{"id":18707,"date":"2016-05-12T09:22:20","date_gmt":"2016-05-12T16:22:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sharefaithblog.wpengine.com\/?p=18707"},"modified":"2021-02-01T19:01:00","modified_gmt":"2021-02-02T00:01:00","slug":"must-read-worship-books-for-worship-leaders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sharefaith.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/must-read-worship-books-for-worship-leaders\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Must-Read Worship Books for Worship Leaders"},"content":{"rendered":"

Worship Leaders in the local church are spiritual leaders. This means we should be constantly sharpening our minds as well as our hearts and our skill. So we have compiled a list of books for worship leaders that seek to fulfill this need. Solomon is probably right when he said, \u201cthere is nothing new under the sun.\u201d So having some classics under your belt will surely breed a greater context to your ministry. In other words, you are not alone\u2014both today and with those that have come before you exist a great cloud of witnesses to inspire you along the way. In their wake, they have left many resources, including these books for worship leaders that can be pertinent to worship today.<\/p>\n

Speaking of old, learning how and why biblical worship<\/a> occurred and how Protestant traditions developed will enrich your modern worship context greatly. Why? The Church has been around for a couple millennia which means we should have a thoughtful, humble, and expectant approach to how the church worships today. Included on this list of books for worship leaders are a couple classics on discipleship as it relates to worship. If we believe worship is important, should we not also understand as worship leaders what a transformed life actually looks like?<\/p>\n

In no particular order, here are 20 MUST read books for worship leaders!<\/h2>\n

Worship: Rediscovering the Missing Jewel<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Worship<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 1579103332
\nBy:<\/strong> Ronald Allen, Gordon Borror,
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Wipf & Stock Pub; Reprint edition (February 4, 2000)
\nAmazon Link:\u00a0<\/strong>http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Worship-Rediscovering-Ronald-B-Allen\/dp\/1579103332<\/a><\/p>\n

Allen and Borror addressed in 1982 things we are still talking about today\u2014what should people get out of worship? With their \u201cmoving beyond onlooker religion\u201d they describe the purpose of worship.<\/p>\n

The Hallelujah Factor<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Hallelujah<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 0805455310
\nBy:<\/strong> Jack R. Taylor
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Broadman Press (January 1, 1983)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hallelujah-Factor-Jack-R-Taylor\/dp\/1883906334<\/a><\/p>\n

Taylor\u2019s short but powerful book takes words for \u201cpraise\u201d and \u201cworship\u201d in Hebrew and Greek and inspires the reader to apply these to their worship settings.<\/p>\n

The Pursuit of God<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 1508644241
\nBy:<\/strong> A.W. Tozer
\nPublisher:<\/strong> CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; The Pursuit of God edition (February 27, 2015)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Pursuit-God-Aiden-Wilson-Tozer-ebook\/dp\/B004TQ8GP2<\/a><\/p>\n

A contemporary classic for all Christians to read, especially pertinent for church worship leaders.<\/p>\n

Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Amazing<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 0825438993
\nBy:<\/strong> Kenneth W. Osbeck
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Kregel Publications; 2nd edition (September 15, 2010)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Amazing-Grace-Inspiring-Stories-Devotions\/dp\/0825438993\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Often times hymns are overly praised for sentiment. What are the true stories behind them? For a younger worship leader, having this book will allow a deeper connection to the traditions of generations past.<\/p>\n

God Songs: How to Write and Select Songs for Worship<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"God<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 1933150033
\nBy:<\/strong> Paul Baloche, Jimmy Owens, Carol Owens
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Provident-Integrity Distribution (January 1, 2005)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/God-Songs-Write-Select-Worship\/dp\/1933150033<\/a><\/p>\n

This gift of a book takes you through the process of writing and planning music for worship.<\/p>\n

The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 0060693339
\nBy:<\/strong> Dallas Willard
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Harper (March 24, 1998)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Divine-Conspiracy-Rediscovering-Hidden-Life\/dp\/0060693339<\/a><\/p>\n

Willard challenges the \u201cgospel of sin management\u201d in this book. Worship leaders indeed can gain much from understanding the subversive gospel.<\/p>\n

Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Culture<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 0830837558
\nBy:<\/strong> Andy Crouch
\nPublisher:<\/strong> IVP Books (October 9, 2013)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Culture-Making-Recovering-Creative-Calling-ebook\/dp\/B001IDYIMY<\/a><\/p>\n

Crouch writes that we do better to create culture than critique or mimic it. Surely, the church music and worship leader should understand this best.<\/p>\n

Worship Old and New<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Worship<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 0310479908
\nBy:<\/strong> Robert Webber
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Zondervan; Revised edition (December 22, 1994)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Worship-Old-New-Robert-Webber\/dp\/0310479908\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Webber defined \u201cancient-future\u201d as learning from the biblical and historical roots we share to deepen our worship gatherings.<\/p>\n

The Heart of the Artist: A Character-Building Guide for You and Your Ministry Team<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 0310224713
\nBy:<\/strong> Rory Noland
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Zondervan (May 18, 2009)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Heart-Artist-Character-Building-Guide-Ministry-ebook\/dp\/B00165EXQU<\/a><\/p>\n

Those of us who are \u201ccreatives\u201d or artists in the church setting have a friend in this book. Grow in your character together.<\/p>\n

The Practice of the Presence of God In Modern English<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

ASIN: B00FZ40L9G
\nBy:<\/strong> Brother Lawrence, Marshall Davis (Translator)
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Amazon Digital Services LLC, (October 16, 2013)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Practice-Presence-God-Modern-English-ebook\/dp\/B00FZ40L9G<\/a><\/p>\n

This book challenges us to think that God\u2019s presence isn’t something we bring upon for others but something that exists and can be experienced in our daily lives.<\/p>\n

The Christian Book of Mystical Verse<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Mystical<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 1578988853
\nBy:<\/strong> A.W. Tozer, et al.
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Martino Fine Books (April 5, 2010)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Christian-Book-Mystical-Verse\/dp\/1578988853\/<\/a><\/p>\n

To regain a mystical voice, it is refreshing to read this compilation by A.W. Tozer.<\/p>\n

Worship Evangelism: Inviting Unbelievers into the Presence of God<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Worship<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 031022649X
\nBy:<\/strong> Sally Morgenthaler
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Zondervan (January 1, 1999)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Worship-Evangelism-Sally-Morgenthaler\/dp\/031022649X<\/a><\/p>\n

Morgenthaler constructs methods to help your gathering reach the uninitiated. There\u2019s a lot of wisdom in this book.<\/p>\n

Selections from the Table Talk of Martin Luther<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Martin<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 1419146629
\nTranslated By:<\/strong> Captain Henry Bell
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Amazon Digital Services LLC (May 12, 2012)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Selections-Table-Talk-Martin-Luther-ebook\/dp\/B0082ST2WY<\/a><\/p>\n

There is nothing like going back 500 years and sitting across the table from Luther, especially the points he makes on public worship.<\/p>\n

Worship His Majesty<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Worship<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 0849935660
\nBy:<\/strong> Jack W. Hayford
\nPublisher:<\/strong> W Pub Group (May 1994)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Worship-His-Majesty-Jack-Hayford\/dp\/0849935660\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Hayford is not only a pastor of pastors but he is a worship leader. He walks through the biblical and practical reasoning for worship in the church.<\/p>\n

To Know You More: Cultivating the Heart of a Worship Leader<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 0830832211
\nBy:<\/strong> Andy Park
\nPublisher:<\/strong> IVP Books (October 3, 2004)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Know-You-More-Cultivating-Worship\/dp\/0830832211\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Andy Park mentors our purpose and approach with this book.<\/p>\n

Pure Praise: A Heart-Focused Bible Study on Worship<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Pure<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 0764437488
\nBy:<\/strong> Dwayne Moore
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Group Publishing (November 20, 2008)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Pure-Praise-Heart-Focused-Bible-Worship\/dp\/0764437488\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Moore developed a valuable tool to bring to your whole church or team.<\/p>\n

The Revised Common Lectionary: The Consultation on Common Texts<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 0687361745
\nBy:<\/strong> The Consultation on Common Texts
\nPublisher:<\/strong> Abingdon Press (October 1, 2010)
\nhttps:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Revised-Common-Lectionary-Consultation-Texts-ebook\/dp\/B0055PTGQE\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Presbyterian, Lutherans, and many denominations use this and follow the church calendar. These practices tied to scripture and tradition can enrich your understanding whether or not you are liturgical in practice.<\/p>\n

The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"the<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 0060694424
\nBy:<\/strong> Dallas Willard
\nPublisher:<\/strong> HarperOne; Reprint edition (May 5, 1999)
\nhttp:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Spirit-Disciplines-Understanding-Changes-Lives\/dp\/0060694424\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Discipleship is effort, not earning. Willard explains better than most how a heart changes.<\/p>\n

The Book of Common Prayer<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 1453716866
\nBy:<\/strong> The Episcopal Church
\nPublisher:<\/strong> CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 6\/25\/10 edition (July 25, 2010)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Book-Common-Prayer-Episcopal-Church\/dp\/1453716866\/<\/a><\/p>\n

The Anglican family of churches is bound together by their book of prayer. We can learn much from the beauty of liturgy.<\/p>\n

The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

ISBN<\/strong> 0851512283
\nBy:<\/strong> Arthur Bennett
\nPublisher:<\/strong> The Banner of Truth Trust (November 1, 1975)
\nAmazon Link:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Valley-Vision-Collection-Puritan-Devotions\/dp\/0851512283\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Often worship leaders think structure is an enemy. These written prayers from our Puritan past give a beautiful model of how we can express worship even in our modern settings.<\/p>\n

The other aspect to powerful\u00a0worship is engaging your congregation and helping the people in your church worship<\/a>. Many of these books for worship leaders seek to help the worship leader specifically, but the other part of worship is knowing how to engage the people in your church. It’s difficult to lead worship when you are the only one worshipping.<\/p>\n

Another great resource for worship leaders that can help them improve is Worship Schools<\/a>. Some of the schools on this list are programs within a larger university, but the majority are specifically designed with the worship leader in mind. If you are a worship leader, you are constantly trying to find resources to spark creativity and refresh the spirit within. Maybe books for worship leaders may not be enough but it is a great start to fanning the Spirit into flame.<\/p>\n

We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of books for worship leaders and if you have any suggestions for this list please leave a comment below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Worship Leaders in the local church are spiritual leaders. This means we should be constantly sharpening our minds as well as our hearts and our skill. So we have compiled a list of books for worship leaders that seek to fulfill this need. Solomon is probably right when he said, \u201cthere is nothing new under […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3565,"featured_media":18812,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[2307,4138],"tags":[2274,2275,1782],"class_list":{"0":"post-18707","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-christian-lifestyle","8":"category-worship-leadership","9":"tag-books-for-worship","10":"tag-resources-for-worship","11":"tag-worship-leaders"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogrouting.sharefaith.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Books-for-Worship-Leaders.jpg","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"\n20 Must-Read Worship Books for Worship Leaders<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for a way to elevate your worship? A great resource, books for worship leaders. Here is our list of the top 20 must-read books for worship leaders.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sharefaithblog.wpengine.com\/2016\/05\/must-read-worship-books-for-worship-leaders\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"20 Must-Read Worship Books for Worship Leaders\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Looking for a way to elevate your worship? A great resource, books for worship leaders. 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