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Imagine That by Manuel Luz
November 2, 2009
In Imagine That: Discovering your Unique Role as a Christian Artist, Manuel Luz, the Creative Arts Pastor for Oak Hills Church in Folsom, California, compares Jazz music to Biblical community, claims that the Levites of the Old Testament had the “ultimate gig” and makes a convincing case for art as a spiritual discipline.
“Imagine That” Review
October 19, 2009
Imagine That
by Manuel Luz
“We create because we are made in the image of the Creator. We simply cannot help it.”
Dear Manuel:
I was recently asked to read and review “Imagine That.” I was eager, and quickly moved Read more
Book Review: Taking Flight with Creativity
September 16, 2009
I recently received a copy of the new book by Len Wilson and Jason Moore titled “Taking Flight with Creativity: Worship Design Teams that Work.” Since getting started in worship media and design I’ve followed their career and writings since they were involved with Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio. They now run Midnight Oil Productions.
Your Jesus Is Too Safe – Jared C. Wilson
September 2, 2009
Twice this Summer I found myself in conversations with pastors of large churches who were frustrated by the severe lack of theological understanding among otherwise very skilled worship leaders, especially among many of the most creative. Both pastors had generally come to the conclusion that creativity and talent rarely go hand-in-hand with any more than the most basic of Biblical understandings. As a worship leader, I am convinced that to worship Christ fully we must know him truly, but I can understand these pastor’s frustrations because over the course of my years in ministry I have run into plenty of worship leaders who were far more interested in the latest and greatest fads of the faith, constantly exploring and chasing down the next mystical experience, rather than studying, and standing firm on a solid, Evangelical understanding of the Word of God. Worship leaders, if you are impatient with systematic/Biblical theology, but are willing to take a step towards having a bigger, more full-orbed picture of the Biblical Jesus, then read on – this book will be of interest to you.
Imagine That – Book Review
July 29, 2009
The book “Imagine That” by Manuel Luz, declares that “we are all born artists, but in the art of living, the artist in many of us dies.”
Book Review – God-ol-o-gy
April 27, 2009
Last month I got my copy of God-ol-o-gy, a new book by Christian George. Things were so busy and hectic leading up to Easter that I kept putting it off, picking up the book and not being able to get far, and not really being able to wrap my head around it.
Was that a mistake.
Book Review – Energizing Children’s Ministry in the Smaller Church
March 13, 2009
One of the challenges I face as a Children’s Pastor is finding good, quality resources that apply to my situation. My church is not large, we don’t have much space, we have fewer resources, and so many “solutions” that are offered in the ministry marketplace just don’t seem to fit.
Book Review – “Engaging With God: A Biblical Theology of Worship”
July 24, 2008
What am I here for? Why am I walking around this planet? What is the meaning of life? What is my purpose for being here? The way a person answers these questions has dramatic ramifications on the way they choose to live their lives. By the grace of God and the illumination provided by his Spirit, Christians have to understand that the reason we were created was to worship God and enjoy Him forever.
Book Review: Worship Matters
June 16, 2008
Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God
Bob Kauflin
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Crossway Books (March 31, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 158134824X
ISBN-13: 978-1581348248
I have been an avid reader of Bob Kauflin’s blog Worship Matters for over a year. I read it almost daily and try to incorporate what I can within my ministry. Bob has been in worship ministry for a long time and his insight is much appreciated. Anything I read I weigh it against two thoughts:
1. What can I get out of this?
2. What can others get out of this?
While I personally love Bob’s blog I find that it may be a difficult read for those who are just starting out in ministry. It is full of great thoughts on theology, ministry and worship but I think some of it is very complex.
When I ordered this book I was eager with anticipation, but expecting more of what he does on his blog. What I got was a special treat.
Theology with practicality in terms that can be understood.
This book is a must read for anybody involved in worship leading or service planning. It delves deep into the theology of worship, but does it in a way that almost anybody can understand. It explains the trials, pitfalls, definitions and many, many other things. Then Bob goes into application. He teaches how you can take his insights into your own service and use them for a more effective ministry.
There are four main sections in the book:
1: The Leader
2: The Task
3: Healthy Tensions
4: Right Relationships
Each section discusses the topics and then encourages application. He goes into detail about what worship is, it’s many styles, leadership, how to put together a service, lyrical content, tensions, worship wars, songwriting, and relationships.
This is a fantastic book and a delightful surprise. Worship matters found it’s place on my shelf of “must read books on ministry” and I’d recommend it for yours as well.
