Playing in Church

Brian Henry · Post by **Brian Henry** » 3 Aug 2013 3:16 pm

I have been asked to play tomorrow night in a local baptist church for about 20 minutes. Do you think I need to explain what the pedal steel is or just go ahead and play the hymns?

Ray Anderson · Post by **Ray Anderson** » 3 Aug 2013 3:35 pm

Just play the hymns Brother, an explanation would take the mystique out of the music. They will be pleased with the results.

Fred Justice · Post by **Fred Justice** » 3 Aug 2013 4:08 pm

Brian most Baptist know what a steel guitar is, just lay the real deal on em brother. Be blessed.

Scott Duckworth · Post by **Scott Duckworth** » 3 Aug 2013 4:40 pm

I'm playing at the nursing home with our church, just waiting till I get good enough to play in church! Great thing is, I am married to a great piano player!

Brian Henry · Post by **Brian Henry** » 3 Aug 2013 4:55 pm

Thank you all for the great advice. I will just play the music!

Brian Henry · Post by **Brian Henry** » 3 Aug 2013 5:16 pm

Here is my song list for tomorrow night. The band is not available so I will be using backup tracks. Praise The Lord.

1. It Is Well With my Soul. 2.45

2. Jesus loves me. 2.42

3. Without Him I Could Do Nothing. 3.08.

4. Upon the Cross of Calvary, where Jesus died for me. 3.20. (Tune murder in music row)

5. Just a Closer Walk with Thee. 3.26

6. Mansion over the Hilltop. 3:23

Sent from my iPad

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 3 Aug 2013 7:27 pm

Just play it. And make yourself available afterwards for discussion, on the off chance that a Baptist doesn't recognize the Redneck Table Harp

Niels Andrews · Post by **Niels Andrews** » 3 Aug 2013 10:25 pm

When a believer plays in the sprit, magic happens. Making joyous music unto the Lord requires no explanation.
Godspeed Brother.

Niels Andrews · Post by **Niels Andrews** » 3 Aug 2013 10:28 pm

And Scott you are good enough. Rise to the occasion and he will guide your hands like never before. I wish I was there.

Scott Duckworth · Post by **Scott Duckworth** » 4 Aug 2013 2:59 am

Brian, great selection of songs!

Niels, thanks for the encouragement.

Wesley Medlen · Post by **Wesley Medlen** » 4 Aug 2013 3:59 am

Bless you brother I've been in a cowboy church band for over 31/2 years it is a wonderful way to worship the lord.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 4 Aug 2013 6:17 am

When I play in church or at any gathering, I like to engage in a little bit of conversation before starting to play. I find that it relaxes you and helps to relieve any tension.
I like to relate the fact that an instrument of 10 strings are mentioned 3 times in the Psalms and that is what I'm playing; an instrument of 10 strings.
When I play a set at a nursing home, I like to tell a joke between songs. Also I like to do a little research on the song and its writer and relate that to the audience.
"Give praised to the Lord on an instrument of 10 strings".
Psalms 33:2
Psalms 92:3
Plalms 144:9
(King James Version)

Niels Andrews · Post by **Niels Andrews** » 4 Aug 2013 6:33 am

Great advice Erv,
One little note though: I talked to God just this morning and he says he likes my 12 strings! so 12 strings are approved also. God bless all and have a great day!

Bill Duncan · Post by **Bill Duncan** » 4 Aug 2013 1:08 pm

I have been to some Baptist churches where the preacher only allowed piano and organ. Go figure. What is he gonna do in Heaven, as I am sure there will be some of us steel pickers there.

Gary Preston · Post by **Gary Preston** » 4 Aug 2013 3:13 pm

Yeah i think the Lord likes Sho~Buds and Emmons ! And G.H.S. strings !

Terry Wood · Post by **Terry Wood** » 4 Aug 2013 4:23 pm

Just Play and Worship GOD!

HE is worthy of all our praise and worship.

Great choice of songs!

GOD

Terry Wood

Niels Andrews · Post by **Niels Andrews** » 4 Aug 2013 4:24 pm

That was before Reece showed up! Now it is MSA!

Stan Paxton · Post by **Stan Paxton** » 4 Aug 2013 6:03 pm

Great play list. ...Talk if you want to, explaining the instrument probably if asked afterwards. Mainly just do what you feel to do. ...I never played solo gigs, but played for gospel quartets for years, and it is more interesting if you let the people wonder about the instrument until after the service/concert when they can fellowship with you a bit. God Bless in your endeavor. ..

(oooops, just noticed the date, it will all be over when you read this; anyway use this for next time. HA)

Brett Day · Post by **Brett Day** » 4 Aug 2013 6:39 pm

I've played steel in my church as part of my testimony and then during regular church services some Sunday nights. After I did my testimony, I explained what a pedal steel is to the members of the church because they'd never seen or heard one up close before. I played "Old Rugged Cross" with my testimony, then played the National Anthem for my church's Fourth of July service last year, then just recently, I played "Farther Along". I think it's best to explain the steel after the service if people want to see it up close. I remember after a service earlier this year where I played "Beulah Land", a friend of mine comes up to me, looks at my steel, and says, "How many miles you got on that thing"?

Brian Henry · Post by **Brian Henry** » 5 Aug 2013 3:39 am

Thank you all for your encouragement. We had a great service as we praised the Lord. I had the sound man flash the song lyrics on the big screen while I played. I had great fellowship afterwards and many questions about the pedal steel.
I have all 6 tracks on one cd, if any of you need a copy of it, send me an email with a mailing address. Of course - no charge. Thank you again - Grace and Peace

<*{{{{{{><

Niels Andrews · Post by **Niels Andrews** » 5 Aug 2013 5:22 am

Great to hear Brian. One thing always comes to mind for me regarding the Lord. " He won't take you to it if he can't get you through it.". Probably the greatest challenge any musician faces is playing in public, and feeling ready. Glad to hear it went well. You are here, so where are you playing next week?
Godspeed

J. R. McClung · Post by **J. R. McClung** » 5 Aug 2013 6:33 am

Yikes!
Sent an email, but it came backt to me.

Will try PM and see if that works any better.

See ya.......Joel

Scott Duckworth · Post by **Scott Duckworth** » 5 Aug 2013 7:29 am

Good deal Brian. I plan to flash the lyrics on screen also (since I am technical director of the church)

Brian Henry · Post by **Brian Henry** » 5 Aug 2013 1:40 pm

Joel I sent you an email and pm.

Scott did you want a copy?

Tommy Shown · Post by **Tommy Shown** » 7 Aug 2013 4:51 am

I have played in church, in a house band. And in a band visiting, Brian. Just pray for God's anointing. And all will be good.
Tommy Shown
SMFTBL

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