Life of a Church Musician: Part 1

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Recently, in the span of just three days, I had the privilege to attend two concerts, both very different, but both amazing nights of worship. It reminded me of a time where loud sound systems, smoke machines and strobe lights were part of my normal church service. Granted, it wasn’t a full-on concert every week, but it was a similar experience, in which the presence of God was so strong, and the people were so hungry just to sing and express their praise. I hope it inspired the rest of my band-mates to strive to reach another level, in both their skill as musicians, their dedication to their craft, and their commitment to a life of worship. It prompted many of my fellow-church goers to lament why we can’t sound like this every week. In these next few posts, I’m going to attempt to answer that question.

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My journey as a musician has been one with many twists and turns. (I won’t go into great detail right now, rather just a quick summary). I started learning the drums at age 13, in my high school band. I began taking lessons shortly after with the drummer from my home church. In college I chose to study music as a major. I went away to Bible College when I was 21, and had the amazing privilege to learn under (in my opinion) the best worship band in the world. The principles and skills I learned there were invaluable and have carried me throughout my time as a church musician. I have played in many different church bands, I’ve been a drummer for hire, and I have been teaching music for many years. My life has been dedicated to music since I started playing the violin when I was five years old.

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Music isn’t just a hobby for me. It’s a career, and a profession. Being a professional musician in a church band filled with people who are on various levels of knowledge and experience can often be a challenge, but I see it as more of an opportunity to invest into others, using my musical background as a source of instruction. I love nothing more than to see people serving the church with their talents, regardless of what level they’re at. Playing music at church is my ministry, and I know God has called me to it. Every time I step onto that stage, I have to remember why I do this.

We’ve all heard it said a million times, “it’s not about us; its about God”. But musicians have egos. Hey, we all do really. But there’s something about singing or playing an instrument in front of crowds that gets to our heads. Essentially, we are showing off our gifts and talents for the world to see. We deal with compliments, and fame to some degree, and it’s no wonder it can cause our heads to grow a little too big. The key to managing this phenomenon is really two-fold to me:

Firstly, we need to acknowledge that our gifting is from God. Yes, it’s up to us to nurture and grow it, and ultimately use that gifting, but He is the one that made us, and made us as we are. As a music teacher I learned something really early on: anyone can learn to play an instrument, but not everyone is a musician. That special talent is God-given, and He places that desire and passion inside of you.

Secondly, the best way to control your ego is pour out into others, and invest into the next generation of musicians. I can’t tell you how much I love watching my protégés get up on stage and play in a service. Knowing the hours I spent teaching and guiding them, and imparting everything I’ve learned, it’s amazing to see the fruits. When you are continually aiming to replace yourself, it’s hard for your ego to get in the way. We can’t hold on too tightly to our position, because our mentality needs to that of servitude, putting our own needs on the back-burner, and doing whatever it takes to further the work of the Lord. There is always going to be space for your gifting if it’s submitted to God. Playing drums has followed me around every place I’ve gone because I have given that talent back to Him. God is able to use those who’s hearts are humble and submissive. If our goal is to heap glory upon ourselves, you can be sure our tenure won’t last long.

We have to get away from that mentality that the church “needs” us, as if we’re doing them a favor by playing. It’s an honor to be on that stage, not a right. We are blessed to be able to use our talents to lead the congregation into worship. We aren’t rock stars. We’re servants of Jesus, we’re on the front lines of battle. This isn’t your opportunity to show everyone how great you are. It’s the time to usher in the presence of God through music, something He created for us to express our praise and thankfulness to Him. Music is something that touches the soul. Through music we can worship God, or we can worship something else, like sex, money, love, ourselves, or any other idol.

Once we understand why are we playing music at church, who it’s for, and what our role is, only then can we move on to the practical side of things.

part 1 150x50Part 2 150x50part 3 150x50

 
 

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