The Person of a Worship Drummer

I would start by saying I'm a worship drummer by personal discovery and would love to share my little knowledge on this topic. It’s a great privilege to play music for the Lord and I believe musicians and singers are the gatekeepers to God’s presence for the church and the whole earth. All believers are called to be worshipers, but the worship leader and team members have a significant role in being the curtain raiser into God's presence. We are not better people or God’s favourites. We were just made to “create a space” where we can all meet with the Lord.  That’s our job, our calling. 

Therefore, the spiritual life of a musician affects how they worship. If you just play the instrument and press into the presence of God you are only doing half of the job. I personally believe if you are not pursuing the Lord like the “lead worshipper” you could be dead weight in a worship band. I know that’s strong talk, but I’ve seen it happen. Musicians and singers who don’t join the worship leader in the pursuit of God seem to wear them out. When you are pressing deep into the worship experience with your worship leader, you're in sync and in that atmosphere, there's something that's bound to happen.

Lemme share my experience and routine for a normal service day. Before worship kicks off, I have my personal prayer time where I talk to the Lord about what He would like to see happen.  Even as I prepare my drums and its accessories, I tell God, play through this hands and feet. My ears, mind are opened to hear and receive the things of the spirit. My band and lead worshipper plays and sing from the throne of Grace that’ll be acceptable before you. Let every chord played and stroke hit heals someone of their challenge or problem. This and many more I talk to God about before the music starts to play and I say this each time I mount my instrument.

As the worship continues I listen and cue into any prayer and song that comes forth and I intentionally connect and stay in tune with the spirit of the house. Now when the song list extends beyond the usual to let’s say spontaneous moments, musically I have no idea what I will do next.

As I keep playing and worshipping, sounds rise out of me, like the groaning of the spirit in prayer. A loud cymbal crash, a thundering tom fill, or maybe a light tap of a cymbal or triangle, or… who knows … maybe I’ll just keep a steady pulsing groove moving along, I just undergird what’s happening at the moment. The actual notes or technique of playing is no longer a concern. Yes, I’m “in tune” and unified with the team. I am also reaching out to the Lord and praying for His purposes to be fulfilled.

So, I hope with this short write up, I've been able to really portray the role of a worship band and worship drummer in specific. More write-ups will follow after this and coming after this write up will be 10 characteristics of a worship drummer. So please stay tuned.

If this article is a blessing to you, please share and comment. You never might know who needs to read this and it is my dream that we really do have worship drummers that convey the mind of God through the expression of their giftings.


IG Handle: TWDng