Chapter 7: Understanding God's Word

Kraeuter tells us of the most effect worship leader he has met. This leader was exceptionally talented in music and leading, but Kraeuter believes that it was his knowledge of scripture that enabled him to be as effective as he is. Knowing what scripture calls us to do is vital to being a worship leader. Leaders who don't have a strong understanding of God's word may chose to introduce songs that have messages unrelated to worship, though they may sound nice. It is more important to have biblical understanding than to b the best instrumentalist in the church when it comes to leading worship.

As leaders of a high school, I believe that it is even more important to be knowledgeable of God's word. It is easy for us to become distracted in how good we sound or what songs to play. Yet, it is infinitely more important for us to have an understanding of scripture so that we can lead with the tones and focuses that the Bible tells us to use.

Chapter 6: Thankfulness to God

In this chapter, Kraeuter spurs us on to pursue God with a thankful heart. In addition to being thankful, he encourages us to make sacrifices out of thankfulness to God. In order to remember to be thankful, Kraeuter also suggested keeping a rock in our pocket to remember to give God thanks.

Giving thanks is the ultimate form of worship. Our Heavenly Father has done and continues to do great and unbelievable things for us. Each sin, each and every mistake is washed clean by the creator of the universe. The least we can do, and perhaps also the most we can do, is thank God for every wonderful thing he does.

Chapter 5: Living a Life of Worship

In this chapter, Baloche puts emphasis on how we should worship every single day of our lives, not just on Sunday. He reminds us that God is looking for worshippers, not worship alone; there's a major difference between the two. God does not need worship, yet it brings him pleasure. Through worship we show God that we love him back and we are brought closer to him through our outward affection.

My favorite part of this passage was when he recalled the story from Acts 16 when the men chose to praise and worship God in a terrible situation. It made me think about what I would do if I found myself in a similar situation. If I want to be a true worshipper, I will worship God in all circumstances every day.

Chapter 4: Having a Levitical Heart

Baloche refers to a passage in scripture that describes the Levite tribe and their devotion to God. He then goes on to tell the story of how he chose to move to a house that was closer to his church than his job even though he did not play a huge role in the church community. The Bible tells us that we are to BE for God, just be. This means that In doing everything, God is our first priority, our first thought, the focal point of our actions.

My favorite part of this chapter was how Baloche points out that we all are called to BE for God, even if he does not seem to be using us in a "big" way. To be for God is to be aware that we are his and to live our lives with an attitude of love.

Chapter 3: Having a Humble, Servant Attitude

There's a visible difference between a worship leader who is skilled and proud and a worship leader who is skilled and humble. Ultimately, God cares more about where our hearts are at than where our skills are at. Throughout the year, we should make sure to put focus into our mindset and heart.

This chapter reminded me of the verse 1 Corinthians 13:2 "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. " We can be the epitome of a worship leader on the outside, but if we refuse to be humble and forget that we are servants first, we will become lost and caught up in worldly pride.

Chapter 2: Walking in God's Grace

Sometimes in our lives, we may feel that we are unworthy of leading worship. After all, we are not perfect. We are sinners and we fall, so how are we supposed to lead others in worship to an almighty and perfect Father? In this chapter, Kraeuter reminds us of the power of salvation. If we were able to live sin-free on our own, then Jesus' death would serve no purpose. Jesus died so that we could actually be completely forgiven by God. This is all nice to say, but to believe this would radically change the way we see ourselves. We. Are. Perfect. In. God's. Grace.

If you read my last post, you would see that this is especially relative in my life right now. Since making my last post, I have found God again and I am once again trusting in him as I have in the past. It feels really good to be able to break away from the world and trust in God. I know that I will continue to fail and make mistakes, but I need to remember that he forgives me every day and I am worthy.

This chapter reminded me of the song Prodigal by Sidewalk Prophets. The chorus of this song is "come running like a prodigal" and it makes me picture myself running back to God knowing that I will be accepted and embraced by him despite my sins. This is our salvation. This is the gospel. And it is the best thing out there. As worship leaders, we need to remember that we are truly and fully forgiven and, by the grace of God, we CAN lead others in worship.

Chapter 1: Maintaining a Strong Relationship w/ the Lord

After reading the first chapter of our book of the year, I think I have discovered that lately my heart has not exactly been in the right place to lead worship. I relate to the narrator a lot in that I feel as if I've been going through the motions and techniques of worship while I have been missing a heart full of love for God. I also relate in that I feel that my most of my quality time that I have with God is when I'm leading worship and I should really be looking to spend time to develop my relationship with him further. Recently, I've been trying to turn my attitude around and remind myself of how incredible it is that the creator of the world loves me. This morning in my physics class, Ms. Tucker reiterated this and I was remind of the love God has for me. I think I am on my way back on the right track where I am worshiping God not soley because I want to lead people to him, but I am worshiping him because he is deserving of worship. I worship him because I want him to know how much I love him back.

My favorite part of this chapter then, was when the narrator mentioned how the majority of his quality time with God was only during worship because I relate to that. I am working on that, though. I want to develop my relationship with him further, even outside of worship leading.

Intro for "Keys to Becoming a Worship Leader"

Right off the bat, Tom Kraeuter tells the reader that this book is not intended to teach us how to worship, but rather how to grow to become a strong worship leader. He recommends that we read one chapter at a time and pause in between to prayerfully consider what we just read. God will lead us on our journey to becoming a strong leader, and this book will give us wisdom to get us started.

I am excited to begin to think deeper about what it means to be a worship leader. I want to become and strong and effective leader in chapel, and I believe that I will benefit greatly from this book.