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Spirit-Filled Singing: Bearing Fruit as We Worship Together
A Biblical Framework for Intentional, Spirit-Filled Worship
Music can be a source of tension in many churches. Whether driven by preferences for specific styles, popular trends, or traditional practices, corporate worship can feel more divisive than unifying. How can we cultivate worship that honors God and strengthens his church in the midst of these challenges?
Spirit-Filled Singing offers a biblical framework to help believers engage in musical worship with greater intentionality and gospel-centered purpose. Drawing insight from Galatians 5 and Ephesians 5, author Ryanne J. Molinari explores how singing and the fruit of the Spirit share a common purpose—to glorify God and edify his church. Through concise, thoughtful chapters that explore each fruit of the Spirit, this audiobook invites listeners to examine their worship practices, assess the condition of their hearts, and grow in Christlikeness through song.
Draws insight from Ephesians 5, Galatians 5, and Colossians 3 to help listeners glorify God and edify his church through corporate worship Nine short chapters make it ideal for seminar classes or small-group studies Ideal for Current or Future Church Helpful for high school and undergraduate music students, church study or staff groups, and worship teams Thought Includes questions at the end of each chapter for personal reflection or group discussion
Music can be a source of tension in many churches. Whether driven by preferences for specific styles, popular trends, or traditional practices, corporate worship can feel more divisive than unifying. How can we cultivate worship that honors God and strengthens his church in the midst of these challenges?
Spirit-Filled Singing offers a biblical framework to help believers engage in musical worship with greater intentionality and gospel-centered purpose. Drawing insight from Galatians 5 and Ephesians 5, author Ryanne J. Molinari explores how singing and the fruit of the Spirit share a common purpose—to glorify God and edify his church. Through concise, thoughtful chapters that explore each fruit of the Spirit, this audiobook invites listeners to examine their worship practices, assess the condition of their hearts, and grow in Christlikeness through song.
Draws insight from Ephesians 5, Galatians 5, and Colossians 3 to help listeners glorify God and edify his church through corporate worship Nine short chapters make it ideal for seminar classes or small-group studies Ideal for Current or Future Church Helpful for high school and undergraduate music students, church study or staff groups, and worship teams Thought Includes questions at the end of each chapter for personal reflection or group discussion
- GenresChristian
208 pages, Paperback
Published November 4, 2025
5 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 25, 2025
An excellent book on worship, not just practical for those serving in the church's worship team, but also meaningful for every member who takes part in worship. It highlights how the fruit of the Spirit fosters unity in the church through worship.
October 23, 2025
[Disclosure]: I was gifted a copy of this book for review by the Publisher (Crossway), and the author. This will in no way affect my opinion of the work or my review of it.
This little book should be required reading for all pastors, worship leaders, and church musicians! It demonstrates how the Christian life is to be lead in the context of our worship and worship leading. It also gives helpful advice to get one back on track and refocused if you’re been slipping up in that area as a worship leader.
The whole book is centered around the fruit of the spirit and each chapter delves into one fruit and how it should be applied to our worship leading.
I only have one very minor criticism. The author in the first part of the book uses some very basic music theory terminology (Basic chord structure, and progression) that maybe confusing to those who do not have an understanding of music theory. But hopefully they can grasp the meaning from the context. This is a very minor issue and should not be something that keeps people enjoying and finding this book helpful.
On a personal note I really enjoyed that the author engaged with the Greek. As both a musician and someone who works in the field of biblical languages this was a best of both worlds situation for me. The author also did a great job breaking the Greek down to a manageable size and applying it.
Something I don’t think most people consider is the size of this book. At just over 200 pages it’s the perfect size to read with your worship team. It also asks great questions at the end of every chapter. These may help to start conversations among your team.
Over all I think this book is extremely well written, useful to the church, and to the individual. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
This little book should be required reading for all pastors, worship leaders, and church musicians! It demonstrates how the Christian life is to be lead in the context of our worship and worship leading. It also gives helpful advice to get one back on track and refocused if you’re been slipping up in that area as a worship leader.
The whole book is centered around the fruit of the spirit and each chapter delves into one fruit and how it should be applied to our worship leading.
I only have one very minor criticism. The author in the first part of the book uses some very basic music theory terminology (Basic chord structure, and progression) that maybe confusing to those who do not have an understanding of music theory. But hopefully they can grasp the meaning from the context. This is a very minor issue and should not be something that keeps people enjoying and finding this book helpful.
On a personal note I really enjoyed that the author engaged with the Greek. As both a musician and someone who works in the field of biblical languages this was a best of both worlds situation for me. The author also did a great job breaking the Greek down to a manageable size and applying it.
Something I don’t think most people consider is the size of this book. At just over 200 pages it’s the perfect size to read with your worship team. It also asks great questions at the end of every chapter. These may help to start conversations among your team.
Over all I think this book is extremely well written, useful to the church, and to the individual. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
December 8, 2025
Very practical & impactful.
I love how she took each fruit, expounded upon it, and applied it to music ministry.
Would recommend to anyone involved in music ministry in some way, shape, or form.
I love how she took each fruit, expounded upon it, and applied it to music ministry.
Would recommend to anyone involved in music ministry in some way, shape, or form.
December 12, 2025
This book was easy to read and understand, but ultimately another devotional with a good idea that was poorly executed. There was a golden opportunity here to teach what the Bible truly says about singing and worship, yet Ms. Molinari misses the mark with a veiled ecumenical approach.
The book is rich in theological language but surprisingly thin in doctrine. I believe this stems from relying on multiple Bible versions rather than presenting one cohesive scriptural message. As A.W. Tozer wisely said, “You can be straight as a gun barrel theologically, and as empty as one spiritually.”
Interestingly, Ms. Molinari ends up (perhaps unintentionally) making a strong case for sticking with traditional worship—the old hymns—while at the same time calling for a “kumbaya” moment between contemporary and traditional worship supporters.
That said, the book wasn’t a total loss for me. I did appreciate the reminder that, as a music director, there are times when I need to tailor the song service to the needs and desires of the church, and that there will be seasons when we sing Victory in Jesus a little more often than usual.
The book is rich in theological language but surprisingly thin in doctrine. I believe this stems from relying on multiple Bible versions rather than presenting one cohesive scriptural message. As A.W. Tozer wisely said, “You can be straight as a gun barrel theologically, and as empty as one spiritually.”
Interestingly, Ms. Molinari ends up (perhaps unintentionally) making a strong case for sticking with traditional worship—the old hymns—while at the same time calling for a “kumbaya” moment between contemporary and traditional worship supporters.
That said, the book wasn’t a total loss for me. I did appreciate the reminder that, as a music director, there are times when I need to tailor the song service to the needs and desires of the church, and that there will be seasons when we sing Victory in Jesus a little more often than usual.
November 12, 2025
“How can we retune our hearts and voices to the things of God?” This wonderful book provides practical advice to help not only worship leaders, but all worshippers do just that! Using the fruit of the spirit as a poignant framework, the author beautifully and creatively weaves music and theology together to encourage and equip the reader to examine the goals and challenges of congregational worship. Each chapter examines a different fruit and provides impactful insights for both musicians and congregants. While especially useful for any who lead, this book is equally valuable for all who desire greater understanding as to how we can better glorify God and grow in unity as we lift our voices together. Highly recommend!
September 27, 2025
This book is absolutely beautiful. I was captivated by the parallels the author drew between the fruit of the Spirit and our worship. The insights I gleaned in this book will certainly be carried forward both in my personal and corporate worship and in my playing as a musician. I especially appreciated the hymns at the end of each chapter. They were thoughtfully chosen and provided greater meaning and application to each “fruit" as it relates to our worship. This is a book I will recommend, especially to those with the privilege and responsibility of leading God’s people in worship within the local church.
September 10, 2025
I found this book to be both edifying and thought-provoking. As a musician—now a hobbyist, but one who once minored in music in college—I especially appreciated the way the author wove biblical reflection with practical application. While much of the book’s guidance is directed toward music leaders in the church, I still found many of the application points meaningful for my own walk.
What stood out most to me were the meditations on the fruits of the Spirit. The author’s insights into each one were faithful to Scripture yet expressed in a way that felt fresh and memorable. These reflections made the book devotional, not merely instructional.
In terms of music, I especially valued her wisdom on the so-called “worship wars” and her distinction between baseless emotionalism in singing and gospel-informed, heartfelt worship. Those sections alone offered much to reflect on.
Although I did not always see myself as the primary audience for this book, reading it gave me a renewed appreciation for the worship leaders in my church and the weighty responsibility they carry. I’m glad I read it, and I would commend it to anyone wanting to think more deeply about the role of the Spirit in congregational singing.
I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What stood out most to me were the meditations on the fruits of the Spirit. The author’s insights into each one were faithful to Scripture yet expressed in a way that felt fresh and memorable. These reflections made the book devotional, not merely instructional.
In terms of music, I especially valued her wisdom on the so-called “worship wars” and her distinction between baseless emotionalism in singing and gospel-informed, heartfelt worship. Those sections alone offered much to reflect on.
Although I did not always see myself as the primary audience for this book, reading it gave me a renewed appreciation for the worship leaders in my church and the weighty responsibility they carry. I’m glad I read it, and I would commend it to anyone wanting to think more deeply about the role of the Spirit in congregational singing.
I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2025
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. NKJV (Galatians 5:22-26)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. ESV (Galatians 5:22-26)
Spirit-Filled Singing has an extremely specific target audience. The book is primarily for worship leaders, church musicians, church choirs, etc. Or perhaps expanded to those in the process of studying to become professional musicians who also happen to be Christian and are considering working in churches. The book DOES unpack, if you will, Galatians 5:22-23--the fruit of the Spirit. But it does so specifically through the lens of how that fruit of the Spirit might apply directly to church musicians, song leaders, worship leaders, choir members, etc. It is not a general book examining the fruit of the Spirit. Nor is it a book about how the HOLY SPIRIT is essential to worship. (I saw the title Spirit-Filled Singing and immediately made the jump that it was about the role of the HOLY SPIRIT in worship). Though I don't think the author would argue that point that the Holy Spirit IS very much essential to worship.
ONE point that I thought was great was that she argues that ALL the fruits of the Spirit can be summed up in one--love--and ties that with 1 Corinthians 13. Read about love's description in that famous chapter and you can find traces of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The book is weighty in musical expertise. I don't necessarily think this book is for non-musicians. It's a whole other world. That being said, it's not bad that this book is specifically for musicians and only musicians. There are probably dozens if not hundreds of other books about the fruit of the Spirit that are for the rest of us.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. ESV (Galatians 5:22-26)
Spirit-Filled Singing has an extremely specific target audience. The book is primarily for worship leaders, church musicians, church choirs, etc. Or perhaps expanded to those in the process of studying to become professional musicians who also happen to be Christian and are considering working in churches. The book DOES unpack, if you will, Galatians 5:22-23--the fruit of the Spirit. But it does so specifically through the lens of how that fruit of the Spirit might apply directly to church musicians, song leaders, worship leaders, choir members, etc. It is not a general book examining the fruit of the Spirit. Nor is it a book about how the HOLY SPIRIT is essential to worship. (I saw the title Spirit-Filled Singing and immediately made the jump that it was about the role of the HOLY SPIRIT in worship). Though I don't think the author would argue that point that the Holy Spirit IS very much essential to worship.
ONE point that I thought was great was that she argues that ALL the fruits of the Spirit can be summed up in one--love--and ties that with 1 Corinthians 13. Read about love's description in that famous chapter and you can find traces of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The book is weighty in musical expertise. I don't necessarily think this book is for non-musicians. It's a whole other world. That being said, it's not bad that this book is specifically for musicians and only musicians. There are probably dozens if not hundreds of other books about the fruit of the Spirit that are for the rest of us.
December 9, 2025
This book is one to be treasured!
“Spirit-Filled Singing” reminds us that as believers we are called to worship God, and this worship—though not limited to music—definitely includes singing. We are called by the Scriptures to let Christ’s word dwell in us richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, also singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. In this way, singing is an essential teaching tool, discipling us to live for Christ.
This book is the most excellent book I’ve read on the above topic. Molinari’s book ushers readers in through the lens of the fruit of the Spirit, love being the root of each. The wisdom shared in each chapter was rich in a way I haven't experienced in a book in a long time.
Not a musician or worship music leader? You’ll still find a wealth of wisdom here even as aspects of music are used to give examples and grow our yearning to exude Christ’s love. You’ll find life-inspiring wisdom on both the fruit to come in congregational singing and in daily life as Christ’s body.
This book will move you to grow in godliness, making connections with the fruit of the Spirit you may not have before. I enjoyed this book so much that I kept finding myself torn between not interrupting the flow as I read and wanting to underline and tab many pages to reference later. I also look forward to sharing inspiration from it with those I serve as a music minister.
This book served as a massive encouragement for me as I read. It is one of the best books I’ve read all year, and perhaps even in the last several years! I highly recommend it!
Highlights:
“To be filled with the Spirit is the fruitful alternative to being filled with wine, and singing together is the spiritual alternative to sinning together.”
“Our first occupation as worshipers is this: bury ourselves deep in the good soil of Christ's love. Only then can we abound with fruit.”
“Singing together propels us into relationship with one another.
It prods us toward love.”
“If you feel directionless or overwhelmed in your life, ministry, or worship, go back to the basics. Remember the root.”
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
“Spirit-Filled Singing” reminds us that as believers we are called to worship God, and this worship—though not limited to music—definitely includes singing. We are called by the Scriptures to let Christ’s word dwell in us richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, also singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. In this way, singing is an essential teaching tool, discipling us to live for Christ.
This book is the most excellent book I’ve read on the above topic. Molinari’s book ushers readers in through the lens of the fruit of the Spirit, love being the root of each. The wisdom shared in each chapter was rich in a way I haven't experienced in a book in a long time.
Not a musician or worship music leader? You’ll still find a wealth of wisdom here even as aspects of music are used to give examples and grow our yearning to exude Christ’s love. You’ll find life-inspiring wisdom on both the fruit to come in congregational singing and in daily life as Christ’s body.
This book will move you to grow in godliness, making connections with the fruit of the Spirit you may not have before. I enjoyed this book so much that I kept finding myself torn between not interrupting the flow as I read and wanting to underline and tab many pages to reference later. I also look forward to sharing inspiration from it with those I serve as a music minister.
This book served as a massive encouragement for me as I read. It is one of the best books I’ve read all year, and perhaps even in the last several years! I highly recommend it!
Highlights:
“To be filled with the Spirit is the fruitful alternative to being filled with wine, and singing together is the spiritual alternative to sinning together.”
“Our first occupation as worshipers is this: bury ourselves deep in the good soil of Christ's love. Only then can we abound with fruit.”
“Singing together propels us into relationship with one another.
It prods us toward love.”
“If you feel directionless or overwhelmed in your life, ministry, or worship, go back to the basics. Remember the root.”
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 27, 2025
Spirit-Filled Singing by Ryanne Molinari has exceeded my expectations. I am just over halfway through, but every chapter has been thought-provoking, convicting, and engaging. Filled with practical examples, word studies, reflection questions, and a related hymn for each chapter, I am thoroughly enjoying it.
I highly recommend this book for any worship leader, worship team, Bible study group, or any member of the congregation wanting to grow in their worship. Ryanne Molinari’s book has made me evaluate how the fruit of the spirit is evident, or lacking, in my worship as a worship leader and as a participant when I am not leading.
I highly recommend this book for any worship leader, worship team, Bible study group, or any member of the congregation wanting to grow in their worship. Ryanne Molinari’s book has made me evaluate how the fruit of the spirit is evident, or lacking, in my worship as a worship leader and as a participant when I am not leading.
November 8, 2025
The author had a few things to say that were helpful regarding the fruit of the Spirit, but nothing particularly outstanding. To be honest, it was hard to take her seriously from the get-go. She's a worship director. Her husband's a pastor. At different churches.
If you err on something so basic, your judgment can't help but be called into question. Furthermore, she's at a church with both "traditional" and "contemporary" services, and they're so separated that she only does the former. Exceedingly strange.
If you err on something so basic, your judgment can't help but be called into question. Furthermore, she's at a church with both "traditional" and "contemporary" services, and they're so separated that she only does the former. Exceedingly strange.
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