So you’ve been thrown into leading worship… great! Now what?
If you are anything at all like me, someone who loves the church and loves music, yet feels a bit overwhelmed at where to start when leading a ministry and a team, I’d like to suggest a few books to help get you started.
These books are not the standard. They are not an exhaustive list. They are however a great place to start and I believe give a well rounded grasp of a few important areas for self preparation, leadership, and worship.
Ten Books Every Worship Leader Should Have
Worship Matters - Bob Kauflin has written the worship manifesto. He covers the whole gamut of worship… from personal growth, team growth, and everything in between and he uses scripture as his basis.
The Unquenchable Worshiper - This is a constant read of mine and a wonderful reminder on worship. It’s a great book for every worship leader and a great tool for your team.
The War of Art - Although this book is written more specifically for writers, I’ve found it incredibly encouraging and inspiring for the creative process involved in worship.
Systematic Theology - It will really be important to pick the ‘right’ book on theology depending on your church background, but finding a solid and sound book on theology will only grow and deepen your worship and the worship of those you lead. (I use Wayne Grudem’s…)
The Heart of the Artist - Rory Noland really sets the tone with worship as he explores what the heart of the artist should be and how to keep everything in perspective.
The Pursuit of God - Another classic book on spiritual development. It’s a short yet intense read that will push you to pursue God in deeper ways… including your worship.
Desiring God - More than just worship, although there are some heavy thoughts concerning worship, this book by John Piper will push you mentally and spiritually.
A Worship Devotional - There are more than a few choices out there, but having a good worship devotional is a great resource and can be such an encouragement. I really like this one.
Untitled: Thoughts on the Creative Process - Blaine Hogan is the creative director at Willow Creek and his book on the creative process has the potential to help push you through your creative blocks and ministry ruts. It’s a great, short read.
The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day - What does John Maxwell have to do with worship? More than you think. Developing your team and leadership is absolutely essential for a strong and successful worship ministry. So grab this book and get started.
These have been essential books for me personally and have really helped shaped the way I lead and the worship I am a part of. It’s really important to remember that we must be continually growing in all areas: spiritually, mentally, and in our leadership.
It’s not always an easy discipline but it’s more than necessary. And above all else, you must always lean on the Book first and foremost. Stay in the word and may it continue to lead and gude you.
What’s your favorite book on worship?
*These books are in no particular order, just randomly selected. Also, you must always lean on the Book first and foremost. Stay in the word and may it continue to lead and gude you.
Exploring Worship – Bob Sorge
I haven’t read Exploring Worship yet but have heard so many good things about it and Bob.
Great list. I would add An Hour on Sunday by Nancy Beach http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0310252962/ref=redir_mdp_mobile
Yeah, that’s a great book. It’s sitting on my shelf, certainly a must have for worship/creative leaders.
Exploring Worship – Bob Sorge
Following The River – Bob Sorge
God Songs – Paul Baloche
Make Love, Make War – Brian Doerksen
Heaven’s Praise – Dwayne Moore
Thanks Kevin! Maybe I should expand my list to 15?!
Lol… You’ve got a great list. Most of those are on mine too.
Great list Rob! I’ve read most of these. I would add:
Ancient-Future Worship – Robert Webber
Unceasing Worship – Harold Best
The Purpose of Man – AW Tozer
Once again… the list goes on and on!
I’ve been slowly working my way through Unceasing Worship and have heard great things about Webber’s book and Tozer’s. Thanks for sharing Rob!
What a valuable list! Thank you! I would also suggest The Dangerous Act of Worship by Mark Labberton.
The Heart of Worship – Matt Redman
One title I would recommend is entitled “Worship God! Exploring the Dynamics of Psalmic Worship” Dr. Ernest Gentile. This is book with biblically directives on worship primarily from the Psalms.The Nine Psalmic Worship Forms for Today’s churches is a chapter that helped me be more expressive in my worship. Thanks for your list. I now have a new list of “must reads”.
Experiential Worship by Bob Rognlien. Phenomenol approach to developing authentic worship to God.
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll be sure to check that one out.
I also thoroughly enjoyed and was inspired by Warrior Poets of the 21st Centeury by Robin Mark!
Great list, Rob. It’s hard to narrow it down to ten because there are so many facets of leading worship. It’s probably the leadership role in the church that is the most multi-faceted. Webber’s books are superb. Although Ancient-Future Worship is his second-to-last book, I would actually recommend Ancient-Future Faith above that one. And The Complete Library of Christian Worship is the “big dog” of worship resources, and a great investment.
Yeah, I agree Kent. I was really going for a starting point for anyone either just jumping into worship ministry or someone that need a boost. I’ll have to check out the Complete Library… sounds daunting!