When the pastor finishes the sermon and says "Let's close in prayer," this is usually the band's cue to sneak silently back onstage. With every head bowed and every eye presumably closed they skulk back to their seats, quiet as death. The stealth is palpable. You could cut it with a knife. It's hard to concentrate on the prayer because you're nervous on their behalf as they try not to brush the cymbals or knock over music stands. Also perceptible is their urgency to be seated before the prayer is over, as to have materialized while we weren't looking. It's a relief when the pastor says "Amen" and you don't have to be nervous for them anymore.
4 comments:
That is hilar! I always hate skulking back up! Who are we fooling! I think my next step will be to dress in black like a stage hand!
Yes! The 'orrible slinking of worshipers!
I used to be on staff at a church that was trying everything it could to keep up with all the trendy mega churches. The first time I preached in the "main" service, I was told that I had to cue the band at the end of the sermon by walking down from the platform to the congregation and standing right in front of the seats for the prayer or any other invitation words.
It may not seem authentic, but I promise you that authenticity was a core value.
I can't be mad at this guy for staying anonymous. I love the last line.
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