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Christian bassist's and finding time to practice.

#21
i cant say that im a christian,because im not but i understand the time bind thing i mean between school (u of m) and work and life its very hard to find time.But i mean when you think about it it all comes down to devotion and willingness.i mean honestly im sure many of you have time for it its just a matter of want.

long live the 4 stringed growler
:)
 
#22
I keep the bass, amp, and chord ready. My schedule is soo bad, I have to steal time here or there. You're right, not practicing will make you stale. When I haven't practiced, I end up playing safe progressions instead of playing music.

When I do practice, I pick up a new song (Anything Hezekiah Walker, Fred Hammond) and go for it. There are a lot of fantastic bassist playing contemporary gospel, and their musicality inspires me.

Just keep the Faith and remember why we play ... for the Glory of the Lord.

Later.
 
#23
everybody has 24 hours in the day.

I try to avoid church, mainly a lot of pot lucks, programs, activities. Playing church. A lot of ~holy~ people.

I try to spend as much time as possible with non-Christians. This includes the hurting, the addicted, the abused, and fellow (non-Christian) musicains.

Close down the churches, fet out into the world. Salt, Light, Yeast
 
#25
I am glad you said it first G every time there is a 'debate' like this one ie when a zealous-atheist comes into an obviously christian debate Johnny Storm style any form of self-defence results in panties being bunched.

NB the type of person who goes into these threads complains about pushy christians. Then calls them hypocrytes. I do love it when people shoot themselves in the foot.

Anyway have to go I'm off to a Halloween thread to tell them its evil and that Trick or Treaters go to hell.
 
#26
I would imagine this is like any other time problems that may arise in your life. Consider what is most important to you. Do you really need to be involved in so many church activities? Do you truly enjoy them all, or do you find yourself wishing you were at home practising instead? I'm agnostic, but I do know that you don't need to spend all of your time in religious activities to remain faithful. Just approach this the way a time management consultant would. Decide what's most important, and rearrange your schedule accordingly.

And if anyone asks why you haven't been at church as much lately, tell them that making a joyful noise unto the lord takes practice...;)
 
#27
It's good to see some non-Christians (for lack of a better term) making constructive posts. Yes it is a time management issue. I've been a bass player for a lot longer than I've been a believer, and that aspect hasn't changed much. I do find that preparing worship music has made me a much better player. Even though some of the music is "easy", I approach it with a new standard for excellence. He made me, He made music, so I'm not just going to lob some crap up there, like "whatever". It's changed the way I play for the better. Watching this thread develop has made me want to throw in two more ideas, one is that I try to be vigilant about not letting bass be an idol. This is hard for me because I'm really into bass. And bass is definitely an additional conduit for the sin of pride into my life... not that I'm that good, but I see it happen anyway. Secondly, I see this recurring theme of the "patient wife", and I think there's a real pitfall in this area for us marrieds. IMO there is more balance in the Christian life when one's spouse is put ahead of everything else except the Lord. My wife is like my biggest fan, digs my music (most of it), and provides great feedback. But one thing she's also given feedback about is when she sees me putting the bass ahead of her. And the truth is, it does happen: I'll get really into some project/rehearsal/service that's coming up and I do sort of have this attitude that creeps in like, the wife'll be there anyway and the music has some short-term urgency. Then things get out-of-whack and need to be fixed. If folks think this sounds preachy, please keep in mind that the intended audience are those who would reply to the original question sincerely.
 
#30
Thanks for all the good input guys. I hope nobody got the impression that I was complaining about the things that are happening in my life. I love all of the responsibilities I have. I just was curious when some of you guys get your practice done. I am going to try and get more organized with my practice sessions so when I do have time, I will actually get something accomplished.

Thanks!
 
#31
Originally posted by count_funkula
Thanks for all the good input guys. I hope nobody got the impression that I was complaining about the things that are happening in my life. I love all of the responsibilities I have. I just was curious when some of you guys get your practice done. I am going to try and get more organized with my practice sessions so when I do have time, I will actually get something accomplished.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hey CF,

I definately didn't think you were complaining, but I can surely relate. Something I keep thinking of that might apply to this thread, is how I spend my lunch time. I virtually never take time off for lunch. I usually make a lunch and bring it with me and just eat it while I keep right on working. But, technically, I'm due 45 minutes, and if I could bring my bass and maybe a headphone amp to work with me, I'd definately spend 30 of that 45 minutes practicing out in my car. But unfortunately, I rarely work anywhere that I could count on not having it stolen from my car. I keep wondering if it would be worthwhile to buy a used bass just for lunchtime practice. Of course, that costs money too, which as we all know is a constant issue. :-(

....Anyway, just a thought...
 
#33
yeh, sorry if I came on too strong ( do that you know).

Yes, I am a Christian, and time pressure is probably my biggest issue. Church things have a lower priority for me, seems to be just the same old harried people there in a neverendingcycleofactivities.

I spend a lot of time in the world, and I have a strong outreach to non-Christians. There are many who are still alive today who would not have been if I had not been in their world. Drugs, alcohol suicide.

But I am not well regarded in my church, cause I don't do church things. My minister doesn't even speak to me. I missed the men's group again, I guess. Gotta go, a young (non-Christian wants me on ICQ.

God Bless
 
#34
I guess it helps to be semi-retired, but even so I don't practice every day.
Being a Christian bass player, I always get 2 gigs a week and the PAY is excellent: Treasure in heaven!
I'm always dealing with the issue of whether I enjoy playing in Church because it gives me an audience or am I using my talents to Worship the Lord? I guess having the audience doesn't hurt, as long as the main thing is giving glory to God!
 
#35
I too am a Christian Bass Player and I work from 40 to 60 hours a week. It is hard to get practicing in with work, family and and other intrest. We are learning several new songs for Christmas I also got a copy of a cassette tape of the music we will be doing so I can practice at home. I try to get from 30 minutes to 2 hours practice every day.

Steve
 
#38
Hey, great posts, guys. I have just been lurking, seeing how this thread develops.

Christians that are active in the church do not have as much time as non-christians, as far as practicing. See, there's that time spent in church activities that our non-christian friends don't have.

Yes, it's a real problem that a lot of Christians don't get out and meet the world; Jesus didn't spend a lot of time in the temple, he's was out meeting with the masses. I for one need to get out and witness more. However, I don't understand the isolationist-christian view that you don't have to ever go to church to be a christian. In following Christ's teachings, we are to enter into corporate worship and meeting with others.

Time is valuable. I play in the Sunday rotation 2x per month. With work, church, and family, I'm lucky to have 2 hours per week to practice. But, I know that I'm not a good time manager, and will sit and watch TV if I have time. I could be practicing.

I, too, run the risk of having the bass, and music, be an idol. I LOVE the thang, man! I love almost all music. At times, it does get put in front of my family and God, which ain't right.

As far as lunchtime practice, I thought about this at one time; getting a cheapo bass just for knocking around and practicing at lunch. But then I decided to do quiet time during lunch, and I think God likes this arrangement better. You may make it work, however.

I'm glad to know there's others dealing with what I deal with, and doing what I'm doing.

Mark
 
#39
hey guys,

yea, finding time stinks. check this out;

work 6pm to 6am monday through wed.
powercells (youth worship) then practice on thursday night, then work 10pm to 6am.
friday work 6pm to 6am
then I have to work saturday (actually sunday morning) 12am to 6am to make up for the time I missed on thursday (minimum 58hrs where I work).
at church by 5:30pm sunday to play for the teens, then sunday night worship at 7:30pm.

then it starts all over again.

its hard trying to find the time to practice, but it sure is awesome to give the Lord my talent.

just for the record, going to church doesn't make you a Christian, just like going to a doughnut shop doesn't make you a doughnut.
above statement pointed at myself
:cool:
 

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