great resource for new and seasoned worship leaders
598272
This book came in the mail before Christmas an I was wowed by the amount of content in it.  It is jam packed with resources to teach and inspire the worship leader who wants to grow.  It is not, however, a book for the faint of heart or the quick scanner.  It's not a book for the casual christian who just enjoys worship - it's more like a textbook for a worship leader.  If you are willing to sit with it, you will be blessed.

I asked our worship pastor to read it, and he gave a lovely synopsis:  "A must read for any worship leader and their teams. One  of the most comprehensive and thorough resources I've ever read. It's both educational and engaging, exhaustive and approachable, challenging and encouraging, practical and contemplative. What truly sets it apart is that from beginning to end it is informed by scripture. A meticulous exploration of the who, the why, the what, and the how of worship; presented from a refreshingly God-centered and gospel-saturated perspective. It's format makes it easy for discussion amongst worship teams and challenges the reader with questions that will help them apply what they've read in their individual context. this resource has the ability to make you a more effective worship leader; but, more importantly, it could transform you as a worshipper, as your heart is stirred by the"surpassing worth" of Jesus Christ."

I received this book as a  gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
2332247
I appreciate the work that Tim Challies and Josh Byers completed on this work. It is theology brought to life! Many people have a hard time understanding the nuances of Theology and this book by far makes it easier to understand. Although, we will never know everything there is to know regarding theology, Challies does an excellent job in providing this resource. This is a resource that will be helpful not only to Pastors but to lay people as well. The important thing is we have become a theologically defunct culture. In a lot of pulpit's today, theology is not even being preached nevertheless written about. I am grateful for this work and I am hoping that many people will take advantage of this resource that makes learning theology simple. This will serve as a great primer into learning more about the study of God.
4839053
NextChurch. Now is loaded, I mean loaded, with information about starting new faith communities or helping your current faith community draw persons in modern society to a deeper connection with God. Two things make this book particularly important.  First, the author makes scriptural  connections that are utterly relevant.  Second, the indepth research and  knowledge about our culture and about leading persons to lives of love and  discipleship create a combination that few have been able to articulate  with such clarity and hopefulness.  I was completely caught off guard by  how moved I was by some of the real life stories and illustrations that  bring concepts to reality.  Craig's insights on leadership, knowing your  people, ministry with new people groups, core values for a changing world,  establishing a healthy core group for a new faith community, shaping an  effective discipleship system, launching a new faith community (a new  church or a new faith community within an existing congregation), and  experienced based worship will benefit those new to this ministry along  with the most experienced persons. You will not be disappointed because  this book delivers. I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
1077585
This is a wonderful resource for planning lectionary-based worship services. I always felt like I was saying the same prayers all the time. It's nice to have other perspectives on scripture-based prayers. One thing I'd like to see changed is more pastoral prayers rather than so much responsive readings particularly for invocations and benedictions.
1214712
Scanning over the endorsements of this book, the reader will find one recurring theme sung out by popular pastors and church leaders about this book, summed up well by Tim Challies: Where was this book when I was first ordained? A number of these pastors have called this required reading for new pastors and ministry leaders, and as someone who fits into that category, I definitely echo their endorsements. Jason Helopoulos has written a concise, helpful, and pastoral exhortation to young ministers like myself and given me immense help as I enter the door of ministry.

There is a lot to like about The New Pastors Handbook, but I think my favorite feature of the book is its devotional approach. There are lots of books geared toward newer pastors that is very Do this, don't do this. Sometimes these books try to be so comprehensive that they end up becoming extremely technical, and overwhelming. Helopoulos has been sure to write not a textbook, but a handbook, something that is certainly wide in its lens, but also easily accessible and so easy to relate to. There is definitely a shepherds heart behind the words in this book, as it is evident on every page that Helopoulos aims to encourage, exhort, lead along, and protect. It is awfully intimidating at times to be in my position, just getting your feet wet in ministry, not knowing what all it truly entails until you're twenty or so years in. Helopoulos knows that, and he makes sure to remember it throughout The New Pastors Handbook. This would serve as a great devotional for a new pastor or minister stepping into ministry, due to its fairly small size and short chapters.

Its small size does not take away from its quality, however. Because this isn't a mega-treatise, The New Pastors Handbook cuts away the fluff, gets honest and direct from the get-go, and tells us like it is. We find this most especially in chapters like Hospital Visitations. Instead of providing an exhausting theological address on how to do hospital visits, what we have in The New Pastors Handbook is wisdom, council, and shepherding in every page. You cannot speed read this book, because every single sentence is trying to communicate something unique to you. Take your time with this book, and you will be greatly rewarded with a fresh and encouraging understanding of ministry.

One more word: The New Pastors Handbook, while definitely geared toward pastors and church leaders, is not reserved for that narrow audience. Many laypeople can and will benefit from this book, because the truth is, were all at times a pastor to someone. We all need to think about leadership, personal holiness, and zeal for ministry. If you have no desire to preach, don't fret too much over the sections on sermon prep and preaching, but don't ignore the whole of what The New Pastors Handbook is trying to teach us all, that ministry can be hard but it is so worth it. The layperson also benefits from this book in that this is such a great way to learn about the challenges posed to your pastor, how you can pray for him, and maybe even encourage him with this book!

I would definitely recommend The New Pastors Handbook to anyone interested in ministry, walking into ministry, or any current pastor or minister. Just because you have been a pastor for a long time doesnt mean you don't need the words in this book. There are so many helpful reminders for all of us as we enter or continue in ministry, and Im grateful for Jason Helopouloss desire to share these encouraging words with us.
2619799
My husband and I currently lead a missional community of 16 people.  This is our third group that has used this book as our anchor resource.  As a former educator, I am somewhat critical of most training manuals/guide books.  This guide book, however, blew me away with it's organization, it's coaching and it's easy (yet quality) plug-and-play format!

The guide book and reader work hand in hand.  Like most small groups, our group reads one chapter a week and then meets to discuss it.  But in that lies the ONLY similarity to a regular small group.  This guide book also leads your group through coordinated daily quite time readings and weekly memory verses that reinforce the concepts presented in the book.  Furthermore, it leads you to immediately apply what you are learning through practical exercises like rehearsing a one-minute "elevator" testimony and practicing simple gospel explanations.  The schedule/outline for the weekly meeting is anchored in a focused prayer time over an impact list, instead of tacking it on at the end of the meeting.  Last, members meet as ministry teams throughout the week for prayer and outreach.  All this is outlined in an easy step-by-step format.

Please, please, please order this study guide and book.  Take all you small group leaders through it and then have them take their groups through it! You will see God's kingdom expand not just in numbers, but in the hearts of your people as well!
592112
I loved that this author's first Scripture quote (in the Introduction) was Daniel 11:32b, " The people that know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." This passage had recently become my personal favorite, and was a sign that there were more pearls hidden within the pages of her book.

This petite but powerful composition is a sensible synopsis of the vital attributes of God. It's a wonderful discipleship tool for new believers and a great refresher course for the more seasoned spiritual veteran. Hermie's personal accounts, sprinkled throughout, add heart and clarity to the overall message. Her teaching background is evident in her clear and concise presentation.

Each of the 12 chapters conclude with discussion questions, making this the perfect selection for those interested in a "small group" or Bible study guide. Especially appealing is that it's the first installment of a three-part series which provides a cohesive lesson plan for nearly a year! Needless to say, this author's debut trilogy is a valuable addition to my personal library and I intend to put her books to good use in the very near future.
2931469
Many of the worship wars occur today because people are asking the wrong questions. Marva Dawn poses the essential questions and provides guidelines to help us revitalize our worship. She takes on many of today's popular church-growth strategies, such as seeker-sensitive services and contemporary worship choruses focusing on the worshiper. At the same time, she has no sympathy for dead, boring liturgy. She does, however, make a compelling case for the use of liturgy, whether it be traditional or contemporary.

The book begins with an in-depth analysis of our culture as it impacts and defines our worship, then develops three worship themes: keeping God rightly as the subject and object of worship, forming Christian character, and building community. Areas treated include music, preaching, liturgy, sacraments, silence, gestures and postures, architure, and participation of children.

The book is well-written and thought-provoking, based on considerable third-party research and sound theology. Because each chapter builds on the previous chapter, there is an element of repetition and tedium, but the insights to be gained are more than worth the effort. No one who reads this book will ever enter into worship of our holy God in quite the same way as before.
1783835
My husband and I are worship Leaders at our church and we have been diving deeper into worship. We were recommended this book by a fellow praise and worship Leader in our area and we absoluetly love this book. This was our first worship book purchase and it was such a great one. The first few chapters really challenged everything we thought about worship and gave biblical truths we now apply and teach to our worship team what we have learned from reading Bob Sorges bool. I would highly recommend this book to any leader in the church that wants to further their worship ministry.
4210604
Great resource to aid in any area of improvement in the church.  This DVD is not just a "here's how you do it" but it gets to the heart of the matter - creating a culture where improvement is highly valued.  These 12 steps will put your ministry on the road to improvement - great resource!
897030
Dr. Lewis has provided a timely and passionate resource that touches the issue that is near and dear to every pastor's heart: leading believers in Christ to become followers (which requires action) of Christ. In this book, he advocates a change of perspective in our approach to "Bible Study." Dr. Lewis challenges us, with wit and wisdom, to see our times together with the Bible as intentional/accountable/purpose-filled opportunities in our disciple-becoming/disciple-making adventure with Christ.
  This will be a great training resource; and I see it as a very beneficial "Bible study" that I will be using with my leaders very soon.
  Thank you for sharing your heart, Gerry.
3553619
This is an awesome book! It covers everything from how to run your practices to how to make worship sets that actually flow and work for a congregation! I cannot wait to start implementing these practices in my new church!
One thing I really liked is the way he stresses God first, sincerity in worship comes from a relationship with God and then it flows out to the congregation from there.
I'll tell ya what, this book covers it all. Thanks a bundle, it was well worth ordering. I think we may look into the the teacher book and student book, or whatever that is, once our program is up and running and I have all of these tools implemented in our new church worship team.
Get a copy for your worship team; you won't regret it!
'The Bookworm'
2423965
I purchased this book years ago and upon reading it, I was better equipped to expand in the area of leading in corporate worship. This book not only deals with the " act of worship", it deals with the worshipper! It is a must read for worship leaders regardless of denomination or church affiliation. I was truly, truly blessed!
1554479
I found the book to be a great balance between an acedemic approach and a hands on practical approach for pastors and church members alike.  Tim does a good job of connecting the reality of worship through the Old Testament Text.  The book also causes one to look more closely at the practice of corporate and individual worship in the church today.

Anything that reminds us that the primary focus of our worship is God and not the models, either ancient or modern is a welcome addition to this discussion. I believe Tim did this in this book, and I would recommend this book to other pastors and worship leaders alike.  I would also use it as a study book for a class in the church.

Pastor Tony Pierce
3615303
Our Bible study group is going through this. We are half way into it.  So far, it has been very encouraging.  This is an excellent resource for a new and mature believer.  Fundamentals of the Faith goes much more in depth than any other discipleship material I have ever seen. The authority and sufficiency of scripture is the main source for every teaching.  Besides equipping us in our Bible study, we are also planning to use it for individual discipleship. It is the best resource I have ever seen for helping a new believer learn about God and His will for their lives.  Additionally, some of us are already thinking of using this as a Bible study for our children, grandchildren and when we are together with our family. The exercises all throughout make this a lot more than just a Bible study. It helps the person go from just having the knowledge to truly meditating on it throughout their day. It is hard for me to say I like one area more than another. However, I would like highlight two areas that have encouraged our group. First,
 I love the detailed section that teaches a believer how to study God's word. The second section is the one that teaches about God's attributes(characteristics). Both of these sections have truly helped us to grow in our knowledge and thoughts about God, thus causing us to love and live for Him more according to His word. I thank God for all the work that John MacArthur and anyone who helped put this together.
944846
I'm 32 years old, and I have four kids. This 2-CD set has been a blessing for all of us.  We attend a Vineyard church, and a lot of the music is familiar to us because of that.  But if you're new to worship music, this is a great selection.

I have read that many of these songs are available on other compilations and that there are few new tracks.  In my opinion, the songs chosen for this set and the order even is perfect.  Again, check the list of tracks before you buy it--in case you get duplicates--but it's a wonderful heart-lifting set to get immersed in the music deidicated to God.
699142
I LOVE this handy little book.
If you are a pastor or worship leader, your people will enjoy hearing the "history behind the hymns". Though our worship style is a mixture of contemporary and hymns, this little book has proven to be a wonderful resource.
You can use it before or after a congregational worship service to give your people a real eye-opening experience. Our congregation loves to hear the stories that gave birth to some of these great songs...songs like the doxology (written in the 1600's by Thomas Ken), or "It is well with my soul" (written by Horatio Spafford after the tragic death of ALL 5 of his children), or "Amazing Grace" (written by John Newton, a former slave ship captain who after being saved worked to abolish slavery)

These stories are inspiring, and serve to connect people with the history and roots of their favorite Christian tunes. I'm so thankful for this inspiring little book!