there many time with all kinds of different people over the years and I've seen people who were'nt ready spiritually get creamed because they went into situations that they did'nt have the discipline or had not been healed (recovered) enough, and/or did not have the gifting or compassion. One of the worse situations is a Christian with Ego problems trying "minister" to the unwashed with music,,, not a good thing,,,,
I've also seen people who should be out there who wont!

[BellyBoy]

Originally Posted by Trimmed&Burnin

You're right man,,, however Jesus was'nt an alcaholic trying to recover, or an addict, or whatever. Some people need to stay away from this type of atmosphere untill they are strong enough,,, this can take time and should be a consideration IF there is any history of these problem in the band.
Otherwise,,, do it!

Shannon, thanks, that was what I was trying to get across...

[Scotele]

In my experience, sometimes the outcome of some battles and contests seems to have been decided prior to the event taking place. If a promoter thought that highly of you he would not be asking for money.

[Pickalittle]

Johnny and Shannon:
Boy, if I could only read! Ya know, I posted in a hurry in between flights at the airport without taking the time to read your posts. Wish I had, before posting because you are so right in your concerns. And Johnny, after reading your post, you DID say what you were trying to say, bro!