DRUMS
THE NEXT BIG THING IN WORSHIP DRUMMING ( A WORD FOR ALL OF US .) | Carl Albrecht
What ’ s the next big thing in worship drumming ? Well my friends , it is NOT we drummers ! If you want to become great in drumming … or in life , you must become the servant of all . Mark 9:35 … Jesus called the Twelve and said , “ If anyone wants to be first , he must be the very last , and the servant of all .” The Lord is calling us to “ stay low ” in our journey as His minstrels in the earth . By staying low I mean staying humble . This is absolutely necessary !
In this amazing season of worship music exploding around the earth I can see it ’ s harder for musicians to not get caught up in the business , branding , and marketing of ministries with an emphasis on image and personalities rather than the presence of God . Even in smaller communities of faith , artists are constantly challenged with battling a spirit of pride . This is just not a problem for mega ministries or recording artists . And … I do know this is not a new issue . The battle for humility is timeless ! But I see an overwhelming struggle in these days , probably because of the immense influence of media and the power of the Internet . “ All the world ’ s a stage !” And it ’ s affecting all of us .
As you can tell , this article will not be just for drummers , but for all musicians and artists in the church . Bruce , our editor , always reminds us to address issues concerning musicians as it relates directly to their work in the church and other worship ministries . While brainstorming and praying about what I would write about next , this topic exploded into my spirit . Really ! I felt the Lord shake me to attention about what is confronting all of us in this age .
We are called to be skillful , excellent at what we do , and disciplined in our talents . God ’ s people are gifted , “ by Him ,” to be the best at what they do . Making a great presentation and using all the tools at our disposal to tell the world about Him , and making Jesus ’ name famous in the earth , is part of the “ great commission ” in this modern age . I know that to be true without any doubt . But I see the struggle that has intensified in these times . And it is sobering , if not frightening !
It ’ s so easy to get caught up in the latest trends . We hardly notice that in our “ vision casting ” meetings that we don ’ t take time to pray or call on the Lord to give us wisdom to show us what He wants us to do . We ’ re more concerned with the latest market analysis , staying culturally relevant , or making sure we sound and look cool on stage . It ’ s so hard to not be influenced by our culture . After all , look at the overwhelming number of talent competitions on TV . So , this is not only a corporate challenge , but also a reminder to us as individuals to stay close to the Lord so we can really hear from Him about the direction we are headed .
In big and small ministries alike the challenge is the same . People struggle with being noticed or recognized in some way for what they “ bring to the table .” But really our intention should always be , how we can use “ what God has made us for ” to best serve at the table . If that attitude remains central in our hearts then our selfish pride will surrender to the Lord ’ s purposes for us . We become free to enjoy what He is doing in and through us rather than being tormented by our own narcissistic tendencies .
As we grow in deeper relationship with our communities we need to help people keep their hearts turned towards the Lord , as well as our own . It ’ s really just a matter of not being impressed with ourselves , but amazed with the greatness of God and focusing everyone ’ s attention on Him . We are privileged as artists to be called to lead people in worshiping the creator of everything . I ’ m always aware of the priestly calling that musicians have to minister to the Lord and to encourage people to join us in that endeavor .
I pray we all continue to grow in the faith , humility , and focus to keep all that we do in God ’ s proper perspective . Blessings to you as you endeavor to stay low and point to the One who is higher than all .
Peace , Carl
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