How I Became a Worshiping Drummer

John & Elan

I was approached by my late friend Elan to play in a worship band headed up by my late wife Mary. They asked if I would play drums with them as a worship band. I was skeptical at first, because of my vice for heavy metal at that time. But I joined anyway.

What else can a 16 year old do besides jam drums and have a good time, right? I thought it would be cool enough, so I did it. Me and Elan had been jamming for quite sometime before I met up with Mary. So we were pretty tight. After learning a couple of songs with them, I got picked up by one of the other church bands to play for worship on stage.

I asked Mary if it was okay to jam with them, so that I could get on stage for the very first time and she was enthusiastic for me as usual. I felt bad that they couldn't use her as well. After all, Elan and Mary got me into this situation in the first place.

Mary at 19 & Dean's 18th Bday

Anyway, I did a worship session at Azure Hills Church in Grand Terrace California and after the last song, I distinctly remember Pastor Dan Simpson say to me, "interesting drumming". Don't know if that was good or bad, but it didn't matter because I had a blast anyway.

After that I was always hooked for the stage. But turned down the rest of worship jams with everyone for many years after that one. Simply because I didn't feel right about jamming without the original members that started with me in the first place.

So after years of jamming in the secular arena, getting into fights with other band members. I decided to give worship another try. My wife Mary encouraging as ever, was glad to see me worship again. And even after she died, I continued to worship with the same team that I've been with to this very day. Our team also did the music for her memorial service.

I went into worshiping as a skeptic, but now I know exactly what is my purpose..