Some of you might know that I’m a backup singer on the worship band. I used to sing only at the 8:30 service, but you’ve probably noticed that the bands now rotate. So you’ll see me every third Sunday (unless I’m on vacation or speaking somewhere)
Most singers don’t dream about doing backup vocals. Neither did I. As a child, I was the one pretending a hairbrush was a microphone, singing with my favorite band playing on the record album, and imaging the day they would call me on stage and introduce me as their new lead singer. That was my dream. Not doing backup harmonies.
It’s amazing how God redirected my life. Now, I wouldn’t trade my place in the shadows of the stage for the promise of a record contract. Why? It’s in the role of a backup singer that I’ve learned spiritual lessons that have impacted my life far beyond a 20-minute worship segment on Sunday morning.
Learning to sing backup is a little like being a Christian. Just as I follow the vocal leader on stage, I am called to follow God in my everyday life. You see, on that stage, I’m not following the bass player or the drummer. I’m following the leader. I can hear the musicians in my head, but I’m tuned in to the worship leader.
When we lead worship, I’m always listening to the leader’s voice, and then choosing the right note to create harmony. Where the leader’s voice goes, mine follows. On the occasion the leader ad-libs at the last minute, and deviates from the melody, my job is to stop singing until I can find the right harmony. If I insisted on singing the notes I believe I “should” be singing, I’d create disharmony that would distract the congregation from their worship.
As a backup singer, I am not to draw attention to myself. It’s not the time to try out a fancy new vocal move, or add some dramatic vibrato. Harmony is not the lead, it’s the soft support that should enhance the leader’s voice, and allow those singing to follow the leader, not me.
That’s what God is calling me to do in my personal life too. I’m to listen to the quiet voice of God speaking to me through the Scriptures and prayer, and then to choose to live my life in harmony to that voice. I am not to live a life that draws attention to myself as someone worthy of following. But instead to live so that others are drawn to Christ.
I’ve learned a lot from being a backup singer. Being alert to what God is doing in and around me, then choosing to bring harmony rather than discord, is a valuable lesson.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Visit my blog at www.GlynnisWhitwer.com
Hi Glynnis, I am always thrilled to ee you up there as a back up singer. I have known your heart for years and your love for Jesus. and to be able to know you, and hear you help lead, back up whatever…is just wonderful. YOu radiate the love you havefor Him…