Keys To Becoming An Effective Worship Leader Chapter 7

In the beginning of the chapter, Kraeuter talks about a worship leader he knew and looked up to. This worship leader would start a song by giving the reference of the verses that the worship songs are based on. When he gave the reference, most people did not recognize the song until the music was played. Kraeuter points out that most of the time, worship songs are based on verses in the Bible, and we don't even know it. Kraeuter gives us this example to show that this worship leader was more concerned with having the Word of God in his heart then producing the most amazing worship music. Although musical knowledge is important, knowledge of God is more important and this is the area where most worship leaders are lacking. Most worship leaders do have musical talent and creative abilities, however without a firm understanding of the God we worship, we can cause damage because we are not able to lead worship if we cannot worship ourselves. Churches can split because of worship leaders lack of knowledge of the Bible. Kraeuter compares the Bible to a playbook for an athlete. An athlete at a high level is expected to know all the material in a playbook so that they can perform with confidence and be effective. However, if we as worship leaders are not familiar with our  "playbook", or the Bible, then how can we expect to be effective worship leaders? For example, worship leaders will introduce a song, however, the song may not fit with the sermon, but the worship leader may not have enough knowledge of the Bible to know it does not fit with the sermon. We have to keep in mind that whatever we say on stage is heard and received by the hearts and minds of the people in the congregation, and this also includes the lyrics we sing. The words we say and sing have the ability to affect someone's life, so we should be prepared to say things that are inspired by God and his Word. The songs we choose should not be based on what makes the band sound good, but instead what, based on the Bible, will make the biggest impact in the lives of the congregation this week based on the topic.

Overall, this is my favorite chapter of the book, therefore it's hard to say what my favorite part is. I liked that Kraeuter said that most of the time we sing lyrics, yet we don't know where those lyrics are found in the Bible. I find this fact so sad because we focus so much on the music that we don't focus on the power in the words we sing because the words are inspired by God. We have to become familiar with the Bible not only to help us lead worship better, but also to grow our relationship with God. One saying my worship leader says is that we cannot lead someone somewhere we have not been. If we are not deepening our relationship with God how can we expect to lead others to deepen their relationship with God. Another topic Kraeuter covers, is that our song choices should reflect the Biblical aspect of the message. For example, we should not pick songs just because they are super complicated and make the band sound good, but instead we should focus on the how the lyrics can fit with the message and thus help the congregation grow in their relationship with God. We have to remember that whatever we say or sing has the ability to affect someone's life because God has enabled us to be in a position of influence. Therefore, we should study the Bible so that what we say will be inspired by God.

Keys To Becoming An Effective Worship Leader Chapter 6

Kraeuter emphasizes that our society lacks thankfulness. Today, people do not say thank you for anything, and when thank you is said, it surprises the receiver of thanks. Christians are supposed to be the example of thankfulness. Everywhere we go, our interactions should show that we are thankful. We need to constantly be thankful toward God. God has forgiven us from sin that only he can forgive, and we have a hunger for a forgiveness that only he can provide. We, in turn, should have great love for God because he forgave the many sins we have committed. He continues to forgave us daily, not just when we receive him into our hearts for the first time. By understanding God's infinite love for us, we can become thankful people. It is not always easy to be thankful, but its better for us to be thankful instead of bitter. By living a life of thankfulness, we are able to lead worship more effectively. 

I liked that he said that if we are forgiven, we now should be thankful towards God. It is so easy for us to lead worship and complain about how bad we felt like it sounded. However, instead of complaining we should be thankful we have the opportunity to lead worship. As Christians and leaders, it's our responsibility to be an example for others in how to live a thankful life. God has forgiven sins that only he could, so why would we not be thankful for his grace?

Keys To Becoming An Effective Worship Leader Chapter 5

Kraeuter starts this chapter by saying that God wants our lifestyles to reflect worship, not just on Sunday mornings. We cannot expect to be prepared to worship on a Sunday morning if we haven't lived a life of worship the other 6 days of the week. In John 4:23, God calls for worshippers not worship. This means that he doesn't look for us to occasionally worship, but to worship constantly with our lives. Now it is not easy to worship God all the time. For example, Paul and Silas worshiped God while they were in prison, however, most of us would be unable to do the same. Worship in a difficult situation is not easy for anyone. Kraeuter says that we should be prepared for worship by living a life of worship, because when a crisis occurs, our response will be to praise God. God does not say that worship is only valid if we are singing along with the music. He wants worship to be our praising of him in our daily lives. Like Mother Teresa said, worship is finding the least among us and treating them like we would treat the Lord. Therefore, we must continually worship God our lives.

I liked how Kraeuter mentioned that if we worship continually, we are prepared for a difficult situation. If worship is our lifestyle, then in a difficult situation, we will praise God. God wants us to continually worship him and not just occasionally on Sunday mornings. As worship leaders this concept is important because as leaders, we must be the example for the congregation. Therefore, we are challenged as leaders to lead by example in our daily lives.