On Worship: A Short Guide to Understanding, Participating in, and Leading Corporate Worship

by H.B. Charles Jr.

What does it mean to worship—especially in spirit and truth?

Christians hear the word “worship” a lot. From singing hymns and choruses to receiving “calls to worship,” on a Sunday morning, we’re certainly familiar with the term. But do we really have a grasp on what it means for the believer? For the Church as a whole?

On Worship casts a vision for the biblical principles and practices of worship. Pastors and other church leaders will learn what the Bible teaches about worship and why it is so important to get this topic right. You’ll learn how to think practically through preparing and executing corporate worship services so that you can lead your congregation to worship wholeheartedly in spirit and truth. In this companion title to On Preaching and On Pastoring, H. B. Charles draws from over thirty years of planning and leading worship for local churches of varying denominations, traditions, and cultural backgrounds.

Genres: Theology

176 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2021

About the author

H.B. CHARLES, JR. Is the Pastor-Teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida, where he has served since the fall of 2008. He is primarily responsible for preaching-teaching, vision casting, and leadership development. Prior to coming to Shiloh, he led the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles for almost eighteen years. Succeeding his late father, he began his pastorate at Mt. Sinai at the age of seventeen.H.B. Charles regularly speaks at churches, conferences, and conventions around the country. He has contributed to several books and journals, and is the author of It Happens After Prayer. H.B. and his wife Crystal have three children: H.B. III, Natalie, and Hailey. Keep in touch with HB Charles at HBCharlesJr.com.

Reviews

[Daniel Ligon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a little bit scattered; more like 30 blog posts on the subject of worship than one cohesive book with a logical flow. Nevertheless, it is excellent, simply because H. B. Charles is a good writer and has such a helpful perspective on ministry. As long as you don't expect this book to develop an argument throughout, you will be helped by it. It is perhaps best to be read a bit like a devotional book, a chapter or two at a time. Recommended!

[Matt Glidden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the focused, short chapters. The subtitle is a perfect description of the book, “a short guide to understanding, participating in, and leading corporate worship. It’s a concise overview with many familiar, simple points to remember and some good, new ideas to consider. A quick read that I will recommend.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

In under 170 pages, HB Charles leads us through a wide range of topics around corporate worship, especially with church leaders and preachers mind. He combines good biblical engagement with personal wisdom and practical ideas. I think the main weakness of the book is it tries to do too much - there are 30 short chapters, many of which are too short to do the topic justice. There is still lots of good stuff though if you read it selectively.

[Ben House · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOVEMBER 5, 2022
On Worship: A Short Guide by H. B. Charles, Jr.

On Worship: A Short Guide to Understanding, Participating In, and Leading Corporate Worship by H. B. Charles, Jr. is published by Moody Press.

“Why did I get this book?” I asked. A few years ago, I was pastoring a church. After I stepped down as pastor, I retained a job of being the person who put the worship service together. I also continued to do some of the preaching. Life brings changes and those changes bring further changes. That meant changing churches for me and becoming a pew sitter rather than a pastor/elder/worship organizer.

The change also took me from being in a Presbyterian church with lots of liturgical patterns and traditional hymns to a setting that had far less (though a few) of those elements. A number of factors and experiences have caused me to be a critic, cynic, and skeptic about worship. On the one hand, I was hesitant and unwilling to go all the way toward adopting robes and some of the higher church (more Anglican-like and Lutheran-like) practices of some of my fellow Presbyterian colleagues. On the other hand, I find the loose, casual, sloppy, non-traditional, non-denominational, non-conformist (and yet imitative of every other non-conformist), feelings oriented, concert performance type of worship irritating.

And I didn’t want to wade once again or ever into the issue of worship wars. I am Reformed in theology and life, so I am part and parcel of a whole host of fight-to-the-death advocacies of what to do and not do in worship. High church, low church, two office leadership, three office leadership, paedo-communion, wine or that other syrupy stuff, leavened or unleavened bread, one cup or many, lectionary readings or expository preaching, exclusive Psalmody or hymns, choirs or only congregational singing, seasonal observances or recognizing the Sabbath as the only prescribed Holy Day, and on and on it goes. Or for me, on and on it went.

Then I had another hesitation about the book On Worship by Pastor Charles. I tread carefully here. He is African-American and I am Caucasian. It is not racism or prejudice to note that Christian brothers and sisters in black churches worship in ways that are different from white Presbyterian folks. Yes, I am often encouraged by the emotional, vibrant, responsive actions of my African-American brethren. Yes, I am often deeply moved by their singing, and I often listen to Shirley Caesar’s powerful voice in recordings. But culturally, environmentally, and whatever else makes me who I am causes me to want to appreciate the African-American worship traditions from a distance.

Having no good reason to read On Worship, I began reading it. I guess I did have a couple of good reasons. I was obligated to review it after having received it free from Moody. (But obligated to review does not mean obligated to approve.) Also, the book was short and easy.

This book is a real delight. It has 30 relatively short chapters, so it works well for a month-long devotional or family reading. Charles is not dealing with the details of what to do in worship; rather, he is dealing with the heart of the worshipper. I assure you (as well as myself) that God is more pleased with those who worship in spirit and in truth out of love and dedication than He is with the technicians of “doing it right” who are hard-hearted, judgmental, exacting at the cost of being merciful, and mean.

Worship is a practice, a work-out, a training ground. Sunday’s hour of confinement is not the beginning and ending of worship, but rather the template for the rest of the week. Prayers, thanksgiving, confession, praise, and hearing God’s Word speak to us is to be going on in our lives 24-7.

This book is also heavily weighted in Reformed theology. (If you are not Reformed, air brush the previous sentence from your mind and read the book calmly.) While we Reformed folk can get a bit too carried away on certain beautiful features of theology, there are plenty of examples of our fathers and brothers who were tractor-beamed in on heart worship. The footnotes in the book cite Abraham Kuyper, Charles Spurgeon, Edmund Clowny, John Piper, and Bryan Chappel. (A. W. Tozer is repeatedly quoted for those of you who are gasping over the previous list.) The recommended readings include works by D. A. Carson, Philip Graham Ryken, Ligon Duncan, and R. C. Sproul. Sorry, but Joel Osteen and others of that flavor didn’t make the cut.

Along with having short, readable chapters, with being written in a non-technical, very casual style, the book is heart convicting. It feels like it grew out of sermons. It has the flavor of a true pastor’s heart. Believe it or not, we who are or have been pastors would like bigger and fuller churches, but even more, we would like to see our flocks growing closer and closer to God. We want to have good worship services, but services that are primarily God-honoring which means that they are also changing the lives of the participants.

Let the worship wars continue. God’s blessings on those who are contending in those conflicts. But let none of us overlook the real purposes and benefits of worship.

This book was provided to me free of charge by Moody Publishers for reviewing purposes. And I am under no obligation to endorse or commend its contents, but am glad that I can do so anyway.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid collection of 30 thoughts on worship in all areas of individual and corporate life. An excellent and encouraging practical resource for the pastor or layman alike.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does God have to say about how we are to worship him? In On Worship, H. B. Charles Jr. presents a short guide to understanding, participating in, and leading corporate worship.

To Please God

At around 175 pages separated into 30 chapters, this book is clear and concise. By using direct passages from Scripture and extrapolating Biblical principles, Charles Jr. keeps his points grounded in God’s Word. Worship is for God, not for man, and we should do our best to please him.

I was most encouraged to see that Charles Jr. explains how the church is not a social club, political action committee, or civil rights organization. The church is the assembly of redeemed disciples. When the world calls us to act on the latest movements and trends, the Word calls us back to the work of Christ. By Jesus’ authority, we make disciples locally and globally.

Active Participation

I was most challenged to see how Charles Jr. calls us to active participation in our local church. Instead of clamoring for online comments and meaningful DMs, we need the encouragement that comes from the physical assembling of the saints (Hebrews 10:24-25). While much ministry is done with technology, public and corporate worship is the central place where you exercise your spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:12). And while we like to check-in online, our regular attendance in the local church serves as a positive example and influence for others.

Active participation is further echoed in the book as Charles Jr. exhorts us to do whatever it takes to make sure that the convenience of technology does not become a distraction in worship. There must be a sacredness in our service, and we must learn to move away from ourselves and more towards God. Charles Jr. does not claim to have all the answers, but his assessment of our current situation is accurate.

Spirit and Truth

The book ends with a section on leading worship, and I was moved to see how youth are not the church of tomorrow. God wants all of his children to come to him today. We must worship him rightly, and this book is an excellent guide to help us see what Scripture says. We can learn what it means to worship in Spirit and Truth.

I received a media copy of On Worship and this is my honest review.

[Luke Seibert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although Charles has some good insights, he makes several conclusion jumps that aren’t necessarily supported from Scripture. I was left with the impression that the specific applications in the book were necessitated from a proper interpretation, even though the Biblical text was not that narrow. Also, there was one pretty major point he made from Psalm 150 that I have not seen taught by other commentators. I read about half the book, so I’m not sure how the rest turned out. Also, some of the material seemed a little disjointed and a few chapters seemed to end abruptly. So while I appreciate Charles’ heart and agree with several points, I hesitate in recommending this book.

[Briar · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The ultimate priority of true worship is that the Lord is pleased."

Starts with some key theological passages to consider and turns to more concrete examples. Seems like mostly solid advice, but I would have to put in more legwork to prove that all his advice/positions are biblically supported. Examples of advice I would have to find support for: kids as ushers or Scripture readers during the service. Adding unfamiliar music as a solution for cultural diversity. Backing down from encouraging the church to clap or say Amen during worship.
Probably areas of advisement and discernment rather than hard rules. Still convicting, thoughtful, and clear instruction.b

[Matthew Gage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed the book. It is 30 short chapters that swiftly and effectively deal with their topics.

My problem with the book is that I think he presents a more “middle of the road” approach to worship than he actually practices or believes. I do not really know much about the author, but there is plenty of evidence. It is clear from a few statements throughout, and especially in the recommended bibliography, that he favors the modern “praise and worship” theology. He takes a very pragmatic view of music approaching it as an amoral medium of worship.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

One area of confusion in the church today is regarding the topic of Worship. What constitutes worship? Is worship what we do only when we sing in a church service? Or is worship much broader than this? Visit 10 different churches across the nation and you'll most likely experience 10 different types/styles of worship. H.B. Charles, in this short book on worship, provides a biblical understanding of the concept and definition of worship as used throughout Scripture, offering in many of the chapters, some practical input into worship services and to living a life of worship. Although not agreeing with several points throughout, this book would serve as a very helpful resource for any believer who wants to give thought to a life of worship. A good read.

[Alastair Gooderham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful primer to stimulate thinking about worship. Section 3 of the book was especially challenging. Especially useful for those just beginning to lead worship or read with someone as preparation for doing so.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

30 very brief chapters on a smattering of "worship" topics. Some were helpful, some were not, some were repetitive.

I have mixed feelings about books like this that are or seek to be a collection of unconnected blog posts.

[Derek Plegge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful to have been able to sit across the table with H.B. again as he imparts impactful truths about worship!

[Andy Ardern · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, but I found it to be a little more principled and less practical than the other books in the series.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing and helpful...

[Chad Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second HB Charles book I have read this year. His perspectives on worship deeply blessed me.

[Josh Goossen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book! Nice bite sized chapters as well, so you can sit and read for 15 minutes, but still get an incredible amount of insight.

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and short read that every pastor and worship leader should read and re-read.