"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” - Dr. Seuss
There’s a lot of truth in that statement. And the exciting thing is, we are never done learning. There are always new ideas, new processes, new perspectives to discover, explore, and seek to understand.
Reading is a great way to escape, unwind, and rest, but it’s also a useful way to learn, grow, and find inspiration. In our work as musicians and teachers, directors and coordinators, worship leaders and planners, this is extremely important.
A few years ago, I shared a few book recommendations for church musicians - choir directors, children’s choir directors, organists and accompanists, and others. Today, I’m sharing a book list for worship leaders — those of you involved in planning, leading, and facilitating worship services (traditional, contemporary, and everything in between).
I haven’t read all of these, though many are now on my list! Anyway, I hope they inspire your work and ministry.
8 Inspirational Reads for Worship Leaders and Planners
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God (Bob Kauflin)
Kauflin offers a biblical perspective on worship with relevant, practical applications and insight for pastors, musicians, and church leaders spanning various denominations.
Think Like a Filmmaker: Sensory-Rich Worship Design for Unforgettable Messages (Marcia McFee)
Featuring tried-and-true approaches and strategies for creating sensory-rich worship experiences, Marcia McFee includes insight from filmmakers, artists, screenwriters, composers, and cinematographers. An inspirational and motivating read for pastors, worship leaders, church musicians, and volunteers.
Rhythms of Grace: How the Church’s Worship Tells the Story of the Gospel (Mike Cosper)
“What is worship?” Mike Cosper asks the question and explores possible answers by outlining a few simple worship paradigms and exploring the deep connection to liturgy. Further, he takes the time to define and describe the word “liturgy" in real-world terms.
The Art of Worship: A Musician’s Guide to Leading Modern Worship (Greg Scheer)
An in-depth resource guide for the contemporary worship leader, this book includes step-by-step details for starting and growing a contemporary music ministry. A helpful, practical introduction to contemporary music and what it takes to lead modern worship.
The Music Architect: Blueprints for Engaging Worshipers in Song (Constance M. Cherry)
A theological and pastoral perspective on worship and music, Constance Cherry offers a series of useful tools for evaluating worship music. She also provides reading recommendations, key take-aways, and practical action steps.
The Worship Workshop: Creative Ways to Design Worship Together (Marcia McFee)
Worship designer and consultant Marcia McFee provides a range of accessible activities and creative ideas to aid committees and worship teams in planning worship that is engaging and meaningful. Appropriate for churches of all sizes, this book includes a variety of handouts and worksheets to help you create a true workshop experience for your worship team.
The Worship Architect: Blueprints for Designing Culturally Relevant and Biblically Faithful Services (Constance M. Cherry)
Relevant for virtually any style of worship, this book focuses on how to create services that foster meaningful encounters and conversations with God and relationships with those who are gathered.
Brim: Creative Overflow in Worship Design (Andra Moran & Suzanne Castle)
Co-written by a Christian music artist and pastor, this book outlines ten worship service templates, each including devotions, music suggestions, visual ideas, digital media, Scripture readings, prayers, and art resources.
What are your favorite worship-related books? Please share the titles in the comments below!
