Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader (Tom Kraeuter on Worship)

Rating:
Summary: This book is a staple for those who lead worship
Review: An invaluable reference for Worship Leaders and pastors. Tom lays things out in a clear and concise way and leaves you with gems that you can take with you to your church. A must have.

Rating:
Summary: Thorough and engaging
Review: Imagine this... a small church in the country that has been singing the SAME SONGS for 10 years. Imagine that the pianist is in her 60's and unfamiliar with much contemporary worship. Imagine that there is no one to lead the singings. Now imagine that a 24 year old girl is asked to help lead worship with her guitar and singing. Enter a multitude of problems. Obviously, the first thing I want to do is teach some new songs, but how? I want to submit to the Pastor, but still have some say in the selection of songs and styles. This was MY scenario and I had never led worship before. I had many ideas, but no idea how to make them work, and saw more obstacles than possibilities. I ordered 2 books by this author hoping he could help, and he did. I could not believe the number of problems that he addressed, or how graciously he dealt with them. He had already handled scenarios that I couldn't have imagined had I tried. I read the book every chance I had, then read it again. Over 3 years time, I have implemented MANY of the ideas presented here. Now our church knows hundreds of songs, and has sung styles from Spanish and Jewish to African worship with hand drums. The people don't look bored and they sing their hearts out! It has just been a completely awesome transformation and I do owe a great deal of credit to Mr. Kraeuter - if you ever read this review, let me say, "Thank you so much".

Rating:
Summary: Thorough and engaging
Review: Imagine this... a small church in the country that has been singing the SAME SONGS for 10 years. Imagine that the pianist is in her 60's and unfamiliar with much contemporary worship. Imagine that there is no one to lead the singings. Now imagine that a 24 year old girl is asked to help lead worship with her guitar and singing. Enter a multitude of problems. Obviously, the first thing I want to do is teach some new songs, but how? I want to submit to the Pastor, but still have some say in the selection of songs and styles. This was MY scenario and I had never led worship before. I had many ideas, but no idea how to make them work, and saw more obstacles than possibilities. I ordered 2 books by this author hoping he could help, and he did. I could not believe the number of problems that he addressed, or how graciously he dealt with them. He had already handled scenarios that I couldn't have imagined had I tried. I read the book every chance I had, then read it again. Over 3 years time, I have implemented MANY of the ideas presented here. Now our church knows hundreds of songs, and has sung styles from Spanish and Jewish to African worship with hand drums. The people don't look bored and they sing their hearts out! It has just been a completely awesome transformation and I do owe a great deal of credit to Mr. Kraeuter - if you ever read this review, let me say, "Thank you so much".