DRUMS
THE CALLING OF A WORSHIP DRUMMER / MUSICIAN | Carl Albrecht
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 ” where we can all meet with 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 .”)
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 …”) So , besides the hours of practice and study it takes to hone your musical skills we also need to pursue spiritual disciplines . I know for a musician this can seem like a big responsibility . 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 check out new drum books , videos , and music of all kinds . 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 have fun learning more about the gift the Lord has placed in me .
The spiritual study is just as important . Some of my favorite books are Bill Johnson ’ s book called “ When Heaven Invades Earth ” and “ God Songs ” by Paul Baloche , and Jimmy & Carol Owens . One book is about spiritual issues ; the other discusses songwriting concepts . Both books and others I read 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 .
It ’ s also critical to stay involved in a local church or fellowship group . Don ’ t just hide out at home reading the Bible and watching Christian television . 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 . No one is “ truly righteous ” but the Lord . Just find a place where the Lord plants you and flourish there .
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 . Whatever diminishes the unity of a worship team effects the worship . When you are pressing into the worship experience and honoring the call with your life something happens .
Before worship starts , I ’ m praying … not just thinking of the music . I talk to the Lord about what He would like to see happen . Even as I prepare my drums and music , I have my “ spiritual antenna ” up trying to sense what ’ s going on in the atmosphere . As the worship flows , I listen carefully , not to just the music , but to what is happening “ in the spirit ”. Maybe the worship leader pauses because they sense something from the Lord . I go there with them in my heart . I start to pray for them ; pray “ with ” them . I ’ m asking the Lord to help us meet Him where He is and do as He pleases . At all times I stay aware of being in the presence of God and wanting the people to feel free to “ enter in .” It feels like I ’ m standing guard at the gates of the presence of God . That sounds pretty wild , doesn ’ t it ? Well , that ’ s what it “ feels ” like to me . Yet , my words seem so incapable of creating a complete picture . I just pray it helps you discover why the Lord made you a musician . ( I SAMUEL 10 : 5 – 11 “… they will be coming down from a high place with lyres , tambourines , flutes and harps … and they will be prophesying . The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power , and you will prophesy with them ; and you will be changed into a different person .” // I SAMUEL 16:23 “… David would take his harp and play . Then relief would come
to Saul ; he would feel better , and the evil spirit would leave him .” (* emphasis by Carl *)
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 . He said He will be found when we search for Him with all of our hearts . 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
98 October 2023 Subscribe for Free ...