BOOK REVIEW: The Art of Worship
The Art of Worship
by Greg Scheer - published in 2006 by Baker Books.
From the start, Scheer addresses a view of contemporary worship music that many churches believe. He surprisingly insists that “contemporary worship music will not revitalize my church.” He later explains: “the goal of worship is not to have cutting-edge worship; it is to have engaging worship that gives the people a voice in their praise of God.”
From that controversial but insightful start, Scheer continues with tips and advice for worship leaders working mainly within the contemporary setting:
How to best approach the changing of your worship service
The how-to’s of piecing together a worship team
Room acoustics, sound systems, projectors, copyright licensing and funds
Building a balanced repertoire of songs
Planning the service: different structures of worship
Musical techniques: modulation, harmonies, instruments, etc.
Leading a worship practice.
Worship leading styles.
Final thought: this is a GREAT resource for those just starting out as well as experienced, seasoned leaders.
“contemporary worship music will not revitalize my church.”
I agree. It always saddens me when I see churches who want to hop on the next trend because they think it will take them out of a rut without any thought as to why that trend is popular anyway or how it might work differently in the specific context of their community.
And don’t forget, you heard it first at http://4whatitsworth.wordpress.com/
Hello Mandy,
I’ve been lurking for a few weeks now via RSS and wanted to stop in and say “hi.” You’re spot on with you book review. I read this one a couple of years ago or so, and found it an invaluable insight to creating a blended worship gathering.
Our worship services look somewhat similar to what you’ve been posting, and it’s nice to know that there’s someone else out there successfully blending the generations together. Keep it up.
I keep forgetting to buy this one…
sounds like a great resource. thanks for the review…
I haven’t read this yet (don’t have much time before heading back to work), but I think you should post this at WIW, too!
Now I think we’ll have plenty of things to post soon! Wow.
& now I have another book to add to my wishlist!
When I said ‘haven’t read this’ - I meant your post.
But I haven’t read the book either, obviously.
Blonde moment…
Mandy,
I just seriously don’t think I’ve got time to read it .. do you have some sort of telepathic way to download it into my brain?