Worship Wednesday: Forgive Me My Synths

Since Sweet T and I started attending church regularly in 2007, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the worship team most Sundays, beginning at our old home church in 2008 and continuing in our current home church, Trinity Bible. In the decade that I’ve had this honor, I have tried to learn all I can about worship, in addition to learning more about my primary instrument, the keyboards.

People aren’t sure what to make of keyboardists. Our instruments look like a piano in some ways, can sound like an organ at times, and resemble an intimidating computer. While pianos, guitars, and drums have a distinct, recognizable sound, keyboard sounds can be enigmatic and ethereal. You’re not always sure of what you’re hearing when you’re hearing it.

Keyboardists add color and atmosphere. They help tie things together, as the band transitions from song to song, and various parts of the church service. We can help fill out the sound, making it meatier. We offer support in segments of songs where it’s just the lead vocalist baring their soul. We are the glue that binds it all together.

Ultimately, worship is about pursuing that which pleases God. As a member of the worship team, that’s a big part of my role—helping the Lord’s people bring a sacrifice of praise that is a sweet fragrance pleasing to our God. The keyboards are simply the instrument I use to facilitate the worship of the God Most High and fulfill my calling as a worshipper of the One True King.

Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.