How do you get into an Urban Gospel playing situation?

[Lichtaffen]

Okay, first off, I am Christian and have been a believer my whole life. I belong to an Armenian Orthodox church that my parents are very very active in. I don't really attend anymore. Their method of worship leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. Going to church feels more like a fashion show than actual worship. It feels like an obligation more than something I look forward to attending.

I've watched videos on youtube of various worship bands, and the music and vibe blew me away. That's how I want to thank God for my blessings, not by robotically standing/sitting and making the sign of the Cross. I want to use my playing as a way of contributing to the service.

I have no idea where or how to start finding an appropriate place of worship. Please don't take this the wrong way, but I'm not sure if a white-ish guy like me would be welcome and accepted. I'm sure it's just my own insecurity, but I felt I should mention it.

I live in Rhode Island, so if you're local I'd love to hear from you. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Sherwood]

You're very welcome anywhere, if you've got the chops for it.

Generally, the way you get into a worship band is to establish yourself in that church through volunteering for a month or two, then approach the worship director and tell them that you're interested in playing. Depending on the size of the church and the competition for the slot, hey'll either hold tryouts for worship team, or they'll just have you sit in when their normal guy can't make it. If you're good and committed, the normal guy will most likely make room for you. Once you're playing semi-regularly, things start to happen.

[Hotrodmick]

I've thought if I was to leave my church I would go to an urban church also. http://www.az-u-r.com/index.html
This is my church, I play guitar and harp on Sunday. We are a band that started a church. We play rock & roll.

Look around and see what you can find. Sherwoods advise is right on. Also find the Christian music scene, that's how I started my second band I play bass in.

Good luck
Mick

[MalcolmAmos]

A lot of mainstream churches have praise services in addition to the normal traditional worship services. If the stained glass turns you off most large churches have already recognized this and have adapted. Just look around for the churches that have built family life centers or ministry centers. They will have the praise services.

As mentioned join and become a part of the church then sit in on praise rehoursals show interest and things began to happen. Understand the church is not in the music business their music comes from members that happen to be musicians.

Find a church first, join, then volunteer.

[Sherwood]

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

Find a church first, join, then volunteer.

This may differ in other places, but half of the churches I've attended/played for didn't have "membership" at all, so joining may not be an option.

In any case, the thrust of what you said was right on. Find a church to belong to first, then become a part of it. Remember always that you are giving your time, effort, and talents to the service of the Lord, and the spiritual joy you derive from this is of the utmost concern, before the bass playing ever enters the picture.

[tycobb73]

This may sound weird, but I answered an ad on craigslist.

My wife and I were looking for a church to attend. We attended a few and knew which one we were going to join. Then we had kids and decided to wait until they were older. As we were thinking about going again I responded to an ad on craigs. Contacted the lady and it turns out it was the same church we were thinking of joining. So my second time going to the church I'm playing in the band. Been on a monthly rotation ever since.