Worship Blog For Worship Leaders
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Thursday 5 February 2015

Worship Books - Top 100 Books on Worship for Worship Leaders

This is a follow up to the Top 20 books on worship we compiled in 2009. Using the feedback we received after writing that list and after extensive research we've expanded the list to include the top 100 books on worship! There were a few that we wanted to include which were out of print so unfortunately we've had to leave these out. There are plenty of worship books that have inspired and helped lots of worship leaders and worship pastors here as well as some books that cover the broader theology of worship.

I'm sure there are plenty more worship books out there but we'll list the ones that have been recommended by lots of people as I think you'll enjoy reading them. Please let me stress - these books on worship are not in any particular order. If you like the sound of them click the links to read the reviews on Amazon.


1. Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin



"Bob loves God, values theology, and cares about people. This mix is found throughout this wonderful and helpful book. Worship Matters will inspire you as a worshiper and spur you on as a leader of worship."
Matt Redman


2. The Unquenchable Worshipper by Matt Redman



The Unquenchable Worshipper issues a passionate call for a return to an unadulterated, first-love lifestyle of worship. In his first book release, respected worship leader and songwriter Matt Redman writes: "The revelation of God is the fuel for the fire of our worship. And there is always more fuel for the fire. When we open the eyes of our heart, God's revelation comes flying at us from so many different angles." Open the eyes of your heart and let the gut-level message of The Unquenchable Worshipper cause you, like martyred missionary Jim Elliot, to say, "Saturate me with the oil of Thy Spirit, that I may be aflame. Make me Thy fuel O flame of God."

It's time to dive into the heart of worship-will you take the plunge?


3. To know you more by Andy Park



Andy Park writes, "I've learned through the years that becoming a worship leader involves far more than developing a set of skills--it's all about developing a life in God."Here's your opportunity to sit at the feet of one who has for twenty-five years led contemporary worship services in the United States and Canada. In Park's book you'll get an inside look at how this worship leader has learned to follow the leading of the Spirit as he brings others into God's presence. And you'll find practical advice, experienced counsel and inspiring ideas on a variety of issues like

    * songwriting
    * pulling together a team
    * staying humble
    * planning the flow of worship
    * what to do in times of dryness
    * working with the pastor
    * and much more!

Above all, Park will help you discover what it means for you as a worship leader to be first and foremost a worshiper.


4. Facedown by Matt Redman



God wants us to be more than aware of His presence. He implores us to be awestruck by it-literally consumed with passion and adoration! How do we reach this state? By totally surrendering to God through worship. Facedown shows why we need to go deeper into the wonder, awe and mystery of God's presence. Only then will we find ourselves lying prostrate before the Lord-facedown in worship. The premise of Matt Redman's newest book is grounded in three biblical examples-Ezekiel 1, Daniel 10 and Revelation 7-which all reveal that the worship going on before the heavenly throne is facedown. All believers will be exhilarated by this heaven-sent beacon as it lights their way to being undone by God's eternal glory.


5. Holding Nothing Back by Tim Hughes



Holding Nothing Back is a book provoking us to worship God wholeheartedly - with all of our heart, mind and strength, giving everything we are in worship. Tim also writes on the themes of creativity, humility, adoration and the greatness of God


6. How Would Jesus Lead Worship? by Sam and Sara Hargreaves



This title shows how worship is less about our preferred music style and more an attitude of the heart towards God. It examines what we can learn from the life of Jesus about the foundational values for worship. It offers many practical examples and ideas to help creative worship flourish in the local church. It is written in a lively informal style, while rooted in mature biblical reflection. It includes 'worship experience' sections to encourage readers to pause and worship! It is suitable for those responsible for leading worship in the local church looking for practical material, worship leaders and team members looking for ideas to enhance creativity in worship, and church leaders wanting biblically-based reflections on the wider issue of why worship is a key part of growing as a Christian. The authors draw on their experience as worship leaders to offer both down-to-earth teaching and practical examples and ideas to help creative worship flourish in the local church. They remind us that if we allow Jesus to inspire our worship, we will find it becoming rooted in Christ-like attitudes towards God, one another, our community, and the wider world.


7. Warrior Poets by Robin Mark



This book is about worship. It s about how absolutely important worship is and how, perhaps, it is the highest calling and occupation of the believer. But it s not about excellence of musicianship in played and sung worship. It s not about personalities or individuals, or specially gifted folks, or style, or technique. It s not a how to book, or a work book, or a here s a service schedule that s bound to work type book. It s about how God calls us all to be His worshippers and how, perhaps, every single one of us can, through a deeper understanding of worship, make an impact and a difference in the society in which we live.


8. Whatever Happened to Worship?: A Call to True Worship by A. W. Tozer



Decrying much of comtemporary worship as entertainment, Tozer pleads for an insistence on making worship genuine and forsaking the compulsion to substitute work for worship.


9. Desiring God by John Piper



Scripture reveals that the great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. In this paradigm-shattering classic, newly revised and expanded, John Piper reveals that the debate between duty and delight doesn't truly exist: Delight is our duty. Readers will embark on a dramatically different and joyful experience of their faith.


10. People in the Presence of God by Barry Liesch



This one-of-a-kind book offers biblical perspective, historical awareness, musical and artistic sensitivity, authentic reverence, and creative stimulation for anyone who is interested in appreciating and renewing worship according to biblical models.

Is there one correct way for the people of God to worship him? It turns out that Scripture offers many models and forms for worship, all of which are acceptable but not necessarily appropriate or functional in a particular setting. Barry Liesch, a professor of music at Biola University, helps his readers to grasp that fact and it's implications for worship in the church today. This is a one-of-a-kind book for many kinds of readers in all kinds of churches. It offers biblical perspective, historical awareness, musical and artistic sensitivity, authentic reverence, and creative stimulation for worship leaders, church musicians, study groups, pastors, worship committees, and a host of others who are interested in appreciating and renewing worship according to biblical models.


11. The Air I Breathe by Louie Giglio



Not everyone may frequent the church on the corner, but we each have a place of worship. For some, it’s at the office. For others, before the mirror. Still others, on the basketball court. You were created to worship! So you naturally find a place to do it. But to worship anything less than God robs both Him and us. It’s at the foot of the cross where we reel, trying to comprehend how a holy God could chase us down with kindness and redeem us from an eternity of futile gods. In this newly revised and refreshed edition of the original The Air I Breathe, you’ll find your sense of worship increasing beyond church walls or a Sunday routine. Soon all of life becomes your delighted response to God!

"Some of the most inspiring teaching on worship I’ve ever heard has come from Louie Giglio. This book has inspired me as a worshiper and as a worship leader."
Matt Redman


12. Exploring Worship: A Practical Guide to Praise and Worship by Bob Sorge



"One of the important books of this generation, it establishes balance, a strong theological base for the worship experience, along with very practical down to earth guidelines for developing worship within the local church". - Thomas F.


13. The Heart of the Artist by Rory Noland




"I wish I had your gift!"

How do you handle those words as a creative artist? When you’re good at what you do, is it really humble to hem and haw in the face of praise?

Between pride and self-abasement lies true humility—just one aspect of the balanced character God wants to instill in you as an actor, a musician, a visual artist, or other creative person involved in ministry. He’s interested in your art and your heart.

The Heart of the Artist is like no other book you’ve read. Written for artists by an artist, this frank, knowledgeable book deals head-on with issues every person in an arts ministry faces. With passion and conviction that come from personal experience, Rory Noland, music director for Willow Creek Community Church, addresses topics such as: Servanthood Versus Stardom, The Artist in Community, Excellence Versus Perfectionism, Jealousy and Envy, Managing Your Emotions and The Spiritual Disciplines of the Artist

The Heart of the Artist will help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your unique place in the body of Christ. You’ll find wisdom and encouragement that can help you survive the challenges and reap the rich joys of a ministry in the creative arts.


14. Extravagant Worship by Darlene Zcshech



"When church historians reflect on the worship revolution that happened around the turn of the 21st century, Darlene Zschech will be credited for playing a major role" - Bill Hybels

While challenging the Christian in the congregation to be an extravagant worshiper, Zschech also presents valuable insights and help for the worship leader. These are the words of a woman of God who lives what she writes.



15. The Power of Praise and Worship by Terry Law



You can get through life's tragedies when you praise and worship the Lord! With gut-wrenching honesty, authors Terry Law and Jim Gilbert detail the tragedies in Terry's life that led him to a deep dimension of Divine teamwork. Terry Law's journey took him throughout the United States, through war-torn Afghanistan, and ancient Egypt to discover three spiritual truths expressed in worship and praise. God put these three spiritual powerhouses in your personal arsenal to use against the enemy: 1.The Word of God. 2.The Name of Jesus. 3.The Blood of Jesus. Arm yourself praise and worship are tools that break through the heavenlies all the way to the throne of God. As the author proves the sacrifice of praise and the blessing of worship saved his life. You, too, will be healed from the past and enjoy new hope for the future. You can handle all of life's tragedies through The Power of Praise and Worship.


16. Engaging With God: A Biblical Theology on Worship by David Peterson



Worship is of immense concern in the church and ironically the source of controversy and dispute. Can we get behind the question of what style of worship we should engage in to understand the bedrock foundation for God's people--honoring him as he desires? Is the dissatisfaction with worship voiced by so many perhaps a result of our having wandered from biblical teaching on the subject?

Through careful exegesis in both Old and New Testaments, David Peterson unveils the total life-orientation of worship that is found in Scripture. Rather than determining for ourselves how we should worship, we, his people, are called to engage with God on the terms he proposes and in the way he alone makes possible.

This book calls for a radical rethinking of the meaning and practice of worship, especially by those responsible for leading congregations. Here is the starting place for recovering the richness of biblical worship.


17. Real Worship: Playground, Battleground, or Holy Ground? by Warren Wiersbe



With 50,000 copies sold, the first edition of Real Worship helped many pastors and worship leaders make biblical sense in the controversy surrounding worship and worship styles. This second edition contains new chapters on taking worship seriously, planning balanced worship, and tradition in worship. A question-and-answer section, a bibliography, and a Scripture index have also been added.

While many books deal with how to worship, they fail to give a definition of true worship. Warren Wiersbe defines what worship is and the four elements it involves: wonder, witness, warfare, and wisdom. As he discusses such controversial issues as art, liturgy, worship styles, and music, Wiersbe keeps the focus on God and demonstrates the balance of worship for which every church should strive.

Real Worship is both biblically based and autobiographical, containing personal testimony, anecdotes, and illustrations from Wiersbes pastoral experience.

The first edition of this book was published by Thomas Nelson in 1986.


18. Unceasing Worship: Biblical Perspectives on Worship and the Arts by Harold M. Best



Too often Christians have only thought of worship in terms of particular musical styles or liturgical formats. But a proper view of worship is far larger than what takes place in churches on Sunday mornings. All of us, Christian or not, are always worshiping, whether or not that worship is directed toward God. We are unceasing worshipers.

In this fruition of a lifetime of study, reflection and experience, Harold Best casts a holistic vision for worship as continuous outpouring in all settings and contexts. With careful exposition and eloquent analysis, Best addresses popular misunderstandings about the use of music and offers correctives toward a more biblically consistent practice of artistic action.

Incisive, provocative, profound and comprehensive, Best's landmark volume is one by which all other statements on worship and the arts will be measured.


19. Inside Out Worship: Insights for Passionate and Purposeful Worship by Matt Redman



I have really enjoyed this book. The worship team I am part of is currently using this as a study & it has been great. It has short sections, which are easy for a big group with lots of discussion. Redman asks thought-provoking questions to jump-start those discussions. It has provided lots of insight in how worship doesn't end when we leave church. We worship all the time, in everything that we do. It's been an eye-opening book for anyone, but especially those involved with worship leading. Plus it's so small, I can stick it in my purse and read it whenever I have a few spare minutes! - Reviewer on Amazon


20. Praise Habit: Finding God in Sunsets and Sushi by David Crowder



Praise is something we are, not something we do. This book reflects on psalms from The Message//Remix and explains how to develop a habit of praise in your everyday life. Learn a new way of thinking about praise––focusing on it as a lifestyle, not an event.

Back Cover: Be glad, good people! Fly to GOD! Good-hearted people, make praise your habit. Psalm 64:10 Praise is something we are, not something we do. So if you’ve always thought that praise consists only of singing a couple mediocre songs on Sunday morning, you’ve missed the point. In his first book, popular musician David Crowder introduces you to a new way of thinking about praise––focusing on it as a lifestyle, not an event. David reflects on psalms from The Message//Remix and explains how to develop a habit of praise in your everyday life. A praise habit is not just possible; it’s the very reason we were created. Live in constant awe of God and watch what He does next. "Here is a book about a guy who wants to give something back to God and is interested in helping you and me do the same. He might have accidentally stumbled upon the meaning of life. Dave Crowder is a good writer, and he dares to tell us the truth about himself and his calling.

This one is worth reading." - Donald Miller, author, Blue Like Jazz


21. Dealing with the Rejection and Praise of Man by Bob Sorge


Rejection. Ugh! Many of us have been devoured by its ravages, and most of us have also given it out. Praise. Now there's a happier word! But the sinister tentacles of man's praise constantly seek to disqualify God's servants from their highest inheritance. Learn how to hold your heart before God in a way that pleases Him in the midst of both rejection and praise from people.

22. Envy - The Enemy Within : by Bob Sorge



Envy might well be termed the silent sin. Because while all of us envy others to some extent, few of us acknowledge our problem out loud, let alone try to overcome it and move forward. Bob Sorge draws upon his own pastoral experience--plus the admitted burden of his own envy--to show why and how it can adversely affect the ministry of a church and even prevent revival in people's lives. Sorge reveals why comparison of our ministry and spiritual gifts to that of our fellow believers is to be avoided at all costs so that we do not hamstring God's plan for our growth and the accomplishment of His purposes. This is a must-read for leaders of all churches, great and small--and anyone who wants the peace that comes with a life free of envy.


23. The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life by A.W.Tozer



The Knowledge of the Holy by popular evangelical author and Christian mystic A.W. Tozer illuminates God’s attributes—from wisdom, to grace, to mercy—and in doing so, attempts to restore the majesty and wonder of God in the hearts and minds of all Christians. A modern classic of Christian testimony and devotion, The Knowledge of the Holy shows us how we can rejuvenate our prayer life, meditate more reverently, understand God more deeply, and experience God’s presence in our daily lives.


24. God Songs by Paul Baloche




This instructional book by songwriters Paul Baloche and Jimmy & Carol Owens covers basic songwriting principles like how to develop a song after inspiration comes, 30 characteristics that make a song memorable, 16 shared qualities of great worship songs and 12 keys to unlock writer's block. You will also learn how to gain the listener's attention quickly, find fresh ways of expressing worship and choose just the right words. God Songs also contains advice on how to make your song its best before releasing it, how to get your songs heard and used by others, and ways to minister most effectively with your music. Song stories and advice from writers and publishers such as Darlene Zschech, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Bart Millard, Craig Dunnagan and Rita Baloche are also included.

25. Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley



The Next Generation Leader has been challenging young Christians eager to learn, grow, and lead in ministry or in the marketplace since its original release in 2003. Now with an all-new look, this repackaged version continues to advance the mission of the first release. Mentoring young leaders as they face the unique issues of a changing world has been pastor and bestselling author Andy Stanley’s passion for more than a decade. Here he shares material from his leadership training sessions, developed to address essential leadership qualities such as character, clarity, courage, and competency. This is the perfect guide for any new leader—or for the mentor of a future leader!


26. Who Stole My Church: What to Do When the Church You Love Tries to Enter the 21st Century by Gordon Mac Donald



A storm hits a small New England town late one evening, but the pelting rain can’t keep a small group of church members from gathering to discuss issues that lately have been brewing beneath the surface of their congregation. They could see their church was changing. The choir had been replaced by a fl ashy “praise band.” The youth no longer dressed in their “Sunday best.” The beautiful pipe organ sat unused. How will this group overcome a deepening rift in their fellowship and nourish the relationship between the young and old? Can their church survive or even thrive?

Who Stole My Church? is a fictional story that tells the all too real tale of many church communities today. In this book you can walk alongside an imaginary community, led by real life pastor Gordon MacDonald and his wife, Gail, and discover how to meet the needs of all believers without abandoning the dreams and desires of any.


27. Knowing God by J.I. Packer




One of the top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals (Christianity Today, 2006)
Platinum Book Award, Evangelical Christian Publishing Association For over 40 years, J. I. Packer's classic has been an important tool to help Christians around the world discover the wonder, the glory and the joy of knowing God. In 2006, Christianity Today voted this title one of the top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals. This edition is updated with Americanized language and spelling and a new preface by the author. Stemming from Packer's profound theological knowledge, Knowing God brings together two important facets of the Christian faith— knowing about God and also knowing God through the context of a close relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. Written in an engaging and practical tone, this thought-provoking work seeks to transform and enrich the Christian understanding of God. Explaining both who God is and how we can relate to him, Packer divides his book into three sections: The first directs our attention to how and why we know God, the second to the attributes of God and the third to the benefits enjoyed by a those who know him intimately. This guide leads readers into a greater understanding of God while providing advice to gaining a closer relationship with him as a result.


28. Quiet Moments for Worship Leaders: Scriptures, Meditations, and Prayers  by Marty Parks





Leading others in worship is a rewarding ministry. But sometimes the business of choosing music, coordinating rehearsals, and leading services can overshadow your own time of worship and communion with God.Before authentic worship can flow into others, it must be purified and enriched in the water of God’s truth. Quiet Moments for Worship Leaders is a collection of daily meditations and devotionals that invite worship leaders, pastors, and other members to step away from the noise and stress of their day and spend a few moments in the quietness of God’s worship and the confidence of His Word. Using the ageless writings of the Book of Psalm, Marty Parks explores the honest words of David, Asaph, and others; and shares how their passion for worship, their love of God’s word, and even their colossal failures, offer us comfort and inspire us to infuse our lives with the strength and truth of His Word.

29. The Effective Praise and Worship Leader: 8 Keys to Leading Others by Ron Kenoly




Often times the role of a contemporary praise and worship leader who leads the people to worship in spirit and truth has been generally undervalued and grossly misunderstood. Pastors and other pulpit ministers depend on the worship leader to prepare an environment for the manifest presence of God. Through the praise and worship portion of the service, church leaders want the hearts and minds of the congregation to be ready to recieve the prepared word given from the pulpit. Many times church leaders do not have a clue of what or how to specifically accomplish that task. They do know that they want good anointed music and that is one of the few things that many appointed worship leaders and pastors have in common. 
Sometimes you have praise and worship leaders who have no clue of what they are supposed to be doing or trying to accomplish in the natural or spiritual realms. Yes, they may sing and play well on the instruments but they do not really know how to facilitate the manifestation of the presence of God.

30. Facing The Music: The Worship Leader In The Evangelical Church by Dr. Robert Dusek




Facing the Music is a book about worship leading. But it is also a book about much more than just the act of leading or the theory of leadership. It dives deep into the calling, spirit and motivation of the worship leader. It invites us to move beyond "singing the song" and towards "becoming the song." It speaks of worship not as something we do, but rather something we are. It celebrates a lifestyle of worship and leads us to a level of transparency and intimacy before Jesus Christ. Facing the Music may challenge your preconceptions about worship leading-it may make you uncomfortable about some things. But in the end, the call, as A.W. Tozer once said, to "Take worship out of the hands of man and place it in the hands of God where it belongs," rings loud and clear throughout its passages. Dr. Robert Dusek is the Worship and Arts Pastor at Centerpoint Community Church in Arvada, Colorado. Prior to being called to the ministry, Dr. Dusek toured as a concert pianist and had several of his compositions and performances published and recorded. His passion now is for a rebirth of authenticity and transparency in the worship of God, and to that end he has worked with and coached several Denver area praise teams and has been a proponent of multi-church praise and worship gatherings. Robert lives at home with his wife whom he loves and his dog whom he tolerates.

31. The Worship Leader's Handbook: Practical Answers to Tough Questions by Tom Kraeuter





"For all the worship-leading questions you've shelved because there was, literally, no one to ask . . . shelve no more. The Worship Leader's Handbook is Worship Leading 101 plus a whole lot more, condensing years of worship-leading experience into one thoughtful, easy-access digest. User-friendly question and answer format. Don't lead another service without it!" 

--Sally Morganthaler, author of Worship Evangelism and regular columnist for Worship Leader

32. My Heart's Desire: Living Every Moment in the Wonder of Worship by David Jeremiah




G.K. Chesterton famously said, "The world is not lacking in wonders, but in a sense of wonder." Especially in an age of cynicism, this sense of wonder, according to Jeremiah, is at the heart of true worship. They are both, he writes, "about coming to the end of our measurements." Jeremiah, pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, Calif., and author of A Bend in the Road and The Handwriting on the Wall, joins the throng of popular pastors (Jim Cymbala, Steve Fry, etc.) writing books about "practicing the presence of God."

33. 
The Complete Worship Leader by Kevin J. Navarro



In this concise and clearly written handbook, worship leaders from every denomination and musical style will find a wealth of information on how to develop their leadership skills and improve the effectiveness of corporate worship. Kevin J. Navarro explains the four basic elements that are crucial to becoming an effective worship leader: theology, discipleship, artistry, and leadership.

34. 
The Worship Maze: Finding a Style to Fit Your Church by Paul Basden



Worship has become a problem. It is the center of the Christian life, but like so much else in our kaleidoscopic late-modern world, worship has gotten complicated. Confusing. And even controversial. Church leaders and laypeople have joined the debate over "traditional," "contemporary" and a growing array of other worship styles. Pastor (and professor) Paul Basden believes worship should be the occasion of praise and celebration, not conflict. In this book he gently, insightfully and encouragingly leads all of us bewildered church folk through today's worship maze.

35. 
Designing Worship Teams: Finding & Nurturing Leaders for Creative Worship by Cathy Townley



"Plug and Chug" is the way churches have planned worship for years. You start with the same order of worship for every service, plug different hymns and readings into their respective slots, and chug right along. It makes the job of worship planner, usually done by the senior pastor, seem much easier. In a church in which the senior pastor or staff member does everything, worship needs to be cranked out lest it cause burnout.

36. Authentic Worship: Hearing Scripture's Voice, Applying Its Truths by Herbert W. and Bateman IV




An authoritative new look at one of the most contentious and potentially divisive areas of church planning—worship styles and preferences.

37. The 
Praise and Worship Team Instant Tune-Up by Douglas and Tami Flather



Pastors Worship Team Leaders Vocalists & Instrumentalists Sound People Do You Want Your Worship Team to . . . * get the most out of rehearsal time? * craft a professional sound, even with just a few instruments? * cultivate the 10 most important skills vocalists need for contemporary music? * teach new songs to the congregation--painlessly? * create and use dynamic presentation skills? Expert advice is here for all the above and a whole lot more. The Praise and Worship Team Instant Tune-Up is the next best thing to having a seasoned professional director coach your team personally through all the ins and outs of worship ministry!

38. 
And Now Let's Move into a Time of Nonsense: Why Worship Songs are Failing the Church by Nick Page



Have you ever felt frustrated with the words of the worship songs that we sing? Why are they so forgettable? Why are they filled with such weird language? Where have all the writers gone? 

Combining humour with strong argument, Nick Page analyses how worship song writers have bought into a disposable, 'pop-song' model; how they have filled their songs with a kind of semi-Biblical code and how songs suffer from poor technique and a lack of specialist lyric writers. Above all it encourages writers to really think about the words of their songs and whether they really communicate truth about God - truth which should lead to worship. Passionate, controversial and laugh-out-loud funny, this is essential reading for Christians today.

39. Worship Old and New by Robert E. Webber




A worship that will have staying power is a worship that is firmly grounded in the old, yet aware of and concerned for new ways to respond to the old, old story.” In the first edition of Worship Old and New, Robert E. Webber introduced an approach to worship that blended historical and traditional practices with contemporary elements. Since then, the spreading fires of worship renewal have provided opportunity for fresh consideration. This significantly revised edition is the result of Webber’s interaction with current worship trends. It is intended to be used both in the classroom and by those who want to improve worship in the local church. Reformatted for an easier, logical approach to worship theology, this revised edition of Worship Old and New is divided into four major sections, addressing the biblical foundation of worship, its theology, its history, and its practice.

40. 
Worship Evangelism by Sally Morgenthaler


In Worship Evangelism, Sally Morgenthaler calls the church to consider the remarkable, untapped potential of worship as an opportunity of those who aren't yet followers of Jesus Christ as well as those who are to encounter the presence of God. Combining the best of traditional and contemporary worship music and practices, Morgenthaler shows how to achieve worship that's both culturally relevant and authentic. She helps pastors, worship leaders, and musicians - Understand worship and its attraction for non-Christians - Tear down walls that keep unbelievers from meeting God in church worship - Make worship evangelism happen--in any culture Morgenthaler draws on sound research and her extensive experience as a worship leader to offer an energetic, hands-on approach. Now with a study guide that encourages group discussion and personal action, this timely book offers fresh vision for worship evangelism and provides the strategies to implement it.

41. Worship His Majesty by Jack Hayford





The Father certainly doesn't need our praise, yet He prescribes worship as a daily activity. Why? Pastor Jack Hayford shows that God graces His people with worship as a gift, not a demand. Worship liberates God's people to discover genuine wholeness only as they recognize and acknowledge the holiness of God. In this classic work, Hayford examines the lives of more than a dozen biblical figures to describe the fulfilling effects of worship, including seven truths Jesus revealed about the blessings of praise.

42. 
The Power Of Praise And Worship by Terry Law



You can get through life's tragedies when you praise and worship the Lord! With gut-wrenching honesty, authors Terry Law and Jim Gilbert detail the tragedies in Terry's life that led him to a deep dimension of Divine teamwork. Terry Law's journey took him throughout the United States, through war-torn Afghanistan, and ancient Egypt to discover three spiritual truths expressed in worship and praise. God put these three spiritual powerhouses in your personal arsenal to use against the enemy: 1.The Word of God. 2.The Name of Jesus. 3.The Blood of Jesus. Arm yourself praise and worship are tools that break through the heavenlies all the way to the throne of God. As the author proves the sacrifice of praise and the blessing of worship saved his life. You, too, will be healed from the past and enjoy new hope for the future. You can handle all of life's tragedies through The Power of Praise and Worship.

43. 
The Worship Kenbook by Gangai Victor



"Everything from the heart of a worshiper, creating set lists, effective rehearsals, forming teams, using visuals and so on.  There's something for everyone." - ALASTAIR VANCE, worship leader & songwriter, Story Church, USA

"The Worship Kenbook" is not just another 'how to' on Christian worship but God's prophetic message delivered to both the parishioner and the worship leader with a great sense of passion to it." - YOHAN PERERA, Founder of The Virtual Preacher, Sri Lanka

44. Worship: Adoration and Action by D.A. Carson




This final volume in the series grew out of a feeling that much current interest in and discussion of worship are too much preoccupied with mere mechanics. To counter this, the book offers: a biblical theology of worship is explored (unfortunately in two separate chapters) and then various reflections upon the practice of worship if nine different contexts. In the final part the Croat theologian Miroslav Volf concludes that worship ‘is the outworking of God-centredness in individual and corporate experience.’ If you come across this 5-volume set second-hand somewhere, snap it up while you can.

45. 
Worship by the Book by D.A. Carson



What is at stake is authenticity. . . . Sooner or later Christians tire of public meetings that are profoundly inauthentic, regardless of how well (or poorly) arranged, directed, performed. We long to meet, corporately, with the living and majestic God and to offer him the praise that is his due.”—D. A. Carson Worship is a hot topic, but the ways that Christians from different traditions view it vary greatly. What is worship? More important, what does it look like in action, both in our corporate gatherings and in our daily lives? These concerns—the blending of principle and practice—are what Worship by the Book addresses.

46. 
Worship in Spirit and in Truth by John Frame



This fresh, practical study of worship throws needed light on questions about worship content, music, atmosphere, structure, freedom, clarity, recent trends and much more. You will profit from this insightful look at the kind of worship that pleases God.

47. 
The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle



When Phyllis Tickle's marvelous devotional trilogy The Divine HoursTM appeared, readers responded with gratitude, praise, and a great many requests for an edition of hourly prayers that they could easily carry with them--an edition that would make this ancient form of Christian worship compatible with the pace and mobility of modern life.
Now, in The Divine Hours Pocket EditionTM, Tickle has gathered one full week of fixed-hour prayers, providing an ideal companion for travelers, office-workers, people on retreat or pilgrimage, as well as newcomers to this age-old spiritual practice.

48. 
For All God’s Worth: True Worship and the Calling of the Church by N.T. Wright




This insightful book by N. T. Wright explores both the meaning and the results of Christian worship. Part 1, "The God Who Is Worthy of Praise," focuses on what worshiping God actually means. Wright celebrates the greatness and beauty of God as the ground and reason for worship and shows how reflection on who God is leads us to true, heartfelt worship (from "worth-ship"), as we seek to give God all he's worth.

49. 
Reaching Out without Dumbing Down: A Theology of Worship for this Urgent Time by Marva Dawn



Why do churches fight "worship wars"? Why do discussions about how to conduct worship often split into two vitriolic polarizes such as "traditional" verses "contemporary"? These "worship wars" prevent us from being the church. Working to bridge opposing sides in the various "worship wars," Marva Dawn here writes to help local parishes and denominations think more thoroughly about both worship and culture. She roots her discussion in a careful assessment of significant aspects of the prevent technological, boomer, postmodern society and names criteria by which to judge various cultural influences.

50. 
Worship is a Verb: Eight Principles for Transforming Worship by Robert Webber



Worship. It isn't an entertaining showcase for a talented soprano or a lecture on textual criticism or a pleasant weekly reunion of friends and family. Instead, true worship is a joyous celebration of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And as we actively turn our hearts toward God in earnest praise of God's great works, God in turn speaks to us and blesses us with a healing and renewing touch.In this life-changing and dynamic book, Robert Webber declares that worship is not "something done to us or for us, but by us." It is the most exhaustive demonstration of our faith and the most intimate form of relationship we can have with our Savior. Complete with a guide for group of personal study, "Worship Is a Verb" will show you how to leave the dull confines of the pew and enter the courts of the Living God.

51. 
The New Worship: Straight Talk on Music and the Church by Barry Wayne Liesch



Shows pastors how to balance new worship ideas with the traditional while focusing on the purpose of praise and fellowship.

52. 
Table Talk by Martin Luther



This anthology is a thorough introduction to classic literature for those who have not yet experienced these literary masterworks. For those who have known and loved these works in the past, this is an invitation to reunite with old friends in a fresh new format. From Shakespeare’s finesse to Oscar Wilde’s wit, this unique collection brings together works as diverse and influential as The Pilgrim’s Progress and Othello. As an anthology that invites readers to immerse themselves in the masterpieces of the literary giants, it is must-have.

53. Knowing Christ by Alister McGrath



Written in an accessible style that will appeal to Christians of all denominations, Knowing Christ aims to stimulate a more direct and intimate relationship between Christ and the reader by engaging not just the intellect but, more important, the heart and imagination. It is a work of spirituality saturated with biblical texts and themes, but it also draws on the rich tradition in art and literature of Christian reflection on the centrality of Christ throughout the ages. The result is a lively, engaging, and always inspiring book of twenty-first century spirituality from one of the world's most popular and respected Christian writers, a book that will strengthen the faith of all who read it.
54. A Royal Waste of Time: The Splendor of Worshiping God and Being Church for the World by Marva Dawn


Author of Reaching Out without Dumbing Down, Marva Dawn here insists that churches need to engage in a serious process of community discernment concerning worship in order to employ the best tools and forms, and she offers extensive reflections to further the discussion.

55. Introduction to Christian Worship by James F. White




Introduction to Christian Worship, Third Edition traces the development of the major forms of Christian worship, and includes discussion of the newest service books of the principal churches of North America and the British Isles. This staple of liturgical history is used widely in Protestant seminaries and is read by clergy and laity alike as an accurate, informative, and accessible introduction to all aspects of Christian worship. This revision keeps pace with the latest scholarship and includes more maps, tables, woodcuts, and photographs.

56. 
The Complete Library of Christian Worship by Robert Webber



This eight-volume series is designed to serve as a comprehensive reference for professors and students, an invaluable and practical tool for pastors and worship leaders, and an inspirational companion to Scripture for lay people. The series features the scholarship of over 600 contributing editors; resources from more than 150 publishers and several thousand texts and publications; and covers topics ranging from Old and New Testament worship to contemporary applications for music and the arts, Sunday worship, special seasons of the Christian year, and activities for outreach ministry.

57. 
The Rhythm of Life: Celtic Daily Prayer by David Adam



The rhythm of life on Holy Island where David Adams lives is ordered not only by the tides and the seasons but by the daily ringing of the church bell for prayer. Out of this tradition has risen his series of four daily prayer rituals that strengthen life.

58. 
A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer by John Piper



There is an appetite for God. And it can be awakened. I invite you to turn from the dulling effects of food and the dangers of idolatry, and to say with some simple fast: "This much, O God, I want you."

Our appetites dictate the direction of our lives - whether it be the cravings of our stomachs, the passionate desire for possessions or power, or the longings of our spirits for God. But for the Christian, the hunger for anything besides God can be an arch-enemy. While our hunger for God - and Him alone - is the only thing that will bring victory.

59. The Worship Answer Book by Rick Muchow




We need to learn to worship God in every area of our lives: at home, at work, in our cars . . . everywhere. Worship doesn't happen automatically; we must make some choices that will bring a real difference to our focus on God during worship. Most of us spend more time training on how to work at our computer than how to worship our Creator!

60. Pure Praise: A Heart-Focused Bible Study on Worship by Dwayne Moore




If your church's worship is on autopilot, this 9-week study will inspire new passion and understanding. The focus bypasses technique and timing; instead it zeroes in on the hearts of worship leaders and worshippers. An ideal study for any worship team or adult group grappling with the questions, "What is worship--and how can I worship more authentically?"

61. Captivated By The Heart Of God by David Good




Captivated By the Heart of God is a collection of daily devotionals written by a Worship Leader with 30 years experience leading worship. Combining scripture, life experience and anecdotes, these devotionals explore how to experience a deeper relationship with God.


62. Love Your God with All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland


We know that faith means “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV). Love Your God with All Your Mind explains the importance of using your mind not only to win others to Christ but also to experience personal spiritual growth. Author J. P. Moreland challenges you to use logic and reason to further God’s kingdom through evangelism, apologetics, worship, and vocation.

63.  
Music Through the Eyes of Faith by Harold Best




"Christian musicians know of the obligation to make music as agents of God's grace. They make music graciously, whatever its kind or style, as ambassadors of Christ, showing love, humility, servanthood, meekness, victory, and good example . . . Music is freely made, by faith, as an act of worship, in direct response to the overflowing grace of God in Christ Jesus."

Co-sponsored by the Christian College Coalition, this thought-provoking study of music-as-worship leads both students and experienced musicians to a better understanding of the connections between music making and Christian faith.

64. Chosen By God by R. C. Sproul




With nearly 200,000 copies sold in its 25 years, Chosen by God by Dr. R. C. Sproul is a contemporary classic on predestination, a doctrine that isn't just for Calvinists, says Sproul. It is a doctrine for all biblical Christians. In this updated and expanded edition of Chosen by God, Sproul shows that the doctrine of predestination doesn't create a whimsical or spiteful picture of God, but paints a portrait of a loving God who provides redemption for radically corrupt humans. We choose God because he has opened our eyes to see his beauty; we love him because he first loved us. There is mystery in God's ways, but not contradiction.

65. Let the Nations Be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Worship by John Piper



This new edition of a bestselling textbook (over 185,000 copies sold) draws on key biblical texts to demonstrate that worship is the ultimate goal of the church and that proper worship fuels missionary outreach. John Piper offers a biblical defense of God's supremacy in all things, providing readers with a sound theological foundation for missions. He examines whether Jesus is the only way to salvation and issues a passionate plea for God-centeredness in the missionary enterprise, seeking to define the scope of the task and the means for reaching "all nations." The third edition has been revised and expanded throughout and includes new material on the prosperity gospel. The book is essential reading for those involved in or preparing for missions work. It also offers enlightenment for college and seminary students, pastors, youth workers, campus ministers, and all who want to connect their labors to God's global purposes.

66.  
Worship, Community and the Triune God of Grace by James B. Torrance



Here is a book that sets our worship, sacraments, communion and language of God back on track. In a day when refinement of method and quality of experience are the guiding lights for many Christians, James Torrance points us to the indispensable who of worship, the triune God of grace. Worship is the gift of participating through the Spirit in the incarnate Son's communion with the Father, writes Torrance. This book explodes the notion that the doctrine of the Trinity may be indispensable for the creed but remote from life and worship. Firmly rooted in Scripture and theology, alive with pastoral counsel and anecdote, Torrance's work shows us just why real trinitarian theology is the very fiber of Christian confession.

67. Emerging Worship: Creating New Worship Gatherings for Emerging Generations by Dan Kimball



Churches are aging. Even among megachurches with their modern technology and huge number of members, whole generations are now missing. In order to reach the 18-35 year olds, churches need to incorporate alternative worship services into their ministries that meet the unique needs of the emerging generations. In a conversational, narrative style, author Dan Kimball guides church leaders on how to create alternative services from start to finish. Using anecdotes from his own experience at Graceland, Kimball presents six creative models, providing real-life examples of each type. Emerging Worship covers key topics including • Developing a prayer team • Evaluating the local mission field and context • Determining leaders and a vision-based team • Understanding why youth pastors are usually the ideal staff to start a new service • Recognizing the difference in values between emerging worship and the rest of the church • Asking critical questions beforehand

68. 
Christ-Centered Worship: Letting the Gospel Shape Our Practice by Bryan Chapell




The church's worship has always been shaped by its understanding of the gospel. Here the bestselling author of Christ-Centered Preaching brings biblical and historical perspective to discussions about worship, demonstrating that the gospel has shaped key worship traditions and should shape today's worship as well.

This accessible and engaging book provides the church with a Christ-centered understanding of worship to help it transcend the traditional/contemporary worship debate and unite in ministry and mission priorities. Contemporary believers will learn how to shape their worship based on Christ's ministry to and through them. The book's insights and practical resources for worship planning will be useful to pastors, worship leaders, worship planning committees, missionaries, and worship and ministry students.

69. Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, Restless World by Michael S. Horton




Radical. Crazy. Transformative and restless. Every word we read these days seems to suggest there’s a “next-best-thing,” if only we would change our comfortable, compromising lives. In fact, the greatest fear most Christians have is boredom—the sense that they are missing out on the radical life Jesus promised. One thing is certain. No one wants to be “ordinary.”

Yet pastor and author Michael Horton believes that our attempts to measure our spiritual growth by our experiences, constantly seeking after the next big breakthrough, have left many Christians disillusioned and disappointed. There’s nothing wrong with an energetic faith; the danger is that we can burn ourselves out on restless anxieties and unrealistic expectations. What’s needed is not another program or a fresh approach to spiritual growth; it’s a renewed appreciation for the commonplace.

70. Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation by James K.A. Smith



Malls, stadiums, and universities are actually liturgical structures that influence and shape our thoughts and affections. Humans-as Augustine noted-are "desiring agents," full of longings and passions; in brief, we are what we love. James K. A. Smith focuses on the themes of liturgy and desire in Desiring the Kingdom, the first book in what will be a three-volume set on the theology of culture. He redirects our yearnings to focus on the greatest good: God. Ultimately, Smith seeks to re-vision education through the process and practice of worship. Students of philosophy, theology, worldview, and culture will welcome Desiring the Kingdom, as will those involved in ministry and other interested readers.

71. Imagining the Kingdom: How Worship Works by James K.A. Smith




How does worship work? How exactly does liturgical formation shape us? What are the dynamics of such transformation? In the second of James K. A. Smith's three-volume theology of culture, the author expands and deepens the analysis of cultural liturgies and Christian worship he developed in his well-received Desiring the Kingdom. He helps us understand and appreciate the bodily basis of habit formation and how liturgical formation--both "secular" and Christian--affects our fundamental orientation to the world. Worship "works" by leveraging our bodies to transform our imagination, and it does this through stories we understand on a register that is closer to body than mind. This has critical implications for how we think about Christian formation.

72. 
The Lord's Service: The Grace of Covenant Renewal Worship by Jeffrey J. Meyers



Begun as a practical pastoral guide to worship, this book balances theory and praxis to create a compelling case for a biblical, aesthetic, and covenantal worship service as the place where the Triune God and His people renew the bonds of love and loyalty.
Jeffrey Meyers begins laying out a case for a covenant renewal service by means of Old Testament sacrificial liturgics, biblical typology, and covenant theology. He then guides us through the stages of a covenant renewal liturgy, explaining from Scripture the meanings of each step of the service. The final section addresses miscellaneous issues in worship, such as the use of creeds, the "regulative principle," and ministerial clothing.

Jeffrey Meyers provides not only a compelling biblical, theological, and historical case for covenant renewal worship, but also shows that it is beautiful, profound, edifying, and liberating.

73. Ancient-Future Worship: Proclaiming and Enacting God's Narrative by Robert Webber



With the many models of worship available, choosing a style to worship God can be a bit overwhelming. Is it better to go with traditional or contemporary models? Christians may find themselves asking how early believers worshiped and whether they can provide insight into how we should praise God today. Rooted in historical models and patristic church studies, Ancient-Future Worship examines how early Christian worship models can be applied to the postmodern church. Pastors and church leaders, as well as younger evangelical and emerging church groups, will find this last book in the respected Ancient-Future series an invaluable resource for authentic worship.

74. 
Give Praise to God: A Vision for Reforming Worship: Celebrating the Legacy of James Montgomery Boice by Philip Graham Ryken




This call for the doxological reformation of the church is offered to "ministers who lead their congregations in worship, musicians who seek a deeper understanding of the spiritual purpose of their work, [and] seminary students who are clarifying their commitment to biblical worship."

Give Praise to God continues the legacy of James Montgomery Boice by examining the biblical foundations for worship, the warranted elements of corporate worship, worship in the home and in all of life, and worship throughout the ages.

75. Exploring the Worship Spectrum: 6 Views by Paul Basde
n




What does worship look like? Is there just one truly right way to worship? Are there any wrong ways? To what extent should our unity as believers manifest itself in unified public worship? Sadly, disagreement over how we should worship our loving God has sparked some most unloving attitudes among Christians. Exploring the Worship Spectrum seeks to correct this. It provides a forum for presentation, critique, and defense of six prominent worship styles: •Formal-Liturgical – Paul Zahl •Traditional Hymn-Based – Harold Best •Contemporary Music-Driven – Joe Horness •Charismatic – Don Williams •Blended – Robert Webber •Emerging – Sally Morgenthaler This unique format allows those with a heart for worship to compare different perspectives and draw their own conclusions on what the Bible teaches.

76. 
Rhythms of Grace: How the Church's Worship Tells the Story of the Gospel by Mike Cosper




Is it singing? A church service? All of life? Helping Christians think more theologically about the nature of true worship, Rhythms of Grace shows how the gospel is all about worship and worship is all about the gospel. Mike Cosper ultimately answers the question: What is worship?

77. The 
Worship Architect by Constance M. Cherry



There are many books available on the topic of worship today, but few provide a comprehensive, practical method for worship design. Constance M. Cherry, a worship professor and practitioner, provides worship leaders with credible blueprint plans for successfully designing worship services that foster meaningful conversation with God and the gathered community. Readers will learn how to create services that are faithful to Scripture, historically conscious, relevant to God, Christ-centered, and engaging for worshipers of all ages in the twenty-first century. The book sets forth basic principles concerning worship design and demonstrates how these principles are conducive to virtually any style of worship practiced today in a myriad of Christian communities. It will also work well as a guide for worship-planning teams in local churches and provide insight for worship students, pastors, and church leaders involved in congregational worship.

78. 
Recalling the Hope of Glory: Biblical Worship from the Garden to the New Creation by Allen P. Ross



Moving beyond worship wars over style and denominational proclivities, this book considers all the major biblical passages about worship. Regardless of their denomination, pastors, worship leaders, and laypeople interested in the biblical themes of worship will benefit from this definitive resource.

79. A Primer on Worship and Reformation by Douglas Wilson





You Say You Want a Reformation?
It is no secret that our world desperately needs change. Politicians know this and use it to collect votes. Journalists exploit it to sell newspapers and magazines. Advertisers, to sell everything else. Each of these groups (and countless others) spend their lives working to convince others that they hold the key to a better country, a better life, a better future.

But what exactly is this change we all long for? And how can it ever come about?

A Primer on Worship and Reformation proposes that true change begins, not with a process or an idea, but through faithful worship.

80. With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship by D.G. Hart



Hart and Muether have produced a refreshing and informative primer on Reformed worship. Concerned with the integrity of Reformed worship in these days of the so-called "worship wars," the authors argue for a traditional Reformed approach they see as biblically and confessionally faithful. Simply put, worship must not be disconnected from its theological foundation. Responding to the trend of less formal, relaxed, and more user-friendly worship formats, the authors remind us that Christian public worship ought to reflect the antithesis between the church and the world. While worship should be intelligible, it should not be confused with evangelistic outreach and therefore ought not to lose its "alien" nature and heavenly focus. Hart and Muether discuss two key Reformed principles of worship, the "regulative" and the "dialogical." While you might not agree with everything the authors say, you will wrestle with essential issues of Reformed worship.

81. Beyond Smells and Bells: The Wonder and Power of Christian Liturgy by Mark Galli





Liturgy lures us through our senses, grounds us in a great tradition, and plants us in the midst of a diverse community, present and past.

Are you attracted to liturgy but don’t know why? Are you considering changing to liturgical tradition? Are you already immersed in liturgical worship but want to grasp its deeper significance? Beyond Smells and Bells addresses the lure and relevance of liturgy for your life today.

82. We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry by G.K. Beale



The heart of the biblical understanding of idolatry, argues Gregory Beale, is that we take on the characteristics of what we worship. Employing Isaiah 6 as his interpretive lens, Beale demonstrates that this understanding of idolatry permeates the whole canon, from Genesis to Revelation. Beale concludes with an application of the biblical notion of idolatry to the challenges of contemporary life.

83. Perspectives on Christian Worship: Five Views by J. Matthew Pinson




Perspectives on Christian Worship presents in counterpoint form five basic common beliefs on Christian worship that have developed over the course of church history with a view toward determining which is most faithful to Scripture. Each chapter is written by a prominent person within each tradition, and each writer has the opportunity to respond to each differing view.

84. Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns, How Pop Culture Rewrote the Hymnal by T. David Gordon




Changes in music have affected the way we think, the way we worship -- even the way we are able to worship. We are steeped in a culture of pop music that makes other genres seem strangely foreign and unhelpful.

Worship has become a conflict area, rather than a source of unity. T. David Gordon looks at these changes in worship and not only examines the problems, but also provides solutions. They are solutions of great importance to us all -- because how we sing affects how we live.

85. Worship, Revised and Expanded Edition: Reformed according to Scripture by Hughes Oliphant Old




Hughes Oliphant Old masterfully summarizes the worship of Israel and the early church and traces the development of worship through the period of the Reformation. He provides a sterling historical study that will be highly useful for pastors and church study groups as well as for scholars and students interested in Reformed worship. An extensive bibliography of resources for the study of Reformed worship adds to the value of this book.

86. The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God's Call to Justice by Mark Labberton




What's at stake in our worship? Everything. Worship is the dangerous act of waking up to God and God's purposes in the world. But something has gone wrong with our worship. Too often worship has become a place of safety and complacency, a narrowly private experience in which solitary individuals only express their personal adoration. Even when we gather corporately, we often close our eyes to those around us, focusing on God but ignoring our neighbor. But true biblical worship does not merely point us upward--it should turn us outward as well. In this prophetic wake-up call for the contemporary church, pastor Mark Labberton reconnects Christian worship with biblical justice. From beginning to end, worship must pursue justice and seek righteousness, translating into transformed lives that care for the poor and the oppressed. Labberton shows how to move beyond the comfort of safe worship to authentic worship that is awake to the needs of the world.

87. Doxology and Theology: How the Gospel Forms the Worship Leader by Matt Boswell




Doxology and Theology is a resource by worship leaders for worship leaders that clearly articulates how these two pieces join together. Contributions from eleven respected worship leaders around the country including Matt Papa (Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham), Aaron Keyes (Grace Church, Atlanta), Michael Bleecker (The Village Church, Dallas), and Zac Hicks (Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church, Denver) unite worship with themes of mission, disciple-making, the Word of God, the Trinity, family, and more.

88. Planning Blended Worship by Robert Webber




Planning Blended Worship: The Creative Mixture of Old and New is a guide to planning creative worship for congregations that follow the traditional fourfold pattern of worship (gathering, word, table, and dismissal), or those who prefer a free-church, evangelical style, but who are also interested in the core practices (space, texts, and so forth) that have characterized Christian worship throughout the centuries. Robert Webber designed this volume to show pastors, music directors, and other worship leaders the practical, structural, and theological steps for designing worship services characterized by biblical depth, historical awareness, and contemporary relevance. The author includes charts and forms at the end of each chapter that clearly show how music and other arts can be integrated with liturgical texts.

89. How To Worship Jesus Christ by Joseph S. Carroll




Can a normal person enter the presence of Christ or is that something that only happened for biblical characters? Maybe that question leads you to ask "What does it even mean to be in Jesus' presence?" In How to Worship Jesus Christ, Joseph Carroll explains what it means to enter Christ's presence and that it is something available to every Christian - through true worship.

There is much more to truly worshipping Jesus than simply church services and personal devotions. True worship requires complete commitment of emotions, intellect, and will, but the reward is great. Carroll points the reader into the presence of Christ by teaching practical steps of personal worship. He also draws on the habits and experiences of some of history's greatest saints to serve as examples and guides.

This deeply practical and personal book will help you know Jesus more intimately on a daily basis. It will draw readers close to Christ in a real way, to experience His presence, and to worship Him in ways far better than what most imagine to be possible.

90. A Brief History of Christian Worship by James F. White




Most histories of Christian worship are written as if nothing significant in liturgical history ever happened in North America, as if cultural diversities were insignificant in the development of worship, and as if most of what mattered were words the priest or minister addressed to God. This book is a revisionist work, attempting to give new direction to liturgical history by treating the experience of worship of the people in the pews as the primary liturgical document. It means liturgical history written facing the other way--that is, looking into the chancel rather than out of it. Relishing the liturgical diversity of recent centuries as firm evidence of Christianity's ability to adapt to a wide variety of peoples and places, Professor White shows that this tendency has been apparent in Chrisitian worship since its inception in the New Testament churches. Instead of imposing one tradition's criteria on worship, he tries to give a balanced and comprehensive approach to the development of the dozen or more traditions surviving in the modern world.

91. A Taste of Heaven: Worship in the Light of Eternity by R.C. Sproul




Modern Christians have shown their inability to agree on where to look for God's design of worship. Neither pop culture nor the status quo can provide us with satisfactory answers. We need a biblical reason for doing what we do when we worship God.

In A Taste of Heaven, Dr. R. C. Sproul searches the Scriptures, finding timeless principles from the worship practices of the Old Testament to guide worship today. God intends worship to be an unforgettable encounter between Himself and His people - a joyous experience engaging the worshiper's entire being.

92. Liturgical Theology: The Church as Worshiping Community by Simon Chan



Bad worship produces bad theology, and bad theology produces an unhealthy church. In Liturgical Theology, Simon Chan issues a call to evangelicals to develop a mature theology of the church--an ecclesiology that is grounded in the church's identity as a worshiping community. Evangelicals, he argues, are confused about the meaning and purpose of the church in part because they have an inadequate understanding of Christian worship. As a remedy for this ailment, Chan presents a coherent theology of the church that pays particular attention to the liturgical practices that have constituted Christian worship throughout the centuries. With a seasoned eye and steady hand, he guides the reader through these practices and unpacks their significance for theology, spirituality and the renewal of evangelicalism in the postmodern era. Chan's proposal advances the conversation among evangelicals regarding the relationship between theology and worship. In contrast to some theologians who have tended to emphasize a sociological analysis, Chan argues that we need to consider what is essential to the church's theological identity. Drawing on the larger Christian tradition, Chan argues that we discover that identity primarily in the structure and significance of Christian worship.

93. The Art of Curating Worship: Reshaping the Role of Worship Leader by Mark Pierson



The Art of Curating Worship promotes a new vocabulary to help worship curators work out how and why and where worship can best engage their community, inside and outside the church, in transformative encounters with God.

94. Protestant Worship by James F. White



Drawing on years of teaching experience, James F. White provides a unique, comprehensive overview of Protestant worship by examining the origins, development, and present characteristics of various Protestant groups. This study of Protestant worship is an excellent resource for seminary professors and students, clergy, church historians, and laypersons.

95. Experiential Worship: Encountering God with Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength by Bob Rognlien



How do you experience God in worship? Willfully? Emotionally? Intellectually? Physically? If your worship service doesn't involve all of the above, infuse it with a truer form of worship. Bob Rognlien explores how Jesus' Great Commandment, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength" (Mark 12:30), should center our experience of him. From Christ, we learn that biblical worship involves our: Volition (heart) Emotion (soul) Intellect (mind) Body (strength) Experiential Worship engages myriad aspects of human experience to draw people into a more complete, life-transforming encounter with God. Create a place where worshipers come face-to-face with the Father. Provocative and practical, this book will equip those of diverse backgrounds and churches of all sizes to build life-changing services that change lives for years to come.

96. Contemporary Worship Music: A Biblical Defense by John M. Frame





Contemporary Christian music has an increasing yet controversial influence on church worship today. This book discusses the topic from a biblical viewpoint and makes a case for using contemporary music in worship -- with theological integrity.

97. 
Covenantal Worship: Reconsidering the Puritan Regulative Principle by R.J. Gore Jr.



Worship is central to the Christian life. But how should the church order its worship to honor God and enrich his people? Gore assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the Puritan regulative principle of worship in light of biblical teaching, the Westminster Standards and Directory, and Calvin's view, with special attention to adiaphora. Gore submits this work, the product of twenty years of research, reflection, worship, and dialogue, ...not as the final word on the regulation of worship, but as a modest attempt to further the discussion. An excellent work....will both stimulate thought and help resolve some current controversies over worship. There is a good balance of appreciation and criticism of the Puritan heritage....A formulation that needs to be considered in our circles.

98. 
Enter His Courts with Praise!: Old Testament Worship for the New Testament Church by Andrew E. Hill



An exhaustive study of what the Old Testament says about worship renewal, including its form, function, place, and expression. Includes illustrations.

99. 
True Worship by Vaughan Roberts



What is the nature of true worship? What are we actaully doing when we meet together for 'church' on Sundays? And how does that connect with what we do the rest of the week? Vaughan Roberts answers these questions and more, as he brings readers back to the Bible in order to define what worship is and isn't, and what it should and shouldn't be. While we may struggle to define worship by arguing about singing hymns with the organ, versus modern songs with guitars and drums, or about the place of certain spiritual gifts, Roberts suggests we are asking the wrong questions. For true worship is more than this, —it is to encompass the whole of life. This book challenges us to worship God every day of the week, with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.

100. 
For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy by Alexander Schmemann


In For the Life of the World Alexander Schmemann suggests an approach to the world and life within it, which stems from the liturgical experience of the Orthodox Church. He understands issues such as secularism and Christian culture from the perspective of the unbroken experience of the Church, as revealed and communicated in her worship, in her liturgy - the sacrament of the world, the sacrament of the Kingdom.

7 comments:

  1. You might also consider "Shaping Worship" by Steve Baney, M. Div. It's a collection of 70 devotions written for worship leaders and teams about growing into the qualities of an excellent worship leader (Paperback http://www.lulu.com/shop/steve-baney/shaping-worship-70-devotions-for-worship-leaders-and-teams/paperback/product-20197138.html) (hardback and ebook also available)

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  2. Rather surprised not to see Worship by Graham Kendrick in the list (a real classic). Another one to consider is Salvation's song by Marcus Green which is a great NT study of the Greek word 'proskeinio' as used in Matthew's Gospel. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Salvations-Song-Marcus-Green/dp/1842911783

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  3. Looks like another update to the list will be required at some point :-)

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  4. Unlocking the Heart of the Artist and Creativity According to the Kingdom by Matt Tommey too!

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  5. I'd like to humbly offer the book on worship that I recently completed and is available at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Establishing-Culture-Lead-Worshipers-Worship-ebook/dp/B00LVI19L4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432934417&sr=8-1&keywords=steve+cass

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  6. Thanks for putting our book 'How would Jesus lead worship?' on this list - we're very honoured! Currently we're the only stockist, so head over to http://engageworship.org/book for a free sample chapter and to buy online. Sam & Sara

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  7. Hallelujah Factor by Jack Taylor. This is the best study on Praise I've seen. If the person has a bit of teacher in them they will love it.

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