Merge Worship

A friend and mentor of mine was in town this weekend. He talked to my worship team about getting to know me and following my leadership. One of the ways he recommended doing this was by finding out what books I was reading and what was influencing my life. That started me thinking, what books would I recommend if asked? I thought I would try and come up with a list of some books, excluding the Bible, that helped shape me into who I am today. So here goes...


-The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer- I named my first dog after I got married Tozer. Nuff said.

-Glory by Ruth Ward Heflin-This book changed my understanding of worship. "Praise until the spirit of worship comes. Worship until the glory comes. Stand in the glory." I read this book 8 years ago and that phrase is as fresh today as it was back then.

-The Fear of the Lord by John Bevere-My reverence for God's presence is deeply rooted in the awe that this book helped to inspire.

-I Am & Rekindled Flame by Steve Fry-This guy is one of my favorite writers period. His understanding of worship and depth of communicating those truths is inspiring.

-Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper-This should be required reading. One of the most challenging books I've ever read. Ranks right up there with Leonard Ravenhill on the "wake up and do something with your life that matters" meter.

-Wild at Heart by John Eldredge-Saved me from being a safe Christian.

-The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning-So real. So raw. So true. I hope to one day let him know how much he means to my generation and to me. And if I ever get another dog, Brennan will be in the running for his name.


There are, of course, other books that I didn't mentioned that probably impacted me greatly, but those are the ones that I have a deep attachment to. I would love to hear what books have changed you, or your stories about any on my short list. Leave a comment and let me know, maybe next time I make this list, your recommendation will be on it. Peace.

adam

This is something I put together for our Keyboard in Worship class at our church's Summer of Worship. I thought I'd pass it along for any of you other worship leaders out there, or those who want to be. Hope you find this to be helpful. Feel free to comment with your best tips for band leaders and directors. Blessings...adam

D-Develop your own, comfortable, hand signals and cues-If you arenÂ’t comfortable giving cues, no one will be able to get them.
I-Instrumentation-Listen to music! Listen to how the parts of the bands come together for a complete sound. Train your ear to isolate other sounds and pieces of the musical puzzles.
A-Accept ownership- Walk into your setting with confidence to know what you are looking for and pray for spiritual sensitivity to lead your team in leading others into God’s presence. Prepare well and prepare for God to lead and surprise you. You must “own” the leadership, and enable others to lead out and be used by God in their callings. The Lord gives gifts to each one as He sees fit. Be prepared to support. Service is the way to successfully lead.
L-Learn how to communicate with your team members-Being able to effectively communicate with different musicians in rehearsal will greatly attribute to success at performance/worship leading time.


I-Increase your right hand strength and independence- In a band setting, your left hand has much less weight to carry as the bass player will be carrying the bottom end. Since that is the case, it is much easier to give signals with your left hand. Work to increase your ability to play with your right hand and give cues with your left.
N-Narrow your sights-After rehearsal, where your influence and attention has to be broad, narrow your sights for your worship times to the things that are necessary to direct. Concentrate only on things directly related to the worship experience. Ignore one-time wrong notes (including your own ;-), correct ongoing mistakes. Ignore one-time overplaying, correct continual overplaying or playing that distracts from the moment. Focus on where God is heading and what He is currently doing more than on technical excellence. God has a plan for your worship service and is counting on you to lead people into His presence. Narrowing your focus will allow you to concentrate on what is necessary and direct your attention to directing the band, and the people, on the journey.