Reading has been a formative practice of my worship leading. I like writing these Recommended Reading posts for those who don’t love reading and may feel overwhelmed with the number of books available. You can take a look at my first Recommended Reading post here, and the second post here.

Transforming Worship - Rory Noland

For the last six years, I have been working to create connections between the ancient practices of the Church and our regular time of gathered worship as the local Church. I love that Rory gives a clear, and conscious history of the Ancient Church and its practices, and how bringing these practices into our modern context can be transformative for followers of Jesus.

Corporate Worship: How The Church Gathers As God’s People - Matt Merker

As worship leaders when we think about Corporate Worship, we often are immediately drawn toward the elements of song, and music it includes. What I appreciated about this book is how Matt painted a bigger picture of what is happening when we gather as the people of God, why it matters, and how we are invited to lead.

The Reset: Returning to the Heart of Worship and a Life of Undivided Devotion - Jeremy Riddle

I downloaded this book on Audible out of curiosity. I was moved by how deeply Jeremy implores worship leaders to treasure the Giver over the gift. As I listened to him read the words, he was often near tears as he walked us through Scripture, through the beauty and glory of God, and how commercial and marketable corporate sung worship has become in the last several decades.

Gentle and Lowly - Dane Ortlund

I hope you have seen lots of people posting about this book. Personally, I cried my way through it. To lead worship well, we do not just need practical resources and guides about the mechanics of our roles (although they are helpful), we need our hearts and affections stirred toward the heart of Christ. This book does this beautifully.