Reading is an act of worship. Some of the most profound moments of worship I have had over the last few years have been not while singing songs, but while reading books. It is often joked about that worship leaders don’t read. Maybe its because there are no pictures in a J.I Packer festschrift, or because there is no soundtrack that comes with a John Frame trilogy.
One of the aims of this blog is to promote resources that would equip worship leaders for the task that is before them: to lead the people of God in gospel-centered worship. We want worship leaders to be readers so that they will be continually growing and developing in their love for Christ, and his church. Each of these books should help facilitate that process in a variety of ways. To that end, here are five books from 2013 that I believe will be great help to us.
1. Mike Cosper, Rhythms of Grace (Crossway)
The worship practices of the church shape the people of God. With carefulness and intentionality, Cosper shows us the importance of how we think about our practices and priorities as worship leaders. If you are looking for a book to walk through with your team, which is focused on the practice of worship, this is it.
2. James Hamilton, What is Biblical Theology (Crossway)
Biblical theology is one of the most helpful studies for worship leaders. We need men who lead musical worship to understand the metanarrative of Scripture, and to be familiar with its contours and scope. I had Jim Hamilton for both Old and New Testament classes in seminary, and his understanding and passion for God’s word is infectious. There will be many times in reading you are lead to praise God for his perfect word, and for our great salvation. (See also, God’s Glory in Salvation through Judgement.)
3. John Frame, Systematic Theology (P&R)
Outside of scripture, systematic theology has been the most helpful study in my discipleship. I try to walk with a group of men each January through a systematic theology, and allow for focused attention on the importance of our doctrines of faith. Last month I began reading this book slowly with a few worship leaders, and today I sit on page 216. Only being 17.7% of the way through this book, it has been so helpful it made its way into the Top 5. Don’t read this book alone. Grab some people and study systematic theology together. For other helpful systematic theologies, see Bavinck, Grudem, or Horton.
4. Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, The Worship Sourcebook (Faith Alive)
The Worship Sourcebook is an extremely useful tool in the belt of the worship leader. This will be a book that you come to again and again for concepts, confessions, congregational readings, and ideas for songs. This updated addition would be a help to any worship planner who is regularly looking for elements in a service.
5. Al Mohler, Conviction to Lead (Bethany House)
Inevitably, the role of the worship leader is one of leadership. Those called to it must lead with clarity, intentionality, and humility. In this book, Al Mohler offers us a challenge to lead from a place of conviction. Worship leadership requires doctrinal, philosophical, and methodological convictions. Without these it will be difficult to lead from a place of understanding. Listen and learn from one of the great leaders of our day.
