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Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God
Combining biblical foundations with real-world application, a pastor and professional songwriter guides worship leaders and pastors to root their corporate worship in unchanging scriptural principles rather than divisive trends.
Nothing is more essential than knowing how to worship the God who created us. This book focuses readers on the essentials of God-honoring worship, combining biblical foundations with practical application in a way that works in the real world. The author, a pastor and noted songwriter, skillfully instructs pastors, musicians, and church leaders so that they can root their congregational worship in unchanging scriptural principles, not divisive cultural trends. Bob Kauflin covers a variety of topics such as the devastating effects of worshiping the wrong things, how to base our worship on God's self-revelation rather than our assumptions, the fuel of worship, the community of worship, and the ways that eternity's worship should affect our earthly worship.
Appropriate for Christians from varied backgrounds and for various denominations, this book will bring a vital perspective to what readers think they understand about praising God.
BOB KAUFLIN traveled with the Christian group GLAD for eight years as a songwriter and arranger before becoming a pastor with Sovereign Grace Ministries in 1985. He is now the director of worship development for Sovereign Grace, overseeing its music projects and teaching on congregational worship. He and his wife, Julie, have six children and an ever-growing number of grandchildren.
Audio CD
First published March 26, 2008
About the author
Bob Kauflin
29 books36 followersBob Kauflin is the Director of Sovereign Grace Music for Sovereign Grace Churches.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
May 20, 2024
Very practical. Very encouraging. Writing on a wide array of content regarding worship, Bob Kauflin shows how biblical values and teachings translate to practical liturgies of Christ-centered worship. His book is directed to worship leaders but I would recommend it to anyone who participates in the life of a local church!
June 5, 2011
Most of the readers who will crack open this book will tell you that worship matters, but most of them will not be able to tell you why it matters so much. For this reason, Kauflin sets out to demonstrate the significance of worship and the biblical teaching regarding it. The book is far more than a theology of worship, but is an extremely practical guide to worship. Rather than focusing on the theoretical, Kauflin dwells on the practical and gives many personal illustrations of the challenges of crafting a worship service.
The work is divided into four parts. The first focuses on the person who leads the congregation in worship. From the very beginning, the writer points us past the show and glamour of the stage and the Sunday morning presentation to the important things. What really matters? Is it the performance, or is it something greater. The greatness of worship, Kauflin points out, should lead the worship leader to a depth of humility because all are inadequate for the task ahead of them. Following this, the writer demonstrates four areas in which all worship leaders struggle (viz., heart, mind, hands, and life). In each area, significant applications are made. The reader is challenged to a number of tests to reveal whether he has made an idol out of ministry or is desiring God first and foremost. The worship leader is also challenged to recognize the significance and importance of sound doctrine. Kauflin also offers here an excellent challenge on the importance of skill in worship. He presents as a careful balance between distracting from worship (failure to have skill) and self-exaltation (idolatry of skill). In regard to life, the reader is reminded that the worship leader must model a life worthy of the Lord. These applications are of great import and spill out in the broader discussion of the book.
Section two moves from examining the worship leader and moves to the discussion of the task of corporate worship. Kauflin defines the task of the worship leader as follows: “A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, by skillfully combining God’s Word with music, thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the gospel, to cherish God’s presence, and to live for God’s glory” (55). The following eleven chapters expand on the particulars of this definition.
Part three is entitled “healthy tensions” and the writer walks the reader across the tightrope of a number of tensions such as trancendance and immanence, head and heart, internal and external, vertical and horizontal, planned and spontaneous, rooted and relevant, skilled and authentic, for the church and for unbelievers, and event and everyday. No worship leader has failed to see the significance of these tensions in the weekly routine of preparation for corporate worship and it is for this reason that the writer’s discussion of these tensions is so powerful for those considering the topic.
The final section dwells on the relationship between the worship leader and the people, the church, the worship team, and the pastor. Kauflin pushes the worship leader to be an example in his public and private testimony. In order to do this, the worship leader is urged to be deeply involved with the people of the church. A number of very helpful suggestions are also given in regard to effectively leading a worship team. The practicality of this chapter is incredible. Lastly, the relationship between the worship leader and the pastor is, according to Kauflin, of great importance. In spite of the worship leader’s skill and desires, he must be willing to submit to the leadership of his pastor.
This reviewer found the following points of great significance in the first section:
"Worship matters. It matters to God because he is the one ultimately worthy of all worship. It matters to us because worshipping God is the reason for which we were created." (19)
"...far too little has been said about the worship wars going on inside us. And they're much more significant." (21)
"...worship isn't primarily about music, techniques, liturgies, songs, or methodologies. It's about hearts. It's about what and who we love more than anything." (25)
What you love six days of the week will influence how you worship on the 7th. (26)
"...music expands the soul and opens us to new ways of experiencing God. But being moved emotionally is different from being changed spiritually." (30)
"When we're dodge about our theology, we're really saying we want our own Jesus." (31)
"If our doctrine is accurate but our hearts are cold toward God himself, our corporate worship will be true but lifeless. Or if we express fervent love for God but present vague, inaccurate, or incomplete ideas of him to those we're leading, our worship will be emotional but misleading--and possibly idolatrous. Neither option brings God glory." (32)
Overall there is no point in which this reviewer can find fault with the theology, instruction, or approach of the work. The book is unparalleled in its depth and breadth on the topic. In a similar vein, this reviewer would recommend that the reader also read Bryan Chapell’s Christ-Centered Worship for a number of practical methods for achieving the challenges set forth in this work.
Extremely well-written in a most enjoyable and readable style, Kauflin has presented the church with powerful direction for a new generation of worship leaders. This generation of worship leaders will take their responsibility with pious reverence in light of the significance of the task ahead, because…worship matters.
The work is divided into four parts. The first focuses on the person who leads the congregation in worship. From the very beginning, the writer points us past the show and glamour of the stage and the Sunday morning presentation to the important things. What really matters? Is it the performance, or is it something greater. The greatness of worship, Kauflin points out, should lead the worship leader to a depth of humility because all are inadequate for the task ahead of them. Following this, the writer demonstrates four areas in which all worship leaders struggle (viz., heart, mind, hands, and life). In each area, significant applications are made. The reader is challenged to a number of tests to reveal whether he has made an idol out of ministry or is desiring God first and foremost. The worship leader is also challenged to recognize the significance and importance of sound doctrine. Kauflin also offers here an excellent challenge on the importance of skill in worship. He presents as a careful balance between distracting from worship (failure to have skill) and self-exaltation (idolatry of skill). In regard to life, the reader is reminded that the worship leader must model a life worthy of the Lord. These applications are of great import and spill out in the broader discussion of the book.
Section two moves from examining the worship leader and moves to the discussion of the task of corporate worship. Kauflin defines the task of the worship leader as follows: “A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, by skillfully combining God’s Word with music, thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the gospel, to cherish God’s presence, and to live for God’s glory” (55). The following eleven chapters expand on the particulars of this definition.
Part three is entitled “healthy tensions” and the writer walks the reader across the tightrope of a number of tensions such as trancendance and immanence, head and heart, internal and external, vertical and horizontal, planned and spontaneous, rooted and relevant, skilled and authentic, for the church and for unbelievers, and event and everyday. No worship leader has failed to see the significance of these tensions in the weekly routine of preparation for corporate worship and it is for this reason that the writer’s discussion of these tensions is so powerful for those considering the topic.
The final section dwells on the relationship between the worship leader and the people, the church, the worship team, and the pastor. Kauflin pushes the worship leader to be an example in his public and private testimony. In order to do this, the worship leader is urged to be deeply involved with the people of the church. A number of very helpful suggestions are also given in regard to effectively leading a worship team. The practicality of this chapter is incredible. Lastly, the relationship between the worship leader and the pastor is, according to Kauflin, of great importance. In spite of the worship leader’s skill and desires, he must be willing to submit to the leadership of his pastor.
This reviewer found the following points of great significance in the first section:
"Worship matters. It matters to God because he is the one ultimately worthy of all worship. It matters to us because worshipping God is the reason for which we were created." (19)
"...far too little has been said about the worship wars going on inside us. And they're much more significant." (21)
"...worship isn't primarily about music, techniques, liturgies, songs, or methodologies. It's about hearts. It's about what and who we love more than anything." (25)
What you love six days of the week will influence how you worship on the 7th. (26)
"...music expands the soul and opens us to new ways of experiencing God. But being moved emotionally is different from being changed spiritually." (30)
"When we're dodge about our theology, we're really saying we want our own Jesus." (31)
"If our doctrine is accurate but our hearts are cold toward God himself, our corporate worship will be true but lifeless. Or if we express fervent love for God but present vague, inaccurate, or incomplete ideas of him to those we're leading, our worship will be emotional but misleading--and possibly idolatrous. Neither option brings God glory." (32)
Overall there is no point in which this reviewer can find fault with the theology, instruction, or approach of the work. The book is unparalleled in its depth and breadth on the topic. In a similar vein, this reviewer would recommend that the reader also read Bryan Chapell’s Christ-Centered Worship for a number of practical methods for achieving the challenges set forth in this work.
Extremely well-written in a most enjoyable and readable style, Kauflin has presented the church with powerful direction for a new generation of worship leaders. This generation of worship leaders will take their responsibility with pious reverence in light of the significance of the task ahead, because…worship matters.
April 11, 2017
Lectura obligada para todo pastor y para los miembros del ministerio de adoración corporativa.
***
Must read for every pastor and for every member of a corporate worship team.
***
Must read for every pastor and for every member of a corporate worship team.
July 25, 2011
What a breakthrough book in this area. Bob Kauflin is equally solid as he discusses both the biblical basis for worship/music and the practical musical issues. As a long time worship leader, this is the book I enthusiastically recommend on the topic - get it and read it.
September 8, 2018
Really good and covered a lot of ground--from broad scope to details. I had a few theological differences with him (but just a half star's worth). There were other parts that didn't pertain to my smaller church situation very well, so I didn't enjoy them much either. All in all: 4 stars.
June 20, 2026
Although not everything was applicable to me and somethings gave me a bit of a chuckle, the conversations that came from this book we’re so fruitful and really helped me grow my ability to lead worship on a Sunday morning. It is just a great resource to help realign your focus off of yourself and onto God in worship. I also felt very encouraged while reading this, reflecting on how much thought my church puts into every detail of our services. Pretty much the whole book I was like “My church does this already, and that, we also already do that…” How blessed I am to be looked after in such a way where I can trust the leadership at WLA and know the Bible is the foundation to everything we do. I very much enjoyed!
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April 20, 2017Worship Matters is much more than a handbook for worship leaders or a musical position statement. Kauflin delves into the theology of worship and explores the ways in which that theology should drive decisions made in both a corporate and personal worship context.
This book challenged me to think about the why's behind the worship activities we partake in every week, and far from being a defense of a particular application of music in worship, Kauflin instead encourages all worshipers to draw their patterns and positions from Scripture.
This book is well worth the read, even if you don't agree with every single conclusion Kauflin makes about application.
This book challenged me to think about the why's behind the worship activities we partake in every week, and far from being a defense of a particular application of music in worship, Kauflin instead encourages all worshipers to draw their patterns and positions from Scripture.
This book is well worth the read, even if you don't agree with every single conclusion Kauflin makes about application.
March 12, 2022
This book was able to cover sooo many details about why we worship through music, how we lead worship and even the relationships you need to build as worship leaders. This is a book every worship leader needs to read and read again.
March 28, 2026
So convicting and encouraging! I’m sure I will read this again at some point!
October 5, 2026
Despite giving it a 3/5, I think everyone serving on a worship team should read it before serving. He says the same thing many times over, but they are good points! Great resource.
July 1, 2024
Extremely valuable thoughts stored in this book.
May 12, 2015
It's wonderful to see key people addressing worship and challenging leaders to define worship biblically and apply biblical principles to the use of music in Christian worship. I suspect most church musicians would benefit greatly from reading this book.
Regrettably, this book reflects a journey more begun than complete. The direction is admirable, but the product is worthy of congratulations only against the backdrop of the chronic theological ignorance too common in pop expressions of Christianity. Throw in a dash of Charismaticism and not-Fundamentalist-but-more-Fundamentalist-than-they-realise, and you're getting the picture of this book.
In short, Kauflin is neither a strong theologian nor a precise thinker, but he does value and encourage both sound theology and careful thinking and for that, I'm thankful.
Regrettably, this book reflects a journey more begun than complete. The direction is admirable, but the product is worthy of congratulations only against the backdrop of the chronic theological ignorance too common in pop expressions of Christianity. Throw in a dash of Charismaticism and not-Fundamentalist-but-more-Fundamentalist-than-they-realise, and you're getting the picture of this book.
In short, Kauflin is neither a strong theologian nor a precise thinker, but he does value and encourage both sound theology and careful thinking and for that, I'm thankful.
June 14, 2015
Some reviews of this book amount to little more than, 'It was too long.' And, I would agree with those, if this book wasn't so cleverly structured and set out, with easily navigated sections, chapter headings, and subheadings. Kauflin demonstrates an immense amount of practical experience, musical expertise, careful theological application, Spirit given wisdom, and an understanding of both team dynamics and leadership roles in the local church. This book would benefit anyone involved in worship, those who lead the church and anyone who is interested in gaining a fuller and biblically faithful view of music in the life of the Christian.
September 3, 2024
This is easily a must read for music ministers and pastors. Read it, and then read it again. This is an incredible resource of balanced theological content surrounding the philosophical and practical considerations surrounding music in the worship gathering. Bob Kauflin has been used greatly by the Lord in this book and in his career as a music minister. I cannot commend this book enough.
July 10, 2012
Such a strong, solid book on musical worship. Gives proper emphasis to the importance of music, its joys, and its challenges. Lots of practical insight throughout. Recommended to anyone interested in music ministry at any level!
March 25, 2022
Este valioso recurso nos da un panorama de lo que es verdaderamente la adoración y cómo la música es solo una pequeña expresión que, aunque no debe ser menospreciada, tampoco debe ser el centro de nuestra vida. Con una lectura fácil, Bob Kauflin nos muestra cómo la adoración comienza desde el conocimiento de Dios y el reflejo que este emana en la música que como músicos interpretamos.
Este libro nos llama a reflexionar sobre la verdadera adoración y a cómo la música cristiana contemporánea debe ser vista con los lentes del evangelio y no de los arreglos o ritmos pegadizos que mueven las emociones. Sin duda es un libro que recomiendo tanto a los músicos y pastores, como a un miembro de la iglesia local para que vea su vida como adoración a Dios y no como en nuestro contexto latinoamericano se ha distorsionado, haciendo ver que la adoración es música lenta (tipo balada) y la alabanza es música rápida.
Este libro nos llama a reflexionar sobre la verdadera adoración y a cómo la música cristiana contemporánea debe ser vista con los lentes del evangelio y no de los arreglos o ritmos pegadizos que mueven las emociones. Sin duda es un libro que recomiendo tanto a los músicos y pastores, como a un miembro de la iglesia local para que vea su vida como adoración a Dios y no como en nuestro contexto latinoamericano se ha distorsionado, haciendo ver que la adoración es música lenta (tipo balada) y la alabanza es música rápida.
June 13, 2019
Really helpful book designed for worship leaders. Goes from the depths of biblical explanations of what worship is to the nuts and bolts of everything that goes into leading a Sunday morning service. Bob’s irenic and humble demeanor make the book extremely enjoyable to read and helpful to realize one’s own deficiencies. I am not a musician, but I wanted to read this book to better understand the role music plays on a Sunday morning, and this book certainly helped.
The only downside of the book comes from a disagreement I have with the author’s view of the charismatic gifts. I am not a charismatic and would disagree with his views on spontaneous prophetic utterances in the worship service. However, this only comprises a very small slice of the book—everything else is worth a very hearty amen.
The only downside of the book comes from a disagreement I have with the author’s view of the charismatic gifts. I am not a charismatic and would disagree with his views on spontaneous prophetic utterances in the worship service. However, this only comprises a very small slice of the book—everything else is worth a very hearty amen.
June 13, 2017
Excellent book on what it means to be a worship leader in the church. I appreciate Kauflin's emphasis on worship as a way of life and thus the need for personal holiness in a worship leader. Throughout the book, he balances theological/philosophical comments with practical tips. The chapters about "healthy tensions" were very helpful.
November 27, 2018
This book helped me see music and worship as bigger and more glorious than just songs on Sunday morning. From tips on how to work together better as a team and model the body of Christ working together, to growing in my biblical understanding of the involvement of emotions and the mind in worship. This book was very encouraging and thought provoking.
January 19, 2021
I was not the right audience for this book. I am a layperson; not a worship leader. This book is for a person who participates in the leading of worship either as a music minister or a musician during a worship service. I do neither of those things. With that being said, it gave me a new perspective on elements of a worship service and the heart position of a worshipper.
March 26, 2024
A really comprehensive guide on worship and its role and function within a church, a really helpful read for any worship leaders - and even for other members of the church to rethink the part worship does and should play in the life of the believer
January 31, 2026
What a packed book! There are so many phenomenal truths and practical applications to those leading worship and those participating in it. I would love to read this book again and take notes as I do.
July 16, 2026
I took my time reading this, so much great content I wanted time to think and reflect on the chapters. As a church musician this book will be one I go back to. I highlighted, underlined and jotted down comments in the margins for future reference. Highly recommend!
August 24, 2021
good for worship leaders
March 16, 2022
Good book on worship. I wished he would have talked more about the regulative principle of worship and the origins of biblical worship.
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June 12, 2025Helpful for worship leaders and pastors in conventional church settings. I liked that it was practical but not too pragmatic. Theologically relatively unspectacular.
August 7, 2025
Such a helpful explanation on the theology of worship. Lots of practical wisdom for how this theology is applied in the local church. A favorite this year for sure.
December 13, 2025
This book drips with humility and wisdom! It’s a very important work when considering corporate worship and the role of the worship leader. Highly recommended!
June 30, 2026
Great for sparking discussion - loved reading this alongside such an amazing group of talented, fun, insightful and hilarious worship leaders!!
April 30, 2026
I love the writing and thoughts of this author. I feel this is a necessary read for all in worship leadership, and for the rest of us to shape how we worship/ look for worship in seasons of finding new churches. Quotes to come
Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews