DISCLAIMER: THIS POST FOR MUSICIANS
I'm a "back-in-the-day" musician. I started playing drums when drumheads were still made of cowhide. Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but I was in my twenties during the time of technological breakthrough represented by the Sony Walkman.
I'm surrounded by a lot of young musicians these days. Many of them are great players. Someday, some of them may become great worship leaders. But there's a catch. To become, you have to come into your own. You've got to find your own voice and discover the genuine you. Lot's of things sound cool, but you have to cut your own groove, where there is no groove, if you want to be special, and not just a cheap copy of something else. But these things we often copy - people and styles - do we really think about what we're trying to emulate?
The Prophet Amos gave a rather stern warning to Israel. Particularly to those he called, "famous and popular". And he used this really cool phrase. He said, "You sing trivial songs to the sound of the harp and fancy yourselves to be great musicians like David". He went on to chide them for partying away and said, "You care nothing for the ruin of your nation".
Strong words. No, they weren't written to us, but how true those words still ring today! Let's help each other remember that worship isn't about how we play, or even what we play. It's about why we play. In our rush to be relevant, let's examine our hearts, and remember why worship is called sacred music. It's supposed to be set apart. It's supposed to be different. I don't care what the beat is, or what volume it's played at, it should still be sacred. Here's the tough part: What if sacred is more about the vessel than the song? The sacred vessel: that's the genuine you.
On my P&W bucket list: To play a one-hour long, all hot 70's funk, praise and worship set - with full horn section. I am not ashamed to dig funk music played by white guys. Not at all. What's on your list?
Gene, that wisdom hits home man, good stuff. Its tangible enough to grasp and challenging enough to rise above status quo.
ReplyDeleteso by "back in the day" you mean had a 45-piece kit complete with rotos, 12 toms, and a Gong! that's awesome!!
ReplyDeletethe hour long funk worship thing is cool!
I think an extended worship service like once a month or something would be cool. one where we all come together but dont set in stone what we are going to play. except for maybe the key or whatever and let people feel free to pray or share or whatever during the music. if one person feels like playing a certain song they can step up and start singing the musicians should be able to catch on and go with it. that would kinda scary.. but fun! :)
Actually Chris, for most of my career I was always a four-piece guy. 80's dude, not 70's! Love your comment and your ideas! Scary? Hey, if you're not living on the edge...you're taking up too much space!
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