Christian Drum Circle?

[NacDan]

I've recently gotten into hand drumming in a big way. My drum of choice is my cajon, but I've got access to several toms and congas, bongos, djembes, etc...I've even started making my own drums. I made a really nice lap drum Saturday. It's all wood and it sounds a lot like a set of bongos. Anyway, I ran into a guy I know today that's a drummer and asked him if he's into hand drums....He looks at me and says, "I used to be into hand drums, but then I got saved"...AS IF that has anything to do with it!!

Can there be a such thing as a "Christian Drum Circle"? There are a couple of drum circles in my area that are obviously pagan in nature, so I want to start a group with fellow believers. Someone asked me what the difference was, and I said, "who we pray to."

Anyone with experience with a "Christian drum circle"? If so, tell me about the experience, how you participated, etc... I also wouldn't mind at all hearing from someone on the side that drumming can't be Christian.

Danny

 

[JimB]

I've recently gotten into hand drumming in a big way. My drum of choice is my cajon, but I've got access to several toms and congas, bongos, djembes, etc...I've even started making my own drums. I made a really nice lap drum Saturday. It's all wood and it sounds a lot like a set of bongos. Anyway, I ran into a guy I know today that's a drummer and asked him if he's into hand drums....He looks at me and says, "I used to be into hand drums, but then I got saved"...AS IF that has anything to do with it!!

Can there be a such thing as a "Christian Drum Circle"? There are a couple of drum circles in my area that are obviously pagan in nature, so I want to start a group with fellow believers. Someone asked me what the difference was, and I said, "who we pray to."

Anyone with experience with a "Christian drum circle"? If so, tell me about the experience, how you participated, etc... I also wouldn't mind at all hearing from someone on the side that drumming can't be Christian.

Danny

Sure there can be such a thing. I participated in one last night. It was fun. It edified. And God was there.

 

[Father Rick]

A musical instrument is neutral.

What's in the heart of the musician is communicated through the "language" of music.

 

[NacDan]

Sure there can be such a thing. I participated in one last night. It was fun. It edified. And God was there.

Thanks. You're a mean tamborine player too!

Danny

 

[Andry]

Thanks. You're a mean tamborine player too!

Danny

Well, a bad tamborine player is of the devil. Ever notice how they can make the whole praise and worship go south? I mean, yo dude, at least keep to the beat!

 

[Kelly]

I'm sure there are those who will find fault with any varying form of worship, citing the strange fire that Aaron's son's burned and were destroyed for.

The root word for worship means to bow down with one's head to the ground, so if that's the only form of true worship, we're all guilty.

 

[BenAdam]

Bodhran!!!!!!

I don't know of a christian drum circle, but I wish there was one, but I have heard of a drum circle in the UK that was kinda strange because they talked about responsible, ethical percussion use, not overtly christian, but made me wonder.

 

[JimB]

Danny’s GIG (Group Investigating God, our home group ministry) has evolved into a fun and edifying place to be on Wednesday evenings. In the course of worship, fellowship, learning and ministry, the host (a percussionist himself) brought out his drums, djimbas, snares, tambourines, bongos, etc. and members of the group began to keep rhythm (some better than others) while the guitarist/song leader led the worship. It has become a “drum circle” in which everyone can participate as a “musician” and has enhanced the worship of the meeting. Last night 16 people all made a joyful noise on their instruments and it seemed to be an edifying experience for everyone. My wife and I drive up after the worship music had started and we could hear the rhythm before we ever entered the home. It sounded great.

I recommend it.

 

[NacDan]

If I recall correctly, your wife suggested that it sounded like some sort of voodoo ritual from the street.

Of course, my response was, "it's all part of our plan to trick the pagans into coming to our meeting!" (Will do anything to get people to hear the Gospel that JESUS died for our sins!)

Since Jim brought up the GiG (Group Investigating God) that I lead, I'll just give a little back ground. this particular group started in January on Wednesday nights at a friend of mine's home. Each week, we get together with whoever comes for fellowship, worship, teaching and ministry. We started with 7 people and since week one we've averaged 12 people a week, with the last few weeks being more than 12.

When we started the Gig, Barry (the host) told me that we ought to break out hand drums during worship. I was game and we started with about 3 of us playing drums the first night. Now, while it's certainly not mandatory, nearly everyone has some sort of drum or shaker in their hands during the worhip. We sing and drum for 30-45 minutes. The songs are all praise and worship, ranging from more traditional hymns to contempory praise & worship music. What I've noticed about the drumming are a couple of things: 1) The group is very close, even when we have visitors. It's a great bonding experience for us, and since one of our core values (at Vineyard Church Nacogdoches) is fellowship, I find it very important; and 2) It prepares our hearts and minds for the discussion and ministry (not always in that order, depends on how I feel led that evening). The worship experience seems to get us focused on God rather than on whatever we brought to the meeting.

Our GiG meetings tend to be more "charismatic" than our corporate meetings on Sunday mornings. Many in our group have experienced the infilling of the Holy Spirit for the first time since coming to the group; others have been exercising different prophetic gifts (this seems to be where I've been growing most); and we have seen some truly remarkable healings in our group.

To use another over used expression, it's been "totally awesome" watching the LORD work in our group.

I hope drumming is acceptable, because I introduced it to our yooth group worship last week.

Danny

 

[BenAdam]

Wow, I would really like to start something like that here....

 

[NacDan]

Stop wishing and do it.



One of the really cool things is that while we've been averaging 12-14 people a week, it hasn't been the same 12-14 every week. Our "core" group is only 7 people. If everyone that attends our group with any regularity showed up on the same night, there'd be about 40 of us, and we'd have to move the group into the street (wouldn't fit in the house).

Another of the many things that amazes me every week is how our little home group keeps attracting new people. We had 2 first timers last night and 1 second timer ! (Kent & Connie - Wanda - { for Jim})

What seems to initially attract people is the drumming, but what keeps them coming back is the ministry. Every time someone new comes to the group, they always comment on how powerful the ministry was.

You have no idea how hard it was for me to figure it out that it wasn't my brilliant teaching that keeps 'em coming!!

Danny

 

[BillynJennifer]

Hey Danny, my pastor just came back from a revival to the Indian Nations in OK. They had your everyday worship instruments, but they also had a southern drum and a northern drum. There was a also a man there that fashions and plays the flute during the services. They brought back videos that I can't wait to see.

One night, some of the younger kids came dressed in their full dress and danced before the Lord using the drum, flute, and other instruments. I can't wait to see it.

I say go for it.

 

[BarbB]

So what does a Christian drum look like and would it appreciate being in a circle?

 

[NacDan]

it's the circle that's Christian, not the drum. (The unmoderated) Father Rick has already stated for the record that the instrument itself is neutral.

Danny

 

[BarbB]

it's the circle that's Christian, not the drum. (The unmoderated) Father Rick has already stated for the record that the instrument itself is neutral.

Danny

Well