Comments about playing in church...a lift up

hal · December 30th, 2007, 11:23 PM

Church... I posted this on another thread as well...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just got back about an hour ago. I play guitar at a church in the morning and play guitar/sing/run the service in the evening.

Some weeks everything works and some it's not what I want it to be musically. But I'm on two teams with dedicated players that play well and love being there. One of those teams I put together myself and I feel great knowing that we are playing music for a great set of reasons.

For me church playing has a lot of ups and downs. Reading some of the posts here reminds me that I'm not alone. A lot of you have experienced lack of support and appreciation, misguided leadership and fights over the type and tone of worship. It can be as trying the corporate world I work in during the week. I just got some news tonight that reminds me this is unfortunately true.

But at the end of every Sunday night, I feel good about the work I'm doing. I know we are reaching people. If we help one person walk a better path, we have done well. I try not to let the tribulations get to me. And I plan to keep doing this. I'm not digging a ditch--I don't live in a society that would oppress or persecute me. I have the opportunity to help people with music. This is a great reward. And I believe it will comeback tenfold.

I just read that and it sure sounded heavy. SO--in the worlds of Sgt Hulka in Stripes I'm telling myself--"lighten up Frances." And to all of ya'l-keep up the good work. Share your tribulations and successes here. I plan to.
__________________
Wherever you go, there you are.

GoldieLocks · December 31st, 2007, 02:12 PM

I often walk away after Church upset about the music. But I agree that hopefully it really reached someone in the congregation.

So far I never give up. I just try to find better ways work with the Church band.

broadcaster · December 31st, 2007, 06:05 PM

Sometimes it is so good, other times just ok. It all depends on a myriad of circumstances.

But like GoldieLocks said - "hopefully it reached someone".

+1

scooteraz · January 26th, 2008, 05:22 PM

I share much of what Goldilocks and broadcaster said. You hope (and pray) that your music reaches someone (or, many someones). Surprisingly to me, often when I am in the worst mood about how we played someone will come up to me after the service and say "Your music really touched me today." That is always a little hard to respond to, as I know how little I contributed to their experience, but still it is good to hear it.

Guess it is a good thing they are listening to the lyrics and not to my playing on those occasions.

sax4blues · January 26th, 2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hal

...If we help one person walk a better path, we have done well.

This is what it's all about for me. I'm not a performer, I'm not putting on a show. I am helping others, no different than the usher, or scripture reader, or sound room. You should appreciate the work I do in the same way you appreciate the Sunday school teacher. It's about the congregation, helping them to sing their song to the Lord in worship. If you came to watch me perform then you're not focusing on worship to God.

dynocaster · April 4th, 2008, 11:10 PM

To me, one of the coolest things about playing in church is being surrounded by a nonthreatening crowd. I mean, early on I used to play all the secular hangouts. But over the course of the last 12+ years, I love how relaxed and comfortable I can be in front of 300-400 people. I can play a face melter (if the song calls for it) and if I mess up, we just laugh it off, whereas back in the day I would have beat myself up for a week about it.

One time, the Music Minister changed the lineup, and they moved the offering in front of a song that I usually start alone with heavy distortion (Shout of the King, Hillsong) without telling me. That kind of thing happens more than it should, so I feel you frustrated brothers out there. At any rate, I go through the riff one time, look around, and the whole church is looking at me like "blink, blink". I was shocked, but within a couple of seconds I realized what had happened and decided to seize the moment. I clinched my fist and waved it in the air and yelled "rock and roll" like I was in Spinal Tap. The church roared. That could have been extremely embarassing, but since I play for God, and can skirt the burden of my ego, because its not about me.

Southern ILL · April 5th, 2008, 04:25 PM

We just have fun..rehearse when we can...encourage each other and our youth to feel His presance and glorify Him buy making a joyful noise !! If your doing more than that be careful.

Sometimes I will break down in cry and sometimes I am steppin' all over someone !! OH yeah,If I can get a little Tennesse 2 flavor thrown in there I am happy !!!

We don't worry about egos or oldsters(no disrespect intented) or the youth not liking a certain song or style...Some would rather there be nothin' but the piano.Our youth is stepping up...not runin' the backroads partying like alot of us did at that age...so we are doing some up tempo things.Whatever it takes...so most of the time its makes for a great service and its so enjoyable.

gibsonjunkie · April 5th, 2008, 04:29 PM

It was a wonderful feeling when it all worked, especially when we got to do originals (we had a very progressive priest).

On the other hand, I started feeling like I was there to perform, rather than worship myself. When it got like that all the time, it was time to bow out...

jnapruitt · April 5th, 2008, 06:13 PM

Here's a perspective from a senior pastor who has been an electric guitarist for more than 30 years.

We have a full worship band/team on Sunday morning. I insisted that we have a full worship band/team on Wed evening as well. We have the musicians and we can offer a full-on worship service for those who need a mid-week boost.

I'm rocker by background but have been in the ministry for 22 years. What an odd combo eh? I play lead guitar on Wed night and when we have special occasions that call for more fire power from the guitar section.

We have found that a lot of the younger players are all about rhythm and textures (and do a fabulous job I might add) but when we need some serious lead expression then Pastor J (that's me) is the "go to" guy! I love it.

I used to worry about what people thought about their senior senior pastor rockin' out on the stage and then I got a revelation that playing guitar IS MY VOICE in Worship. So now I have no qualms about stepping up, plugging in and letting her rip for the King!

I know that in some circles worship is a much more subdued expression... just not here. Haha! I truly feel for you musicians who are stifled in your worship expression. Not everyone has a pastor who's a lead guitarist who understands the need for that level of expression.

Thoughts? Comments?

Pastor J
THS

gibsonjunkie · April 5th, 2008, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnapruitt

Here's a perspective from a senior pastor who has been an electric guitarist for more than 30 years.

We have a full worship band/team on Sunday morning. I insisted that we have a full worship band/team on Wed evening as well. We have the musicians and we can offer a full-on worship service for those who need a mid-week boost.

I'm rocker by background but have been in the ministry for 22 years. What an odd combo eh? I play lead guitar on Wed night and when we have special occasions that call for more fire power from the guitar section.

We have found that a lot of the younger players are all about rhythm and textures (and do a fabulous job I might add) but when we need some serious lead expression then Pastor J (that's me) is the "go to" guy! I love it.

I used to worry about what people thought about their senior senior pastor rockin' out on the stage and then I got a revelation that playing guitar IS MY VOICE in Worship. So now I have no qualms about stepping up, plugging in and letting her rip for the King!

I know that in some circles worship is a much more subdued expression... just not here. Haha! I truly feel for you musicians who are stifled in your worship expression. Not everyone has a pastor who's a lead guitarist who understands the need for that level of expression.

Thoughts? Comments?

Pastor J
THS

Just one name - Ritchie Furay - 'nuff said!

jnapruitt · April 5th, 2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gibsonjunkie

Just one name - Ritchie Furay - 'nuff said!

I love that pastor! I watched a little documentary about him on YouTube... I need to fellowship with that brother.

Blessings,
Pastor J

gibsonjunkie · April 5th, 2008, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnapruitt

I love that pastor! I watched a little documentary about him on YouTube... I need to fellowship with that brother.

Blessings,
Pastor J

I met him in 2000. He was playing in a small church here in Connecticut. I went early and actually sat and talked to him for a while (and he signed an album cover for me - LP, too - not a CD!!!)

He is a genuine person and a really nice guy. his voice is as good, if not better than his early days and both his secular music and his religious music are top-notch. I could listen to his music all day!

http://www.richiefuray.com/

jnapruitt · April 5th, 2008, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gibsonjunkie

I met him in 2000. He was playing in a small church here in Connecticut. I went early and actually sat and talked to him for a while (and he signed an album cover for me - LP, too - not a CD!!!)

He is a genuine person and a really nice guy. his voice is as good, if not better than his early days and both his secular music and his religious music are top-notch. I could listen to his music all day!

http://www.richiefuray.com/

What a great experience for you! Haha... LP! Gotta love it. I have been catching some shows on Soundstage, REO Speedwagon, Heart, Dan Fogleburg, etc. These bands sound better than ever... maturity, getting sober and a big boost from technological advancements in sound and production have generated a great resurgence in the music we enjoyed back in the day.

SatelliteOrders · April 5th, 2008, 11:22 PM

I play on the Wednesday night worship band. #2 guitar. My problems are largely about inconsistency.

The first is inconsistency in material. We don't get our list until 45 minutes before worship starts. Those 45 minutes are much more sound check than practice, so often, the first time we've tried to work through a song is during worship. At least once that I can remember, every musician was so confused about where we were supposed to be in the song, we all stopped, leaving the worship leader singing a cappella. (This lead to lots of after-service laughter from the musicians.)

There are songs that I know, but there are songs that, even after years of being on our rotating repertoire list, I can't say I know.

The other is inconsistancy of musicians. It's not that some can play and some can't. It's that it's not certain whether we'll have a drummer, and for modern CCM-influenced worship music, a drum is required.

Then there's inconsistancy of sound. There are sound guys in our church that I swear hate guitar, and much of the time, the sound guy sets the volume during soundcheck, then goes to do something else. I have almost given up on checking whether I'm in the house or not.

On the other hand, I get to play for the Lord. I get to play out every week. I get to play next to one of the best guitarists I've known. I play my electric less and my acoustic more than I really would like, but all things told, it's a very good thing.

franchelB · April 6th, 2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooteraz

I share much of what Goldilocks and broadcaster said. You hope (and pray) that your music reaches someone (or, many someones). Surprisingly to me, often when I am in the worst mood about how we played someone will come up to me after the service and say "Your music really touched me today." That is always a little hard to respond to, as I know how little I contributed to their experience, but still it is good to hear it....

Quote:

Originally Posted by sax4blues

This is what it's all about for me. I'm not a performer, I'm not putting on a show. I am helping others, no different than the usher, or scripture reader, or sound room. You should appreciate the work I do in the same way you appreciate the Sunday school teacher. It's about the congregation, helping them to sing their song to the Lord in worship. If you came to watch me perform then you're not focusing on worship to God.

I realize that I'm my own worst critic. But I also need to realize that it's not about me or my "performance"...and sometimes, maybe most times, I get caught up "stroking" my ego.
It's personally challenging to humble myself. But hey, I'm human. I KNOW I'm a sinner...I just have to "let it go, and let God"....

jipleary · April 10th, 2008, 01:29 AM

I never was a guitar player until i joined Chapel choir. I never really knew who God was or really thought about God until i joined chapel choir. They needed an acoustic guitar player so I joined and found an incredible environment to put my talents to use. the talents God gave me. I know God always listens even if I sound bad and it's comforting. In addition to the choir reaching out to the congregation they have reached out to me. so you probably have more of an effect than you think.

cknowles · April 10th, 2008, 01:20 PM

Amen,

I've been playing guitar in worship for over 30 years and it's never been about me or my playing. (Though sometimes...... I............. may............. be.........a.........bit......guilty) :)

I've had the same experience of having the service changed up at the last moment and come in wailing with lots of distortion only to hear the crickets squeaking in the back. I just turned red and slouched behind my music stand, though shouting "Rock and Roll" would have put a smile on many faces.

I've also used a descending blues riff close off to Amazing Grace once without thinking and got a lot of explosive laughs from the congregation.

jnapruitt · April 10th, 2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cknowles

Amen,

I've been playing guitar in worship for over 30 years and it's never been about me or my playing. (Though sometimes...... I............. may............. be.........a.........bit......guilty) :)

I've had the same experience of having the service changed up at the last moment and come in wailing with lots of distortion only to hear the crickets squeaking in the back. I just turned red and slouched behind my music stand, though shouting "Rock and Roll" would have put a smile on many faces.

I've also used a descending blues riff close off to Amazing Grace once without thinking and got a lot of explosive laughs from the congregation.

Ok... that was funny!!! "Crickets squeaking in the back!!!" Are you sure those weren't hearing aids feeding back? Haha!

Service changes... as a long time guitarist and now senior pastor, I see both sides of that coin. Arbitrary changes to a service are a big No No in my book, but there are times when there is a "sense" that things need to flow a different way... so you adjust... and sometimes you just let er' rip! Haha!

I can say that if that happened at my church it would probably start a revival!

jcw · April 10th, 2008, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SatelliteOrders

Then there's inconsistancy of sound. There are sound guys in our church that I swear hate guitar, and much of the time, the sound guy sets the volume during soundcheck, then goes to do something else. I have almost given up on checking whether I'm in the house or not.

I actually think the sound guy wields the most power in the church. If the sound guy isn't up to snuff, ain't no one's gonna hear your guitar, or the pastor's words.

But the sound guy is often labeled as having the dullest job (and it can be, for someone who's not turned on by having 48 channels at your disposal). I just wish more people would be excited about the behind-the-scenes stuff.

(Can you tell I'm a sound guy?)

jcw · April 10th, 2008, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnapruitt

Service changes... as a long time guitarist and now senior pastor, I see both sides of that coin. Arbitrary changes to a service are a big No No in my book, but there are times when there is a "sense" that things need to flow a different way... so you adjust... and sometimes you just let er' rip!

There's a fine line - some services are always changing because there is no preparation, no forethought being put into how things should run.

Then there are the services where one small deviation (one usher walks faster than the other) will put everyone in a foul mood.

I hope to strive for consistency, with the willingness to let the Spirit work in mysterious ways, when appropriate. Sometimes, you finish song number 3 out of 4, and you just KNOW that if you went on with song #4, you're totally ruining the atmosphere of worship. Does that make sense?

lacquerbreath · April 12th, 2008, 07:37 PM

Not sure what style of worship music you play. but our Music Ministry always
plays up, positive modreate beat music. A mixed bag of professionals backed up by female vocals. It is not Gospel but Messianic. If your congregation is happy, joyous and full of life in the Lord and your music follows, it'll always be a good day.

December 30th, 2007, 11:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
hal Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 823	Comments about playing in church...a lift up Church... I posted this on another thread as well... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I just got back about an hour ago. I play guitar at a church in the morning and play guitar/sing/run the service in the evening. Some weeks everything works and some it's not what I want it to be musically. But I'm on two teams with dedicated players that play well and love being there. One of those teams I put together myself and I feel great knowing that we are playing music for a great set of reasons. For me church playing has a lot of ups and downs. Reading some of the posts here reminds me that I'm not alone. A lot of you have experienced lack of support and appreciation, misguided leadership and fights over the type and tone of worship. It can be as trying the corporate world I work in during the week. I just got some news tonight that reminds me this is unfortunately true. But at the end of every Sunday night, I feel good about the work I'm doing. I know we are reaching people. If we help one person walk a better path, we have done well. I try not to let the tribulations get to me. And I plan to keep doing this. I'm not digging a ditch--I don't live in a society that would oppress or persecute me. I have the opportunity to help people with music. This is a great reward. And I believe it will comeback tenfold. I just read that and it sure sounded heavy. SO--in the worlds of Sgt Hulka in Stripes I'm telling myself--"lighten up Frances." And to all of ya'l-keep up the good work. Share your tribulations and successes here. I plan to. __________________ Wherever you go, there you are. __________________ Wherever you go, there you are.

December 31st, 2007, 02:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
GoldieLocks Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Abbotsford B.C. Posts: 833	Yep! I often walk away after Church upset about the music. But I agree that hopefully it really reached someone in the congregation. So far I never give up. I just try to find better ways work with the Church band. __________________ "How little I know inspires me tremendously! I'm a huge fan of other people's playing." Bonnie Raitt

December 31st, 2007, 06:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
broadcaster Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Midwest Age: 50 Posts: 579 1 Photos	Sometimes it is so good, other times just ok. It all depends on a myriad of circumstances. But like GoldieLocks said - "hopefully it reached someone". +1 __________________ The tone is in your fingers.

April 5th, 2008, 04:25 PM	#7 (permalink)
Southern ILL Banned Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Illinois Age: 38 Posts: 982	We just have fun..rehearse when we can...encourage each other and our youth to feel His presance and glorify Him buy making a joyful noise !! If your doing more than that be careful. Sometimes I will break down in cry and sometimes I am steppin' all over someone !! OH yeah,If I can get a little Tennesse 2 flavor thrown in there I am happy !!! We don't worry about egos or oldsters(no disrespect intented) or the youth not liking a certain song or style...Some would rather there be nothin' but the piano.Our youth is stepping up...not runin' the backroads partying like alot of us did at that age...so we are doing some up tempo things.Whatever it takes...so most of the time its makes for a great service and its so enjoyable. Last edited by Southern ILL; April 5th, 2008 at 08:21 PM.

April 5th, 2008, 04:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
gibsonjunkie Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bloomfield, Connecticut Age: 55 Posts: 636	It was a wonderful feeling when it all worked, especially when we got to do originals (we had a very progressive priest). On the other hand, I started feeling like I was there to perform, rather than worship myself. When it got like that all the time, it was time to bow out... __________________ The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese...

January 26th, 2008, 05:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
scooteraz Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 769	I share much of what Goldilocks and broadcaster said. You hope (and pray) that your music reaches someone (or, many someones). Surprisingly to me, often when I am in the worst mood about how we played someone will come up to me after the service and say "Your music really touched me today." That is always a little hard to respond to, as I know how little I contributed to their experience, but still it is good to hear it. Guess it is a good thing they are listening to the lyrics and not to my playing on those occasions.

April 4th, 2008, 11:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
dynocaster TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North GA Age: 38 Posts: 35	To me, one of the coolest things about playing in church is being surrounded by a nonthreatening crowd. I mean, early on I used to play all the secular hangouts. But over the course of the last 12+ years, I love how relaxed and comfortable I can be in front of 300-400 people. I can play a face melter (if the song calls for it) and if I mess up, we just laugh it off, whereas back in the day I would have beat myself up for a week about it. One time, the Music Minister changed the lineup, and they moved the offering in front of a song that I usually start alone with heavy distortion (Shout of the King, Hillsong) without telling me. That kind of thing happens more than it should, so I feel you frustrated brothers out there. At any rate, I go through the riff one time, look around, and the whole church is looking at me like "blink, blink". I was shocked, but within a couple of seconds I realized what had happened and decided to seize the moment. I clinched my fist and waved it in the air and yelled "rock and roll" like I was in Spinal Tap. The church roared. That could have been extremely embarassing, but since I play for God, and can skirt the burden of my ego, because its not about me.

April 5th, 2008, 06:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
jnapruitt TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas Age: 46 Posts: 10	From a Senior Pastor - Who Happens to be a Player Here's a perspective from a senior pastor who has been an electric guitarist for more than 30 years. We have a full worship band/team on Sunday morning. I insisted that we have a full worship band/team on Wed evening as well. We have the musicians and we can offer a full-on worship service for those who need a mid-week boost. I'm rocker by background but have been in the ministry for 22 years. What an odd combo eh? I play lead guitar on Wed night and when we have special occasions that call for more fire power from the guitar section. We have found that a lot of the younger players are all about rhythm and textures (and do a fabulous job I might add) but when we need some serious lead expression then Pastor J (that's me) is the "go to" guy! I love it. I used to worry about what people thought about their senior senior pastor rockin' out on the stage and then I got a revelation that playing guitar IS MY VOICE in Worship. So now I have no qualms about stepping up, plugging in and letting her rip for the King! I know that in some circles worship is a much more subdued expression... just not here. Haha! I truly feel for you musicians who are stifled in your worship expression. Not everyone has a pastor who's a lead guitarist who understands the need for that level of expression. Thoughts? Comments? Pastor J THS

April 5th, 2008, 11:22 PM	#14 (permalink)
SatelliteOrders Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, IN Age: 38 Posts: 642	I play on the Wednesday night worship band. #2 guitar. My problems are largely about inconsistency. The first is inconsistency in material. We don't get our list until 45 minutes before worship starts. Those 45 minutes are much more sound check than practice, so often, the first time we've tried to work through a song is during worship. At least once that I can remember, every musician was so confused about where we were supposed to be in the song, we all stopped, leaving the worship leader singing a cappella. (This lead to lots of after-service laughter from the musicians.) There are songs that I know, but there are songs that, even after years of being on our rotating repertoire list, I can't say I know. The other is inconsistancy of musicians. It's not that some can play and some can't. It's that it's not certain whether we'll have a drummer, and for modern CCM-influenced worship music, a drum is required. Then there's inconsistancy of sound. There are sound guys in our church that I swear hate guitar, and much of the time, the sound guy sets the volume during soundcheck, then goes to do something else. I have almost given up on checking whether I'm in the house or not. On the other hand, I get to play for the Lord. I get to play out every week. I get to play next to one of the best guitarists I've known. I play my electric less and my acoustic more than I really would like, but all things told, it's a very good thing. __________________

April 10th, 2008, 01:29 AM	#16 (permalink)
jipleary NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 9	I never was a guitar player until i joined Chapel choir. I never really knew who God was or really thought about God until i joined chapel choir. They needed an acoustic guitar player so I joined and found an incredible environment to put my talents to use. the talents God gave me. I know God always listens even if I sound bad and it's comforting. In addition to the choir reaching out to the congregation they have reached out to me. so you probably have more of an effect than you think.

April 10th, 2008, 01:20 PM	#17 (permalink)
cknowles Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada Age: 45 Posts: 124	Amen, I've been playing guitar in worship for over 30 years and it's never been about me or my playing. (Though sometimes...... I............. may............. be.........a.........bit......guilty) :) I've had the same experience of having the service changed up at the last moment and come in wailing with lots of distortion only to hear the crickets squeaking in the back. I just turned red and slouched behind my music stand, though shouting "Rock and Roll" would have put a smile on many faces. I've also used a descending blues riff close off to Amazing Grace once without thinking and got a lot of explosive laughs from the congregation.

April 12th, 2008, 07:37 PM	#21 (permalink)
lacquerbreath TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dumont, NJ Posts: 57	It's not you Not sure what style of worship music you play. but our Music Ministry always plays up, positive modreate beat music. A mixed bag of professionals backed up by female vocals. It is not Gospel but Messianic. If your congregation is happy, joyous and full of life in the Lord and your music follows, it'll always be a good day.