The Art of Worship: A Musician's Guide to Leading Modern Worship

by Scheer, Greg

• ISBN13: 9780801067099
• ISBN10: 080106709X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-12-01
• Publisher: BAKER BOOKS

Summary

Contemporary worship continues to gain strength as the form of worship of choice for many churches across the country. The Art of Worship is a complete resource to which a musician or pastor can turn when asked to lead contemporary music. It provides in-depth instruction to every aspect of contemporary worship leadership--from assembling the team to choosing the music to conducting rehearsals. Author Greg Scheer takes a balanced, holistic approach, embracing the contemporary style without denying older traditions and encouraging excellence without ignoring the realities of the local church context. Worship team leaders, musicians, and pastors looking for a quality, comprehensive resource need look no further.

Author Biography

Greg Scheer (M.A., University of Pittsburgh) is a composer, church musician, and choir and music director who has served in several churches. He was director of music ministries and a professor at Northwestern College (Iowa) for five years. Scheer is currently minister of worship at Church of the Servant (CRC) and a music associate with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, both in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Table of Contents

Introduction: My Journey into Worship (Or, Confessions of a Failed Rock Star)	9
About This Book	11
Defining the Terms	12
1. Setting the Stage	17
Assess Your Church's Situation	18
Spread the Vision	24
Attend to Details	27
2. Assembling the Team	33
Recruiting	33
Interviewing	38
Establishing a New Worship Team	49
3. Building Repertoire	55
Repertoire Is Theology	55
Analyzing Repertoire	56
Evaluating Song Quality	60
Finding New Praise Songs	72
Introducing New Music	82
4. Planning Worship	87
The Art of Worship	87
Understanding Service Structure	88
Adapting Structure and Style	97
Practical Worship-Planning Techniques	105
Modulation Types	112
5. Making Music	121
The Role of the Worship Team	121
Vocalists	124
Vocal Harmony	130
Guitar	138
Piano	143
Bass	147
Drums	151
Brass, Woodwinds, and Strings	157
Keyboards	162
Using What God Has Given You	167
Informing Your Ear	167
Putting It All Together	168
6. Timeless Hymns in a Contemporary Context	181
A Case for Context	181
Study the Original Hymn's Text	183
Study the Original Hymn's Music	184
Establish the Groove	187
Change Chords	188
Embellish	190
7. Rehearsing and Leading	191
Preparing for Rehearsal	191
Rehearsing	199
Leading Worship	205
8. Looking to the Future	211
A New Generation of Worshipers	211
The Next Generation of Worship Leaders	214
Notes	219