Book Reviews:
"At a time when the term “worship leader” means something different to every congregation, William L. Hooper’s Worship Leadership for Worship Leaders,Vol. 1: Developing Skills for effective Leadership attempts to define and clarify the roles of music leadership in the Twenty-first Century church.Hooper effectively rejects the ill-conceived idea of many church leaders that the only responsibility of the worship leader is to provide music and leadership at the worship hour on Sunday.
The author does not provide a “how-to-lead-worship” book, nor is the volume an “everything-you-need-to-know” resource; rather, Hooper leads the reader through a thoughtful process of discovering the “what” of worship leadership.From a foundation of philosophy and theology of worship and music ministry, the author encourages the reader to examine his/her own strengths and weaknesses as a musician and as a minister.As the discussion provides opportunity for the reader to acknowledge skills that he/she needs to develop, the author suggests resources to meet those needs.
Hooper never makes a judgment on any particular style of music or worship, yet the worship leader is called on to judge individual pieces of music in order to offer only the most excellent gifts to God in worship.At the same time, Hooper stands firm on the issue of the worship leader’s responsibilities beyond the worship hour.The responsibilities of ministry and music education cannot be overlooked if the church is to have adequate and proper leadership for the future.
One of the great strengths of the book is the chapter entitled “You and Your Culture.”Again, the author does not tell the reader what to think.Instead, he offers guidance for responding to culture in a biblical and Christ-like manner.
This volume should be required reading not only for music leadership in the church, but especially for pastors.The future church cannot be to this culture what we are called to be unless we realize the multiple facets of ministry through music that go far beyond choosing and leading songs for worship.Hooper unapologetically raises the banner of excellence as the standard for worship leadership in today’s (and tomorrow’s) church."
Martha Hicks, DMA, is Professor of Music and Coordinator of Church Music Studies at Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, MO.
"Worship Leadership for Worship Leaders offers wise advice in concise form about a wide range of essential issues in the practice of worship leadership. It calls for mature faith, theological discernment, and a warm and passionate heart for ministry--each essential components of effective ministry. Consider studying this book with a group of both veteran and beginning leaders in your area."
John D. Witvliet, Director
Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Overview:
Worship Leadership For Worship Leaders: Developing Skills For Effective Leadership, is the first in a series of practical training guides written by award winning composer Bill Hooper. Bill has a practical background in arranging and composing (from Stan Kenton to Stravinsky), conducting, counseling, missionary work in Zambia, and being a senior pastor. His music has been published by Broadman Press, Concordia, Carl Fischer, and Word Music. In 1973 he won the Delius Composition Competition and in 1974 he won the New Times Composition Competition.
With this broad range of practical experience, Bill Hooper is well qualified to create the Alexander Publishing Worship Leader Training Series. All About You
You and Your Music
You and Your Philosophy
You and Your Theology
You and Your Culture
You Are A Music Teacher
You Are A Leader of Worship
You and A Church |
