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Sound Check: How Worship Teams Can Pursue Authenticity, Excellence, and Purpose
Author Kurtis Parks understands the realities of being a worship leader. In Sound Check he offers insights
Parks’s powerful message is that when worship leaders cultivate a private life of worship, God will prepare them to lead from the stage.
Parks’s powerful message is that when worship leaders cultivate a private life of worship, God will prepare them to lead from the stage.
176 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2016
36 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 10, 2017
Wow!!!! This book needs to be read by everyone leading a Music team at a church and Worship Leaders. Wow, it was challenging. I think everyone would get something out of this book.
March 1, 2018
Some helpful & practical insights into worship & leading worship, but Parks definitely comes from a dramatically different approach to corporate worship (more charismatic) than I & my church do. His primary priorities in worship as presented in the book are God's presence and the worshiper's authenticity.
It's funny to me that when the word authenticity comes up, it automatically sounds inauthentic because you have to talk so much about it being authentic. It's like the item you find on Amazon that's way cheaper than it should be, and it says "real, genuine, authentic" - almost immediately tipping you off that it's probably not. Maybe I'm just jaded...
Parks models Christian character in his writing and tone - everything in this book is presented in a humble, generous, and winsome way.
It's funny to me that when the word authenticity comes up, it automatically sounds inauthentic because you have to talk so much about it being authentic. It's like the item you find on Amazon that's way cheaper than it should be, and it says "real, genuine, authentic" - almost immediately tipping you off that it's probably not. Maybe I'm just jaded...
Parks models Christian character in his writing and tone - everything in this book is presented in a humble, generous, and winsome way.
December 24, 2017
Although it was not one of my all-time favorite books on worship, this was a very good and challenging book. Kurtis' heart for worship to become something we Live instead of just something that we Lead is really inspiring and I think anyone would be motivated and inspired by this book. Definitely a worthy read for anyone who leads or plays on a worship team!
Favorite Quote: "Authenticity is the key to worship and leading people effectively into the presence of God."
Favorite Quote: "Authenticity is the key to worship and leading people effectively into the presence of God."
January 26, 2020
Great Book on Worship from the Heart
This was a great book focused on the heart behind worship, which is everything. Kurt is Parks includes practical advice on how to cultivate personal worship, healthy worship teams, and authentic corporate worship community. I'm definitely going to use this as a resource to study with future worship teams and will recommend it to other worship leaders.
This was a great book focused on the heart behind worship, which is everything. Kurt is Parks includes practical advice on how to cultivate personal worship, healthy worship teams, and authentic corporate worship community. I'm definitely going to use this as a resource to study with future worship teams and will recommend it to other worship leaders.
July 16, 2022
Not bad, but this is a book that feels like it should be a brochure.
March 7, 2025
Sound Check was a very light read.
Parks states he has ADD (or ADHD I can’t remember exactly) and this is apparent in the amount of unnecessary bunny trails he takes you on.
He states his book isn’t an autobiography but it pretty much is lol
I found myself bored with this read.
If you’re going into worship ministry, there are meatier books out there.
I did like hearing about his American Idol journey and his struggle after leaving the secular music world and going into worship ministry, with worship feeling like a performance. It felt raw and honest but it could have been done in less than half the amount of words.
The main point I think was to check your heart posture and authenticity. Focus on God throughout the week so you don’t have to fake the joy of the lord on stage on a Sunday morning.
Oh and we’ve been loving his kids album! Noah’s Ark is the family fave.
Parks states he has ADD (or ADHD I can’t remember exactly) and this is apparent in the amount of unnecessary bunny trails he takes you on.
He states his book isn’t an autobiography but it pretty much is lol
I found myself bored with this read.
If you’re going into worship ministry, there are meatier books out there.
I did like hearing about his American Idol journey and his struggle after leaving the secular music world and going into worship ministry, with worship feeling like a performance. It felt raw and honest but it could have been done in less than half the amount of words.
The main point I think was to check your heart posture and authenticity. Focus on God throughout the week so you don’t have to fake the joy of the lord on stage on a Sunday morning.
Oh and we’ve been loving his kids album! Noah’s Ark is the family fave.
September 30, 2016
Sound Check reads as part practical worship leading how-to, part spiritual encouragement, with a generous helping of scripture throughout. Kurtis' light and conversational style (and great stories) makes it an easy read but I found it also very challenging and convicting at times. The questions at the end of each chapter are great prompts for personal reflection and would work well in a group setting. Key topics include the issue of pride, being authentic, and seeking God above all. It's a must-read for every worship leader, member of a worship team, and pastor or church leader. Kurtis writes from a place of wisdom that only comes from seeking God's presence daily. I'm proud to be able to serve under his leadership at National Community Church.
April 5, 2017
This is one of the most accessible, practical, and USEFUL books I have read on leading worship. HIGHLY RECOMMEND for anyone in the role of worship leader and/or pastor.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews