Chris Tussing

The writer is a Worship Leader/drummer/percussionist with more than 20 years of drumming experience.

A significant amount of controversy has been prevalent in churches and mainstream denominations over the years concerning the use and/or abuse of drums within the framework of a 'worship service'. Until as recently as the mid 1980's, your traditional church service was not exactly considered the proper environment for drums in the 'combo' sense, and that even the mention of bringing a drum set into the sanctuary of the local church was a shocker for most regular members or attendees, unless you were participating in some sort of "wild and crazy" worship that would leave the average believer out in the cold. Within this traditional environment, there is (and has always been) plenty of opportunity for the Father to work and to be worshipped ... He is still God, and He will always be on the throne no matter what instruments are being used to praise Him.

However, there is a growing movement within the Body of Christ to expand the musical boundaries to more contemporary music in the regular weekly services. This movement has its roots in the Jesus Movement of the early 1970's, and has been gaining momentum particularly in the last 5-10 years. Many churches and fellowships are finding this to be a relevant and effective way to make the "seekers" of our current generation feel more "at home", and to be a very effective tool of outreach. Still, there are many churches that would cringe at the initial thought of bringing drums and /or an electric guitar into the sanctuary. My desire, as a Believer and as a drummer of 20+ years, is to help to dispel some of those fears, to seek first an attitude of love and willingness to look to others interests as more important than my own (Phil. 2-3,4), and to encourage others to find the joy of lifting up our Creator with one of the MANY gifts and tools He provides us with.

Music in Worship in the Bible

When addressing any issue, we need first look at scripture to be the primary source of our foundation. The following scripture references deal specifically with praising the Lord with song and instruments - no actual references to drums (interpreted as a hollow cylinder enclosed on one or both ends with a membrane, and struck in a percussive fashion with either the hand or another implement) - however, cymbals and timbrels play a vital role in the worship services, and the reference is made several times that they praised with "all of their might."

  • 2 Sam.6:5, 1 Chron. 13:8, 1 Chron. 15:16,19,28 , 1 Chron. 16:5,42 , 1 Chron. 25:1,6 , 2 Chron. 5:12-13, 2 Chron. 29:25, Ezra 3:10, Neh. 12:27, and my personal favorite - Psalm 150:5

    • Considering the significant number of individuals playing and singing, their praise must have been pretty loud..

    Again, as in any biblical research, we need to keep the context in mind. This is not an excuse or license to be as loud as we want any time that we want, the circumstances were such (the dedication of the temple, etc...) that the times were exciting, the people were exuberant, the Spirit was leading, it was organized and orchestrated, and the Glory of the Lord was lifted up.

    It was a special service or event, and the volume and intensity fit the needs of the music being performed, and were true to the intent of the writer of the material. It was not strictly loud improvisation (although it could have contained some) and it was perfectly acceptable to the people attending and participating in the worship service. It was contemporary to them for their day and time. It was an expression of who they were, and how they felt about the God that they serve.

    Suitability of 'Contemporary' versus 'Traditional' Worship

    In my opinion, there are two sides of the question that need to be looked at openly and honestly when the issue of introducing contemporary praise and worship to a more "traditional" style of church is one the table. They are:

    1. Whether or not tradition and/or programs in that body have become more important than being open to one another with styles and preferences in worship, and (on the other hand)...

    2. Whether or not the addition of any instrument is going to enhance the overall worship environment and glorify Christ, or become a "victory" at the expense of another individuals' ability to look away from the challenges of the week, the pot-roast in the oven at home, or the 'guy making all that racket up on the platform' , and turn their hearts and minds toward the Living God who wants to speak to them and dwell in their attitude of praise and adoration.

    These issues should never turn into a win/lose situation. "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard the other as more important than himself. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Phil. 2:3,4.We as drummers, want to play, love to play, live to play. That is the person that He created us to be. However, our responsibility as musicians is to master our instruments - whatever they are- so that our playing is as effective as it can possibly be. Our further responsibility as Believers and worshippers is to be sensitive to the Spirit within the music, and sensitive to the spirit of the believers in the congregation that are partaking in the service. If, at any time, we are distracting or drawing attention away from the focus on the Creator, than we are not fulfilling the role God intended for us as musicians. We must be so in command of our instruments that we can whisper if necessary, or roar when we need to, but never bang away because it just sounds good. We have a much greater obligation than the typical drummer/percussionist, and we need to take it very seriously.

    Introducing Drums in Worship

    The side that we hesitate to admit quite often is, what if drums are just not going to fit in here? What if the average attendee is 75, the choir director is George Beverly Shea, and the church is all wood pews, walls, rails - concrete floor, and a HIGH wooden arched ceiling? Stop for a moment and think, what is our calling? To find the best ways possible to lift up praise and adoration to our Saviour...., and to do nothing from empty conceit. If it won't work, at least at this time, don't beat a dead horse with a Pro-Mark nylon tip 7a stick...maybe nothing will ever work here that is different. Perhaps hand percussion could add a little spice / shakers, congas, etc... Start easy, and help the others in the congregation see what you are attempting to do. Perhaps take them to a place where they can talk to and listen to some contemporary praise. Maybe they have never experienced anything like that before. Don't alienate them on the first try by bringing your whole rig in and deafening them at the outset. Remember, drums LOOK loud. Go easy, don't try to go from 150 years of choir anthems to jamming rock and roll praise. It will NOT fly.

    The good news is, that scripture tells us the even the "rocks will cry out" if we do not praise Him, and He has given us minds and technology to invent any number of instruments (yes, even the dreaded Marshall amp) with which to praise and adore Him. What we need to keep first and foremost in our minds is that our focus is on Him, praising Him, and helping - NOT HINDERING - others in their praise and adoration of Him as well.

    Do you have any comments, questions or suggestions? Feel free to contact the author!