Gospel Prism

I love this book.  I wish it had been written about 15 years ago when I first started leading wrship through song.  It would have given much, much wisdom in doing so.  This book is not just for worship leaders, but for Christian leaders in general (minus the practical sections on music).  Bob Kauflin does a great job of balancing the biblical theology of worship with the practical nature of leading worship through songs as an individual, with a team, and with your pastor.  He also gives some great personal and practical stories that are so familiar to many of us who lead worship through song.

Bob addresses the necessity of musical skill, but the idolatry of musical skill.  He makes certain that the Gospel is at the core of every worship leader and worship pastor.  And he skillfully weaves the necessity to see that “worship” is not merely singing, but a part of one’s whole life (as seen in the chapter “And to Live for God’s Glory”).  Hi section called “Healthy Tensions” are geared toward Worship Leaders, but in many ways these chapters can be utilized by any leader of any ministry because the focus of such tension is upon the Gospel itself, as Bob writes:

But the best way to maintain this tension [between transcendence and immanence] is to continually meditate on the Gospel.  God’s transcendent holiness and justice required the sacrifice of the Son of God to be satisfied.  At Calvary we stand in awe of perfect righteousness, holy justice, and unerring judgment.  We can offer no excuses or justification for our sin.  We’re completely at the mercy of our sovereign Creator and King.  Yet the gospel assures us that our sins have been completely atoned for.  We’re no longer God’s enemies.  We’re his adopted children. (p. 162)

From a practical standpoint, Part Four called “Right Relationships,” is by far the best resource out there for worship leaders.  There is nothing more practical for a worship team member or leader than relating to each other, relating to the church, and relating to the pastor.  He has a whole section of receiving criticism and receiving compliments and blessings.  There isn’t a worship leader around who couldn’t benefit from this section.  I love his section on “Handling Song Suggestions” where people will come and say, “Why don’t we sing this song at our church?” (p. 224)  And the chapter entitled “Your Team” alone is worth the price of the book (this seems to be a recurring cliché that’s used in book reviews, which I will unashamedly use here as well).  In this chapter Bob covers so many great topics such as rehearsals, commitments, roles, musical growth, theological growth, etc. that you really do find so many great practical helps as a worship leader, you can’t help but smile with glee.

Again, I wish Bob had written this book years ago, but I sure am glad it is finally out.  Thanks to Bob Kauflin for a resource that will bless the church for many, many years.  For more of Bob, see his blog.