the essentials of church drumming

[NUTHA JASON]

i'm preparing a new article for my website. here it is. anything i should add?

THE SKILLS OF THE CHURCH DRUMMER


Here are some pointers I have learned over the years that I played in a large and excellently lead worship team in Brompton, London.


No drummer is better than a bad drummer
Never distract the congregation with bad drumming or even excellent drumming.
Andy Piercy (of After The Fire fame), our wise worship leader once said to me: 'if the congregation leaves at the end of the service saying that the worship band (or the drummer) was great today then the worship band has failed. If they go home saying that the worship was great then the band has succeeded' ... it’s a fine line. Worship drummers are not showmen. Do not try that long amazing fill with cross sticking that you have been wood-shedding for weeks. Do not spin your sticks. One stick spin and you know that there are going to be a few people in the congregation that will spend the rest of the service watching you to see if you will do it again.
The church drummer needs to remember the KISS principle. Keep it simple - as simple as it can be without losing groove. If you want to stretch out and express your skill as a drummer then join a progressive jazz band on Saturdays. For Sunday it must be four on the floor or straight rock or simple jazz.
Sometimes a tambourine is enough…or way too much. Just keeping a bass drum pulse throughout a song or tapping the hihat on the beat is sometimes all that is needed (see the ‘right kit’ below). And if possible NEVER ever give a tambourine to a congregation member. Tambourines are extremely hard to play properly. Many drummers think they can play them but cannot…so an excited congregation member is very unlikely to groove on a tambourine.
When in doubt, drop out. The church drummer must listen with very open ears. If the drums are not working, if there is a chance that what you are doing is in any way removing focus from God then you must fade out and let worship prevail.

The right kit
Most churches will have their own kit. If you are on a rota then tune the kit up and set it up respectfully. Keep everything middle of the road so the next drummer doesn’t have to make huge changes. Leave it as you would want to find it.
If the kit is rubbish then bring some of your own bits. Good cymbals, pedal and snare will transform a worn old kit into a musical instrument again.
Sometimes you will be playing your own kit. Do not bring a giant eye-distracting caged 15 piece drum kit. A generic 5 or 4 piece set up with 3 cymbals and some percussion is all you need. Too much more than that and you become the star of the show for some congregation members rather than God. Plus having to set up and tear down a giant kit every Sunday for no pay will soon get tired . Church drumming is a wonderful sacrifice full of thanks giving, but it should be sustainable and not a chore. A reasonable kit will ensure this.

Watching for cues
Every worship leader is different but they are not just singers and guitarists or keyboard players. They are band directors. They have signals and you need to find out what these are. Sometimes it’s in the voice or in a flick of the head or a kick of the foot. Church drumming is all about dynamics. Sometimes you will be playing at full volume and then need to drop to finger touch in the space of a bar. Many times it will be up to you to direct yourself into these quiet times. I believe the Holy spirit directs the whole band this way and when an automatic mood change occours instantaneously across a large band the effect is miraculous.
Once again, when in doubt drop out. One thing I’ve learned is that a talented worship leader by themselves can absolutely rock a song on an acoustic guitar. The drummer is a bonus not a necessity. Much better that you are not there in a loud section than blaringly there on a sudden soft section. Be sensitive.

Be a percussionist in the kid’s songs.
During the kid’s praise and worship songs you need to have a sense of humour. Think like a Disney drummer would. The whole kit can be used as sound effects. And why not buy a slide whistle, temple blocks or a ratchet? During songs like: ‘don’t build your house on the sandy land’ I used my kit to sound like a construction site. I sawed my roughened sticks on the rim of the floor tom and it really does sound like wood being sawed. I hit the butt of the stick on the bell but held it there for a second each time and it sounds like an anvil. Its loads of fun and the kids love it. See what you can do.

Sing while you drum
Even without a mic. Remember that you too are worshipping. Get into the worship. Close you eyes if you need to. Don’t just be a drummer. You are part of a large group of worshippers and you visible attitude will help lead the congregation from the kit ... or distract them if you are only there to drum.

Commitment
Church drumming is fun and rewarding but it is a commitment. Never let the church down by being late, scruffy, tired or absent. If you are on the rota to play then get to the church before anybody else. Arrive prepared and dedicated to the job.

Versatility, adaptability, courage … in other words: you gotta have faith
Some things can be rehearsed but in church drumming the situation is fluid. There were very few times in all the years that I was a church drummer that we stuck to a song list or even to any predetermined song structure. God moves in mysterious ways and you had better be ready to drum in mysterious ways too. Which is very much why …

Prayer is all important
Before the pre-service rehearsal, before going up to play, between songs and after the service. As a rule of thumb: you really cannot pray enough. Prayer will focus your playing and fill you with the Spirit and faith after all, remember…

Who are you drumming for?
God. His people. And only for yourself in as much as you are one of His people.

[k3ng]

Excellent excellent excellent article Nutha. Excellent!

I'm a church drummer as well, and these are the same things I've been sharing to the other young prospective drummers of my church.

You've got all the awesome bits right bang on. I'd add a little something, though it might be different from church to church.
Dresscode - Never wear anything that attracts attention. Have an agreement between the entire worship team and never stand out by wearing sunglasses when everyone else isn't or wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Sometimes, even overdressing can be a problem. If the worship team is casual, you shouldn't appear wearing a tux or a tie. The point remains the same - do not attract attention to yourself.



Again, excellent article. Can I have permission to print this and stick it in my church?

[gcarlet]

Excellent excellent excellent article Nutha. Excellent!

I'm a church drummer as well, and these are the same things I've been sharing to the other young prospective drummers of my church.

You've got all the awesome bits right bang on. I'd add a little something, though it might be different from church to church.
Dresscode - Never wear anything that attracts attention. Have an agreement between the entire worship team and never stand out by wearing sunglasses when everyone else isn't or wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Sometimes, even overdressing can be a problem. If the worship team is casual, you shouldn't appear wearing a tux or a tie. The point remains the same - do not attract attention to yourself.



Again, excellent article. Can I have permission to print this and stick it in my church?

Agreed!

I too drum for my church's worship band. It is a very rewarding "gig". :-)

[Flamacue]

Wow...It makes me glad I don't play for a church having read that...no room for an improviser like me, that's for sure!

[jayp]

Nice article Nutha.

I myself am not huge into religion but do respect Gospel music. I have thought that this would be something I would like to do to give back(in a sense). Great learning experience as well as REWARDING.\

Who wouldn't want some gospel chops?
just one more thing to add to your aresenal

[murphinelli]

These are great tips Nutha. Less is more in church drumming. This is key. Using the KISS principle is key.

Here's an additional tip to add somewhere... The tip of keep the beat going even if you're lost. A lot of church drumming is done without any rehearsal. You are playing everything by listening/watching. It's possible to get lost in this situation, and the last thing you want to do is drop out. I've seen some drummers in this situation stop playing completely until they figure things out. This is not good. It can throw off the singers and sounds bad. The tip here is to keep the beat going until you've figured out where the "one" is. Play 8th notes on the ride or keep the hi-hat going at least. Listen closely and work your way back in on the one. Don't drop out.

To those that think there is no improvising...not true. Most is improvising, but it's improvising without being showy.

And unless you're playing in a real gospel group, you're not going to get gospel chops. Gospel chops are not the type of drumming Nutha is talking about here. Nutha perhaps you should add a section to mention something about gospel drumming? This type of drumming allows for much more showy and exciting parts than your typical church drumming. Perhaps we have some gospel drummers here that can add a few tips specific to that type of drumming?...

God Bless,
Murph

[maddrummr]

A sense of time is good. Ive attended some teen masses where a worship band is playing and the drummer was trying to fit a 4/4 beat in 3/4. didnt end up well.

[jamndrummer]

Nutha,

Very nicely stated. Also, the drummer as well as all the musicians should realize the important role they play. They are ushering in the Holy Spirit for the Word. If you read the Scriptures, many of the battles were won by sending in the musicians first. Their role is just as important as the preachers role and sometimes I dont think the musicians realize the high calling they've been chosen to do.

[NUTHA JASON]

great responses everyone. keep them coming.

k3ng of course you can. i will be adding more points as they occour and then put the final result on my website so you might want to wait a bit. but anything that helps.

j

[gcarlet]

These are great tips Nutha. Less is more in church drumming. This is key. Using the KISS principle is key.

Here's an additional tip to add somewhere... The tip of keep the beat going even if you're lost. A lot of church drumming is done without any rehearsal. You are playing everything by listening/watching. It's possible to get lost in this situation, and the last thing you want to do is drop out. I've seen some drummers in this situation stop playing completely until they figure things out. This is not good. It can throw off the singers and sounds bad. The tip here is to keep the beat going until you've figured out where the "one" is. Play 8th notes on the ride or keep the hi-hat going at least. Listen closely and work your way back in on the one. Don't drop out.

To those that think there is no improvising...not true. Most is improvising, but it's improvising without being showy.



This is true. In fact, just yesterday I happened to get lost on one part and realized (very quickly, thank goodness) that I was off by a beat. I kept the hi-hat going on the 8th notes and then came back in on the 1 of the next measure.

Also, it is so true about not playing for yourself or anyone in the crowd. I've made mistakes before and said something about it afterwards and no one even realized I made the mistake.

We do mostly covers of current worship music (Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Matt Redman, Charlie Hall, etc.). A lot of these songs require just a bass beat on the 1, 2, 3, and 4. Just straight-up boom, boom, boom, boom. Keep the pulse.

Another thing that I have realized recently is that you have to be very flexible with "church" drumming. Not only is the worship leader in charge/leading, but it's not like you just play what you practiced and that's it. Sometimes you might go back in to a certain part or play another part again...all improvised.

[gcarlet]

great responses everyone. keep them coming.

k3ng of course you can. i will be adding more points as they occour and then put the final result on my website so you might want to wait a bit. but anything that helps.

j

I definitely plan on using this as well. I'll wait for the finished product, though.

Thanks for doing this!

[cnw60]

i'm preparing a new article for my website. here it is. anything i should add?

Sing while you drum
Even without a mic. Remember that you too are worshipping. Get into the worship. Close you eyes if you need to. Don’t just be a drummer. You are part of a large group of worshippers and you visible attitude will help lead the congregation from the kit ... or distract them if you are only there to drum.


This may be an added bonus but you should only sing while you drum if you can sing while you drum. If it screws up your sense of time or your ability to control dynamics or to listen and respond seamlessly to everyone else - I wouldn't do it.


And I totally agree with Murphinelli about keeping the beat going no matter what. My experience has been that you need to be ready to play with a wide variety of musical skill levels in church and I've had a choir just drop or add a beat when faced with a tricky phrasing or change in time signature. You've got to adapt to them as quickly as possible to keep everybody on track. It's not important to be right if you're the only one who didn't screw up. Ideally - nobody else will even know what happened if you are really paying attention and adapt to things quickly enough (except for the choir director who will probably just smile knowingly in your direction to acknowledge you're doing a good job at being the glue that holds it all together).

[tamadrummer132]

i have been playing church band for the past couple years and iv laerned alot as well.

Learn to get along with your members. Even tho you may dislike each other, your not their only if its easy. Your there to worship god.

And teh less is more is only to an extent. We play a few upbeat worship songs that have a really rocked out chorus, and yes i do rock out. People have commented on how much the drummer has gotten intot he music and how cool that was. But i think that to a certain extent. I understand you cant hvea a 30 second solo each song, but play what fits the music, and add a little spice to the music.

Overall, a little rocking out is good. It helps the others get into worship too, nothing is better then some good music

[d.c.drummer]

I play in church all the time and I'm also a sound guy. Nothing is worse than a highly skilled too-loud drummer.

For one, it sounds terrible sometimes as it is too loud. Secondly i sometimes take my eyes off the mix watching his (or hers, we have a very good lady drummer) playing. I got taken off of the youth choir band because i was being conservative but i still play for praise teams and the adult choir, steel-drum band, and other things because i play with taste. (And also for effect, i played a song with all the flash for the band that forsaked me because the drummer stepped out for a sec and we needed to check levels on his mics, they were like "wow, didnt know you could play like that".)

But in church you are there to worship not to show all the things you've ever acquired (thats what concerts are for =P ). I agree with you Nutha on that drummers should be "heard not seen" but did you have to use a quote from "Knights I Satan's Service' (KISS) =P.

Anyway good and essential post. I almost feeling like printing this out and posting it behind the kit in my church. In fact, i think i will. Thanks.

-Joe

[tsortoreyamaha]

alright..i play for a catholic church and if any of u guys have ever been to a catholic church..its much much softer than like a baptist worship or anything like that

[NUTHA JASON]

that has got to be hard. what styles of drumming do you use then? do you use brushes a lot?

in my church HTB is one of the best pipe organs in london. that thing can roar when the stops are pulled out. so i was often playing at gig volume to keep up.

does your church have pipes?

[DestinationDrumming]

Hi Nutha,

Congrats. on your wedding.

One thing I may add is:

" If it all goes wrong, don't worry because the big fella upstairs likes a chuckle from time to time"

Best wishes
Kevin

[NUTHA JASON]

yep He does have a sense of humour for sure...He invented giraffes, baldness and the bonobos chimp ...

j

[Rich]

i'm preparing a new article for my website. here it is. anything i should add?

Hi Jason, This is a very good article you have written! I commend you! With your permission I would like to print this out and hand it to my drum students. Thank you for writing it! God Bless, Rich www.ourchurch.com/member/d/Drummin4jesus1

[NUTHA JASON]

thanks. as before... of course you can but this is a first draft. i will be adding some more later, based on ideas i'm getting here and elsewhere. the final draft should be on my website by friday.

j

[JCM]

Yeah nice stuff! I am a gospel drummer so this stuff really helped me. But on the simplicity part, one of the drummers has been riding on me to add some variety to the groove. The thing is this, the other drummers do add variety but at times it becomes really messy and distracts the congregation from the worship. Is it neccessary to always add variety?

P.S. I am guilty for doing the stick tricks :-(. But would it not be fun or okay to do it during a hyped up praise song?

[NUTHA JASON]

i'm posting this thread on other forums and one theme that is cropping up is that the advice doesn't fit every church. in some churches they run about waving flags so a twirl could hardly hurt there. i guess its up to the drummer to be sensitive about when and where the time is right ... and once again, prayer will help.

variety can be subtle. the accent pattern on a hihat, the ghostliness of ghost strokes, where you hit the snare drum (center or rim etc) all of this cand much more can be applied to the same drum beat. i played with a percussionist who was quite happy just to hit his conga once every bar or play his tambourine on my snare stroke. and yet when the time was right the guy could play amazing grooves against mine.i love guys like that. real servants of the song.

j

[Deathmetalconga]

Wow...It makes me glad I don't play for a church having read that...no room for an improviser like me, that's for sure!

There is room for improvising, in fact it is necessary, but it's not like anything you may be used to when you think of "improvising." Your playing must be totally geared toward highlighting the service and focusing attention on it and, not yourself or the band. The music is also intended to give people a stronger/alternative connection to God, not to entertain them. Like Nutha said, you must be flexible and able to adapt to change instantly - another form of improvising.

I have played djembe in my church band it playing in the worship of God is an amazing rush. I have often thought about its particular rules as a venue and Nutha has nailed them perfectly.

[drummerchick435]

yep He does have a sense of humour for sure...He invented giraffes, baldness and the bonobos chimp ...

j

Agreed. I hate that people think that God is serious.

Great advice ,J. My music minister won't let me play with the main worship band but I do play with my youth band. Anyways the drummer in the main worship band is a lot better than me but I wish I could play just once. That's how I really worship! I'm very humble about my drumming but I just don't know why I can't play with the main band. I've tried to ask my music minister why but he just won't give me a straight answer. Anyways, that really helped ,J.

[NUTHA JASON]

perhaps ask him if there are any courses you could attend that he knows about. that will show dedication and you will learn something anyway. there are a number of worship conferences, courses and drumming collectives generated by the church.

also talk to the other drummer and get their advice about how to get in.

j

[thecraponline]

Very good article, Nutha Jason. I used to be the drummer in my youth group's worship band, which is no longer together. If I ever happen to find myself playing in a church service in the future (which I probably will) I will be sure to remember the advice in this article.

[JIM_fear]

alright..i play for a catholic church and if any of u guys have ever been to a catholic church..its much much softer than like a baptist worship or anything like that

There are many catholic churches that are not so traditional. I play at a Catholic church and we play a lot of the stuff they play at the Christian churches (along with the psalms and traditional mass parts), especially at the Life Teen mass (Life Teen is a large Catholic teen program in the U.S.). In fact we have the drums completely mic'ed, which does make it difficult to control dynamics sometimes.

Anyways, That was a great article Nutha and I think you hit on just about everything. The most important thing for any church musician to remember is that you're not there for yourself. It's not some gig at a club. You're not there to get attention by showing off your monster chops.You are there first and foremost to lead the congregation in worship and lead them closer to Christ. The music is just a worship aid. I think church drummers have the hardest job out of the musicians (except for maybe the worship leader). Your goal is basically not to be noticed. You have to find that middleground. And I wholeheartedly agree with what you said about choosing your spots. You really have to feel your way through each song. I play adorations many times at my church or on a retreat and I really have to watch my dynamics. That means going from sticks to hot rods to brushes to mallets to even hands and everywhere in between. Once you start getting to loud, you take attention from God, and then you failed to meet the most important goal. Anyway, great article Nutha, it was really well written and well thought out.

[DestinationDrumming]

Agreed. I hate that people think that God is serious.

Great advice ,J. My music minister won't let me play with the main worship band but I do play with my youth band. Anyways the drummer in the main worship band is a lot better than me but I wish I could play just once. That's how I really worship! I'm very humble about my drumming but I just don't know why I can't play with the main band. I've tried to ask my music minister why but he just won't give me a straight answer. Anyways, that really helped ,J.

Hi Drummerchick,
Perhaps your music minister would let you deputise so that you get used to the hymns and tunes. Then when the worship band drummer is on holiday you could stand in. Have you spoken to the drummer directly......many ways to the lord :-)

Good luck and keep on mithering

[drummerchick435]

perhaps ask him if there are any courses you could attend that he knows about. that will show dedication and you will learn something anyway. there are a number of worship conferences, courses and drumming collectives generated by the church.

also talk to the other drummer and get their advice about how to get in.

j

Thanks J. I'll definitely look into some of those. I have sort of talked to the other drummer and he says that I should play with the band too. I just don't get why my music minister won't let me on! Our old drummer was like 15 when he started to play so it can't be my age.

Hi Drummerchick,
Perhaps your music minister would let you deputise so that you get used to the hymns and tunes. Then when the worship band drummer is on holiday you could stand in. Have you spoken to the drummer directly......many ways to the lord :-)

Good luck and keep on mithering

Thanks I guess but what do 'deputise' and 'mithering' mean?

Maybe this just a "God thing" that I can't play. Like He's preparing me for something. If it is I think I'll be okay with this then.

[jonescrusher]

Thanks I guess but what do 'deputise' and 'mithering' mean?




Ah, good old salt of the earth Northerners....

[Flamacue]

There is room for improvising, in fact it is necessary, but it's not like anything you may be used to when you think of "improvising." Your playing must be totally geared toward highlighting the service and focusing attention on it and, not yourself or the band. The music is also intended to give people a stronger/alternative connection to God, not to entertain them. Like Nutha said, you must be flexible and able to adapt to change instantly - another form of improvising.

I have played djembe in my church band it playing in the worship of God is an amazing rush. I have often thought about its particular rules as a venue and Nutha has nailed them perfectly.

Still sounds like the man tryin' to keep me down...ya dig? I get what you're saying, but I have a hard enough time restraining myself in the garage...I'd strangle myself if i had to hold back as much as is needed in a church band...

[NUTHA JASON]

i would like to extend a big word of thanks to all the contributers to this thread.

i have rewritten the article based on the discussion here and elsewhere and now i believe it has real value for church drummers.

here is the final product:


http://http://jasonhorsler.tripod.com/id61.html



.

[The Ploughman]

Good article. Ive been playing in church since 1975. Excellent advice in there. JCM, when the addition of variety takes away from the song, its out of place to begin with and the musician has a tin ear if he thinks its not. The groove, The song, The atmosphere of worship, The direction of the lead

[aboylikedave]

Jason

Whilst I am sincerely devout in avoiding religion of this sort, can I say that I really enjoyed your post, it's relevant to us all, particulalry about the need to be thoughtful about what, when and how we play things in certain situations.

In fact I'm quite jealous of you guys with the opportunity to play in this environment.

[NUTHA JASON]

thank-you.

actually i have run across quite a few non believer church drummers in my time. you might want to look into it. its an opportunity to drum. some churches are desperate for a full worship band.

j

[Groovin]

Great article. I have been away from drumming for a while and I am wanting to become one of the church drummers at our church. Very inspiring and educational read.

Thanks again,
Jason

[Rickk]

Nutha Jason,
Excellent article.
Thank you!!!
Rick

[Ruok]

Maybe this just a "God thing" that I can't play. Like He's preparing me for something. If it is I think I'll be okay with this then.

Hi drummerchick.

I could be way off in my speculations, but maybe I'm on the right track. Perhaps the minister doesn't feel that you are ready spiritually? When I started practicing with the church I attend, I was being "auditioned" in a way. Not only in my drumming abilities, but if my heart was right and that I viewed drumming as a ministry. If I wasn't on the same page spiritually with the music pastor, then there was a good chance that he would not have had me playing with the worship team. Maybe that has nothing to do with your situation. But you are very young and I had played drums literally for decades before I was placed in a music ministry, so be patient. Like you said, God very well may be preparing you for the music ministry eventually, but it will come in His time. At least you are playing in a youth band, which is great experience for you.

BTW. Excellent article Nutha.

[drummerchick435]

Hi drummerchick.

I could be way off in my speculations, but maybe I'm on the right track. Perhaps the minister doesn't feel that you are ready spiritually? When I started practicing with the church I attend, I was being "auditioned" in a way. Not only in my drumming abilities, but if my heart was right and that I viewed drumming as a ministry. If I wasn't on the same page spiritually with the music pastor, then there was a good chance that he would not have had me playing with the worship team. Maybe that has nothing to do with your situation. But you are very young and I had played drums literally for decades before I was placed in a music ministry, so be patient. Like you said, God very well may be preparing you for the music ministry eventually, but it will come in His time. At least you are playing in a youth band, which is great experience for you.


I think that I'm spiritually ready...I mean I'm very humble about my abilities (not meaning to brag! lol). I don't think its my age, because God did say "Don't let people put you down because you are young, but set an example for your elders." I think thats from one of the Timothies. I don't mean to argue so don't feel bad. Also one of our old drummers was 14 or 15 when he played with the same band. My school band director also thinks I'm ready to play too. Again don't feel bad, I really don't mean to argue.

[The Ploughman]

I think this idear that every minute thing is a called ministry, is wrong. Everything isnt a ministry. Playing Drums is something you do, a talent you have, an ability you have cultivated that you use in a specific fashion. Whether it be at a strip club or a church. Drumming in gospel music is different from drumming anywhere else only because of where it is, and the supposed focus of you as a drummer. That focus is two fold. One is you worship God in your music, with your talent, using your drumming abilities. Two is that you, the drummer, as part of an orchestra of players, are utilizing your collective talents to focus others in worship. Call it focus, channel, lead, direct, ...........whatever you want, I dont care. And something never to be forgotten is that its not a showplace for you. Those spots may be given to you from time to time to showcase your talent, and theres absolutely nothing wrong with that. But its not about you. Its always about worshipping God, focusing others to worship with you. As for it being a "Ministry," this is a word that has suffered from tremendous overuse during the last 20 years, and the cause has been primarily from the charismatic/pentecostal movement within dozens of denominations. What you do in the church does not need to be elevated to a false status of "ministry" recognition in order for it to be validated, or to be acceptable to the church at large. Janitors arent called a ministry, but, Ive repeatedly heard soccer teams, softball teams, campouts for youth, and dozens of other things of similar nature called ministries. As if the only way to validate there should be recognition, is to elevate them to this magical status of ministry, and I think it reduces our overall perception of what ministry is, and respect of ministry in the long run. The other result of it is that sometimes people begin to feel as if they have somekind of direct link to God, that theyve been made special, and should be looked up to by everyone else. Minister or not, leader or not, we are all people. Granted someone has to lead, someone has to make decisions, but this idea you arent worthy to play because you cant quite grasp some invented concept of ministy, is nuts.

[Class A Drummer]

Although i am jewish and everything, i still wanted to read it.

Good stuff. Very incitefull. I never really thought about a church drummer having to play so simple.

[Ruok]

I think this idear that every minute thing is a called ministry, is wrong. Everything isnt a ministry. Playing Drums is something you do, a talent you have, an ability you have cultivated that you use in a specific fashion. Whether it be at a strip club or a church. Drumming in gospel music is different from drumming anywhere else only because of where it is, and the supposed focus of you as a drummer. That focus is two fold. One is you worship God in your music, with your talent, using your drumming abilities. Two is that you, the drummer, as part of an orchestra of players, are utilizing your collective talents to focus others in worship. Call it focus, channel, lead, direct, ...........whatever you want, I dont care. And something never to be forgotten is that its not a showplace for you. Those spots may be given to you from time to time to showcase your talent, and theres absolutely nothing wrong with that. But its not about you. Its always about worshipping God, focusing others to worship with you. As for it being a "Ministry," this is a word that has suffered from tremendous overuse during the last 20 years, and the cause has been primarily from the charismatic/pentecostal movement within dozens of denominations. What you do in the church does not need to be elevated to a false status of "ministry" recognition in order for it to be validated, or to be acceptable to the church at large. Janitors arent called a ministry, but, Ive repeatedly heard soccer teams, softball teams, campouts for youth, and dozens of other things of similar nature called ministries. As if the only way to validate there should be recognition, is to elevate them to this magical status of ministry, and I think it reduces our overall perception of what ministry is, and respect of ministry in the long run. The other result of it is that sometimes people begin to feel as if they have somekind of direct link to God, that theyve been made special, and should be looked up to by everyone else. Minister or not, leader or not, we are all people. Granted someone has to lead, someone has to make decisions, but this idea you arent worthy to play because you cant quite grasp some invented concept of ministy, is nuts.

I think you have made very valuable and valid arguments. Scripture states that "Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." So, being a janitor or a cab driver, or just taking a stroll around the block, can be considered a ministry for God's glory. And the person sitting in the congregation, though he or she may not belong to any formal ministry within a church, may actually be some of the more valuable members of that church. I hope I wasn't coming across as being superior or anything, nor was I trying to imply that one "ministry" is better than another, or that some people are better than others.

Personally, I feel uneasy about churches that take on musicians who don't adhere to the churches beliefs. I think Nutha previously mentioned that some churches will hire non-believers to fill a void in the music team. This is controversial, I know. It's just my humble opinion, that a worship team should be made up of people who believe in the worship and understand what it represents and what it is trying to accomplish.

I hope I don't open a can of worms with that last paragraph. Mods/Nutha... delete that last paragraph if you think it is necessary.

[canadianhawaiiboy]

idk how to do the quote thing but since im the next post ill just wing it. that last paragraph is totally ok with me. everyone in a worship team is a worship leader because the lead the congregation. i think its very important they belive in what they are leading others in doin. not knocking those who dont but its just my thought. when that guy who i suddenly cant rember cuz im retarded marched around the walls of jericho the MUSICIANS are who he wanted in the very front of his army....so to me its a serious deal. plus to the quote you did about the ministry i think anything can be a 1 if you make it that, if you share about god to anyone who will listen to in any job you take thats a ministry to me. my friend drives the trolley, he has more oppertunitys to share with people (and does) about God then anyone. ya....thats my bit....i hope i didnt offend anyone either with the first bit. peace

[NUTHA JASON]

Personally, I feel uneasy about churches that take on musicians who don't adhere to the churches beliefs. I think Nutha previously mentioned that some churches will hire non-believers to fill a void in the music team. This is controversial, I know. It's just my humble opinion, that a worship team should be made up of people who believe in the worship and understand what it represents and what it is trying to accomplish.

this is fine.

but also where are we in our beliefs? everyone is somewhere and they and God alone knows where. if a person approaches a church ministry and asks if they can drum for the band they may even lie about their beliefs - or even be fooling themselves - just to get in. i think this is still a good thing. being in a worship ministry is far more likely to cement weak beliefs or generate a whole new belief system than not attending church at all. its a win win situation. the church gets a drummer and the drummer might actually 'get' the church ...so to speak. God does move in mysterious ways.

j

[canadianhawaiiboy]

but also where are we in our beliefs? everyone is somewhere and they and God alone knows where. if a person approaches a church ministry and asks if they can drum for the band they may even lie about their beliefs - or even be fooling themselves - just to get in. i think this is still a good thing. being in a worship ministry is far more likely to cement weak beliefs or generate a whole new belief system than not attending church at all. its a win win situation. the church gets a drummer and the drummer might actually 'get' the church ...so to speak. God does move in mysterious ways.

j

oooo good point i never thought of that...and i suppose anyone who doesnt want anything to do with things involving God would never ask to play with a church anyways.

[The Ploughman]

There have been times in my life when playing drums in church is all that really kept me going to church, not just that particular church. There were times when I played drums in church and my personal life, or my spiritual life was either way too screwed up to be doing that, or just not where it should have been. I appreciate that music acted like a bridge during those times of my own personal weaknesses. While I dont have a problem with being a working drummer playing clubs or bars or dance bands, Ive never played in any of those secular venues. I have played gospel gigs in some very strange places outside of church.

As for where I might be in my beliefs in relation to the local church or denomination's offical statements, Im sure there are places where you could find variance between what I as an individual believe and accept about what the Bible teaches over that my denomination teaches, and even over what my Pastor might himself believe. That allowance for variance must exist, or we are all going to end up in Guyanna drinking coolaid. There also have to be limitations on how far that variance can be allowed to go.

[Spreggy]

I'm not a church drummer, but I noticed an overtone that Nutha may not have expected, that church gigs are very much about understatement and not playing "out", and I say I have to disagree with that. All music is entertainment, it's all language. If church bands weren't entertaining, they wouldn't get the gig, just like anywhere else. So I say play like you have something to say! Find out what the music needs, and sell the message. Here's a church band that I was impressed by, this drummer hangs out at HouseofDrumming.com. He ain't layin' out. ;^ ) He's solid in the pocket though, and that's where most younger drummers need to grow I believe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHYSc7eFFVI&mode=related&search=

A note to drummerchick, like you need one more person telling you advice lol.... Here's my bit O' wisdom: the musician who gets the gig is not always the most talented, or the fastest, or the most like Vinnie or Dave or Buddy, or the heel-toeing, blast-beating impossible rudimental execution god or goddess. It is always the player who worked the hardest, the person who showed up in the practice room daily, the person who knows music is a long distance race, not a sprint. There are many many many fellow musicians down the road in your life who are just waiting for you to be ready and show up, and many drummers you know now who won't be playing 5 and 10 and 30 years from now. I would encourage you not to obsess over this church gig, learn the lessons that the rejection taught you, and focus on becoming the drummer you are going to be. Lessons from failure are worth infinitely more than the ones from success, you should embrace failure/rejection as food for the soul and mind. There's a church in every town, but only one you. Go the distance DC, the rewards for your work will come tenfold!

[Ruok]

this is fine.

but also where are we in our beliefs? everyone is somewhere and they and God alone knows where. if a person approaches a church ministry and asks if they can drum for the band they may even lie about their beliefs - or even be fooling themselves - just to get in. i think this is still a good thing. being in a worship ministry is far more likely to cement weak beliefs or generate a whole new belief system than not attending church at all. its a win win situation. the church gets a drummer and the drummer might actually 'get' the church ...so to speak. God does move in mysterious ways.

j

Well said. I see what you mean. Even the person 2000 years ago knew that one of his twelve closest friends was a phony. And yet, he was still allowed in the "group."

[Drad-dog]

Hey everyone. I liked Jason's article because it is based on observation and probably a lot of trial and error went into it. I'm not a church drummer but I'm sure all of these comments are very useful. So what I'm about to say should not be taken as an argument against anything you all are saying, but:

If the main theme is don't stand out and be a showoff because it distracts people from the message, I think that's not just true in church drumming. How many times have you heard other musicians praise the drummer because he/she "doesn't show off," or because he/she "plays for the song?" Not just in church, right? That's because most of the time that's what the other musicians want from us. Being in church doesn't really have anything to do with it. They just want us to lay it down and keep the groove solid and not play too loud.

Also, I certainly agree that showboating for your own benefit could not possibly be consistent with worshiping God, but I think the kind of church music you're all talking about has a very narrow concept of what "showboating" is. Now, you could call me a Jazz snob, so to me "playing for the song" is kinda' nonsense. If I don't get an opportunity to express myself on the kit (play what is in my head and heart) I have not done anything worthwhile. You might call it musical masturbation (I have a very good friend who is a very crappy musician who tells me this all the time about John Colttrane) but I call it self expression. Of course that doesn't mean I'm all over the kit the whole time either. It's just that whatever I play has to be mine, not someone else's, and it certainly cannot be crammed into someone else's conception of good musical taste or appropriateness. Coltrane is the perfect example. His "A Love Supreme" is 100% worship to God. As were many of his works. I venture to say that at least some of you would hear it and think he was showboating, but there was never a more devout, sincere player than John Coltrane. He had to play all those notes for it to be right for him. I wouldn't play that stuff at somebody's wedding, beacause they are paying you to provide a specific type of music. But if I were trying use music to worship God, it would have to be intrinsically me. Otherwise it would be phony.

Peace.

[JIM_fear]

I'm not a church drummer, but I noticed an overtone that Nutha may not have expected, that church gigs are very much about understatement and not playing "out", and I say I have to disagree with that. All music is entertainment, it's all language. If church bands weren't entertaining, they wouldn't get the gig, just like anywhere else. So I say play like you have something to say! Find out what the music needs, and sell the message. Here's a church band that I was impressed by, this drummer hangs out at HouseofDrumming.com. He ain't layin' out. ;^ ) He's solid in the pocket though, and that's where most younger drummers need to grow I believe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHYSc7eFFVI&mode=related&search=



The band in the video seemed to be playing a concert and that's really not what it should be like during a church service imo. In church, the music is not meant to be entertainment, it is meant to drive and accentuate the worship. Your goal is not to gain the attention of the congregation, because that attention is meant for God. That's why dynamics and choosing when to play and when not to are goals for a church drummer. A solid pocket important, but an entertaining presentation is not, in fact it is a deterrent. That's just my opinion, though.

[Ruok]

The part about entertainment and worship is an interesting dilemma of sorts for church drumming. Sometimes church musicians may unintentionally stand out for various other reasons, such as being out of tune, or the mix is bad or something like that, which takes away from the worship experience and causes distractions. So, in one sense, the music should always be "entertaining" in some way during a church service, as in being "listenable" and pleasurable. Whether it's a Sunday morning church service or a religious rock concert on Friday.

I know when I go to any concert, I expect to be entertained. But during a worship service, it should still be entertaining and enjoyable, but without the focus on the musicians. During a worship service I think it's a fine line that has to be judged by the musicians and worship pastor on what is proper for the songs and the environment and what a particular church appreciates and doesn't appreciate. In regards to what is proper and what isn't, well....that is obviously somewhat subjective and no one can ever please all the people all of the time.

[The Ploughman]

The idea that every "religious" piece of music can only exist to enhance worship is kind of anal to say the least. I play in church, I also play gospel concerts. Theres a huge difference in a concert and a worship service. The atmosphere of a concert does not exclude it from being worshipful. But it does not exist solely as a method of worship. It is entertainment. It is intended to be entertaining. It is also intended that the respect and reverance of worship be maintained by both audience and performers. At least thats how I see it. I remember attending one service, with a really "good" worship team, at least as for their ability to make music, to perform the music, to be appealling. But they just did not have a real connection to the congregation. I think a good worship team, can be good, and still involve the congregation in the worship. It is kind of depressing to think of several hundred people as a captive 30 minute audience in every service, at the mercy of the worship team leaders whims. But sometimes its like that. Even without any showboating, it can be like that. Maybe the thought Im trying to capture just isnt making it across in this post.

[ee99ee]

I started playing at my church about a month ago and it's been a very interesting experience. The number one thing is to remember you're not playing for yourself or anyone else, but for God's kingdom and your job is to lead the hundreds/thousands of people listening to you in a worship experience.

I really like my church. They give us the music before hand so we know what we're going into. We have three sanctuaries that the sermon is simulcast to, and there are three services each weekend (one saturday night, two sunday morning). All in all about 6000 people come through each weekend. The logistics of having live music in each room with a full band is quite demanding on the staff, but I really like the way they handle it.

As for rehearsals, you are expected to know your music and it's in and out. They really respect everyone's time.

Additionally, we have gatherings for the team of musicians occasionally that let us all grow and get to know each other better. You never play with the same group two times, so you get to meet alot of interesting people with different music backgrounds.

Overall, I'm really happy I'm a part of it. I was a little intimidated going in, but it's been very rewarding.