GOD Has To Be Bored With Three Chords

[Camilla Sanders]

Since so many of us are gathered here in one place (I think 30's quite a few), I'm just going to throw this out there. I've wanted to say it for more than ten years now because it is a source of endless frustration and spiritual conflict in my life. Why is the large majority of P&W music so lifeless and uninspiring? This seems to be the style of music that has replaced traditional sacred music. You know, the divinely inspired stuff? Go to any Kempke conference and you're in for a snorefest. I know that is just my opinion and voicing it will not help me find work, but I'm ok with that. I would rather find resolve in my conflict than a church gig any day.

Good sacred music, traditional or contemporary, engages the listener, asking them to pay attention and think about the music, the message and find GOD through the music. A good bit of the P&W I've experienced does the opposite. It sets up this trance-like atmosphere with the redundancy of it so that you tune out. Put it in the background.

Does GOD really want us to create background music? That doesn't seem very inspired. There's the exception- I love Hillsongs, for example. But again that's the exception and not the rule. Unfortunately, just like every other form of the entertainment industry we are getting a watered-down, pushed out on a conveyor belt form of not-so-sacred music. GOD deserves so much more than that.

In an effort to meet the needs of the contemporary, American Idol-loving congregation and produce quality music at the same time, I would love to hear about P&W music that moves you as a musician. This is an important question because if the music is not reaching you, then it's not reaching your congregation. Any recommendations? Thanks!

[Eddie Brumlow]

Is your church one that would enjoy music by Israel Houghton? Musically, he's much more interesting than your typical acoustic guitar worship song. Lyrically, he has a lot of beautiful things to say.

[Camilla Sanders]

Thanks! I'm checking him out now. You're right- there's more to it. That's what I'm looking for.

[Jeni Michelson, Vocal/Keys/Band Leader]

Great post Camilla!

[phil cav]

check out early christian city church, oxford falls . Albums, Like Phrophesy. Great stuff

[David Buice]

The church I play at is a small church. 2 services on Sun. 1 on wed. p.m. I play the Sun. services. Wed is teaching night (Bible study) and it gives anyone else that wishes to play a chance to do so. Our pastor is a great music fan. He sings bass and was raised singing gospel quartets. His son is the music minister/director. recent graduate of Columbia university. Plays great. We have had several different guitar players, many different vocalists. (female) and a few male vocalists, all over the years. I was the second drummer. The then keyboard player, 7 years ago was a friend and fellow musician. We played in a "tux" band together. I had never played in a church, only stages, bars, concerts... I subbed a couple of times and was asked to come play all the time. when the other drummer had something else to do I jumped in as a favor to my friend. I never asked for money. It was my pleasure. The music was a mix of traditional and contemporary. I had never even heard of most of it. I played very reserved and quiet. The quiet part is what impressed them most. ( an acquired trait for drummers)
Seven years later, and a new music director I'm still there. I would never even think of asking for nor accept, money to play in church or for a church. This is not a GIG! By the way, what is a "Professional church?" No offense intended. Musicians/artists, the very labels imply an innate ability to understand and expand on the very art. Going to music school does not guarantee you are going to be a musician. There has to be that spark planted there bu G_D to begin with. Everything a musician becomes from there is and must be attributed to G_D. So why would anyone charge or require money in exchange for being given the opportunity to actually use those G_D given talents in HIS house? This is beyond me. Music is big in my church home. The members clap and sometimes whistle and yell when we play, in their appreciation. The pastor pushes music and the beauty of it. We have special guests routinely. I know I am very fortunate to have been led to such a place where I can actually give back to G_D that which He has decided to grace me with. I do not include Christian or otherwise, Acts in this grouping. Those would be gigs. But to play every week in the House of G_D, in His presence, For His sake, for HIS pleasure... I see it like the days of old, they used to offer up to G_D their sacrifices of their best. (remember Cain and Able?) in order to give back to G_D. So, each week I get to show G_D how much I appreciate His giving to me this wonderful talent and give it back for His use. If i took money from the church for playing for G_d, what would that make me? That would also take money that could otherwise be used to help someone that has not been so fortunate as I have been, or that could be used for the Glory of G_D and bring praise to His name.

Isn't that what it's all about? I am not implying that anyone that gets paid for playing in church is a bad or lesser person. I am strictly speaking from my heart, about my heart and personal beliefs and hold no one in judgment in the way I judge myself.

[David Buice]

Oh, I would never attempt to know what G-D feels, or thinks, but I do believe that if it is done through your heart, directed at G_D and in praise of Him, playing 3 chords is the same as playing 12 or more. No matter how complex the song, pleasing ourselves is not the object here. Giving back to G-D in his unselfishly giving us a wonderful talent is. I am very fortunate to be playing music in a church where emphasis is placed on music and a direct connection with G_d through the use of music is made. I wish the same for all musicians that choose to play music in any House of G_D.

Just remember to ask yourself why you are playing music in church. You can construct your own content to that question. The answer to that question is key to answering the question as to G-D being bored with 3 chords.

[Lefty Williams]

Thanks David, I needed this. It always struck me as odd that churches paid musicians too. Musicians always volunteered at the churches where I grew up. I guess I've had my head on backwards looking to find a "church gig" when I really just need to be looking for a church.

[Camilla Sanders]

No offense, but you're a little off topic. It would be great if you could start a new thread to discuss the issue of getting paid for playing in church. That is a separate discussion entirely. I'm talking quality of music here.

[David Buice]

None taken, sorry to step on your thread. I just do not believe G-d is counting chords when praise is given to Him through music.