Help with getting started playing bass at a church

[slapshot]

I play bass in support of the choir at our church, an Episcopal Church that I would classify as a "Traditional" church. Just myself and the organist. I started in the choir, after starting to attend church. BTW, I started attending church after a long period of not attending service because my son was in Scouts and wanted to earn his religious emblem.
The former organist was trying to start a children's choir, and asked for help. I started playing bass to hold the rythem and bottom end so the director could conduct with his left hand. This led to being asked to play in support of the organ on service music. I'm now playing all the hymns with the choir, and some of the anthems. I rarely sing anymore.
The point is that even a Traditional church, may have a place for a bassist. Only do it because you feel a calling, or it will get old fast.

 

[basslifter]

Some churches advertise on Craig's List to fill this need, just like anyone else.

 

[brianrost]

The easiest way to find a church gig is to go to church. That's how I got into my church gig years ago, and that was at a Catholic church.

 

[EarnestTBass]

You should feel completely free to visit any church and sit among the congregation during their services. Be patient with your exploration and wait as long as it takes until you find the right place to settle down.

If you are not comfortable sitting among the congregation, then you should certainly think twice before taking the stage to lead worship. Likewise, if the congregation is not comfortable with you, they should not allow you to lead worship.

Your lack of experience does not disqualify you from playing with a worship band, but you might want to be sure you are prepared to give what is asked when you serve in this capacity.

 

[Chrome Dome]

I agree with a few of the posts above, I think the cart is before the horse here if someone is simply seeking church as an outlet to play with others in public … Worship teams are there to lead the congregation in their praise and Worship of the Lord, and to give thanks for what we have been given and what was done for us … I have been around a while, and every Worship team I have played with meets early Sunday mornings (or Wed/Thurs evening for mid week services) early enough to pray for each other, and those around us, before anyone even touches an instrument … if one is not a believer, this would be a very awkward time for them, although hopefully they would benefit from it if placed in that situation …

With that said, I have seen straight professional situations, usually very large congregations, where musicians are hired, paid, and are usually very good at their trade … but even then, believers almost always get priority …

I have done well over a couple hundred Worship services at probably 4-5 different facilities (no credit to me, it was my pleasure to give back and a blessing to have the ability, and to be a part of it all), and I was also part of a Christian based original country music group that traveled for large festivals, community events/concerts, and even churches as benefits and fundraisers .. we belonged to the Inspirational Country Music Association (ICMA) with an original CD released …

I only say my experience, to add that I stepped away from playing weekly Worship services, because I had issues in my life which led me to question my ability to be 'right with God', and in a position leading others in pursuit of Him ... the issues are still not completely resolved, and I will not seek a position again until they are, if at all, I am not getting any younger …

JMHO .. as always …

Edit to add: .. I should add, I have also subbed in situations where the Worship leader felt that the bass player they had was struggling in his walk with God … the WL often times will not allow people to partake if they feel they are not prepared to do so ...

I agree with a few of the posts above, I think the cart is before the horse here if someone is simply seeking church as an outlet to play with others in public … Worship teams are there to lead the congregation in their praise and Worship of the Lord, and to give thanks for what we have been given and what was done for us … I have been around a while, and every Worship team I have played with meets early Sunday mornings (or Wed/Thurs evening for mid week services) early enough to pray for each other, and those around us, before anyone even touches an instrument … if one is not a believer, this would be a very awkward time for them, although hopefully they would benefit from it if placed in that situation …

With that said, I have seen straight professional situations, usually very large congregations, where musicians are hired, paid, and are usually very good at their trade … but even then, believers almost always get priority …

I have done well over a couple hundred Worship services at probably 4-5 different facilities (no credit to me, it was my pleasure to give back and a blessing to have the ability, and to be a part of it all), and I was also part of a Christian based original country music group that traveled for large festivals, community events/concerts, and even churches as benefits and fundraisers .. we belonged to the Inspirational Country Music Association (ICMA) with an original CD released …

I only say my experience, to add that I stepped away from playing weekly Worship services, because I had issues in my life which led me to question my ability to be 'right with God', and in a position leading others in pursuit of Him ... the issues are still not completely resolved, and I will not seek a position again until they are, if at all, I am not getting any younger …

JMHO .. as always …

Edit to add: .. I should add, I have also subbed in situations where the Worship leader felt that the bass player they had was struggling in his walk with God … the WL often times will not allow people to partake if they feel they are not prepared to do so ...

Well said tjh,couldn't have said it any better myself!

 

[Jhengsman]

Remember just about all churches want to grow. Some may be more closed to less enthusiastic believers being upfront than others but they still want to reproduce and grow. There are a few denominations that by doctrine don't have instrumental music or favor some instruments and genres over others but they still want to grow as their first priority.

Just saying that just about any church, Catholic included, even if they don't presently have a full band there may be a drum kit on their campus as they wait for someone to step up and man it on occasion.

So google the local churches, the larger ones, or with a technological minded member will have websites and may even publish a audition schedule. But eventually you will have to walk into one without knowledge and try to connect with a musician. Now others in the congregation or leadership will be trying to evangelize and grow the church before you are able to connect with a music ministry member but that is the cost and I really don't see how you avoid that.

 

[basspraiser]

I admit I have not read all of the posts but the ones I have read are all great advice.

My main question to you is WHY do you want to play at a church?

Are you spiritually looking or are you simply seeking experience and think it may be "easier" to have inroads into a P&W team?

Most churches I have attended base their P&W team on members...yes we have brought in non-members on occasion but the basic team is members....and we are not paid.

Non-denominational churches often hire musicians, but to play at a "mega church" you need to be really good.

I am a former Catholic and yes - our church did have the beginning of a worship team when I left.

If you are spiritually searching, I would start out by finding a church that fits your beliefs and go from there. You can always call to find churches in your area which have "contemporary services". Visit a few and then look further into becoming a member at the one that one that you feel most comfortable with.

If you just want to play and are not really serious about the message, I would find other musicians to play with - outside of a church.

Most churches (our Missouri Synod Lutheran Church included) count the singers and musicians among the praise leaders and thus there is a bit of responsibility with the position.

I've been playing in my current P&W band for over 10 years and it has been one of the most musically and personally rewarding times of my life. I have made some great friends and have grown significantly as a player ....I was "recruited" by the former P&W team leader...even with that, I had to audition....wasn't tough but I still had to audition.

As for the type of music, listen to the local Christian radio station.

A few things to think about if you are considering a P&W gig:

1) You will need to at least be able to read chord charts
2) Be prepared to play a lot of music and constantly playing new music (every week) with maybe little rehearsal time
3) Be flexible and know that you may play the same song in several different keys (many in flat keys) - not usually the key the recording was in
4) You are leading the congregation in prayer

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Peace:

Doug

 

[Mister Boh]

Just MHO but any church that wouldn't welcome someone regardless of their belief isn't worth bothering with.

 

[MNAirHead]

I'm on music staff at a large congregation (primary bassist - and no, I don't have stunning chops).

I take my Sunday Morning the most serious of any of music. I'm about 40% of what the congregation hears through the mains/subs.


Thread Reply Validity
There are some good and questionable points in this thread. There are some questionable opinions that may/may not have a basis in reality.


Faith vs Music (or and)
Any time personal faith journey and bass playing are intermixed, it turns into a "my president is better than your president" argument of wills and perspectives -- I believe this is not constructive - I am not willing to fuel a public argument on this topic..


I'd Like to Help
IF you wanted to hear what a contemporary bass sounds like in a church context, I can link a soundcloud of a rehearsal - it may help you.

If you were sincere and interested in doing the steps, PM me -- I'd be willing to walk you through the exact proven steps.

We'd have to discuss more about you and where you're at - this may be easier on the phone.

-----

I'm going to tag a friend who may be a good coach @ExaltBass he's a great observer and participant of this realm

 

[fishdreams]

I've played in church with much pleasure without being a church member or even Christian, for that matter.

AS far as I am concerned, I did/do it for contributing to the joy the congregation got from the service. And I was received warmly in their midst at a time that I could really use that.

In the constellation i was in, part of it was accompanying the lead singer and the choir in their chosen repertoire of the week, part of it was following and reinforcing the congregation in an improvisatory context.

So a) working out tunes on my own in advance and b) jumping in with the rest of the band no matter what music was being picked up on, and follow vigorously whereever the congregation went, where the ways to play, and it can be a fantastic way to sharpen or develop those skills.

It was fun, it was beautiful and for me on an occasional, subbing, basis. However, If you are going to do this every week, I'd say 1) check with your own spirit what sits right with you and what not and why you do this and 2) be ready for the time investment - people in church take it very seriously, and that can mean half your day on Saturday rehearsal, half your day on Sunday doing service every week of the year, plus the occasional feasts, retreats and such.

 

[MetsMan75]

I could use the phone and call. My problem is I have no idea what the types of churches I would need to call. I come from a catholic upbringing (only in grade school, a long time ago). There is absolutely no band in that type of church, so I would not call a catholic church, and I have no idea what the other types of churches are or which ones would have bands, especially with bass guitar. I guess I will start the old fashioned way, the phone. The other thing is, I look on YouTube for top 20 church songs. Some of that stuff is very musical, versus some things I read about church bass players that only play on 2 strings, root notes basically. So right there, there is a difference in the scope of church songs between churches that have live bands, and I don't know what type of churches would play the basic songs or the nicely produced more technical songs.

You are wrong about the Catholic Church not having bands...many have them now. Yes its not standard but there are plenty of Catholic Churches with them. Sometimes they only have the band at one of the mass times. If one in your city dont have it you can look at nearby cities.

 

[Session1969]

I see ads on C/L asking for musicians for church services.

 

[tjh]

Just MHO but any church that wouldn't welcome someone regardless of their belief isn't worth bothering with.

With all due respect, I don't think you will read that any person on here that is involved with a Worship Team saying that their church will not 'welcome someone', including a non-believer, in fact just the opposite ... however, they will not likely give that individual a position with a role and responsibility to lead the congregation, which in essence, being a Worship Team member is often regarded as …

 

[wintremute]

Just MHO but any church that wouldn't welcome someone regardless of their belief isn't worth bothering with.

Welcoming someone to be a part of the congregation, or welcoming someone to be part of leading the worship service, or both?

 

[BluesWalker]

I did it once by answering a craigslist ad. It was a modern type church. The music was ok, a lot of what I was told were popular rock type church tunes; they were based on stuff by Steve Miller, U2, Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac, etc. They had a great sound system, etc so I only had to bring my bass to practice and services. The music director and church leader promised pay which never materialized so I quit; it was no different than dealing deceitful bar owners.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

As a Christian and worship leader at my church, I’m shocked at what you’re planning to do. I’m equally surprised at the many replies giving you tips on how to go about it, but very glad a few others eventually explained it correctly. I can’t imagine a church in my country that would be okay with someone coming in just to play bass and to “not care what religion it is”. You must remember most of a church service is not the music and even when you’re playing, you’re expressing the content of the song lyrics, in worship to God.

I don’t want to be dissuading you to attend church, but at this point you really should just seek out some other musicians to play secular music with. You can attend church services, perhaps you will feel God’s calling and then eventually you can think about playing in the worship band.

Anyway, to add to some of the discussion above, I’ve played in church bands since I was a teenager, but when asked to step up as worship leader it took me years to finally feel ready spiritually and heed the calling.

I find yours to be an incredibly arrogant point of view. The OP just wants to play church music in a church. He didn't ask to be judged on anything else. You should welcome his interest, not push him away. Attitudes like this are precisely why so many are fleeing organized religion. This post is supposed to be about how to play music in a certain venue. Not a judgment about religious belief.

 

[Tritone]

The purpose to playing music in a worship setting is to bring glory to God. Period. It is not a gig, a performance or "Christian entertainment". People (ie: the congregation) are expecting the whole band (not just the Worship Leader) to lead them in song, to worship God. If a musician is not prepared to lead others in worshiping God, they really have no business playing in a worship band.

 

[gln1955]

I find yours to be an incredibly arrogant point of view. The OP just wants to play church music in a church. He didn't ask to be judged on anything else. You should welcome his interest, not push him away. Attitudes like this are precisely why so many are fleeing organized religion. This post is supposed to be about how to play music in a certain venue. Not a judgment about religious belief.

It's good for the OP to see this kind of attitude. He'll now know that there are a lot of judgemental people in many churches that he needs to avoid. The church I play in is very cool about getting new people involved in the music program. No one has to be certified.

 

[Fun Size Nick]

I honestly don't quite understand why so many are discouraging the OP from approaching churches to play music. The worship directors/pastors/ministers/whatever are quite free to say no if they want to, and it does make sense to warn that this might happen. Surely the responsibility for maintaining whatever standards they wish to uphold lies with the church and not with the aspiring player.

 

[chadhargis]

Non-denominational churches often hire musicians, but to play at a "mega church" you need to be really good.

A few things to think about if you are considering a P&W gig:

1) You will need to at least be able to read chord charts
2) Be prepared to play a lot of music and constantly playing new music (every week) with maybe little rehearsal time
3) Be flexible and know that you may play the same song in several different keys (many in flat keys) - not usually the key the recording was in
4) You are leading the congregation in prayer

These things are true!

I play in a multi-site "mega church". I don't get paid, but I do know that the church does provide expense reimbursement for some folks. I consider my time and talent as a way I can serve God and give to the church, so I'd never dream of taking any money, but I understand some folks may not be able to serve without some sort of financial assistance.

We don't use chord charts. Being in Nashville, the number system rules here. We can change keys on the spot, and it's not uncommon to do so. It's not a big deal with number charts. No transposition required. Just start on a different "1".

Unlike being in a band that has a consistent set list, playing in church requires you to learn new music. We even do some original songs written by the creative team and only get to hear the song a few times before you have to play in live.

In my church the band is considered the "worship team". We lead the worship service prior to the pastor delivering the sermon. I don't know that it would make any difference if I was a hired gun who wasn't a believer or someone who's heart was filled with God's love while I played the worship set. Would anyone notice the difference? I have to admit, most CCM is not music I like. Just not my thing. But I don't play in church to enjoy the music. I do it to serve God, and fill my soul. I don't do it to be a better bass player, or to find gigs or band mates. I'm not saying that people who do things differently than me are wrong. I'm just sharing my motivation for playing in church.