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Reader Reviews | Add your review | Order Now Worship Leader magazine, September 2006
IN REVIEW
THE WORSHIP ANSWER BOOK
Rick Muchow, J. Countryman
In the world of journalism and writing, there is a stylebook, written by William Strunk and E. B. White, that all writers will probably read a dozen times throughout their lives – The Elements of Style. The Worship Answer Book could have easily been called The elements of Worship and gotten away with it. It’s short precise, surprising in the amount of ground it covers and should be read yearly by worship leaders.
Of course the WAB is not an in-depth study of the theology of worship, but its lean approach reminds one how much fluff is found in so many books. Whereas many authors spend the majority of their time over-supporting their point with hypotheses, analogies and statistics, Muchow gets in and gets out. He doesn’t have to explain for pages and pages why knowing the definitions of the Hebrew and Greek terms for worship is important. He just lays it out, and the unspoken is more powerful than overuse of verbiage. And this is easily the strength of the book. That said it is a slight distraction in a couple of the questions, such as “Who do Christians worship?” and “How can we know what God is really like?” where more avenues could be explored. However, to do so would have gone against the intent and overall form.
The questions offer answers that are biblically well supported as well as being fascinating. Everything from music styles in the Bible to how someone can lead worship when they are feeling down has a place in the pages of this book. It also must be said that the art, color and visual craftsmanship of The Worship Answer Book are definite bonuses. Where too much production on a typical theology book may distract the reader, with the beautiful arrangement of the WAB and the overall feel, it’s a perfect fit. Pick this one up for teaching others about worship, as well as to keep on your own bookshelf to read over and over throughout your ministry.
Creator Magazine Reviews The Worship Answer Book!
Review is written by Bob Burroughs
The past two issues of MONDAY MORNING EMAIL has reviewed two books that don not look with favor upon Christian Contemporary Music. Several MMEMail readers have expressed their strong feelings about these books…and the comments have been pretty well balanced. Some loved the books…some would not even consider reading such material!
Well…this month’s review will be a welcome book…and will, as the title suggests, answer a host of questions about music…and worship. RICK MUCHOW is well known as a contemporary worship leader. His work at Saddleback Community Church has been recognized by many denominations and churches as "the" way contemporary worship should be done.
This book was an eye-opener for me. It answered many questions that have lingered in my heart and mind for many years. In his Foreword, Pastor RICK WARRENsays this:
Obeying, trusting, testifying, listening, praying, creating, thanking, waiting, singing, confessing, committing, giving and practically every other action can be an act of worship when our motivation is to demonstrate our love to God.
Warren also makes this strong statement:
"Worship leadership is all about modeling worship for others."
To me, this is a WOW statement! I fear that so many are performing when leading worship and modeling is the furtherest thing from their minds! To me, worship is a first thing in the morning, all through the day, and into the night. It is not about doing something within an hour timeframe, with high tech mics, lights and cameras, and, of course, closed eyes. Muchow speaks to all of this in his very excellent book!
The questions in THE WORSHIP ANSWER BOOK came from believers, church leaders, family, friends and people all over the world. All answers to the many questions are drawn from God’s Word – know that in advance. Muchow outlines a four-part foundation for the doctrine of worship:
Muchow details a myriad of questions in seven categories:
The Basics of Worship
Worship in the Bible
Personal Worship
Music…and More
Group Worship
Leading & Managing Worship
Change & Conflict in Worship
This book is worthy of being taught in a Bible Study on Worship, Prayer Meeting, a series of Choir Devotionals on Worship, and other creative ways to inform your people why and how to worship. I believe that the reason we are having so much controversy about worship in our churches is because as staff leaders, we have not taught our people the principles of worship! Muchow’s book will help you do this.
Readers can purchase THE WORSHIP ANSWER BOOK at their local Christian Bookstore or go online to www.EncouragingMusic.com
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