Question:
My Wife and I lead worship on a rotational basis at our church and we are looking for reference or study material dealing with worship.
I am 52 and she is a few years younger but we both enjoy the CCM and are big Hillsong fans. Our church is moving towards a less conservative paradigm from the leadership down and we would like to have reference materials that are biblically solid regarding contemporary music and worship.
We have a pretty eclectic service as far as music goes, we have 2 services.
the earliy service is more traditional and usually has more hymns but we throw in a softer versions of the more popular contemporay music, the second service generally has a distorted guitar for a song or 2 and the hymns are redone. We are blessed with a pretty good selection of pro-level musicians.
Any direction towards some good solid reference material will greatly appreciated
Rod
Answer:
Check out The Heart of the Artist by Rory Nolan from Willow Creek. It is an interesting perspective.
Answer:
Originally Posted by trpullen Check out The Heart of the Artist by Rory Nolan from Willow Creek. It is an interesting perspective. Its also a pretty hefty read. Maybe its just me but I found it to be very dry. Not bad but definately dry.
AKRod, what SPECIFIC area of "worship" do you want to study? The spiritual aspect? the technical/musical aspect? Leading a band?
Answer:
Originally Posted by Sean Its also a pretty hefty read. Maybe its just me but I found it to be very dry. Not bad but definately dry.
AKRod, what SPECIFIC area of "worship" do you want to study? The spiritual aspect? the technical/musical aspect? Leading a band?
I never described it as a laugh a minute romp.
I am just not the touchy-feely type and it gave me some good info about some types of 'artiste' types.
Answer:
*puts on "I'm a prick" hat*
The Bible is a very helpful tool when you're trying to understand worship; it has the added benefit of being absolutely true and, therefore, timeless.
*takes off hat*

Answer:
Originally Posted by Nate *puts on "I'm a prick" hat*
*takes off hat*
My head is too big for that hat.
Answer:
Hehe. There are also "I'm a self-centered prick" hats, I'm sure.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Nate *puts on "I'm a prick" hat*
The Bible is a very helpful tool when you're trying to understand worship; it has the added benefit of being absolutely true and, therefore, timeless.
*takes off hat*
Isn't it too bad suggesting the Bible sometimes comes off that way?
Ultimately, you have to run anything you read through the filter of the Bible. I'd recommend keeping a Bible at your side as you read any book about worship.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Nate *puts on "I'm a prick" hat*
The Bible is a very helpful tool when you're trying to understand worship; it has the added benefit of being absolutely true and, therefore, timeless.
*takes off hat*
I guess when I was your age I could have fit that hat.
Seriously, I know that everything should be filtered through the Word, I have Bibles in the car , at my desk and many by my bed. I guess what I am looking for are materials that we can use in a study group for folks that are at different levels growth. Thanks for the suggestions I will watch for more wise direction.
Rod
Rod
Answer:
Hi Rod. Welcome to CGR.
Check out some of the resources from Robert Webber's website, Ancient Future Worship
Answer:
Originally Posted by AKRod I guess when I was your age I could have fit that hat.
Seriously, I know that everything should be filtered through the Word
I'm not suggesting that you filter anything through the Word. I'm suggesting that you USE the Word as a "study material" itself; certainly if anything can teach you about worship (which is, in essence, a way of communicating with God), it should be the very word of God (which is God's way of communicating with us).
The Word of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
In His love,
Nate
Answer:
Originally Posted by Nate Hehe. There are also "I'm a self-centered prick" hats, I'm sure.
I actually mean literally....my size 8 Cardinal hat is a little snug.
Answer:
Rod, welcome to CGR. Here are some references that I found usefull:
http://www.worshipmusic.com/instructional.html
Lots of stuff there. I've read the books by Giglio and Redmond....ok, but not 'study material' stuff. I've seen a couple of the Paul Beloche videos and thought they were good "how to" resources.
The best worship book I've read is "Return To Worship" by Ron Owens. In my opinion, the best Christian writers make me uncomfortable. This book brings it in spades.
http://store.yahoo.com/worshipmusic/0805418881.html
Answer:
Originally Posted by trpullen I actually mean literally....my size 8 Cardinal hat is a little snug.
Hahaha... ok.
Answer:
Originally Posted by trpullen I actually mean literally....my size 8 Cardinal hat is a little snug. You mean size 8 Division Champion Cardinal hat...