When I first stepped into the role of leading music at my church, I was excited—but also overwhelmed. I had a deep love for the Lord, some musical skill, and a desire to serve. But I quickly realized that leading worship is about more than picking good songs and playing them well.
That’s when I came across Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin.
This book met me right where I was. It didn’t just help me lead better music sets—it helped me think biblically about what worship really is, what my role actually involves, and how my heart matters just as much as my hands. Kauflin’s writing is clear, humble, and deeply rooted in Scripture. He doesn’t come across like a celebrity worship leader; he writes as a pastor, a fellow servant, someone who’s been through the ups and downs of ministry.
One of the most helpful things in the book is Kauflin’s definition of a worship leader:
“A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, skillfully combining God’s Word with music, thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the gospel, to cherish God’s presence, and to live for God’s glory.”
That gave me a target. It reminded me that my job isn’t to impress people—it’s to point them to the greatness of God.
The book is filled with practical chapters—how to choose songs, work with your band, deal with criticism, and guard your heart. But what I appreciated most is how much it challenged me to be a shepherd, not just a singer.
If you lead music at your church—or even if you’re just thinking about stepping into that role—I can’t recommend Worship Matters enough. It’s the kind of book you’ll return to again and again.
At Chief Musician Alliance, we want to see more music ministers rooted in Scripture, serving with joy, and leading with clarity. Worship Matters helps you get there.
