How to incorporate Sax without appearing as if I am trying to make it about me?

[carguy1]

I am new to this worship leader thing. I have been involved in the worship team at my church for a few years, but now I am the guy in the front. I play the saxophone and that has been a big part of what I have been doing as a member of the band. I have kinda been in and out of the worship band for the last year or so, until pastor asked me to lead the Classic service. Anyways, pastor would like me to use the saxophone more often. I would also like this as I think it brings a nice element to the worship and add something that not every church has. So, my concern is this; now that I am the "Worship Leader" I want to incorporate the sax, but I don't want it to appear as if I am trying to draw attention to myself, or make it about me. I am afraid that it may look like now that I am "in charg" I am going to play my sax whenever I want. That is not at all the case. I comepletely beleive that what I do up there is not at all about me. In fact, it was not until I realized that I had been making about myself, and not about God, and then refocaused myself that God answered my prayers and gave me this opportunity. Anyways, if you all could give me your thoughs on this I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance for your help.

[russhutto]

Hey man,

I think that if your heart is right before the Lord, then that above all else will shine through.

I think on a practical level, you might want to incorporate it alongside others. What I mean is that it might be nice to do some duets or trios along with some other wind instruments (if you have them). I would suggest maybe even as special or offeratory music.

Also, I can kind of relate because I am the director of our media and music ministry and a trumpet player (I also play drums, keys, and guitar on the team at different times). But because I am skilled at the trumpet as well, sometimes I'll incorporate it on ONE song in a worship set. Other times I'll bring it and we'll work up a 4 chord latin groove and I'll improv over it for a few minutes during our "friendship card" time (basically a time when we have EVERYONE fill out our info cards - similar to an offering feel (as far as service flow).

I think the key here is to use your sax (alto or soprano?) as ICING on a cake full of other team members. Or as a little bit of spice to an already wonderful gumbo.

[carguy1]

Thanks you very much for your input.

As for what sax I play, I currently have soprano, tenor, and baritone, but I am only playing the soprano in services. I will probably be doing some stuff on the tenor soon. I don't think I will be doing anything with the bari in my service as it is a "Classic" service. However, I can see where it might fit in our Contemporary or Overdrive services.

Back to the original subject. I kinda figured the key was to just make sure that my heart was right and that Ikept myself focused on what it was all about, and remember that whatever happens it is not about me, then it would work out. Thanks again for your input, it helps to hear someone else confirm your thoughts.

[Wildwind]

One of the best WLs I've ever seen is a studio guitarist as well - and an incredible guitarist by any measure. When he takes a solo, it's worship. It isn't about him.

My take - if you're worried about it, then you probably don't need to worry about it. Play in an excellent way and be a worshipper. I think I can sense your heart and it is soft toward the Lord and serving His people. Besides, your pastor asked you - a huge compliment. Sounds like he's not worried about it either...

I don't lead at my current church, but when I take a solo, it sure isn't about me even though I'm "center stage" for a minute. It's scary and humbling and so worth doing well when the church worships with you.

Go for it.

Greg

[twc_admin]

Great topic. One thing to keep in mind - if you play that sax, it rocks, and lifts the song to a higher place - there's not a lot you can do to prevent drawing attention to yourself. Sometimes I think we work "too hard" on making it "not about me". YOU are the vessel ... so, if attention comes to you, that's not horrible, as long as you DEFLECT that attention to God. I don't mean some false humility "oh, I'm no good, god is good" stuff either - I mean, just let Jesus shine in you ... in your countenance. When people see that, they'll say "man, I just LOVE hearing you and seeing you play that sax to the Lord". Hopefully, that can be a complement that says you are helping and inspiring them in their praise.

Two very good friends, Chuck Hutcheson and Dutch Heidler are incredible, anointed worshiping sax folks - I'm going to forward this URL to them and ask for their input.

God bless,
Fred

[carguy1]

Thanks, that is great.

[worshiptrench]

Just use it sparsely. It should be a rare treat and people will love it. And when you do choose to use it, GO FOR IT! Give them some Branford Marsalis but NEVER Kenny G. We use special instruments occasionally and when we do, we go all out with them. We've used mandolyn, violin, "christmas" steel drums, marimba, flute, steel guitar, french horn, turntables etc and we give each instrument tone God created a chance to shine for His glory on those special times when we use them. The key for us is to spread their frequency of usage so it is truly a special moment.

[worshipviolin]

I have learned over the years that you should use the gifts that God has given you. By all means, don't hold back. Your heart is in the right place or you would never worry about this to begin with. I lead worship with the violin. Often people come to me with compliments and pats on the back. This is not what I'm looking for, and many times I try to avoid it (to be honest). I just want the people to worship God. But, when they do come to me, I just start giving God the glory for it all. Then the conversation switches over to the subject of how great God is.

When I led worship for Tommy Tenney I got this all of the time. I played monthly at Brownsville Assembly of God with Lindell Cooley, and during many of these trips God moved in awesome ways during the worship. At times it became scarey to me because I was afraid that people would be pointing their fingers at me saying, "that guy is awesome". I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE ANY OF GOD'S GLORY. Once, a strong prophetic anointing came upon me, and Tommy sent me walking through the crowd to play over people. Every time I turned to walk up the aisles (walking from behind the people), I would see a bunch of people falling to the floor under the power of God. They didn't even know that I was coming toward them, yet the power would hit them and they would collapse. A bunch of people were healed during this time. Yet some people tried to reach out and touch me (like that would do anything). I became afraid that everyone (or at least some) would be looking at me instead of God. I talked it over with Tommy after the service. He told me that "there will always be some people that look at the vessel instead of drinking of the wine inside of it." Keep the right heart, play to the Lord, and use your gift freely. God gave that gift to use for Him. Don't hide it away only to use it for special occasions. Remember, every time you get to worship the Lord IS a special occasion! Use it. Bless you Bro!

[Wildwind]

Incredible testimony brother - and very well related. And great advice for all of us. Many blessing -

Greg

[javaj]

I have this struggle myself playing flute. I generally improvise all the time (as I don't like the typical follow the melody line playing). I find what works for me is to focus on filling in the gaps. When i do this, many times, the gaps turn into short improvs that just go with the spirit of the moment. And some times, the whole band will just linger in worship around a few chords and I just close my eyes- and start worshipping on my flute. It is really amazing and humbling- as I don't want to stand out but I can't stop- i need to worship my King!!!
So brother, just let it happen naturally and musically. Fill in the gaps and let the sponatneous worship happen when the moment is right (you will know when it is right).

God gave you this talent to bless Him and to help bring others into His presence- don't hold back but don't focus on it either. Just worship!