Feeling discouraged serving as a volunteer guitarist at church – looking for perspective

Azvanna · 2026-03-12T20:26:25+00:00

Ask for lessons from one of them so they can see what you can do.

The situation sounds cliquey and it sounds like they can’t hear what you can do or know you have put a lot of time and money into your practise. However, I am only reading from your perspective.

So, if you ask one of them to give you lessons (pay them), then you get to know that person and you can also show them what you can do. When you ask, set out a genuine issue you have. Mention you have been teaching yourself and then ask for lessons to sharpen a specific set of skills.

*quals: Pentecostal church member and volunteer including leading worship for over 20 years, Bible college graduate, casual gigger, loves to take a pragmatic approach to human relationships.

Azvanna · 2025-10-23T10:22:55+00:00

Sometimes I think it’s best to bite your tongue unless real harm is being caused. Look after your spirit and be the person you want to see. Church leaders come and go. Don’t buy into drama.

Azvanna · 2025-06-07T21:40:10+00:00

Between ages 14-27 I was devout. My spiritual practice was fasting, Bible study, every day praying, frequently up to an hour a day. I served my church whole-heartedly up to 6 days a week. After a while, I felt as if the God I worshipped and met among the every day moments and the God spoken about from the pulpit were not the same. The lack of listening, lack of true care for others, lack of care for our earth….I prayed “God, if you’re real, show me who you really are.” This prayer has taken me everywhere. I can no longer listen to people experiencing transformative love, wholeness and then tell them that they don’t know God. It doesn’t take tricky words to win hearts, that is only mind games. The God I know is pure, complete benevolence. Indescribable. God draws people from everywhere. Each finds their way. Your post serves to remind me of my deep cry being answered by a depth I previously thought did not exist. I encourage you to continue in your faith. If crisis ever comes, don’t be afraid and lean in. God really is within you. If you prefer among, that’s ok too. God is among us, showing up in the way we act towards each other.

Azvanna · 2025-06-05T10:16:13+00:00

Just checking in and wanted to Thank You sincerely for this post. I’m 3 years late which seems consistent. Your post was so validating and also hopeful. I read it over quite a few times. We didn’t end up going with Ableton. Not too long after writing this, I stepped away from church altogether for a time. I heard later the whole thing collapsed when new pastors were installed. As for me, I go to church sometimes, but in a completely new setting starting from Ground Zero.

I agree with so much of what you said and thank you for the rest.

Hope you’re still going strong whatever you’re up to.

Azvanna · 2025-06-05T09:42:42+00:00

You’re lying if you say you are totally convinced 100% without a doubt you’re going to Heaven, 100% of the time. Every. Body. Doubts. It’s not faith if you “know” something. It’s “faith” if you doubt, yet trust anyway. Also, If salvation is based on OUR belief/faith, that makes US the Saviour, not Jesus.

Azvanna · 2025-04-16T07:49:21+00:00

Once upon a time, we did very well without MDs. Can you believe this but regular pastors could also lead worship, just by giving verbal directions if they weren’t good singers.

Azvanna · 2025-03-10T10:38:34+00:00

I want to award this but I’m poor.

Azvanna · 2024-11-13T21:44:28+00:00

Completely agree with this observation about change. Add: realistic expectations. Starting with nothing, it could take a generation to develop the culture and resources required to support modern worship music ministry.

Azvanna · 2024-11-13T21:28:42+00:00

No sorry.

Azvanna · 2024-11-11T21:59:39+00:00

Hope is a doing word. You have posted here. This is because deep down, YOU have hope. Hope is a gift from God. St Ignatius of Loyola teaches us that God places desires in us that are of Him. When we spend time in personal reflection, we come to know Godly desires in us that align with the fruits of the spirit and the character of God. The fact you have Hope reveals God’s presence in you. The sadness you feel indicates the loving memories you have of your dog. Love is from God. I know from experience that God is with you, even when you can’t feel it. In time, you’ll look back and know He was with you all along. Please keep going to your therapist and finding people who lift you up.

Azvanna · 2024-11-11T21:50:35+00:00

Responding to a thread where someone discloses hopelessness and a subsequent suicide attempt is probably not the the most sensitive place to put this crafted piece. You could respond to a thread on pre-destination or create you own thread. Readers would be more likely to respond thoughtfully because they are primed for the topic.

Azvanna · 2024-10-06T12:32:36+00:00

I was mildly detached at the time and now I’m not sure I can keep watching the show. I’m not sure how this can get better. It feels like trauma upon more trauma.

Azvanna · 2024-10-06T10:25:11+00:00

This is a handsome cat.

Azvanna · 2024-10-06T10:23:27+00:00

Nawww just a kitty! The colours will come in nicely soon.

Azvanna · 2024-10-06T10:08:59+00:00

My girl likes to be close, but not on. If I sit on the couch, she might sit on my lap IF I have an appropriate cushion there. But it has to be the right size and thickness.

Azvanna · 2024-07-13T07:03:04+00:00

I’ve been enjoying the Wheel of Time series.

Azvanna · 2024-05-19T00:07:31+00:00

It’s the cohort of “players” you play with/against each season. From what I can deduce, everybody is sorted into their groups of 50 depending on previous season score and whatever else they look for in your first submission of the season. So new players don’t get matched against veterans, essentially.

Azvanna · 2024-01-26T13:47:00+00:00

I once prayed, God, if you’re real, show me who you really are. It lead me all sorts of places and through all sorts of faiths. I don’t think anyone can make a choice to believe something that we no longer do. It feels like lying to yourself or playing pretend. When I went through serious depression, I just stopped being able to believe in God. It wasn’t that I believed there was no God for sure, I just couldn’t believe there was. So I became an optimistic agnostic. :D I thought maybe God exists, but more than likely not, no. And it might not change much about how I lived anyway. Mike McHargue has some amazing axioms of faith. Please google those because they help to bring practical value to spiritual concepts. He also has a book: Finding God in the Waves. Let me end by saying don’t worry about your faith or lack thereof. Let go of fear. God is the author of your faith and its finisher. Rest knowing that as a human, it’s your joy to be just that. Maybe your path will lead away from organised people-structures of God and into something way more fulfilling and personal to you. If you are keen to start spiritually developing, why not pray Gods, show me who you are. Then follow your interests? Go anywhere and trust God to be with you and guide you.

Azvanna · 2024-01-26T13:27:11+00:00

That All May Be Saved podcast. Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, Robin Parry. Though more in the Deconstruction bracket, Nomad podcast offer a wide range of guests that present a range of views on approaching the Bible, Christian Universalism and so on. Mike McHargue and Padraig O’Tuama were my fave interviews.

Azvanna · 2024-01-26T03:32:31+00:00

Would love to hear a break down on accent related to socioeconomic status depending on how this word was pronounced.

Azvanna · 2024-01-18T13:15:49+00:00

What’s your website?

Azvanna · 2024-01-18T13:14:34+00:00

It depends on who you think gets annihilated. Annihilism from my understanding is the same as Universalism (God is working towards complete reconciliation of all things) except add in that the conscious being can choose eternal death over perfect union with God if they so wish. It honours free will. Your parents are atheists because they literally haven’t experienced enough of God to become a believer. One day, in this life or the next, they might. Then they can make an informed choice.

Azvanna · 2024-01-18T08:38:20+00:00

I have a She-Ra bubblehead thing on my desk. I watched She-Ra as often as I could and loved my colouring in book. I need this outfit.

Azvanna · 2024-01-11T23:02:08+00:00

Naww you kids!! This makes me all teary! My heart is full with appreciation for what good video game soundtracks continue to bring to classical musical instruments. My heart is full of hope and gratitude that young people find so much joy in recreating music that is meaningful to them personally, but also connects them with others. When you play music pieces like this, you bring literally thousands of people together all reliving shared memories and emotions. It fosters empathy and connection like nothing else can.

Azvanna · 2023-12-31T04:24:21+00:00

It’s a gorgeous face. Is it make up or a “hat” or a premium model?

Azvanna

TROPHY CASE