Erv: I guess that settles the argument between 10 string and 12 string guitars!
To my Christian steel playing friends..
Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn
-
Reggie Duncan
- Posts: 2257
- Joined: 17 Dec 2001 1:01 am
- Location: Mississippi
-
KENNY KRUPNICK
- Posts: 3527
- Joined: 16 Jul 2000 12:01 am
- Location: Grove City,Ohio
I want to add that Jesus said to "Come ye out from among them". He was telling christians to be a separate people from the world.I know some may not understand what he's saying here. I see where some has posted remarks about chasing women,and so forth, but if every man,women,boy,and girl would take a stand for Jesus,and be the man,or woman that God has called them to be in life, then they wouldn't have to worry about the devil creeping in,and destroying there life. Jesus said to come unto him, for he is the way,the truth,and the life. 
-
Bob Carlucci
- Posts: 6965
- Joined: 26 Dec 2003 1:01 am
- Location: Candor, New York, USA
What an uplifting discussion. I guess I need to pray about this and see what the LORD would have me do. I have gotten MANY emails from Christian brothers who continue to play out in places they would not be in otherwise,and guys that say to drop it like a hot potato.I deperately need the money,and there is almost NO work for musicians otherwise.No churches around here use steel either. This is the northeast,there are VERY few options.. If I play weddings,outdoor events,barbeques,winery tours,benefits,retirement parties,its all the same... there WILL be alcohol.The alcohol is NOT the problem with me. Jesus and HIS disciples drank it.[wine] It is considered by many to be a gift from GOD.. not a curse... WE made it a curse by it abuse and over use!. The behavior by SOME people where we play ,actually the vast minority, is what causes me discomfort...... I have some praying to do.... thanks my good friends....bob
..Bob, my advice is to just go to the bar and play...the few tortured souls there who abuse alcohol may be looking for something, and you may be connecting...you don't have to preach to them, just play...you don't know how the spirit works or what it has in mind...maybe not for you, but for somebody else...
..I sat on a bar stool for years wishing I would do this or that or the other, including play steel guitar...I finally put the drink down, got married, had a family, took up the steel guitar, and now I play it in a bar...you can't preach to anybody, but you never know who's listening, even if they stagger over and say they really like the way you play....
...there's no sin in it unless you go there with the intent of participating in drunkeness or taking advantage of one of those tortured souls, and that doesn't sound like the case at all with you...
..as Jon Light said, "Mysterious Ways"...
..I sat on a bar stool for years wishing I would do this or that or the other, including play steel guitar...I finally put the drink down, got married, had a family, took up the steel guitar, and now I play it in a bar...you can't preach to anybody, but you never know who's listening, even if they stagger over and say they really like the way you play....
...there's no sin in it unless you go there with the intent of participating in drunkeness or taking advantage of one of those tortured souls, and that doesn't sound like the case at all with you...
..as Jon Light said, "Mysterious Ways"...
-
Erv Niehaus
- Posts: 26797
- Joined: 10 Aug 2001 12:01 am
- Location: Litchfield, MN, USA
-
Bob Carlucci
- Posts: 6965
- Joined: 26 Dec 2003 1:01 am
- Location: Candor, New York, USA
-
Gary Preston
- Posts: 3995
- Joined: 8 Apr 2003 12:01 am
- Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA
This will go on longer than most of us will ever want it too . We all have an openion and it only makes sense to us . Let me add my story if i may . Several years ago i played bass for a country group .I stood on the stage 45 minutes out of the hour . Do you know what i saw ? I saw so many hungry people looking for a good time ( so they think ) and i could see the things going on at each table . Men making passes at women and women making passes at the men . Getting wasted on booze , and then driving home like a crazy person . Does this sound like fun ? Why do we try to put on a front that is'nt really us ? I think in each one of our hearts we really know what is right and whats wrong but we do'nt want to admit it ! We enjoy the extra money and times are'nt the best right now . I'm glad that God took this desire out of my heart and replaced it with a love to lift him up with my music . I have seen so many people give their lives to God from gospel music and what is that worth ? I know that i'm preaching a little here but it's true in so many lives today . Lay up your treasures in heaven where no one can take it away , this is priceless ! So in closing i would advise
anyone to seek the heart of God in this matter and accept his answer . God bless all of you . Gary .
anyone to seek the heart of God in this matter and accept his answer . God bless all of you . Gary .
-
LARRY COLE
- Posts: 943
- Joined: 16 Feb 2000 1:01 am
- Location: LANCASTER, OHIO, USA
I am really proud of everyone for keeping this post civilized and informitave so it did not have to be shut down. How about it b0b?
------------------
Playing For JESUS,LC. WILLIAMS U12,SHO-BUD PRO1,CARVIN TL60,GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM,YAMAHA L-10A ACOUSTIC,ROLAND JW-50 KEYBOARD,G&L AND BC RICH BASS'S
------------------
Playing For JESUS,LC. WILLIAMS U12,SHO-BUD PRO1,CARVIN TL60,GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM,YAMAHA L-10A ACOUSTIC,ROLAND JW-50 KEYBOARD,G&L AND BC RICH BASS'S
This may sound like preaching, but that's just what I do. As a pastor, I certainly do not have the freedom to play in the bars these days. But it has not always been that way.
In my younger days, I would play bars on weeknights and churches on Sundays. In those days I claimed Christianity and was proud to say that I was witnessing to the drunks. I recall a party in which our band played country while everybody else drank until midnight and then the owner of the place asked me if we knew any gospel songs. We played gospel from midnight until 3 a.m. and everybody loved it. We even had a group prayer before we went home. Man, was I proud of myself.
Later, I found myself as empty as those I tried to save. As I read the bible and prayed, God seemed to draw me in just a little closer. As a spiritual transformation took place in my life, I became more and more uncomfortable in the bars.
I even played the bars after I began to preach during a time that I had been layed off from my day job. I certainly could justify the "support the family" cause.
As time went on, playing in the country bands became so uncomfortable that I couldn't wait to get the cash after the shows. I even felt guilty as I held my hand out to take the money.
Today, I have to rely on God (and sometimes that takes real faith) to supply all my needs. I love country music, steel guitar, working with great musicians. But I love God even more.
I could never condemn a picker for playing anywhere he gets a chance. But I can confidently assure him/her that the moment you dedicate your talents to God, all voids for the music is filled. This sometimes comes from a great session with pro players and sometimes it comes while sitting in with those that haven't yet experienced all that we have had the privelages of.
No I don't get excited about nursing homes either, but then again Christianity ain't about us. Play for God and He will exalt you and yours.
To Bob: That feeling you have been questioning is coming from the Holy Spirit that is placed in your soul to guide you through life. Don't take it for granted. Pray this thing through for yourself and only he can tell you what is right for you. I have learned that ignoring His voice will harden the heart. Trust me on this one, your convictions are a good thing.
God bless all the pickers...
He loves good music as much as we do.
------------------
Savell Norsworthy
Fessenden / Peavey
Savell Ministries
In my younger days, I would play bars on weeknights and churches on Sundays. In those days I claimed Christianity and was proud to say that I was witnessing to the drunks. I recall a party in which our band played country while everybody else drank until midnight and then the owner of the place asked me if we knew any gospel songs. We played gospel from midnight until 3 a.m. and everybody loved it. We even had a group prayer before we went home. Man, was I proud of myself.
Later, I found myself as empty as those I tried to save. As I read the bible and prayed, God seemed to draw me in just a little closer. As a spiritual transformation took place in my life, I became more and more uncomfortable in the bars.
I even played the bars after I began to preach during a time that I had been layed off from my day job. I certainly could justify the "support the family" cause.
As time went on, playing in the country bands became so uncomfortable that I couldn't wait to get the cash after the shows. I even felt guilty as I held my hand out to take the money.
Today, I have to rely on God (and sometimes that takes real faith) to supply all my needs. I love country music, steel guitar, working with great musicians. But I love God even more.
I could never condemn a picker for playing anywhere he gets a chance. But I can confidently assure him/her that the moment you dedicate your talents to God, all voids for the music is filled. This sometimes comes from a great session with pro players and sometimes it comes while sitting in with those that haven't yet experienced all that we have had the privelages of.
No I don't get excited about nursing homes either, but then again Christianity ain't about us. Play for God and He will exalt you and yours.
To Bob: That feeling you have been questioning is coming from the Holy Spirit that is placed in your soul to guide you through life. Don't take it for granted. Pray this thing through for yourself and only he can tell you what is right for you. I have learned that ignoring His voice will harden the heart. Trust me on this one, your convictions are a good thing.
God bless all the pickers...
He loves good music as much as we do.
------------------
Savell Norsworthy
Fessenden / Peavey
Savell Ministries
-
Chuck Trombley
- Posts: 117
- Joined: 21 Jan 2000 1:01 am
- Location: Broken Arrow, Ok. 74012
- Contact:
Friends: I'm now 75 and completed 52 years of full time missionary activity with the typical Baptist ministerial education.
When I embraced Christ as my Lord I played a Gibson Electraharp in The Tuddle Inn. When we finished they waddled out.My steel was my world. Besides this weekly gig I also played American Legion, Vets, square dances etc., but when Christ became Lord of my life there wasn't any desire to continue my honky tonk playing. Did I want to quit? Not really. Music was my life.
March 1954, the year I became a Christian I received the greatest temptation of my life. A paid position with a working band with daily radio etc. Nashville, here I come. Only problem was I felt the Lord was saying: When you play in the slop some of it will get on you.
I put my guitar in it's plush case and left it there for more than three years. When I took it out the stink of tobacco and stale beer still lingered.
Gradually I began playing again, but never for money. Once part of me wanted to; another part knew what would happen. My opinion? As a pastor with 50 years experience I would say, "Be careful. The slop could spill on you."Some can, The Lord forbid me.
When I embraced Christ as my Lord I played a Gibson Electraharp in The Tuddle Inn. When we finished they waddled out.My steel was my world. Besides this weekly gig I also played American Legion, Vets, square dances etc., but when Christ became Lord of my life there wasn't any desire to continue my honky tonk playing. Did I want to quit? Not really. Music was my life.
March 1954, the year I became a Christian I received the greatest temptation of my life. A paid position with a working band with daily radio etc. Nashville, here I come. Only problem was I felt the Lord was saying: When you play in the slop some of it will get on you.
I put my guitar in it's plush case and left it there for more than three years. When I took it out the stink of tobacco and stale beer still lingered.
Gradually I began playing again, but never for money. Once part of me wanted to; another part knew what would happen. My opinion? As a pastor with 50 years experience I would say, "Be careful. The slop could spill on you."Some can, The Lord forbid me.
Musicians is just like any other working trade, pipefitters, electrical,carpenters, etc, and I know a lot of the people who work in the trades,and they are christians, but if there work calls for them to go to a night club to fix a sink, or re-wire a light they go, Because the job requires them to be there, so, your job is in a night club,But that dosent make you any less of a ChristiAN. It is your job, nothing more or nothing less,,
Billy
Billy
-
Tim Rowley
- Posts: 957
- Joined: 23 Dec 1999 1:01 am
- Location: Pinconning, MI, USA
What a wonderful thread this is! It really hits home with me.
For those who aren't acquainted with me, I'm a sincere and consecrated born-again Christian who is making every effort to study, know, and live what the Bible says and to honor and glorify God in all I do and say. I'm also a regular guy who's trying to a good husband, a good father, a good provider, a diligent and ethical worker, and a trustworthy friend. And yet I'm Tim Rowley the sideman/musician, the odd little guy who plays the steel guitar, etc., currently about 80 shows per year including a few club dates. Some folks probably feel that I'm spread a bit too thin and living a confused and potentially dangerous life.
Well here's something I know for sure: There was a time in the past when I used to be a loser, headed for the bottom. I was NOBODY, NOTHING, NONE of the above until the happy day when I began to really believe and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. He saved my soul and my sanity and has changed my life. He has given me his forgiveness and has helped me follow Him. He has truly blessed me immensely, more than I could ever ask or think (Eph. 3:20-21.). Since then He has given me ALL the things in the preceeding paragraph, including my steel guitar and all these gigs and the opportunity to fellowship with other musicians, some of whom have testimonies similar to my own. God works out His will uniquely in the individual life of every believer, yet we are all in the process of conforming to the image of His Son.
As we grow in grace, things progressively change in our lives. Obviously this can include our music and the places we play it. It is in the process of changing in my life too. Maybe someday it could even be gone. But I intend to keep on seeking God's will and following and trusting Jesus no matter what. I would be foolish to doubt him. He has never failed me yet on what I have committed to him, and that includes my music.
Tim Rowley
For those who aren't acquainted with me, I'm a sincere and consecrated born-again Christian who is making every effort to study, know, and live what the Bible says and to honor and glorify God in all I do and say. I'm also a regular guy who's trying to a good husband, a good father, a good provider, a diligent and ethical worker, and a trustworthy friend. And yet I'm Tim Rowley the sideman/musician, the odd little guy who plays the steel guitar, etc., currently about 80 shows per year including a few club dates. Some folks probably feel that I'm spread a bit too thin and living a confused and potentially dangerous life.
Well here's something I know for sure: There was a time in the past when I used to be a loser, headed for the bottom. I was NOBODY, NOTHING, NONE of the above until the happy day when I began to really believe and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. He saved my soul and my sanity and has changed my life. He has given me his forgiveness and has helped me follow Him. He has truly blessed me immensely, more than I could ever ask or think (Eph. 3:20-21.). Since then He has given me ALL the things in the preceeding paragraph, including my steel guitar and all these gigs and the opportunity to fellowship with other musicians, some of whom have testimonies similar to my own. God works out His will uniquely in the individual life of every believer, yet we are all in the process of conforming to the image of His Son.
As we grow in grace, things progressively change in our lives. Obviously this can include our music and the places we play it. It is in the process of changing in my life too. Maybe someday it could even be gone. But I intend to keep on seeking God's will and following and trusting Jesus no matter what. I would be foolish to doubt him. He has never failed me yet on what I have committed to him, and that includes my music.
Tim Rowley
-
Sidney Malone
- Posts: 573
- Joined: 15 Nov 2000 1:01 am
- Location: Buna, TX
Well I think it's only God's grace that has let this thread go this long without getting out of hand. There's undoubtedly a lot of musicians that struggle with this and I think there is a lot of great information here.
My take on it came from a great pastor I had several years ago that addressed this same problem I was having. His answer came from I Corithians 8 and also is covered in Romans 14.
These scriptures address causing another brother to fall. It's one of those things I don't fully understand how my actions can be held accountable for what they might cause someone else to do.
The way it was explained to me and I believe these scripures support, is that when I become a Christian I have a responsibility to live a Christian life and a responsibility for others to see Christ through me.
So if I go to a place where the bad stuff goes on for any reason other than as a witness for Christ, and a brother who knows I'm a Christain sees me, then that is where the sin on my part comes in.
It's my actions causing a brother to think it's alright to go to these places. So as Christians I believe we have a tremendous responsibility to make sure we do nothing that could cause a brother to fall into the sinful world.
True it doesn't seem fair to be held responsible for someone elses actions but God made the rules and as Christians that is what we are bound by.
As far as the money side of it, the Lord said to turn it all over to Him and He would take care of it. I know for a fact He will do this for I have seen it in my life as well as many others. This will only happen after we really completly turn it over to Him from the heart.
I really try to keep the thought in my mind at all times that as a Christian, Jesus is standing, setting, walking and listening to me at all times. It's amazing when this thought is in your mind how many times you will bite your tounge or not go to certain places or not participate in certain activities.
My best advice is to read these scriptures as well as the others listed and most importantly take it to the Lord in prayer because it will be Him and not man in the final judgement seat.
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Sidney Malone on 29 February 2004 at 05:33 AM.]</p></FONT>
My take on it came from a great pastor I had several years ago that addressed this same problem I was having. His answer came from I Corithians 8 and also is covered in Romans 14.
These scriptures address causing another brother to fall. It's one of those things I don't fully understand how my actions can be held accountable for what they might cause someone else to do.
The way it was explained to me and I believe these scripures support, is that when I become a Christian I have a responsibility to live a Christian life and a responsibility for others to see Christ through me.
So if I go to a place where the bad stuff goes on for any reason other than as a witness for Christ, and a brother who knows I'm a Christain sees me, then that is where the sin on my part comes in.
It's my actions causing a brother to think it's alright to go to these places. So as Christians I believe we have a tremendous responsibility to make sure we do nothing that could cause a brother to fall into the sinful world.
True it doesn't seem fair to be held responsible for someone elses actions but God made the rules and as Christians that is what we are bound by.
As far as the money side of it, the Lord said to turn it all over to Him and He would take care of it. I know for a fact He will do this for I have seen it in my life as well as many others. This will only happen after we really completly turn it over to Him from the heart.
I really try to keep the thought in my mind at all times that as a Christian, Jesus is standing, setting, walking and listening to me at all times. It's amazing when this thought is in your mind how many times you will bite your tounge or not go to certain places or not participate in certain activities.
My best advice is to read these scriptures as well as the others listed and most importantly take it to the Lord in prayer because it will be Him and not man in the final judgement seat.
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Sidney Malone on 29 February 2004 at 05:33 AM.]</p></FONT>
-
George Kimery
- Posts: 3691
- Joined: 23 Feb 2002 1:01 am
- Location: Limestone, TN, USA
I have a friend in Nashville (not a steel player) who has attended a Cowboy Church in Nashville. He says they have a super country band. If anyone is interested, I can find out from him where it is located. Apparently one of the appeals is that it is a do not dress up, come as you are type of service.