Another Church Bass thread

[MirageBass]

I must say, from an objective standpoint, this is a very interesting thread.

I'm actually a hard agnostic, and I was thinking about joining the worship band when I head to college (assuming they're not just acapella) to spread my wings a little bit artistically. I'm interested in hearing some more of this "fish out of water" stuff from the other side of the religious spectrum.

[Depth_Charge]

Originally Posted by D.A.R.K.

some of these posts make me very sad.
religion should make things better, open up your life, increase your tolerance of others, and increase communication. if your church is limiting you and your quality of life and experiences, you are going to the wrong church.
.02

No organised religion ever made me feel the way you describe it should...all the ones I experienced were too controlling.

But having remained spiritually open to loving life sure has kept me on the straight and narrow. And if some mediums are to be believed, then I've experienced the protection of God through the Arch Angel Michael all the same.

Feel free to PM me if you want to ask what that experience was about.

[Torch7]

Originally Posted by MirageBass

I'm actually a hard agnostic, and I was thinking about joining the worship band when I head to college (assuming they're not just acapella) to spread my wings a little bit artistically. I'm interested in hearing some more of this "fish out of water" stuff from the other side of the religious spectrum.

Thanks for commenting MirageBass. On the opposite side of the spectrum, a non-believer on the worhsip team? Is that what your were asking?

I first want to say, that this in no way is meant to say that those who are not believers cannot come into services, and this is not meant to put up walls, or create an I'm better than you attitude. (with that said)

At our Church we put a premium on the time of Worship, in our personal lives, as well as in front of the congregation. Not because we want to stir peoples emotions or even, sound good (although sound is important to the experience I think, its not the only thing.) We have singers who are much better than the ones on the worship team, but they don't participate because being on the worship team takes quite a commitment many are not willing to make.

Music is very powerful. I have been a part on several occasions of services, where God just used music as his vehicle to minister life to people. There has been numerous occassions where our pastor didn't even get a chance to speak, and people where lining up on the alter, to commit their lives to Christ. At other times there has been a sureal silence after we play music, (no vocals) that dare I say no one could speak, but you knew God was speaking to the hearts of so many people in the congregation.

When we understand our roles as worshippers, in front of the congregation, we understand that God uses us to do mighty, bringing deliverance, ushering in a heightened awareness of God to the congregation (God actually abides in the Praises of his people), We are actually ministers of the gifts of God.

**IT really is a spiritual thing**
The bible teaches, we wrestle not against flesh, and blood but a spiritual foe, and in 2 Chronicles 20:22 We find God's people, down and depressed. The King had layed face before the Lord to worship, and so did all of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:18) Then the Levites, the priests of God's people, stood up and began to praise God. And early in the morning they appointed singers, and they all began to praise God.
"2 Chronicles 20:22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten."

This same battle happens spiritually at services across the globe. He's the same God today that he was then. In the Old Testament they were physical battles, God moves in that way for us today, Spiritually, under the New Covenant.

I actually have so many more stories of how God has moved in our services, just through the music.

Sorry I can't help but be long winded. I said all that to say, When people view the Praise and Worship team as a spiritual battle axe, they will probably only want believers who are set apart for the purpose of ministering Sunday morning to be a part of the team.

I know other Churches will allow those who want to play to play, because they feel its a positive influence on the person.

Just fore warning of the different opinions that will role in, don't take offence people just view the roles of musicians differently.

Hope my second Novel on the topic helped.

[MirageBass]

Originally Posted by Torch7

Thanks for commenting MirageBass. On the opposite side of the spectrum, a non-believer on the worhsip team? Is that what your were asking?

I first want to say, that this in no way is meant to say that those who are not believers cannot come into services, and this is not meant to put up walls, or create an I'm better than you attitude. (with that said)

At our Church we put a premium on the time of Worship, in our personal lives, as well as in front of the congregation. Not because we want to stir peoples emotions or even, sound good (although sound is important to the experience I think, its not the only thing.) We have singers who are much better than the ones on the worship team, but they don't participate because being on the worship team takes quite a commitment many are not willing to make.

Music is very powerful. I have been a part on several occasions of services, where God just used music as his vehicle to minister life to people. There has been numerous occassions where our pastor didn't even get a chance to speak, and people where lining up on the alter, to commit their lives to Christ. At other times there has been a sureal silence after we play music, (no vocals) that dare I say no one could speak, but you knew God was speaking to the hearts of so many people in the congregation.

When we understand our roles as worshippers, in front of the congregation, we understand that God uses us to do mighty, bringing deliverance, ushering in a heightened awareness of God to the congregation (God actually abides in the Praises of his people), We are actually ministers of the gifts of God.

**IT really is a spiritual thing**
The bible teaches, we wrestle not against flesh, and blood but a spiritual foe, and in 2 Chronicles 20:22 We find God's people, down and depressed. The King had layed face before the Lord to worship, and so did all of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:18) Then the Levites, the priests of God's people, stood up and began to praise God. And early in the morning they appointed singers, and they all began to praise God.
"2 Chronicles 20:22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten."

This same battle happens spiritually at services across the globe. He's the same God today that he was then. In the Old Testament they were physical battles, God moves in that way for us today, Spiritually, under the New Covenant.

I actually have so many more stories of how God has moved in our services, just through the music.

Sorry I can't help but be long winded. I said all that to say, When people view the Praise and Worship team as a spiritual battle axe, they will probably only want believers who are set apart for the purpose of ministering Sunday morning to be a part of the team.

I know other Churches will allow those who want to play to play, because they feel its a positive influence on the person.

Just fore warning of the different opinions that will role in, don't take offence people just view the roles of musicians differently.

Hope my second Novel on the topic helped.

Generally, I just meant it's interesting to hear opinions on the other side of the spectrum - skeptic in the worship group:church bassist at the bar. But hey, anything is helpful there.

I'm not going to lie, there's really very little that anyone could do to convert me to a particular faith at this point. But, I figured that if the gospel ensemble might want the services of someone who can hold a groove, maybe I could give it a shot, provided that they'll allow me.

[mrokern]

My take on the topic was best summed up by another book, "Just Walk Across The Room" by Bill Hybels.

My take is that if someone feels that their faith is in jeopardy from what they are doing, then they should stop doing it. Myself? I'll be living (or at least trying to live) a Christian example everywhere I go, including church, home, my workplace, the mall, and yup, bars. I don't feel that my attendance in such places in any way places me in conflict with my faith, and someday I may have an opening to step through to help someone else.

-Mark

[David Wilson]

This is indeed an interesting thread, and while it's almost veered into bad territory once or twice I think this is a good example that there can be civil discussion involving religion on TB.
I'd just say let's try to keep it directly related to the original question, as general religious discussion is only allowed in The Lobby. I *might* have to prune the thread a bit so it can stay here.

[Jeb]

Sheesh, Dave! I didn't want to start a religious discussion!
But, I play my bass in lots of different environ's and church is one of them. I make alot of sacrifices to fulfill all my committments (because I love to do it) and knowing that there are many here with similar circumstances I was fishing for thoughts from the forum.

So much stuff to sift through on this, so many interesting perspectives that I never would have thought of. No apologies from me for starting it! Thanks.