True Worshippers: Seeking What Matters to God

by Bob Kauflin

What does it mean to live as a true worshipper, transformed by the gospel of Christ?
In this book, Bob Kauflin opens our eyes to the significance of becoming the type of worshipper God is seeking. It is rooted in the gospel of grace and filled with encouragement and practical application, and connects Sunday morning with the rest of your life, helping you fulfill your calling to be a true worshipper each and every day.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Faith, Church, Nonfiction, Christianity

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2015

About the author

Bob Kauflin is the Director of Sovereign Grace Music for Sovereign Grace Churches.

Reviews

[Ana Avila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro sencillo que desmiente algunos de los mitos más comunes sobre el tema de la adoración. Recomendado para todo creyente. "Nuestra adoración importa", del mismo autor, es también recomendable si lo que estás buscando es aprender más sobre el ministerio de alabanza como tal.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly appreciate Bob Kauflin’s ministry, both in his work through Sovereign Grace Music and through his books. Where his first book Worship Matters is written for worship music leaders, True Worshipers is geared towards the church in general, showing us the importance of understanding what worship is and how we ought to worship our Lord. This is such a valuable book, and an easy read. (I share Kauflin’s sentiment that this could have been much longer book, but it’s best that it isn’t.) Definitely a must-read!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There can be no higher purpose, there can be no greater joy. And for those who have gratefully received God’s mercy in Jesus Christ, there can be no other end.


What does worship mean to you? It is a question that we must ask ourselves. Why does it make a difference? True worship involves seeking what matters to God. Bob Kauflin gives the reader, the seeker, a child of God tools as what worship means and why it matters.

We must worship God by means of Christ. What does this mean? Kauflin gives an expository study on the Samaritan Woman that reveals the train wreck in all that she believed and lived. All because she came face to face with whom Jesus really was and is today.

How are we like the Samaritan woman in what it means to worship? How worship begins with God not our efforts. It really becomes about receiving than giving. We can love, because God first loved us. We must receive who God is and His glory to worship in spirit and truth. True and pure giving is done out of gratitude. There is a definite distinction between giving and receiving in worship.


Mercy that’s deserved is no longer mercy. And worship that doesn’t begin with mercy is no longer worship. Do we see the mercy of the Lord? In seeing the mercy of the Lord puts us in a posture of humbleness.

Worship never beings with us. It is always a response to the truth. It flows out an understanding of who God is and what he has done for us in Christ. It begins with his revelation and redemption. So we must ensure that the bible which contains that revelation and points us to God’s work of redemption, stays right at the heart of our meetings and our own spiritual lives. True worship is always a response to God’s word

Clearing up misconceptions of worship is prevalent in this study. What do think of when you hear the word worship? It is a once a week deal? Is it just music?

Some churches have a Historic liturgy a progression begins with adoration of God, confession of our sins, and assurance of our forgiveness through the substitutionary death of Christ. A liturgy is to remind you of the gospel and to engage you in the gospel with a response. How does your church engage you in worship?

Worship is more than once a week, singing. It is a lifestyle that will bring you closer to the heart of God. True worship will satisfy you and leaving you wanting more. This study will change you – to want more, to know God deeply and to see the work of Christ in us in worship! I loved this.

A Special Thank you to Crossway Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Matt Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Really stirred my heart to want to know God better and worship him more wholeheartedly here and now AND fed my anticipation for that day when we'll 'finally [behold] the face of the One who left his throne to redeem us.' (p.147)

A book that would benefit and encourage every believer, young and old, whether a skilled musician or musically inept (like me!)

[Eric Hammett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for every Christian to read and consider who we worship, why we worship, and how we should worship. Worship is not just our alone time spent singing to our favorite songs, Kauflin makes that clear. Every aspect of our lives, as Christians, is to be a display of worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book to set our minds on Christ, the object and purpose of our worship. Also loved the encouragement that since we will be worshipping him forever (corporately I might add,) that should drive and guide the way that we engage our worship now. I'd recommend. A short and easy read.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

"True Worshipers" describes a handful of characteristics that true worshipers exhibit. This is a good read to understand worship as a whole life participation rather than a Sunday only music event. Some of it wasn't really new to me, so I tried skimming through those chapters; but, I enjoyed Kauflin's teaching from 1 Corinthians and Revelation. I'm glad we are beginning to understand that we live every day in worship: of God or our idols.

[Martin Maquivar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuando pensemos en adoración es imprescindible que sea una actitud del corazón, más que una habilidad musical. La adoración se haya en nuestros afectos derramados a nuestro gran Dios, que es digo.

[Janae Zacharias · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated this book, not just for its readability but also for the way that Kauflin could express so precisely with his words truths about what it means to worship God in every aspect of our lives. The strength of this book is how much content he presents in a concise way, and it will give some answer almost every question you have about the theology of worship. (For context on this review, two of the nine chapters were about music). I recently read his book Worship Matters, which was also excellent, but focused a lot more on practicalities that I would circle back to as a worship leader. Right now I do not lead a team, but it was valuable advice on skills where as this book seeks the heart of the topic of worship for all Christians. This is my report for Theology of Worship class.

Something new that I began to think about as I read True Worshipers was the idea of receiving from God, but in relation to our worship of God. God is seeking people to worship him; this is something that he draws from the story about Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. He writes, “The Maker of the universe is seeking true worshipers among all of us… it’s not as though a self-sufficient God has any needs. Why would God seek anything? We seek what is important to us… what has value… God is seeking true worshipers - because true worshipers matter to God” (p.26). Kauflin talks about how the woman at the well’s understanding of worship was radically changed by her encounter with Christ, and that worship does not begin with us, it begins with God - God first has something to give us.

So receiving - He tells a story about an interning friend who had a hard accepting his friend consistently footing the bill every time they went to lunch. His friend’s response was that he could not be a Christian if he could not receive. There is nothing that we can offer God in worship that we have not first received from him. We are both powerless to come to God in our own strength, and unable to understand things that God has not revealed to us (p.32). I think often we make worship about what we can do or offer to God, the songs we sing, the ways we can serve, and we lose the point of beholding his glory, and receiving from him. We think it self-centred to receive, but how can we not? He is seeking our worship and delights in it, and it is only through his power that we have come to know him and worship him! I certainly needed this reminder myself.

I felt thoroughly convicted by Kauflin’s commentary on our eager expectations. He writes, “Some of us say we want to encounter God, but we aren’t expecting him to show up… We’re like a parent opening a closet door to check whether the monster our child heard is really there… The Bible doesn’t just tell us things we should believe about the Holy Spirit. It teaches us to have a posture of expectancy” (p.139). God is able to work powerfully, gift us, change our hearts in each opportunity to worship, which includes each part of your order of service. This is something I was already wrestling with last semester, is wondering if any of my abilities are really gifts of the Spirit, feeling unqualified for tasks I had said yes to… I feel like my expectancy does not glorify or acknowledge the power and wisdom of God, and as I pray, to daily ask God to renew my expectancy that he will be at work in big and small things, and that he will surprise me. He is God and I am not.

Overall, I would quickly and confidently recommend this book. It does not take long to read, but it may give you a much needed reminder that all that you do should ascribe worth and glory to God. We are to present our bodies as living sacrifices, which means our actions inside AND outside our Sunday morning worship services should be ascribing this immeasurable value on God’s character.

[Jacki Drane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a modern book about biblical worship. Kauflin doesn’t just offer insight on how to be a worship leader or lead worship through music, but, instead, takes time to show how every believer in Christ is called to worship. This text considers what the Bible says about worship and gives practical insight of how to live as true worshippers. It is also a relatively short book which makes it accessible to many readers who might not take on a more scholastic work.

[Andrew Mulnix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated much in this book.

[Alex Monseth · Rating 4 out of 5]

“True worshipers hold fast to the hope that one day we will do nothing but boast in the Lord. For we consider it the great end of our existence to find ourselves numbered along the worshipers of God. There can be no higher purpose. There can be no greater joy. And for those who have gratefully received God’s mercy in Jesus Christ, there can be no other end.”

Very encouraged by this book this past week. Bob teaches, encourages, and points you to Jesus as he writes. Really recommend this one!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Kauflin encourages us to have worship as our highest goal, our loftiest aim. But that is not just Sunday morning. The essence of worship is exalting God in our hearts and actions. Our worship springs from a sincere heart and lines up with God's Word. He also writes about the importance of gathering in community to worship and why that is important. He does the same with singing.
This is a good introduction to worship and I recommend it to those who want to make worship the highest goal of their lives.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1Ln4TO0.
I received a complimentary egalley for the purpose of this review.

[Coalición por el Evangelio]

«Verdaderos adoradores» no es un libro exclusivo para músicos y cantantes. Más bien se trata de una invitación del autor, Bob Kauflin, a considerar un llamado supremo: “ser contados entre los adoradores de Dios”. No importa si tocas un instrumento con gran habilidad, si eres un arquitecto de profesión, o una ama de casa, ¡Dios está buscando verdaderos adoradores!

Lee la reseña completa en Coalición por el Evangelio.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant followup to Worship Matters. Bob beautifully shows how true worship is primarily centered around God and scripture, and flows from a whole-person response to that. At the same time, he recognizes that music does play a large role in our worship, both present and eternal, and does a great job in describing its role. All in all, a great book for every Christian to read, not just for those already involved in or attuned to worship ministry.

[Phil Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read on worship. The only thing that stopped me giving it 5 stars is sometimes his assumptions are not always backed up solidly with Scripture.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone who claims to be Spirit led must be Word fed.
Worship can’t be confined to Sunday morning, more than lifting hands or an emotional experience, it’s the ordinary mundane things we think, do, and say as well as the significant and spectacular. It’s an all-of-life response to the forgiveness we receive through the gift of the Gospel. True worshippers enabled and redeemed by God, respond to God’s self-revelation in ways that exalt His glory in Christ in their minds, affections, and wills in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Why sing when others are more gifted? Your voice with all the others, has been redeemed by the Savior! As we sing, Jesus presents our song to the Father for His glory and our joy. Singing is not an option, vocal skill is not a criteria. Not, do I have a voice, but do i have a song?
Paul & Silas had a song to sing that circumstances couldn’t silence.
D.A. Carson: We often feel edified when we’re in public worship. Objectively, what brings us in into the presence of God is the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He warns that if we think it’s our worship activities that bring God near, it will soon be meritorious. The concern is a mysticism of drawing near to God without the presence of Christ, something we can experience, that understanding leads us to start looking for the right combination, some password or secret so we can experience God’s presence again. Maybe it’s when I lift my hands, it’s always when we get to the bridge of that song, or every time Amanda sings, candles seem to help. No one can bring us into the presence of God except the Spirit of Jesus.
We must not trust ourselves. We show our dependence on God, by asking God to empower us by His Spirit. We cannot neglect prayer and expect to experience God’s presence and power. The root cause of prayerlessness is not laziness, but pride. How much do you pray for your church, your times together? Do you pray specifically asking the Spirit to reveal Christ to everyone present, to empower your leaders, to help the congregation to sing with understanding and bear fruit in their lives?

[Paige Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, Bob Kauflin has done it again! This follow up to his original book (Worship Matters) is smaller, focused on the entire body of Christ (versus mainly those who are "leading worship"), and packed with life-changing perspective on what it means to be a True Worshiper of God - both on Sunday morning, and the rest of the week. Bob writes with such clarity and passion you can't help but meditate deeply on the things he shares and earnestly ask God's grace to grow you into more of what He desires. This is a book every Christian should take the time to read and which should be given to every member of your worship team. As Bob says repeatedly, every second of our lives we are worshiping something - so it would be wise of us to take the time to grow our understanding of it in order to ensure that all our worship is focused on the right thing: the praise of God, enabled by the blood of Jesus, powered by the Holy Spirit.

Favorite Quote: "Worship begins with God's extravagant grace, not our earnest effort."

[Evan Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really good. I deeply admire Kauflin. Practically I do not line up with EVERYTHING he teaches (but by this I mean that 98% of things I do agree with), but theologically he is so on point. Truthfully, this feels like some of “Worship Matters” repackaged in a more digestible, succinct format. This would be a book I suggested to a worship leader or church member who doesn’t like to read, but would quickly exhort them to do their best to accept the challenge to read the longer but much more rich “Worship Matters” by Kauflin. In either book, the reader will be encouraged! “True Worshipers” was great, but I will likely not read it again, opting for “Worship Matters” instead, which is why I gave it 3/5 stars.

[Sarah Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read!! Deep and rich but approachable for the layperson!

I would not call myself a musician or say I’m well versed in the theology of worship, so I was a bit worried this book was going to go over my head… Bob Kauflin does a wonderful job following the theme of worship through Scripture and dives into how worship can and should permeate every aspect of our lives as Christians.
This book has made me more aware of how I can check my thoughts and actions to ask whether I am living as right response to the glorious God who has saved me. It has encouraged me to think that there is no situation or circumstance where Christ cannot be praised or where he is not worthy of it.

If you want to think more about what it means to worship, I highly recommend!!

[Gary Yonek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very good insights into the theological reasons for worship with some scriptural references. Very modern, traditional and intellectual foundation for faith. (Circa 1500 - 2000) At times he seems like someone in the 80s longing for "true" church worship of the 1950s while referencing first century Christianity and applying Old Testament supports. Can't seem to help but take an occasional back-handed swipe at current musical and post-modern condition of western Christian culture (without acknowledging the reality that we are in, and need to worship scriptural truths in a post-modern Christian culture.)

[Robert Reiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book. The subject matter is what does it mean to worship God? For those who attend church on a Sunday, what does Worship look like as you're sitting there singing songs or listening to a preacher? What does it look like the rest of the week when you're not at church? What does the Bible have to say about all of this?

While I maybe didn't 100% agree with some of the statements made by the author, I was glad I read it and would probably give it a second read or at least refer to it again in the future.

[librarian4Him02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this over a period of months with a women's Bible study group. it gave me a greater understanding of worship overall and what it means to worship every day, not just on Sundays.

There were many nuggets of valuable information I took from this book and I look forward to reviewing them in the coming months. Highly recommend this book if you're looking for a clearer understanding of what it means to worship God.

[Brandon Lawryshyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book, breaking down worship, what it is, and why we do it! In church, we often refer to music and singing as worship, but in reality, worship is meant to be a response in everything we do, to the one who made us. Everything we do is worship, whether worship to God or something else in our lives.

I like that the book only had a few chapters on music worship, and focused on our lives as Christians in general. Ending with a great chapter about worship in heaven.

Great words!

[Susi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent. I love Bob as a person and worship leader but have never read one of his books. This book was so challenging and convicting. It’s so easy to think of worship in the context of singing but this book so clearly laid out that all beings are worshippers. It’s the object of the worship that is important. He also gave some really great and practical points on how to foster biblical worship amongst our churches whether in positions of leadership or not. Such a great book!

[Mark Linton · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Worshipers is a useful and concise introduction to what it means to participate in corporate worship. Not only is worship "done" when the local church gathers, but worship is a constant adoration of God, in hope of an eternity of unceasing worship gazing on his face.

"Words are inadequate to express the awe, adoration, and joy that fill our hearts as we consider the unshakeable, unmovable, uninterrupted confidence of heaven and the Saviour who has made it all possible."

[Leesa Stephens]

After four years as an interim worship leader, it might seem odd to pick up a book on worship. But in all the businesses of "leading" worship, I had lost sight of "living" worship. Author Bob Kauflin reminds us that worship always begins in our hearts. To make that clear, Kauflin doesn't even address music until Chapter 6 of just nine chapters. Excellent read for anyone who still struggles from time to time with what is/isn't worship.

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good and encouraging! took me a HOT minute ((literally two months)) to read but that's a me thing. as with most faith books, it's definitely a little repetitive, but there were good nuggets. i feel like this was more of an encouragement/slow-down-and-appreciate-the-gifts-of-God type book for me than like a super doctrinally shifting book but it was still really nice to have that encouragement and reminder

[ECORN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite book I’ve read this year.
As I read this, I not only felt that it was bringing me Biblical definitions, reasoning, and commands about worship, but also relentless and encouraging exhortation. It was so in depth and comprehensive on so many facets of being a worshipper which can sometimes bog down a book. But here, the detail always drove to foundational applications.

Will definitely reread this many times

[Nicholas Sellers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book with our church worship team and we FINALLY crawled across the finish line today.

This book read a lot like a modern worship “service” - dry, empty, and soulless. All the key buzzwords that you’d expect to read were included, but it just didn’t convey any depth or conviction. Most of the time I felt like the author was just trying to meet the word count required by the publisher.

Hopefully our next book will be more insightful.