DRUMS
PLAY WITH PASSION OR STAY HOME | Carl Albrecht
What? That sounds so harsh! I hear you saying So how does this play out in real life? Well, what God. Of course I have not perfected this. But
that… or thinking it when you read the title. I’ve found is that it becomes something we do because it has become a very intentional part
But stay with me here and see what the Lord intentionally. I don’t think it just happens. We of my life, it seems to be growing in me.
might be saying to us as I pour this out. Maybe purpose to stir our hearts towards Him as we this article is more than just a drum thing. It’s do what we do. Sure, I believe there is a place What I’m noticing is that whenever I play, the
a musician thing… it’s an artist thing… it’s a where our love for the Lord is always active in music feels more passionate and alive. I’m
worshipper thing! It is a people of God thing! our hearts. If we are “in Christ” then He is in us! feeling the Lord’s presence in worship, even
My heart… His heart is that, as we grow in skill, He doesn’t go away. So practically speaking I during rehearsals. Now I know the Lord is
talent, artistic expression, favor, etc. – is that we engage this real presence of the Lord in me as always present. But something in the spirit is
still burn with passion for Jesus. I navigate life to the best of my ability. Hmm… happening because the intention of my heart
is stronger… I’m trying to draw nearer to Him.
I’m watching a documentary about Hillsong
making a record. “The Making of Awake.” Of
course we all know the Hillsong music ministry
if we are engaged in modern worship. We’ve
watched it become a worldwide phenomenon
in the past 30 years. And we have to
acknowledge the impact they have had on the
way the church worships. The most impressive
thing as I’ve been watching the story is their
ongoing passion for the Lord. Their utmost
desire is to still point people to Jesus. Yes, all
the tech stuff is there… all the amazing talent…
all the resources a church could every want…
but they still are shaken by the Lord moving in
their midst as they worship. They still tremble
at the reading of the word. They still challenge
each other to keep the focus on Jesus and
to help people experience Him and not them.
There is still passion!
To be aware of Him. And I believe the music is
As we continue
to serve the Lord
feeling more passionate and alive… or “on fire”
because of it.
The other day I was playing for a citywide
and His people prayer and worship gathering in Nashville. The
with the gifts from over six different churches. Thousands of
He has given us pastors, and VIPs. But Jesus felt so present
may this also exciting. I’m not bragging about me… but I am
team was comprised of players and singers
people were there, many well-known leaders,
that none of that mattered. Which was so
boasting in the Lord.
forever remain
As Jesus becomes such a strong and centered
our passion and focus of our lives, everything else will “grow
focus. everything we do will be consumed by that
strangely dim.” When He becomes our passion
passion.
Now I’m not putting anyone on a pedestal. I
I pray that the Spirit of God overwhelms you as
know that the Hillsong team and every church or maybe it’s His ability, His grace, His Spirit you continue to worship and serve Him with all
worship ministry will have their issues. But as I alive in me. So I purpose to draw near to Him your heart, soul, mind and strength. May your
watch I’ve been reminded of keeping the first when I practice, when I study, when I rehearse, passion for Him be ever increasing to the point
thing the first thing. And I’m grateful to see a when I’m setting up equipment, when I prepare of being obvious to all. And may that spill over
major music ministry staying focused on the charts, when I’m tuning a kit, when I’m working into your artistic expression as well as every
reason why we all do this… “to help people on the mix, when I’m interacting with people, aspect of your life. In Jesus might name! Amen!
experience Jesus in worship.” As we continue when I’m - well - doing everything! That’s it! to serve the Lord and His people with the gifts I’m trying to walk in that place that the apostle He has given us may this also forever remain Paul talked about – “pray at all times without our passion and focus. ceasing…” I Thess. 5:17. Which is living a life
in a state of constantly communicating with
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November 2019
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
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