Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God

Simply put, this book published by Crossway is from a music leader who clearly and convincingly asserts that music is not the most important thing during the singing portion of a Sunday service, or in his own life, for that matter. Instead of Worship Matters, Bob Kauflin, the director of worship development for Sovereign Grace Ministries could just as easily have called this The Gospel Matters, for that is really what this book is all about. <br /> <br />Does Kauflin provide pointed advice, tips and instructions specifically aimed at the music leaders of churches? Sure he does. He even goes so far as to make suggestions to them on detailed (seemingly minor) things such as how to properly project songs on a screen so that the congregation can fully benefit from what is being sung. But his primary concern throughout this book is to make it clear that the gospel is what matters, not the quality of the performance or even the music itself. Here are some of Kauflin's remarks about the importance of lyrical content over musical preference: <br /> <br /> Songs are defacto theology. They teach us who God is, what he's like, and how to relate to him. <br /> <br /> We need songs that have substantive, theologically rich, biblically faithful lyrics. A consistent diet of shallow, subjective worship songs tends to produce shallow, subjective Christians. <br /> <br /> Too often we can be tempted to choose songs because of the music rather than the theological content. We need to realize that when words are combined to music we can be deceived. Music can make shallow lyrics sound deep. <br /> <br />Kauflin says that, "the words we sing should also be clear, not obscure or subject to personal interpretation." Later in the book he uses as an example the song Draw Me Close to You by Kelly Carpenter, most notably (to me, anyway) sung by Michael W. Smith. Here are some of the lyrics to that song: <br /> <br /> Draw me close to you, never let me go. <br /> I lay it all down again, to hear you say that I'm your friend <br /> You are my desire, no one else will do. <br /> <br /> You're all I want. You're all I've ever needed. <br /> You're all I want. Help me know you are near. <br /> <br />Kauflin reflects on how meaningful the song was to him and his wife back in the mid nineties, but that over time he stopped using it in services. He explains in the book that, "The intensely personal lyrics allow room for different interpretations, not all of them helpful. The overall impression of the song is one of uncertainty rather than faith." <br /> <br />The concern that Kauflin has throughout the book on making sure his readers understand that clarity of the truth is the single most important thing in worship (be it in music, preaching or praying, etc.) is what I found to be the most beneficial thing in reading Worship Matters. He also repeatedly emphasized the importance of the local church, which is such an important truth that is under attack in today's electronic/MP3 church world where guys like George Barna do their surveys and then mislead Christians by telling them it's okay and even right not to be actively involved in a local church body. Kauflin counters that notion when he says, "God has so designed the church that it's impossible to grow in godliness and know the fullness of his grace apart from the church." <br /> <br />While I disagree with his continuationist position regarding things like tongues, miracles and the gift of prophecy (he talks at various times about giving prophetic impressions and even presenting those impressions spontaneously in services through song), I must say that this book was very beneficial to me, and I am not even a music leader. I think that demonstrates the strength of this book and the fact that Kauflin, while writing a book primarily aimed at "worship" leaders (those who lead music), has produced a great work that all can benefit from because of its focus: the gospel of Jesus Christ. <br /> <br />I recommend this book to anyone who desires to see what the heart of every Christian should be in worship - to do so in spirit and truth. Bob Kauflin is a great example of how we are to approach the worship of our Creator, not just on Sundays, but in every aspect of our lives.

Books on worship are almost as numerous as worship CDs. Good books on worship are almost as rare as good worship CDs. Thankfully, Bob Kauflin's new book Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God (Crossway, 2008) is not just a good book on worship; it's great! Kauflin serves as the worship leader for Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland and the director of worship development for Sovereign Grace Ministries. <br /> <br />"Worship matters. It matters to God because he is the one ultimately worthy of all worship. It matters to us because worshiping God is the reason for which we were created. And it matters to every worship leader, because we have no greater privilege than leading others to encounter the greatness of God. That's why it's so important to think carefully about what we do and why we do it." (19) <br /> <br />Whereas many books on worship emphasize skill and performance while other books stress the fervency and sincerity of the leader's heart, Kauflin refuses to pit one against the other. He spends considerable time speaking to the skill and excellence of the leader, but he also reminds leaders that "the greatest challenge is what you yourself bring to the platform each and every Sunday: your heart" (21). <br /> <br />What I found most helpful in Worship Matters was the dual emphasis Kauflin places on worshipping with the head as well as the heart. He stresses the importance of knowing God through his Word. He critiques worship leaders for rarely reading theology books (29) and says: <br /> <br />"The better we know God through his Word, the more genuine our worship will be. In fact, the moment we veer from what is true about God we're engaging in idolatry. Regardless of what we think or feel there is no authentic worship of God without a right knowledge of God." (28) <br /> <br />But Kauflin does not advocate a mere head-knowledge of God. He insists that "mind and heart belong together. Strong passionate desires for God flow from and encourage the faithful, thoughtful study of God - his nature, character, and works" (32). Rarely do you find worship leaders who so easily bring together fervent emotion and a passion for theology. <br /> <br />Kauflin defines the worship leader this way: <br /> <br />"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 in to live for God's glory." (55) <br /> <br />He then spends most of the book unpacking each phrase of this definition. He devotes two chapters to music, helpfully teaching that "it's the gospel that blends us together, not music" (105). He divides worship songs into four categories: <br /> <br />"Don't Use" <br />"In Private" <br />"Could Use" <br />"Should Use" <br /> <br />Regarding the Regulative Principle that teaches us to only do in a worship service that which is explicitly commanded in Scripture, Kauflin offers three nuanced and balanced principles: <br /> <br />Do what God clearly commands <br />Don't do what God clearly forbids. <br />Use Scriptural wisdom for everything in else. <br /> <br />Perhaps the most helpful section of Worship Matters comes toward the end. Kauflin lists what he calls "healthy tensions" in worship. For example: "Transcendent and Immanent. Head and Heart. Planned and Spontaneous. Rooted and Relevant. Skilled and Authentic." He shows how these tensions are good when they are properly balanced in pastoral wisdom and Scriptural teaching. <br /> <br />The last section of the book focuses on the worship leader's relationships. Regarding the role of the pastor, Kauflin says, <br /> <br />"God has given the pastor, not the worship leader, the ultimate responsibility for the direction of the church. That includes the musical portions of the meeting. When we are at odds, Scripture is clear: I am the one who needs to submit." (242) <br /> <br />Worship Matters is one of the best books on worship I have come across in recent years. Kauflin's wisdom and passion shine through on every page. If you had to read just one book on worship this year, choose Worship Matters. You won't be disappointed.

I am taking my worship team through Worship Matters right now. Those who are reading it are really enjoying it. Bob Kauflin's succinct and powerful way of presenting his points keeps the reader interested. He really relates well with worship leaders because of his vast experience as a worship pastor over many years. His emphasis on the importance of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit in leading worship is alone worth the price of the book. But Kauflin also delves into many more "nuts and bolts" topics that worship leaders and teams need to understand and apply. I recommend this book everywhere I go! --Dwayne Moore, author of Pure Praise: A Heart-focused Bible Study on Worship (Group Publishing, 2009)

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. <br /> <br />Kauflin unpacks what a worship leader does (see other reviews for the definition - I don't want to be needless repetitive), 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. <br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />Spread the word. This is a great book on worship! Thanks Bob Kauflin for serving the church with this book.

Worship Matters is an exceptional book for worship leaders, pastors, musicians, and everyone in between. Only two chapters into the book I had recommended it to other worship leaders. Filled with experience and insight, Kauflin uses scriptures and references to back up all that he explains. He is not afraid to tackle the issues that we, as worship leaders, deal with constantly yet are afraid to admit. Every chapter is unique and contains another heart issue to consider. <br />Worship Matters will cause it's reader to want to rise to the next level; to reach beyond themselves and what they have settled for; to expand their faith and reach for the high calling of Christ and all that it entails.