DRUMS
THE ETERNAL CALLING OF A WORSHIP DRUMMER / MUSICIAN | Carl Albrecht
Yes ! This one is not just for drummers . I pray all of my musical comrades will ponder these thoughts . I believe musicians and singers are the gatekeepers to the presence of the Lord for the church and the whole earth . All believers are called to be worshipers , but the artists have a significant role in being the leaders . We are not better people or God ’ s favorites . We were just made to “ create a space ” or “ atmosphere ” where people can experience the Lord . That ’ s our job , our calling . Rev . 5:10 “… You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God .” II Chron . 34 : 12 – 13 “… The Levites – all who were skilled in playing musical instruments – had charge of the laborers and supervised all the workers from job to job .”
People often ask what I feel during worship . What is going on that stirs such joy and celebration , or sometimes intercession and supplication ? So I will dig deep to see if I can explain the experience that is so beyond words . Help me , Lord !
The training for church musicians should be two-fold . Both technical and spiritual disciplines are a must . I Chron . 25 : 7 “… all of them trained in music for the Lord …” This magazine has been dedicated to this twofold purpose . So besides the hours of practice and study it takes to hone your musical skills we also need to pursue spiritual disciplines . Don ’ t let your life journey become lopsided . Always pursue both ! You may be thinking , “ Hey Carl , I just want to play music . Give me a break !”
But stay with me here and I believe you ’ ll find something in your playing that perhaps you ’ ve never experienced before .
My technical training involves practicing new ideas . I buy new drum books , watch videos , and listen to lots of music . I go to all the drum and percussion clinics I can fit into my schedule . I like working on new grooves , new songs , and just having fun learning more about the gift the Lord has placed in me .
The spiritual study is just as important . I ’ ve just finished reading Jennifer Martin ’ s “ Awaken The Dark Horse Prophet ” and also plowed through the latest Modern Drummer Magazine . One book is about spiritual issues ; the other is about the latest drumming concepts . Both stir something deep in my spirit about the calling God has on my life as a worship drummer / musician / priest in the house of the Lord . I continue to look for material that stirs my gifts including Bible study . You are also “ called ” to this if you are playing for worship . The Lord has called you . It is not just a career choice .
It ’ s also critical to stay involved in a local church or fellowship group . Don ’ t just hide out at home reading the Bible alone or just go to church to “ play the gig ” and split . Being personally disciplined is good , but stay connected to the “ body of Christ ” at large . There are things we only learn while in relationship to other believers . The sense of community and covering are vital in surviving the journey of life . Is the church perfect ? No . And neither are we . Just find a place where the Lord plants you and flourish there . Sometimes my “ artsy ” friends say I ’ m the “ church guy .” But I ’ ve seen too many talented people flounder because they had no “ spiritual family ” to help them .
The spiritual life of a musician effects how they worship . If you are just playing the instrument and not pressing into the presence of God you are only doing half of the job . I personally believe if you are not pursuing the Lord like the “ lead worshiper ” you could be dead weight in a worship band . I know that ’ s strong talk , but I ’ ve seen it happen . When you are pressing into the worship experience something happens . Worship leaders have said to me , “ Carl , it feels like you ’ re pushing or compelling me to go after God deeper when you ’ re playing . What is
that ?” Well … I ’ m not totally sure . All I know is that I ’ m as desperate for the presence of God as they are .
Stir up the gift within you as a priest in the house of the Lord and you will see the Lord honor your efforts . He desires to see us fulfill the calling He has given us . The Lord said He will be found when we search for Him with all of our heart . Even though I feel I know Him well I ’ m still searching ; still reaching . “ Lord , I ’ m desperate for You !”
Blessings to you as you reach out to Him .
Carl Albrecht Professional drummer for 30 + years , playing with Paul Baloche , Don Moen , Ron Kenoly , Abe Laboriel , LeAnn Rimes and others . He ’ s also a clinician , author & pastor . Contact Carl for coaching , online lessons , producing , or sessions . I ’ m still growing too .. www . CarlAlbrecht . com LMAlbrecht @ aol . com