I've been playing for a church, for lil over a year now. The players are good people, but I think it's time for me to move on. It seems like I'm stuck. We play the same thing every week, more traditional gospel. Don't get me wrong, that can be a challenge too...playing songs everybody and their mama can identify. The "simple grooves" are almighty. I can tell my playing has gotten better since being there. But sometime I feel like I'm not being challenged.
We don't rehearse, so I don't know what we are going to play until I get there. I'm trying to remember songs right before service, so of coarse I get fumble fingers. Also, have to rely on my wonderful ears. It like a jam band, "you know how to play an instrument, come on up!" I'm blessed to have this gig, but is it time for me to step up or am I being selfish?

Personally I don't think you are - people can get tired of bands and whathaveyou, don't feel they're being stretched enough...I'd suggest making sure you've got something else to work on before you leave them! (I'm lucky, I've never been without SOME kind of band to keep me going...)

Mm, are you doing this for yourself or because there was a need for a bass player and you met that need? (using church lingo here, hehe). I played for a church for 5 years under 3 different worship leaders; not always because I wanted to do it but because they asked me to do it as a favor.

Mind you, it is good practice as well...

Mm, are you doing this for yourself or because there was a need for a bass player and you met that need? (using church lingo here, hehe). I played for a church for 5 years under 3 different worship leaders; not always because I wanted to do it but because they asked me to do it as a favor.

Mind you, it is good practice as well...

Both reasons. I also agree with the good practice. That's one reason I haven't given up. No matter what, I'll always keep a church gig. That's my way of giving thanks for what has been giving to me.