I used to be in a band.  A heavy metal Christian band.  It didn’t work out.

        The lead guitarist from the band called me the other day.  He wants me to be in a band.  Again.

        Not just any band.

        A worship band. 

        I can continue to go to the church I attend, because “my” church meets in the morning.  This other church meets in the afternoon.

         I went and played today, at the second church, to see whether they could use me in their music ministry.

         I’m in.

         I’m scared spitless.

         I got sent home with new music, a notice that they want me on the worship team at the second church, and the words of the guitarist ringing in my ears:  “I knew all I had to do was have you play, and you’d clinch it.”

         There are two things bothering me:

                        (1)  I don’t make the music a success—God works through the music.

                                        and

                         (2) I’m afraid someone is going to end up disappointed.  This isn’t easy, show-and-go type music that doesn’t require any practice.  We’re talking five flats, with a bunch of accidentals everywhere, switching to four or five sharps.  The minister said that’s how Black gospel is—lots of black keys.  Cute.  Hard.  I can do it, but can I do it the way they want it to sound?

          There are cultural differences.

           The church that wants me on the worship team is a predominantly Black church. 

           I’ve attended Black church.  My “ex” is African American.  I’ve been told that my music “edges on Black”—whatever that means. 

           But, let’s face it, I’m still White. 

           I’ve played, for the most part—at least in the last few years—for “White” church. 

           The pastor of this church says he wants me to play Black Gospel-type music.

           Can I?

           I tell myself I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

           But does that verse apply to cultural styles of music?

           I wish I could be sure that the answer is “yes”.