Chapter 7 of Keys to becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In Chapter 7 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader, the author talks about the importance of reading the bible. He says that it would be more important for a worship leader to have a degree in biblical studies than it is for them to have a degree in music. The author even says that a worship leader who doesn't have a good understanding of who God is, can cause much damage. He points out that worship music is a lot about the words and the meaning of the words. Without a good knowledge of the bible and God, we won't be able to connect to the lyrics in the songs.
     I really liked how the author says that by not knowing Scripture well enough, we may lead people astray. I often forget that not being in God's word doesn't only affect myself but also those around me. As worship leaders, we have a big impact on those who listen to our music. It is important to make sure that we are impacting people positively- not negatively. The more we be in God's word and the more we know God, the more it will keep us on the right track and also help us from leading others astray.

Chapter 6 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In Chapter 6 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader, the author talks about being thankful. He says specifically that we need to be models of thankfulness. He says that seems like we believe in a God that is so loving, and has done so much for us, how could we not be overflowing with thankfulness? The author says that we should make thanking God a habit.
     I liked what the author said about how we should be overflowing with thankfulness. Jesus showed so much love for us. He died for us! We should be so thankful all the time. People should see how thankful we are and see the love of Christ shining through us.

Chapter 5 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In chapter 5 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader, the author talks about living a life of worship. He says that worship leaders shouldn't just come to church and worship for the congregation. They need to be living everyday in worship. Sunday worship should just be a culmination of the week's worship. The author also says that if we get into a habit of worshipping everyday, we will be able to handle difficult situations better.
     I really liked the authors explanation of John 4:23. He says that God isn't looking for worship. He is looking for true worshippers. I also like verse Psalm 34:1, "I will extol the Lord at all times." The word "extol" is just a stronger word for worship. I enjoy how the author breaks down these powerful verses.

Chapter 4 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

    In this chapter, the author talks about surrendering ourselves and giving up all our talents and abilities to God. It says specifically to have a "Levitical heart." This means to be completely given to the Lord. All our talents were given to us from God, to use for His glory. The author also says that we shouldn't do things to get something from God, but simply to honor Him, regardless of the consequences.
    I really liked what the author said about Ephesians 1:12, where it says we are to "be for the praise of His glory." He emphasizes the word "be." He explains that we do not exist to "do" but to simply "be" for His glory. As Christian worship leaders, we need to realize that it is not about "doing" the worship and the songs to bring God glory. It's about who we are and what are intentions are. It's all about "being" for His glory.

Chapter Three of Keys to becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     In chapter three of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader, the author talks about our motives for worshipping God. He compares worship leaders with popular artists who's goals are only   to "make it big." He says we should be satisfied to worship God and serve him, even if nobody sees or recognizes us. He goes on to say that God is looking for people who are not self-centered but are focused on Him. At the end he lists out ways we can humbly serve the Lord.
     As worship leaders, we shouldn't be worshipping just so we can "make it big" or show off our talents. Worship is a time for us to humbly come before our God and worship him with all that we are. I really liked when the author talked about how the ultimate worshiper in 1000 BC Israel spent time making up songs and singing to God by himself, as he stood guard of the family sheep. I feel like that paints such a nice picture for us about what it really means to worship humbly.

Chapter 2 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

    In this Chapter, the author talks about how many people feel like they are not worthy enough to lead people in worship. They feel like they have sinned too much and disobeyed God so many times that they don't have the right to lead people in worship. But the author points out that God came and died for us to set us free from our sin. We are forgiven and through the blood of Christ we are washed clean of all our sins. When we accept this fact, it will empower us to lead others in worship.
    I really enjoyed how the author emphasizes that God's grace is so much bigger than our sin and past mistakes. All we have to do is earnestly repent and God's forgiveness will shower over us. It is important to know that we are weak and have so many imperfections. BUT, God uses our imperfections and shows his great power through them. Through our weaknesses, we are made strong!

Chapter 1 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader

     Chapter 1 of Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader talks about Tom Krauter's experience of worship. He talks about the importance of having a good relationship with God. Having a relationship with God is the foundation of worship. Without that strong relationship, worship becomes about the technical stuff and not about the gratitude we should be expressing to the almighty God of our universe. We of course should work on the music and different techniques, but we should always have God as the sole purpose of the worship.
    I really liked how Tom Krauter told us about how he was too focused on the input that the congregation was giving him. He only focused on perfecting the music. As a worship leader at my church, I can relate to that. It can be easy to lose focus of God. But God is the whole reason why we are here and why we worship.

Intro to the book, How to be an Effective Worship Leader

     In the intro to the book, How to be an Effective Worship Leader, Tom Krauter introduced how to go about reading his book. He tells us that each person has a different situation with worship so each person should apply the book to their own unique situation. He explains that the book isn't about how to be a worship leader. It's really about BEING a worship leader.
     I really liked how honest Tom Krauter is. He tell us that he isn't "an authority of the subject." But he is using his own experience to help us. He is honest that there could be heartache and a lot of time and energy put into being a worship leader. His honesty makes it easier to trust him and listen to what he has to say.