Exploring worship : workbook & discussion guide

226 Pages·1988·1.14 MB·English

by  Bob Sorge

EXPLORING
Worship
A Practical Guide to Praise & Worship
BOB SORGE
Oasis House Kansas City, Missouri
“After nineteen years of leading praise, I’m sorry that I didn’t encounter this
book sooner. Most of what I learned I had to learn the hard way. I’m surprised at
how ‘now’ this book still is. Exploring Worship contains plain and simple truths
together with Spirit-acquired revelation. Practical and creative ideas are all
through it.. .a blessing to me.”
Don Potter, Psalmist, Morning Star Worship Leader, Teacher

“Exploring Worship is a must for those who are serious about going deeper in
their private lives and with their public ministries.”
Chris DuPre, Worship Leader, Songwriter, Teacher

“Exploring Worship provides worshipers with a wealth of foundational
material for research and encouragement concerning worship principles. Sorge’s
anointed book continues to be a valuable resource that sparks fresh insight in my
life personally as well as in congregations around the world.”
Vivien Hibbert, Author, Teacher, Worship Leader

“I don’t believe there is a finer resource on worship anywhere. It is concise,
comprehensive, and laden with gems of revelation.”
Steve Fry, Author of I Am: The Unveiling of God

“Exploring Worship clarifies both the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of worship.not just
for music ministers but pastors too.”
Barry Griffing, Pastor, Teacher, Worship Leader

“The chapter ‘Becoming A Worshiper’ is by itself worth the price of the
book.it should be read by everyone from the senior pastor to the sound man.”
Jim Gilbert, Missionary, Psalmist, Teacher

“...truly one of the important books of this generation, it establishes balance, a
strong theological base for the worship experience, along with very practical
down to earth guidelines for developing worship within the local church.”
Thomas F. Reid, Pastor of The Tabernacle, Orchard Park, NY
Contents
Section One: The Heart of Praise and Worship
1. What Is Praise?
The Essence of Praise; Judah and Praise; Why Should We Praise the Lord?;
When Should We Praise?; Where Should We Praise?; How Should We Praise the
Lord?
2. Entering the Presence of God
Our Approach to God’s Presence; Individual Versus Corporate Worship; The
Responsibility of the Individual Worshiper; The Sacrifice of Praise; The Cost of
Praise
3. Praise: A Weapon for Spiritual Warfare
The Scriptural Basis for Warfare Through Praise; The Shout in Warfare; High
Praise; The Sound of War; The Role of Faith; A Word From God; Preparing for
War; Engaging in Battle
4. What Is Worship?
Differences Between Praise and Worship; A Misconception; The Essence of
Worship; The Holy Spirit and Worship; Worship in Spirit and in Truth; The
Simplicity of Worship; Exclusive Worship
5. Becoming a Worshiper
Worshiping Without Guilt; Hindering Attitudes in Worship
6. The Full Purpose of Congregational Worship
The Vertical Aspect; The Horizontal Aspect; The Inward Ramifications of
Worship
7. Moving Prophetically in Praise and Worship
Prophetic Worship; The Scriptural Link Between Music and Prophecy; The
“Song of the Lord”; Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs; This Is For Everyone!;
Taking a Step of Faith; Guidelines—Things to Do; Guidelines—Things to Avoid
Section Two: The Leading of Praise and Worship
8. The Art of Leading Worship
The Need for a Worship Leader; Qualifications of a Worship Leader; The
Leader’s Musical Expertise; Musical Excellence in Worship; The Leader’s
Preparation; General Guidelines; The Worship Leader/Musician; Leading, Not
Controlling; The Worship Leader’s Chief Duty; Getting—and Losing—Control;
The Art of Exhortation; Dealing With Difficult Times in Worship; Standing in
Worship; Dealing With “Ruts” in Worship; Setting Goals for Worship
9. The Worship Leading Team
The Benefits of Team Ministry; The Role of the Pastor; The Role of the
Worship Leader; The Pastor/Worship Leader Relationship; The Chief Musician;
The Musicians; The Singers; Other Team Members; A Perspective on Team
Ministry
10. Planning the Worship Service
The Need for Planning; Finding a Balance; God Uses Human Leadership; A
Theme for the Service; Preparing a Song List; Variety in the Service; Sing a New
Song!; Writing New Songs; Teaching New Songs; Enhancing Elements; With a
Look to the Future...
Appendix 1: Sources for New Worship Music
Appendix 2: Chord Progressions in Worship
Chordal Hand Signs
Appendix 3: A Master Song List
References and Resources
Music Theory Texts
Foreword
In the choosings of God I have been a pioneer for my generation in the field
of praise and worship and have ministered on this theme in conferences and
conventions throughout the world. I am thrilled to see younger men catching this
vision and picking up the mantle to be proclaimers of this glorious truth to the
generation that is coming behind me.
Bob Sorge is one such man. He has served as the music director for a major
Bible college and as assistant to a pastor who emphasizes expressive worship,
and he is now a pastor in his own right. He is an accomplished musician and a
dedicated worshiper who has combined his talents in writing Exploring Worship.
This book is enjoyable and is full of quality material. How I wish I could have
had this book available to me many years ago when I began to teach this theme.
If followed, the principles expounded here will keep a congregation from
extremes, and the practical teachings will keep that congregation fresh and
progressive in its worship. I am totally unaware of a more comprehensive
treatment of this subject in any book, including those of mine. It should be read
by all who want to participate in congregational worship, and it should be
required study for all who aspire to lead congregational worship.
Judson Cornwall, Th.D.
Phoenix, AZ November 1986
Preface
As I write the Preface for this revised/updated edition, I am in awe of how
God has moved in the earth in the last fourteen years (since the first edition of
this book was released). There has been a veritable explosion of worship around
the globe since the 1980’s. New songs are being produced and distributed in
unparalleled quantities; many countries are producing worship music indigenous
to their own nation and language; some nations are exporting such a prolific
fountain of worship music that they are shaping the expressions of the global
church; worship conferences, while literally non-existent twenty-five years ago
in most circles, now proliferate everywhere; fresh winds of worship are
sweeping through virtually every stream and denomination in the body of Christ;
extravagance and passion in worship are much more widespread and encouraged
than ever before. God is on the move!
Few would argue the fact that today’s worship movement gained its impetus
from the charismatic renewal of the 1960’s and 70’s. Worship was in the
forefront of the charismatic renewal (as it has been in virtually every historic
move of God), introducing a new freedom in spontaneous song to the Lord.
However, even back then no one was predicting the worship explosion of recent
years. We’ve all been surprised at the eruption of new worship songs and
expressions that have taken the world by storm.
Such seismic changes do not happen without fallout. For some groups, the
introduction of new worship styles has produced a “civil war” within the church
as the new and the old have clashed. The new worship styles that are drawing
some are at the same time pushing away others. Many pastors find themselves
trying to walk the tightrope between the new and the old, endeavoring to find a
common ground for those on both sides. The old is often represented by
hymnals, organs, lower volumes, driven by congregational voices, more
emphasis on harmony, with some songs being centuries old. The new is often
represented by video projection screens, electronic keyboards, guitars, higher
volumes, driven by amplification of platform voices, more emphasis on rhythm,
with many songs being merely weeks or months old.
Jesus said, “‘Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of
heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old’”
(Matthew 13:52). To navigate turbulence that the new wine always brings, it is
essential that we learn to bring out of our musical treasuries both the new and the
old. This book is dedicated to equipping toward that purpose.
Before the charismatic renewal, most books related to worship were written
for music ministers, helping them to know how to administrate a church music
department, direct a choir, conduct rehearsals, file music, plan services around
the church calendar, etc. Most books aimed for the head instead of the heart.
When the charismatic renewal hit, a number of authors began to write books on
worship that were directed to the heart, but didn’t equip with practical skills. As
the worship movement began to gain momentum, many of us realized there was
a lack of written material for worship teams that equipped them both musically
and spiritually for their ministry.
Recognizing the need for worship-related training materials that were both
devotional and practical in nature, I released the first edition of Exploring
Worship in 1987. Although selfpublished and unadvertized, the book quickly
gained national and international acclaim as an excellent tool for equipping
worship teams in the fundamentals of praise and worship. That is not a tribute to
this book, but a tribute rather to the unusual release of God’s grace in our
generation, calling all nations to a renewed focus on the essential role of Spirit-
filled worship in the advance of the gospel. This book has simply ridden on the
crest of the holy momentum caused by the Spirit’s call to abandoned praise and
worship. The present emphasis on worship is a God-thing, from start to finish.
The profound changes of recent years in the world of worship had rendered
portions of the first edition outdated. Hence this updated edition. The general
content is as relevant today as when it was first published, so most of the book
remains the same. Most of the changes are reflected in the Appendices and
Bibliography, in order to make the book once again useful as a guide to current
resources and materials.
Although I have written from a charismatic or pentecostal orientation,
Exploring Worship has become a valuable equipping tool for worshipers in
virtually every denomination and tribe. Today’s wave of worship is
encompassing all theological camps and historic traditions. Even those who
disagree with some of my perspectives on spiritual gifts are finding this book a
tremendous resource for equipping their worship team members in the vitality
and order of worship. All I’m really trying to say is, this book is for you!
God is doing a new thing! As the end of all things draws near, God is
accelerating the intensity of passion and desire within the bride of Christ. We are
recognizing that a radical generation will be reached only by a radical gospel
that is embodied by a radical consecration. The Spirit is calling us to lay our
lives in abandoned worship before Him. This book is a very small beginning—
there are vast dimensions of the greatness and majesty and beauty of Christ that
the Father is revealing to us in these last days. Come, let’s keep moving forward
together, and continue to unlock the heights and depths of Exploring Worship.
Bob Sorge
Kansas City, Missouri June, 2001
CHAPTER 1
WHAT IS PRAISE?
It is not uncommon to hear references to “praise and worship” as though they
were identical entities, or at least combined to form one complete whole. Praise
and worship are mutually cooperative activities and are frequently very similar
in the way they are outwardly expressed, but they are not one and the same.
Each has its own nature and purpose. Some churches are very vocal in their
praise but quite withdrawn when it comes to worship. And for others, it seems
relatively easy to enter into a sweetness in worship, but they have not yet learned
the dynamics of praise. Balancing the two is easier once we recognize the
distinctives and functions of both praise and worship.
THE ESSENCE OF PRAISE
Praise is not a difficult concept to understand, for it is part of our everyday
lives. We “praise” our children when they please us; we “praise” employees for a
job well done; we “praise” dogs when they perform tricks nicely. But above and
beyond all that, praise is something we direct toward God or something we
express to others about God.
Some of the definitions given for “praise” in the dictionary highlight its
simplicity: “to commend; to applaud; to express approval or admiration of; to
extol in words or in song; to magnify; to glorify.” Notice the bi-directional focus
of praise inherent in these definitions: we praise God directly by extolling him or
expressing our admiration to him; we praise God indirectly by commending him
or magnifying him to others. Praise can be given directly to God, or it can be
expressed to others in reference to God.
Praise is preoccupied with who God is and what he has done. It focuses on
both his incomparable character and his wondrous acts on behalf of his children.
When God does something glorious for us, we love to lift high his praises. And
yet praise is not simply our thankful response to his provision; praise is also very
fitting even when we have no specific gift of God in mind. He is worthy to be
praised solely for who he is.
One distinctive of praise concerns its extroverted nature. It is characterized by
celebration and exhilaration and is expressed through singing, shouting,
speaking forth, playing of musical instruments, dancing, and other external
forms. In a most fundamental sense, praise could be defined as “raising much to-
do about God.” A study of the Old Testament, especially the Psalms, clearly
reveals that the Hebrew people were very emotional and vocal in their
expressions of praise and adoration before their God. May it not be testified of
us that we were too modern or too sophisticated to rival their enthusiasm about
God. We have a gloriously dynamic God, and he deserves our energetic
acclamation!
He who has merely contemplated the wonders of God has not yet entered into
praise. Meditation is not praise. Praise begins with a mind set upon God, but
then those thoughts must be put into action in order to qualify as praise. We have
some dear folks in our churches who cross their arms, lower their heads, purse
their lips, and say, “This is just my way of praising the Lord.” Wrong! First of
all, there is no such thing as “my way” of praising the Lord; there is only “God’s
way,” and his way has been shown to us clearly in the Scriptures. And second,
the Bible shows us that praise is to be declared or manifested. Psalm 66:8
exhorts, “Let the sound of his praise be heard.” Praise is not praise until it is
vocalized or shown forth. In other words, it is impossible to praise with the
mouth shut, and the body slumped forward! In that posture we might be
worshiping, or meditating, or praying, or sleeping, but we are not praising! The
prophet cried, “Lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid!” (Isaiah
40:9, KJV). There are both vocal and non-vocal forms of praise, but whatever
the form, praise is demonstrated—others are aware that praise is taking place!
Some saints are afraid to lilt their voices in the congregation for fear that
someone might hear them, or for fear that they might be recognized as poor
singers. But God’s praises are not restricted to those with fine voices! If one is
not capable of singing, God’s praises should be spoken. If someone cannot speak
(that is, if someone is mute), God’s praises can be shown forth in the
countenance and bodily expression.
It is worth repeating that we do not praise God in our own way. Some
churches take pride in providing a free context where people can praise the way
they want to. That is fine and good, but Christians need to do more than simply
praise according to their own feelings and desires. We will never grow and
mature in our expressions of praise until we are willing to praise in a manner
pleasing to the Lord—the way he wants us to praise. The Scriptures clearly
enumerate for us the various ways God expects us to praise. The biblical forms
of praise comprise for us the spectrum of possible ways to praise the Lord, but
God does not want us to clone his praises by legalistically conforming to his
demands. Rather, he wants us to praise him authentically and genuinely,
incorporating the scriptural forms of praise as a willing sacrifice. Therefore, if