Nerves

[MDK2323]

Might sound silly, but do any of you get nervous when up on the platform playing in front of the congregation? I do.

Back in the pre-Christian days a shot of "the sauce" would take care of any nerves I had before playing in front of people. I find it totally unacceptable for things like that now.

How do you guys deal with nerves?

I hope this isn't a repeat topic.

[DTownSMR]

yea, I'd have to agree taking a shot isn't exactly the best approach for church!

I'm not a great public speaker so anytime I have to get up in front of people I can get a case of the nerves. What I find playing in the praise team is that it seems to only happen if I feel I'm not prepared. (i.e. I don't feel like I'm giving my first fruits)

Also, playing within my abilities and not trying to "show off" or anything has helped. I realize I'm playing for the body of Christ and not for me. Keep God as your goal and he will smooth your path! :-)

[reverbbb]

Lead sing a few praise songs for a couple of weeks, and then EVERYTHING else will seem like a no brainer after that.

Seriously. That is how I finally become more at ease. I still get a little up tight with leading the singing though.

Most importantly, pray DEEPLY and THOUGHTFULLY with God. Ask him to guide your thoughts towards inspiration and not perspiration.

Consider this, do you ever get nervous in a one to one or even one to five conversation with people? Just consider the audience as your dinner table friends that you love to converse with. You don't need to brag or show off, just be yourself. When having a dinner table conversation, you are focused on the message of what you are saying, not what they are thinking about you. Try to shift your mind towards this mindset, you want the congregation to hear your message. And they will, as long as that is what is in your heart.

[Brian]

Might sound silly, but do any of you get nervous when up on the platform playing in front of the congregation? I do... How do you guys deal with nerves?Simple... Prayer. And I'm not being flippant about it. Prepare your heart and the Lord will see you through.

I have to admit though, playing difficult jazz and showtunes for many years sure takes the edge off being a "sideman" in a worship band!

BTW, I lead worship today as a sub for the first time in many years, with the team I mentioned that hasn't gelled. I tried to make sure the team had what they needed; clearly written/accurate charts, and good communication during the songs so that we could all play boldly and at our best for the Lord. After the 1st song the FOH settled in and with almost zero rehearsal and warmup we sounded better as a team than we have in months. :-)

[MDK2323]

What I find playing in the praise team is that it seems to only happen if I feel I'm not prepared. (i.e. I don't feel like I'm giving my first fruits)

This is probably part of it. Thanks for all of your responses.

[stephen]

I cant say I have had a case of nerves for a while. I think that number one, being prepared, prayed up, and concentrating on performing for an audience of One, rather than a whole congregation, keeps it all in perspective for me. If I'm prepared, and prayed up, I'm excited about playing for my King!

[Ravindave_3600]

You guys are gooooood. Thanks for the tips!

[Jaybo]

Back in the pre-Christian days a shot of "the sauce" would take care of any nerves I had before playing in front of people.


So I guess a little pre-service communion is out? :mrgreen:

[stephen]

Back in the pre-Christian days a shot of "the sauce" would take care of any nerves I had before playing in front of people.


So I guess a little pre-service communion is out? :mrgreen:

I think they frown on "Happy Hour Communion" as well too...............

[Michael_Mui]

Might sound silly, but do any of you get nervous when up on the platform playing in front of the congregation? I do.
Who DON'T ....... Ha!Ha!Ha!
How do you guys deal with nerves?
Getting up there a few times and getting used to it will slowly deal with the nerves syndrome ....... :-)
And PRAYER works too .......

[SAguitar]

Preparation, Practice, and Prayer. Yup, that oughta get ya there for sure. :cool:

Personally, I don't get that nerve-thing, but then I performed in rock and country bands for several decades before I gave my life to the Lord. So I was well over the stagefright thing before I met Jesus. Since then, I've just felt it to be pure joy, and an absolute privelege to be allowed to use my meager talents to assist people in worshipping my Lord.

Until He returns,
Stan

[prscustom24]

As has been said, after you've done a lot of performing, it will become second nature. Meantime, get into your spot early, look around, tell yourself that for the next 90 minutes or so, you own that four square feet of floor space. Make it so.

[dmock66]

Fortunately I've been in front of people in various formats for a long time - playing music, teaching corp training classes, etc. I don't get nervous before playing at service. Now, if I were asked to sing for my wife, kids or a small group of people - THEN I get nervous. Go figure, eh? Everyone has their quirks... but I think the best advice has been given already - PRAY - then give your gift back to God in praise and worship for that 'audience of One".