Moving While Playing

[DougieLove]

Something interesting happened to me last weekend...

Our choir here on base is very small. Usually less than 1/2 dozen vocalists, a pianist, and myself on guitar. Last week was me, the pianist, and only 3 singers.

Well, a little background on me to set the stage...I volunteer my efforts to play because I want to give back to the Lord. I want to do my best to enhance the service for the congregation. And in order for me to give my best, I need to move when I play. Not jump around like Ted Nugent or anything like that, but sway from side to side with the rhythm, maybe lean in to a powerful section of a song, stuff like that.

Well, last weekend, after the service, someone came up to me and said the following:

Why do you move around so much when you play? It's very distracting. And that's why there's people who want to eliminate guitar from our services, because it's too distracting. When you add in all the modern influences, you take away from the message. I couldn't concentrate on my prayers with you bopping around like you were.

Now, I first tried to explain that I move around because I want to get "into" the music, so I can give my best back to the Lord and to the congregation. And when she just ignored that comment and continued to say how disruptive I was, I asked her aren't we supposed to sing and dance unto the Lord? To which she replied "Not in a service." That's when I finally said that if she were focused on the message of the lyrics, and the message of the sermon, then the movements of the musicians should not have influenced her train of thought.

Have you guys every run into this? Do you guys move around a little/a lot when you play?

I don't know...I thought it was a little frivilous to say that a guitarist swaying side to side disrupted her prayers.

Thanks,
Doug

[hayseedtele]

i like to lean into it when the spirits starting to work into the song, so i feel for you. i dont understand where shes coming from and i think the way she handled it was out of line. it sounds like what she really means by some people want to eliminate guitar from service is that she wants to eliminate guitar from the service. you should speak to the pastor of your church and see how he feels about the matter. if shes being completely honest in her opinion she would at least hear you out. moving while playing may not be her stile, but it is yours and you should have a say in how you worship.

[blacklinefish]

Here's how I see it. Perhaps she does not like guitar in the worship service at all. So, she is already put off by it. That's why you might be distracting to her.

If she thought that guitar was the best addition to church music since her grand-daddy laid the bricks to the foundation of the sanctuary, then your movement would not bother her. It's natural, and it's human nature. Set drummers have it just as bad, or worse. (Hint: add a drummer, then the focus will go off of you. Just kidding.)

This advice may be counter to what a lot of others might add, but it's my honest opinion: Don't move around so much. You do not have to do this to get into the music - move around in your spirit, God will probably get your joke. Honestly, if someone had the nerve to approach me on something like this, then I would take it seriously. Perhaps you can win her over.

Many others will probably encourage you to shake your spiritual groove thang, though.

--gh

P.S. I cannot believe how petty and hurtful people can be, though. I pity people like that - but I believe it is my duty to tolerate and work with them as well.

[wilkat1]

She could try bowing her head or praying with her eyes closed.

If you don't want to be distracted by a musician, you won't be.

[getbent]

Moving around is fine. She is just a stick in the mud! Smile and thank her for her input and do what you want to do. It is one thing to groove to the music... it is quite another to dance like Elaine on the Seinfeld show... if someone videos your church go back and look at the tape and see if you look like a wild badger is loose in your pants or if it looks like you have to go to the bathroom really badly. if it doesn't do what her husband probably does--> ignore her... while smiling broadly at her! Of course I'm catholic and the only time we pray with our eyes open is when we are praying before a meal in case one of the other kids is sneaking food.

[BoB/335]

"Smile and thank her for her input and do what you want to do."

That seems to be a typical response from this forum. In my flesh I would say the same thing. I would HOPE that I would be more Christian like than that statement. God only knows. Most likely I would have an abrupt reaction. It's one of my character defects. You can just ask my wife. Aside from my reaction and the advice above, I would suggest reading the post from blacklinefish. I think he has it right!

[getbent]

There is what people say and then there is what is behind what they say. As a few have stated, this person very likely is saying one thing (and not very tactfully) but probably meaning another. To that end, if you are abrupt and your response elicits another response (complaint to others about your reaction) you end up being the person who is being unreasonable. If you just stop moving and, in fact, her problem is not really with movement it is with music or guitar or you or whatever, it won't solve the problem anyway. However, like I said above, if you dance funny (not in a good way) adjust that, but if it isn't you.. then let it go... unless you think that something you can do or say will help her either enjoy your movement (maybe) or the music (maybe) or you (maybe).... my guess having experienced people who behave in a similar manner is that they are commenting for effect and providing that effect (which is plainly hurtful and probably uncalled for) only encourages additional comments of that ilk.

I think you are right Bob, a lot of us would smile (being at least civil and polite) and continue to do what we think we ought (because doing otherwise does not improve the situation nor does it bring peace to the other person) and see if the situation changes. I think many of us have been there and found that just complying isn't necessarily the answer... I have found that when folks aren't being straight with you, be polite and try to ignore them.

[Brian Krashpad]

The lady you talked to was a biddie who needs to stick to a traditional service.

When I was playing in church I mostly sat, but even seated if it's a rock song there oughta be some movement from most players. I solved any potential "problem" by intentionally positioning myself behind the organ console. Can't be distracting if all anybody can see of you is your head, and only when you're standing up.

['caster oil]

Oh, for God's sake, don't move around at all !

The Lord never moved, even upon the waters...

['caster oil]

Originally Posted by 'caster oil

Oh, for God's sake, don't move around at all !

The Lord never moved, even upon the waters...

Oh, crap... I just checked... I guess He did...

['caster oil]

Originally Posted by 'caster oil

Oh, crap... I just checked... I guess He did...

Technically, I guess that was the spirit of the Lord... oh, nevermind...

[bobthecanadian]

Moving while playing... isn't that like Travelling Without Moving? (Enter funky disco beat and a guy named Jamiroqui).

I am sorry to hear that you have had this experience. Please be gracious to this woman. When you see her, smile and say hello. If she wants to talk, listen a bit. If she says something you don't like just smile and nod. She, too, is only human and needs mercy, too.

BTW, ask your pastor/worship leader/music director/higher up what he thinks should be done and go with it. If you feel you gotta get your groove thang on while playing/singing your praise to God you could always do it on your own at home. Maybe even start your praise and worship based group. There are lots of options for you if you ever feel that you are too restricted in any way.

Shalom,

[BoB/335]

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

Some of us state that we are in this to help bring the people into a worship experience and that is why we are there. From many answers here I have to wonder how much truth there is to that.


Philippians 2:2-4 (New International Version)

2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.


Maybe some of you should consider not playing in church at all.

[PraiseCaster]

I recall that about 6 months after joining the P&W team where I am now, I overheard a complaint to the Pastor:

"That is obscene! That loud rock n roll show your putting on there has no place in the House of The Lord! And that guitarist swayin back and forth to the music, like he's dancin up there! No place I tell you!"

I was devastated. Am I basically trashing the House of God with my playing? God forbid!

I went straight to my P&W Team Leader and told him I'm stepping down, that I didnt want to be a distraction. He pulled me into another room, and asked why? I explained what I heard, but before I could finish he started saying, "No, no no no! I am not allowing you to quit! I know your heart is into Praise and Worship, and you are not approaching this as some rock show. Sadly, some people just want to complain. They will complain that the Pastor wore the wrong kinda clothing for a sermon, or wore the wrong kinda shoes. That his wife doesnt act right for a Pastors wife, that his kids are unruly, he drives the wrong car....... Heck,they complained once that my glasses were not masculine enough. Another time, that I sing too loud, or too soft. All we can do is pray, love them, and keep doing what God wants us to do, and that is offer up Praise and Worship too Him.

For quite a while I held back. I planted my feet firmly, and I was overly conscious and aware of my every movement. And I could tell that my playing went down hill. Then it started to become a drag to be up there.

I sought the Lord in prayer, and asked whats wrong. I expected him to tell me to step down, but instead he lead me to this scripture:

II Samual 6:14 thru 23.
Here David sang, played and danced in Praise and Worship before the Ark of the Covenant. So much so, his clothing came loose, and you could see the ephod (his undies) wrapped around him. He was soundly castigated by his wife Michal. She wound up being put in her place, and rebuffed.

I thought on that, and I realized, David gave his all in Praising and Worshiping God. I knew that I was not giving my all in Praising Him, and that is why my playing had become so horrible. I started "anew" in my Praise and Worship too Him, and I gave it my all, whether I was rocking/swaying back and forth, or standing still in humblness and Awe, I gave it my all. I still do today. I recall a short time later, that one of the ladies in the congregation came up to me and said, "It has blessed me to see you Dance Before the Lord, just like David danced before the Ark of the Covenant. I never used to sing during P&W. But when I saw you pouring your hearty out to Him in Praise and Worship, I knew that I need to unashamedley Worship Him. Thank you for setting that example for me!" I was so humbled.

My opinion, based on the example that David gave me: If you are doing it "as unto the Lord", then I dont care if you dance so hard your pants fall down and everyone see's you chonies (just make sure there clean, ok?)! WORSHIP GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, MIND AND SOUL!

But I'll end this with saying: Examine yourself. Look into your motivations for all you do. Is it with a broken and contrite spirit that you approach Jesus in Praise and Worship, or is there some vanity or pride creeping into your offering, poluting it before the Lord? Thats a question you have to ask yourself. Its between you and The Lord.

I hope that helps, and it didnt cloud the situation.......

[BoB/335]

"My opinion, based on the example that David gave me: If you are doing it "as unto the Lord", then I dont care if you dance so hard your pants fall down and everyone see's you chonies (just make sure there clean, ok?)! WORSHIP GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, MIND AND SOUL!"

Is that what you got out of that story? I'm sure there must be other examples to support this conclusion. Surely the Son of God Himself would have given us a similar example. Or even Paul.




I also don't understand the following:

"I thought on that, and I realized, David gave his all in Praising and Worshiping God. I knew that I was not giving my all in Praising Him, and that is why my playing had become so horrible. I started "anew" in my Praise and Worship too Him, and I gave it my all, whether I was rocking/swaying back and forth, or standing still in humblness and Awe, I gave it my all."

You seem to be saying that you weren't giving it your all because you felt you had to refrain from moving and then you state that you started giving it your all even if you were standing still. I think that you weren't giving it your all because you allowed a thought to pollute your heart and had nothing to do with movement.


I know by this point that I will be misunderstood so I will try to clarify (again).
I talk a much better talk than I walk. I would certainly feel the same way. I already said that in an earlier post. I am a reactionary and it is a major character defect of mine. I would be thinking "Who the heck does SHE think she is". The answer is NOT: "then I dont care if you dance so hard your pants fall down and everyone see's you chonies".

The answer to this as well as most other topics here is something that I think we all constantly forget. (I said we as in me too!) The BIG saying died down. I don't even hear it anymore. And when it was around it became so commercialized that it lost its meaning. T-shirts, bracelets, etc, You name it. It was everywhere except in people's actions.

WWJD

Would His answer be that He didn't care enough about how someone else thought that He would tell you to dance so hard that your pants fall off? I don't think so.

Does my opinion mean that I would practice what I preach? Probably not! But I still think that putting others first is how we worship God and not how much we sway before the Lord.

[bobthecanadian]

Yeah, what they said.

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and as we mature we can bear more of this fruit. I don't think we ever have it all together all the time, but I do think that we grow in it. Besides, we don't produce this fruit - or any other - of our own. We only bear it as the Spirit matures inside of it.

Oh, that WWJD thing even made it over here into Taiwan. There were so many people wearing the bracelets and shoe laces. It was even popular with the non-Christian folks. I think the reason this died down was two-fold. First, it got comercialized and over-saturated. Second, too much time thinking about what Jesus might do and a) not following through or b)not knowing what Jesus actually did - and actually following in his footsteps. Jesus is a (our, my) perfect example. It's pretty to siimple to find out what he actually did, just read the gospels. It's pretty simple to obey, too... "and do likewise." However, simple and easy are not always the same thing.

WDJD - What Did Jesus Do? Do what he did... or step away from it, realize it's something only God can do, and then let God do his job.

BTW - David never danced around foolishly while in the temple. Think about it. The temple worship was always orderly. Worship of God is totally about him and not about any of us. How we got from the book of Acts to having buildings, sound systems and the like thinking this is normal, I will never truly understand. However, the thing is, this is what is normal for now and regarless of whether we like it or not it is what it is. The best we can do is to make the best of it.

And I agree with Bob335 "Maybe some of you should consider not playing in church at all". So, I have been out of the picture for the last couple of years. I am looking forward to returning to service with a positive outlook someday, hopefully sooner and not later.

Hang in there Doug. Things will get better, and they may even get worse, too. But, things always pass. What we are left with at the other side of it are relationships and an ever maturing (sanctifying) character that God has put in us. Go in peace, bro.

[wilkat1]

We're not supposed to be a stumbling block, but I'm not sure DougieLove is the stumbling block in this case. It sounds to me (and I've only heard Dougie's side of the story) like this woman's attitude is the stumbling block. I can't help thinking something other than Doug's swaying is disturbing her, and the swaying is just the thing she names as her distraction.

I think that for everyone's spiritual health, a conversation with the local church leadership is in order.

[refin]

Every church is full of people (including us!) who are so addicted to their point of view and desires,that they try to scrub everything with scriptural overtones.
We once had a lady in church who thought facial hair on men was unscriptural,so she would write stuff down in prophetic form on pieces of paper and give them to the men who had facial hair!
I agree with Praisecaster and understand what he meant,as I know his heart through GPAW.He loves the Lord and is fixed on serving Him.

BTW---putting others first is paramount in God's eyes,but if we changed our lives to fit every whim and wave that we hear from maybe just ONE individual (instead of a corporate opinion) then we will end up being like James 1:5-8,tossed to and fro with no anchor or compass.And I know a church that would have men with no beards.

[getbent]

Originally Posted by refin

Every church is full of people (including us!) who are so addicted to their point of view and desires,that they try to scrub everything with scriptural overtones.
We once had a lady in church who thought facial hair on men was unscriptural,so she would write stuff down in prophetic form on pieces of paper and give them to the men who had facial hair!
I agree with Praisecaster and understand what he meant,as I know his heart through GPAW.He loves the Lord and is fixed on serving Him.

BTW---putting others first is paramount in God's eyes,but if we changed our lives to fit every whim and wave that we hear from maybe just ONE individual (instead of a corporate opinion) then we will end up being like James 1:5-8,tossed to and fro with no anchor or compass.And I know a church that would have men with no beards.

Well stated. I share your view +1

[maestrovert]

i'm seated while playing in church, but i sway around some....

[teletype]

Hey all! Here's a link that gives one the opportunity to ask someone who's "been there, done that" regarding the music ministry.
http://www.encouragingmusic.com/ask_rick_muchow.asp

As for the original topic.... If the movement is a "me" thing, then be ready to get shot down. There's no place for Show-Dogs in God's ministry.

However, If the movement is truly spirit driven then those in touch with the Holy Spirit will see it for what it truly is... and join in.

We (we includes me) need to remember that satan rummages through the churches looking for cold hearts and narrow minds which he can use to disrupt & discourage. Therein lies the challenge.... How do we handle the stone(s) satan throws at us?