Worship Matters Bob Kauflin Ebooking
Nothing is more essential than knowing how to worship the God who created us. This book focuses readers on the essentials of God-honoring worship, combining biblical foundations with practical application in a way that works in the real world. The author, a pastor and noted songwriter, skillfully instructs pastors, musicians, and church leaders so that they can root their Nothing is more essential than knowing how to worship the God who created us. This book focuses readers on the essentials of God-honoring worship, combining biblical foundations with practical application in a way that works in the real world.
The author, a pastor and noted songwriter, skillfully instructs pastors, musicians, and church leaders so that they can root their congregational worship in unchanging scriptural principles, not divisive cultural trends. Bob Kauflin covers a variety of topics such as the devastating effects of worshiping the wrong things, how to base our worship on God's self-revelation rather than our assumptions, the fuel of worship, the community of worship, and the ways that eternity's worship should affect our earthly worship.Appropriate for Christians from varied backgrounds and for various denominations, this book will bring a vital perspective to what readers think they understand about praising God. Most of the readers who will crack open this book will tell you that worship matters, but most of them will not be able to tell you why it matters so much. For this reason, Kauflin sets out to demonstrate the significance of worship and the biblical teaching regarding it. The book is far more than a theology of worship, but is an extremely practical guide to worship. Rather than focusing on the theoretical, Kauflin dwells on the practical and gives many personal illustrations of the challenges o Most of the readers who will crack open this book will tell you that worship matters, but most of them will not be able to tell you why it matters so much.
For this reason, Kauflin sets out to demonstrate the significance of worship and the biblical teaching regarding it. The book is far more than a theology of worship, but is an extremely practical guide to worship. Rather than focusing on the theoretical, Kauflin dwells on the practical and gives many personal illustrations of the challenges of crafting a worship service.The work is divided into four parts. The first focuses on the person who leads the congregation in worship.
From the very beginning, the writer points us past the show and glamour of the stage and the Sunday morning presentation to the important things. What really matters? Is it the performance, or is it something greater. The greatness of worship, Kauflin points out, should lead the worship leader to a depth of humility because all are inadequate for the task ahead of them. Following this, the writer demonstrates four areas in which all worship leaders struggle (viz., heart, mind, hands, and life). In each area, significant applications are made. The reader is challenged to a number of tests to reveal whether he has made an idol out of ministry or is desiring God first and foremost.
The worship leader is also challenged to recognize the significance and importance of sound doctrine. Kauflin also offers here an excellent challenge on the importance of skill in worship. He presents as a careful balance between distracting from worship (failure to have skill) and self-exaltation (idolatry of skill). In regard to life, the reader is reminded that the worship leader must model a life worthy of the Lord. These applications are of great import and spill out in the broader discussion of the book.Section two moves from examining the worship leader and moves to the discussion of the task of corporate worship. Kauflin defines the task of the worship leader as follows: “A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, by skillfully combining God’s Word with music, thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the gospel, to cherish God’s presence, and to live for God’s glory” (55).
The following eleven chapters expand on the particulars of this definition.Part three is entitled “healthy tensions” and the writer walks the reader across the tightrope of a number of tensions such as trancendance and immanence, head and heart, internal and external, vertical and horizontal, planned and spontaneous, rooted and relevant, skilled and authentic, for the church and for unbelievers, and event and everyday. No worship leader has failed to see the significance of these tensions in the weekly routine of preparation for corporate worship and it is for this reason that the writer’s discussion of these tensions is so powerful for those considering the topic.The final section dwells on the relationship between the worship leader and the people, the church, the worship team, and the pastor. Kauflin pushes the worship leader to be an example in his public and private testimony. In order to do this, the worship leader is urged to be deeply involved with the people of the church. A number of very helpful suggestions are also given in regard to effectively leading a worship team.
The practicality of this chapter is incredible. Lastly, the relationship between the worship leader and the pastor is, according to Kauflin, of great importance. In spite of the worship leader’s skill and desires, he must be willing to submit to the leadership of his pastor.This reviewer found the following points of great significance in the first section:'Worship matters. It matters to God because he is the one ultimately worthy of all worship. It matters to us because worshipping God is the reason for which we were created.'
(19)'.far too little has been said about the worship wars going on inside us. And they're much more significant.' (21)'.worship isn't primarily about music, techniques, liturgies, songs, or methodologies. It's about hearts.
It's about what and who we love more than anything.' (25)What you love six days of the week will influence how you worship on the 7th. (26)'.music expands the soul and opens us to new ways of experiencing God.
But being moved emotionally is different from being changed spiritually.' (30)'When we're dodge about our theology, we're really saying we want our own Jesus.'
(31)'If our doctrine is accurate but our hearts are cold toward God himself, our corporate worship will be true but lifeless. Or if we express fervent love for God but present vague, inaccurate, or incomplete ideas of him to those we're leading, our worship will be emotional but misleading-and possibly idolatrous. Neither option brings God glory.' (32)Overall there is no point in which this reviewer can find fault with the theology, instruction, or approach of the work.
The book is unparalleled in its depth and breadth on the topic. In a similar vein, this reviewer would recommend that the reader also read Bryan Chapell’s Christ-Centered Worship for a number of practical methods for achieving the challenges set forth in this work.Extremely well-written in a most enjoyable and readable style, Kauflin has presented the church with powerful direction for a new generation of worship leaders. This generation of worship leaders will take their responsibility with pious reverence in light of the significance of the task ahead, becauseworship matters.
Worship Matters is much more than a handbook for worship leaders or a musical position statement. Kauflin delves into the theology of worship and explores the ways in which that theology should drive decisions made in both a corporate and personal worship context.This book challenged me to think about the why's behind the worship activities we partake in every week, and far from being a defense of a particular application of music in worship, Kauflin instead encourages all worshipers to draw th Worship Matters is much more than a handbook for worship leaders or a musical position statement. Kauflin delves into the theology of worship and explores the ways in which that theology should drive decisions made in both a corporate and personal worship context.This book challenged me to think about the why's behind the worship activities we partake in every week, and far from being a defense of a particular application of music in worship, Kauflin instead encourages all worshipers to draw their patterns and positions from Scripture.This book is well worth the read, even if you don't agree with every single conclusion Kauflin makes about application. Some reviews of this book amount to little more than, 'It was too long.' And, I would agree with those, if this book wasn't so cleverly structured and set out, with easily navigated sections, chapter headings, and subheadings.
Kauflin demonstrates an immense amount of practical experience, musical expertise, careful theological application, Spirit given wisdom, and an understanding of both team dynamics and leadership roles in the local church. This book would benefit anyone involved in worship, Some reviews of this book amount to little more than, 'It was too long.' And, I would agree with those, if this book wasn't so cleverly structured and set out, with easily navigated sections, chapter headings, and subheadings. Kauflin demonstrates an immense amount of practical experience, musical expertise, careful theological application, Spirit given wisdom, and an understanding of both team dynamics and leadership roles in the local church. This book would benefit anyone involved in worship, those who lead the church and anyone who is interested in gaining a fuller and biblically faithful view of music in the life of the Christian. Really helpful book designed for worship leaders. Goes from the depths of biblical explanations of what worship is to the nuts and bolts of everything that goes into leading a Sunday morning service.
Bob’s irenic and humble demeanor make the book extremely enjoyable to read and helpful to realize one’s own deficiencies. I am not a musician, but I wanted to read this book to better understand the role music plays on a Sunday morning, and this book certainly helped.The only downside of the book c Really helpful book designed for worship leaders. Goes from the depths of biblical explanations of what worship is to the nuts and bolts of everything that goes into leading a Sunday morning service.
Bob’s irenic and humble demeanor make the book extremely enjoyable to read and helpful to realize one’s own deficiencies. I am not a musician, but I wanted to read this book to better understand the role music plays on a Sunday morning, and this book certainly helped.The only downside of the book comes from a disagreement I have with the author’s view of the charismatic gifts. I am not a charismatic and would disagree with his views on spontaneous prophetic utterances in the worship service. However, this only comprises a very small slice of the book—everything else is worth a very hearty amen. When I was first given this book just over a year ago by our song leader, I wasn't too enthused. It appeared to be a stuffy, boring treatise on using music in a church to worship God.
I couldn't have been further from the truth!This book is an excellent read and one that has greatly enriched me in several ways. As a Christian, it helped me to see that worship is not just during the music service. As a pastor, it has helped me see the different dynamics that go into planning and preparing a servi When I was first given this book just over a year ago by our song leader, I wasn't too enthused. It appeared to be a stuffy, boring treatise on using music in a church to worship God. I couldn't have been further from the truth!This book is an excellent read and one that has greatly enriched me in several ways. As a Christian, it helped me to see that worship is not just during the music service.
As a pastor, it has helped me see the different dynamics that go into planning and preparing a service which glorifies God in ALL aspects.In the book, Kauflin describes how a few years before the book was written (2008), he set out to come up with the definition for a 'worship leader.' He wanted to clarify his understanding of what God was calling him to do in the church he was serving. Here is what he came up with:A faithful worship leadermagnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christthrough the power of the Holy Spiritby skilfully combining God's Word with music,thereby motivating the gathered churchto proclaim the gospel,to cherish God's presence,and to live for God's glory.For a good portion of the book, he takes each line of the above definition he came up with and writes a particular chapter. Again, each chapter was solid both biblically and practically.The last two chapters were outstanding. One was written to song leaders or worship leaders in conjunction to their relationship with the pastor they are serving. Wow - Kauflin spares no words and gets below the surface when it comes to issues that often arise between music leaders and the pastor of a church.The last chapter is written to pastors and encourages them that they are to be the (they actually are whether they realize it or not) the one who teaches, leads, shapes, and molds the people in their churches towards worship more than the music (worship, song, etc) leader will do.This will be a book I will refer to in the years to come as we seek to worship God in a manner fitting the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! I am not a worship leader.
I'm a pastor. No, wait - that makes me a worship leader, just not in the realm of music.
That's an important distinction to make, and one which Bob Kauflin makes in this valuable book: 'Anyone who encourages others to praise God can be referred to as a 'worship leader.' Worship can involve music, but it can happen without it as well.' Careful thinking like that make this book a treasure-trove of biblical wisdom and practical insight on worship.Kauflin unpacks what a wo I am not a worship leader. I'm a pastor. No, wait - that makes me a worship leader, just not in the realm of music. That's an important distinction to make, and one which Bob Kauflin makes in this valuable book: 'Anyone who encourages others to praise God can be referred to as a 'worship leader.'
Worship can involve music, but it can happen without it as well.' Careful thinking like that make this book a treasure-trove of biblical wisdom and practical insight on worship.Kauflin unpacks what a worship leader does, discusses healthy tensions in our theology and practice of worship, speaks specifically to the relational dynamics in which every worship leader is involved (with the church, the team, the pastor), and more.The book is rooted in the Gospel, robust in theology, and well-written. I was encouraged and instructed. And I'm committed to making sure every present and future member of our church's worship team gets a copy. This is a great book for pastors, worship leaders, and worship teams. In fact, it's a great book for any one who wants to worship God in spirit and truth.
It is practical enough to be of real use to musicians and leaders, but it is general enough to encourage and help any believer.Spread the word. This is a great book on worship! Thanks Bob Kauflin for serving the church with this book.
This is an excellent book for anyone who desires to think more about corporate worship. While more needs to be said on this subject, this is a wonderful place to start. We need more guys like Kauflin, guys who are gifted musically and have a passion for deep theology.
One of the great things about this book is that it can be used by various groups of people who are similar in theology, but whose congregational services may look different. In this sense then this book provides a great foundation. This is an excellent book for anyone who desires to think more about corporate worship. While more needs to be said on this subject, this is a wonderful place to start. We need more guys like Kauflin, guys who are gifted musically and have a passion for deep theology. One of the great things about this book is that it can be used by various groups of people who are similar in theology, but whose congregational services may look different.
In this sense then this book provides a great foundation. That foundation will need to be built on though by other books as well as the pastors and leaders in each particular church. This is an excellent book that focuses around leading the singing portion of a church service. The first two sections of the book (The Leader and The Task) are excellent but somewhat slow going at times due to the extremely theoretical nature to them (although Bob mixes many personal stories and experiences into these sections).
The next two sections (Healthy Tensions and Right Relationships) are much more applicational. I would recommend this book to anyone who takes part in leading singing or This is an excellent book that focuses around leading the singing portion of a church service. The first two sections of the book (The Leader and The Task) are excellent but somewhat slow going at times due to the extremely theoretical nature to them (although Bob mixes many personal stories and experiences into these sections). The next two sections (Healthy Tensions and Right Relationships) are much more applicational. I would recommend this book to anyone who takes part in leading singing or is interested in learning more about worship, but for those who are short on time I would HIGHLY recommend simply reading Section 3 - Healthy Tensions. Worship Matters is a book about corporate worship written for who he refers to as the “worship leader”, that is, anyone who leads the music and singing during a service. Kauflin spends the opening section of the book dealing with the attitude and character of the worship leader.
He emphasizes the importance of the worship leader having the right heart and mind for worshipping God before he attempts to lead others in worshipping God. He speaks of the importance of the worship leader growing in mu Worship Matters is a book about corporate worship written for who he refers to as the “worship leader”, that is, anyone who leads the music and singing during a service. Kauflin spends the opening section of the book dealing with the attitude and character of the worship leader. He emphasizes the importance of the worship leader having the right heart and mind for worshipping God before he attempts to lead others in worshipping God. He speaks of the importance of the worship leader growing in musical skill and also in understanding of theology and stresses that both aspects are important for a worship leader.
This is a helpful book, written for worship leaders specifically, that I would've benefitted from greatly when I was leading worship during college. I let the worship 'culture' I had seen for years dictate my worship leadership more than Scripture-informed principles.
Kauflin gives us a healthy dose of Scripture in this book and 'redefines' worship in broader terms than music allows.The first section focuses on the heart, mind, hands, and life of the worship leader.The second section focuses on This is a helpful book, written for worship leaders specifically, that I would've benefitted from greatly when I was leading worship during college. I let the worship 'culture' I had seen for years dictate my worship leadership more than Scripture-informed principles. Kauflin gives us a healthy dose of Scripture in this book and 'redefines' worship in broader terms than music allows.The first section focuses on the heart, mind, hands, and life of the worship leader.The second section focuses on what the worship leader does: 'A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, skillfully combining God's Word with music, thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the gospel to cherish God's presence and to live for God's glory.' The third section focuses on 'paradigms in conflict' in worship leadership. Kauflin doesn't pit these against one another; he helpfully avoids advocating false dichotomies and shows us a way for a 'both/and' model.The fourth and last section focuses on the relationships the worship leader has with people, the church, his team, the pastor, and concludes with a chapter written for pastors.I think the main weakness of the book - if I have to point one out - is the way Kauflin assumes a solo-pastor model for those who read this book. He assumes that the worship leader is never a pastor as well, and even in cases where the worship leader might be a pastor, he functionally advocates for a model wherein there is one pastor with a greater superiority than the others. This book proved itself to be inspiring and practical.
It is logically structured. Bob Kauflin has also helpfully included illustrations from personal experience and in particular how his own views have been moulded by the years, by the pastors with whom he has served and the Lord.He has managed to make the application wider than the particular church in which he worships and serves and showed great sensitivity to other traditions.That which was less satisfactory werehis early questioning of the This book proved itself to be inspiring and practical. It is logically structured.
If you follow 's. This book is a great book on leading worship. Whether you've been leading for a long time or are just starting out, this book has a lot of Biblical insight, personal experience, and deep wisdom. He starts off the book by giving a practical definition of the role of the worship (in the context of the church on Sunday mornings) leader as 'A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ Through the power of the Holy Spirit. Skillfully combining God's word with music, thereb This book is a great book on leading worship. Whether you've been leading for a long time or are just starting out, this book has a lot of Biblical insight, personal experience, and deep wisdom. He starts off the book by giving a practical definition of the role of the worship (in the context of the church on Sunday mornings) leader as 'A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ Through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Skillfully combining God's word with music, thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the gospel, cherish God's presence, and live for God's glory.' Each of those phrases is a chapter that follows. The final section of the book deals with tensions we must face as worship leaders like 'immanence and transcendence, skilled and authentic etc.' Good stuff:).
The heart of the book unpacks Kauflin's thesis concerning the task of a worship leader: 'A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit skillfully combining God's Word with music thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the gospel, to cherish God's presence, and to live for God's glory.' This is an excellent statement that would serve well in any good church music ministry. Overall, Kauflin does a good job in expounding eac The heart of the book unpacks Kauflin's thesis concerning the task of a worship leader: 'A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit skillfully combining God's Word with music thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the gospel, to cherish God's presence, and to live for God's glory.' This is an excellent statement that would serve well in any good church music ministry. Overall, Kauflin does a good job in expounding each aspect of this thesis.Other positives abound in the book. Kauflin has a high view of the Scriptures and of the importance of sound doctrine in Christian worship.
He rightly includes preaching as part of worship; he does not limit worship to the musical part of the service alone. He wants musicians to be proficient but not to show off. Music ministry should not be emotionally manipulative. Their proficiency should undergird the worship; it should not contribute to a concert mentality. He calls on worship leaders and band members to avoid sensuality in both their dress and 'vocal inflections' (48).Even in the section on musical styles Kauflin rightly argues that the 'music should serve the lyrics' (100). But he is weakest in his arguments in favor of using all styles of music in worship. His primarily argument is that the unity of the church should be centered on the gospel and not on musical styles.
He grounds this unity in diversity in the nature of God: 'Musical diversity reflects the varying aspects of God's nature. He is transcendent and immanent.
He splits mountains and clothes the lilies. We worship him as our Creator and Redeemer, King and Father. How can anyone think that a single kind of music could adequately express the fullness of God's glory?' Kauflin has stated a number of truths. But it does not follow that every musical style glorifies God.
Al Wolters argues that fundamental to a Christian worldview is that all of God's creation is essentially good, that the Fall affects every aspect of God's good creation, and that redemption will extend as far as the Fall. It is the middle point that Kauflin is not reckoning with. It is true that various cultures have differing styles of music that may and even should be used.
But it does not follow that all styles in every culture are acceptable. To assert this would be to assert that the Fall has affected every aspect of creation except musical styles. Finally, it is strange to assert that musical diversity should be employed to demonstrate the unity of the church when, in practice, introducing pop music into the church has been divisive for many congregations.
Our unity is in the gospel and not in musical styles, but insofar as musical styles connect to our sanctification, they impinge on the gospel. Thus those who resist bringing Fall-distorted styles into the church are right in their resistance and those who introduce them bring division to the church that is, by their own standard, unnecessary.The penultimate section of Worship Matters deals with tensions (e.g., between emphasizing God's immanence and his transcendence). Overall Kauflin does a good job of handling these tensions. A few times, however, his balancing seemed less thoughtful than it ought to have been. For instance, on inward and outward worship, Kauflin says that clapping, and other outward expressions of worship, must not be ignored in modern American worship because they appear in Scripture. But he fails to ask important questions that are necessary for careful application.
For instance, what was the clapping? Was it applause? Was it to keep rhythm, as is still the practice in some cultures? Was it something else or some of both?
Without asking these questions, one may assume that applauding a musical performance is more in keeping with Scripture than not applauding special music-but the assumption would be ill-considered. But for the most part Kauflin's handling of tensions is well done. He recognizes that in some of these pairings, one element is more important than the other. For instance, in dealing with whether worship service should be targeted to believers or unbelievers, Kauflin rightly says, 'Let's not ignore non-Christians when we gather to worship God.
But let's not allow them to dictate our direction, methods, and values either. Those have all been determined and modeled by the risen Savior' (204).How should those who disagree with Kauflin's approach to musical style view this book? First, most of the book is not about musical style.
Furthermore, Kauflin does seek to ground what he writes in Scripture. So much of this book is quite helpful. Second, we should be willing to be self-critical regarding our music. Traditional is not a sufficient standard for a church's music ministry.
Kauflin is careful enough with the content of the music in the worship services he leads that it is possible that the content of his worship music may be more substantial than the gospel songs that many musical conservatives employ. This could lead to an uncomfortable situation in which some people feel as though they must choose between a worship service of theologically rich but stylistically objectionable music or a service of theologically shallow but stylistically traditional music. Those of us who object to contemporary worship music should must ensure that this is not a choice that people feel themselves faced with. Third, the section on musical styles should be recognized as one of the weakest parts of the book.
The attempted Scriptural argumentation is thin and theologically flawed. In sum, this book is overall quite helpful while being flawed in a few significant areas.
Bob Kauflin finds a great balance here. While the book is primarily advice for worship leaders, and the band.or team; it is written so general church members can follow.In fact, this would actually be good for every member of the church.
We do often in our culture forget who the music, the worship is for. It’s easy to believe it’s about us, rather than God. Kauflin does a great job breaking down exactly why it’s about God alone.While most congregates will likely have little interest in this b Bob Kauflin finds a great balance here. While the book is primarily advice for worship leaders, and the band.or team; it is written so general church members can follow.In fact, this would actually be good for every member of the church.
We do often in our culture forget who the music, the worship is for. It’s easy to believe it’s about us, rather than God.
Kauflin does a great job breaking down exactly why it’s about God alone.While most congregates will likely have little interest in this book; I truly wish more worship leaders would read it and apply it. Kauflin has written a helpful book on how worship matters both on Sundays and throughout the week. His years of experience as a worship leader come through, but he also shows a firm understanding of the beauty of Scripture and how it informs our worship. Kauflin addresses practical matters surrounding worship and theological foundations for worship. My favorite parts of the book are his sections on healthy tensions to manage and his insight into the ideal relationship between a worship leader an Kauflin has written a helpful book on how worship matters both on Sundays and throughout the week. His years of experience as a worship leader come through, but he also shows a firm understanding of the beauty of Scripture and how it informs our worship. Kauflin addresses practical matters surrounding worship and theological foundations for worship.
My favorite parts of the book are his sections on healthy tensions to manage and his insight into the ideal relationship between a worship leader and pastor. “Worship is God's gift of grace to us before it's our offering to God.
We simply benefit from the perfect offering of the Son to the Father through the power of the Spirit (Ephesians 2:18). Worship is our humble, constant, appropriate, glad response to God's self-revelation and his enabling invitation.
Apart from this perspective, leading worship can become self-motivated and self-exalting. We can become burdened by the responsibility to lead others and can think that we might not be able to deliver the goods. We subtly take pride in our worship, our singing, our playing, our planning, our performance, our leadership. Ultimately we separate ourselves from the God who drew us to worship him in the first place. That's why biblical worship is God-focused (God is clearly seen), God-centered (God is clearly the priority), and God-exalting (God is clearly honored). Gathering to praise God can't be a means to some 'greater' end, such as church growth, evangelism, or personal ministry.
God isn't a genie we summon by rubbing the bottle called 'worship.' He doesn't exist to help us get where we really want to go. God is where we want to go. So God's glory is the end of our worship, and not simply a means to something else.
Worship Matters Bob Kauflin Ebooking 2
In the midst of a culture that glorifies our pitiful accomplishments in countless ways, we gather each week to proclaim God's wondrous deeds and to glory in his supreme value. He is holy, holy, holy. There is no one, and nothing, like the Lord.”—.