Spiritual formation is the key to the survival of our faith. According to worship leader Rory Noland, in order to stem the tide of nominal Christianity we need to reclaim our worship services as formative spaces that are substantive and purposeful. Combining discipleship and worship—what Noland calls transforming worship—he offers a vision for worship as spiritual formation.
Whether you serve as a vocalist, instrumentalist, technician, dancer, actor, or in some other role, you know what a blessing it is to serve on your church’s worship team. But you also know that some days you’re more technically prepared than you are spiritually prepared for the ministry of leading others in worship. In the midst of rehearsals, setup, and myriad distractions, not to mention the busyness of daily life, it’s easy to miss the forest for the trees. How can you and your fellow team members be prepared to worship in spirit and truth as well as lead others in worship with integrity?With thirty years of experience in worship leading, Rory Noland knows the issues—in both the private life of the worship team member and the public ministry of a worship team. In this readable book, he offers practical insights on how to• Grow as a private worshiper• Encounter the character of God during worship• Respond to the character of God during worship• Be transformed by the character of God• Learn from ancient worship leaders... and more.So relevant you’ll think the author was eavesdropping on your last church service, The Worshiping Artist is ideal to read either by yourself or as a team.
A beautiful invitation to discover your place in God's heart and let him set the pace for your life—from a wife and mother, singer-songwriter, and worship leader for Passion Conferences and IF:Gathering “Christy Nockels is a gentle, strong voice shepherding us into a fuller life with Jesus at the very center. This book will restore your weary soul.”—Jennie Allen, New York Times bestselling author of Get Out of Your Head and founder and visionary of IF:Gathering Christy Nockels knows firsthand how easily our desire to serve God—even when using the gifts He has given us—can overshadow our delight in simply being with Him. When God called her to lay down her ministry for a season, Christy was forced to confront how her sense of purpose and worth had become tangled up in her work. God then lovingly invited her to discover true rest in His presence as she learned to live as the Beloved. In The Life You Long For, Christy shows us how to let go of hustle and achievement and instead find our identity in the quiet center of God’s love. As we delight in being with Him, we are filled to overflowing with contentment and love that propel us into an entirely new way of being, one in which every act of service and every encounter with the people around us arise from a heart at rest. With irresistible warmth and grace, this book calls you to step fully into the life you didn’t even realize you’ve been seeking, as you find your highest calling not in a duty to uphold but in a beautiful identity to live out.
(Worship Musician Presents). Whether you're in a band yourself or part of a ministry involved with teams, this book can help you on your journey. For 30 years, musician, songwriter, and worshipper Tom Lane has worked in the Christian worship music industry and alongside churches, ministries, and movements around the world associated with worship. In this collection of articles, Lane encourages honesty and clear communication from all sides while aiming for the right thing to be a band that worships, first and foremost. Spiritual, relational, professional, and practical issues relevant for individuals and groups in worship ministry of any kind are addressed head on. Historically, bands have helped lead revolutions, crusades, campaigns, churches, rallies, and entire nations. The role bands play in worship, though important, is not the pinnacle of the calling or mandate according to Jesus. While it's okay to have a good rock band and want to go places, many creatively gifted Christians miss the mark entirely and are derailed by their own quests for something other than God. Likewise, worship teams sometimes miss the mark by placing too much emphasis on performance and not enough on relationships. This book will help lay the foundation for a healthier pursuit of creative dreams and a closer walk with God.
The Art of Worship is about transitioning our understanding and practice of worship to one of design or curation. According to Mark Pierson, a pioneer in worship, worship needs to be seen as an art form rather than a linear task of filling in the gaps on an order of service. Many practical examples are used to illustrate ways in which worship in regular services as well as in specially designed spaces inside and outside the church building can be designed and delivered for spiritual formation and mission.
Worship—the Key Is your worship of the Lord bringing you closer to Him? Is it everything He is worthy of receiving? The Lost Art of Pure Worship is a gathering of great spiritual leaders who share their unique experiences and desires about the precious act of worshiping a worthy heavenly Father. James W. Goll, premier voice in the global prophetic and prayer and worship movements is joined by four other spiritual powerhouses to provide inspiration and insights about praise and worship. Contributors include: Chris DuPre, great song writer, seasoned worship leader, and teacher on the Father’s heart of God. Jeff Deyo, former lead singer of renowned Christian band Sonic Flood, song writer and leader of the Pure Worship Institute. Sean Feucht, young leader of Burn 24/7, brings a next-generation voice. Julie Meyer, one of the best worship leaders and prophetic voices from the International House of Prayer world in Kansas City. Together, these four voices direct you into practical truths, passion with a purpose, and experience in pure worship to the one true God. The Lost Art of Pure Worship adds depth to individual worship as well as the global worship movement and tools for local churches. The Lost Art of Pure Worship completes James Goll’s inspiring The Lost Arttrilogy series. First was thought-provoking The Lost Art of Intercession, followed by the spirit-searching The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence (originally titled Wasted on Jesus). This series has been used by individuals, groups, and churches to revive three vitally important aspects of every believer’s spiritual life.
What does God say about the arts? Can you be a Christian and an artist? How do the arts impact your church? The creation sings to us with the visual beauty of God's handiwork. But what of man-made art? Much of it is devoid of sacred beauty and is often rejected by Christians. Christian artists struggle to find acceptance within the church. If all of life is to be viewed as "under the lordship of Christ," can we rediscover what God's plan is for the arts? Philip Graham Ryken brings into sharp focus a biblical view of the arts and the artists who make art for God's sake. This is a concise yet comprehensive treatment of the major issue of the arts for all who seek answers.
