“No man is greater than his prayer life.”

- Leonard Ravenhill

First, I would like to thank Mr. Kauflin for giving me a (signed!) copy of his book for free via a contest he held on his blog. Thanks!

Alright, now for the review, Worship Matters, by Bob Kauflin is an incredible resource for anyone wanting to gain a better Biblical understanding of worship; but it is especially useful for Worship Leaders and Pastors. The book is broken into four parts: 1) The Leader, 2) The Task, 3) Healthy Tensions, 4) Right Relationships.

Part one, The Leader, deals with the heart and life of a person who is to lead worship.

In part two, The Task, Mr. Kauflin fleshes out this definition of what a worship leader is:

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,
and to live for God’s glory.

In part three, Healthy Tensions, Mr. Kauflin deals with seemingly opposed realities that a worship leader will come into contact with (things like, balancing spontaneous worship within a planned worship service).

Finally, in part four, Right Relationships, Mr. Kauflin looks at specific relationships withing a church setting that a worship leader will need to manage (eke, manage isn’t quite the right word…).

Also, included at the end of the book is a very helpful annotated bibliography. In this book Mr. Kauflin does an excellent job at putting forth Biblical Truth in a readable and understandable way. Many times preachers - and authors - will tell you what to do, but not tell you how to do it. Not so with this book, Mr. Kauflin will put forth a Biblical principle for leading worship, then he will follow this with different ways of practically applying that principle in leading worship.

I have learned a great deal about leading worship through reading this book, and even after finishing it I have already found myself frequently referring back to it. I highly commend this book to anyone who wants to gain more insight into how to Biblically lead others to worship God in both spirit and truth!

There are three things to do with the word of God: learn it, love it, live it.

- Leonard Ravenhill

As we have been working on getting a new internet connection, I am still working on the review for “Worship Matters”, I will still be posting it.

“Hell has no exits!”

- Leonard Ravenhill

This weekend I attended a youth conference at House of Praise International Church. Here are some memorable quotes from the sessions:

“If you didn’t have something to conquer, you wouldn’t be more than a conquerer.” - Pastor Mark Hebebrand

“Serve Christ whole-heartedly, or stay away.” - Minister Jason Howard

“Leaders need to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.” - Minister Jason Howard

“God never called us to be popular or secure.” - Pastor Gilbert Silva

“God has empowered me to do what He has called me to do.” - Pastor Gilbert Silva

“God desires us to study Him.” - Max

“Man does not make peace with God, God makes peace with man.” - Max

“Blame God for everything good that happens in your life.” - Ralph Bonilla

I just finished reading Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin earlier today, so I should have a review of the book up within the next couple of days.

“It is sweet to be less than nothing that Christ may be all in all.”

- David Brainerd

As I was walking home today I heard one kid ask another, what may be one of the most difficult questions of our time:

“Do they laugh in Brazil?”

An incredible testimony of an incredible witnessing encounter… directed by an incredible God! This is a moderately long post… but it is well worth your time!