The Way of Worship: A Guide to Living and Leading Authentic Worship

Description

Learn to Live and Lead a Life of Authentic Worship The Way of Worship is a practical, hands-on guide for readers seeking to better equip themselves as worshipers and worship leaders. Written by veteran worship leader Michael Neale and worship-theologian Dr. Vernon M. Whaley, this book combines skillful storytelling and biblical wisdom to help guide readers through the scriptural foundations and essential practices of worship. This book is ideal for anyone wanting a deeper more biblical understanding of what worship truly is, including: Worship leaders Pastors Youth pastors Worship team members College or seminary students training for ministry Each chapter takes you on a journey of discovery through different important facets of worship. Each chapter features: River Story: Episodes in each chapter take you on a white-water rafting adventure and draw connections to the role of a worship leader Biblical Application: Provides concrete application of biblical principles to worship based on the most recent episode of the River Story Essential Wisdom: Addresses important issues facing worship leaders on a week-to-week basis Scripture Focused: Every chapter features an abundance of relevant Scripture passages to help you understand what the Bible really says about worship Engaging, wise, and thoroughly steeped in Scripture, The Way of Worship is the go-to guide for Christians who desire to live and lead authentic worship.

Michael Neale is a best-selling author and Dove Award-winning songwriter. His songs have been recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, Rebecca St. James, and Todd Agnew. Michael leads worship and teaches at conferences nationwide. In between travels, he serves as a worship leader at Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where he lives with his wife, Leah, and their children, Micah, Maisie, and Wyatt. Twitter: @mwneale Facebook: MichaelNealeOfficial

''We are not the main character. Jesus is.' I've been singing and leading worship for forty years, and this book challenged me and reminded me of why I do what I do! Michael and Dr. Whaley have painted a beautiful picture of what it means to be a true, submissive, confident worshiper of God. And don't you dare keep this book to yourself--pass it on and equip a fellow passenger on their incredible journey of worshiping our Savior!' * ANDY CHRISMAN, worship leader, Dove Award- winning artist, internationally syndicated radio host * 'I am grateful to call Michael Neale a friend, and I am blessed to serve this generation of the body of Christ alongside him. His voice is one that I trust, and I am excited to see this new resource, The Way of Worship, teach, inspire, and bring revelation to a new generation of worship leaders.' * TRAVIS COTTRELL, worship leader, Living Proof Live with Beth Moore * 'Michael Neale is a gift to the church in our generation. The integrity of his life and ministry speaks to a new generation of worship leaders--including pastors and all who serve Christ. In this significant book, you will discover a biblical pathway for true worship starting with the spiritual vitality of those who lead and leading to a fresh encounter with Jesus. The Way of Worship is destined to become a classic read for all who desire to discover the presence and power of God in worship.' * DR. JACK GRAHAM, senior pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano, Texas * 'Michael Neale and Dr. Vernon Whaley are two of the most respected voices on worship and music in the church. I am so excited about their new book, The Way of Worship. This book is a gift to the body of Christ! I truly believe this book is a must-have for every worship pastor, worship leader, and worship team member.' * MARK HARRIS, award-winning songwriter/artist, worship pastor, Gateway Church, Southlake, Texas * 'Before going somewhere I've never been, I want to talk to someone who has been there--someone with credible experience. With The Way of Worship, that is precisely what we have--a journey down the tributaries of worship in Scripture, all the way to a river of wonders in the presence of God, led by two travelers who know the journey well. What's more, they give us their story from the vantage point of God's Word. Neale and Whaley serve us powerfully as the 'Lewis and Clark' of what God's Word says about worship. You will love this journey and be challenged along the way!' * MIKE HARLAND, director, LifeWay Worship * 'In their practical and insightful book, The Way of Worship, Michael Neale and Dr. Vernon Whaley have given us an excellent guide--a road map--for worship. This book is an invaluable resource for those who plan and lead worship. Follow it and your congregations will be blessed with a deeper, more meaningful experience of worship.' * RORY NOLAND, director of Heart of the Artist Ministries, director of Worship Studies, Hope International University and Nebraska Christian College * 'The Way of Worship is a fresh and powerful resource for worship leaders. Incredible storytelling and deep wisdom flow in this engaging work. My friends Michael Neale and Vernon Whaley have captured something special to guide a generation of worshipers to live and lead authentic, Jesus-centered worship. I highly recommend it!' * MICHAEL W. SMITH, singer/songwriter * 'Michael is not only a powerfully anointed worship leader; he is a friend. His giftedness flows from the character and integrity of his heart. He and Dr. Vernon Whaley have spread out a map and an irresistible call for the worshiping church for years to come.' * SHELIA WALSH, author of Praying Women * 'If there is a textbook for Worship 101, this is it. Michael Neale and Dr. Vernon Whaley have written a book that is incredibly straight- forward yet exceptionally profound. The Way of Worship will no doubt prove to be a priceless resource for those longing to be people who worship in spirit and in truth. In a world that is struggling to rediscover its wonder and sense of awe, I highly recommend this book to the church leader and churchgoer alike.' * DARREN WHITEHEAD, lead pastor, Church of the City, Nashville, Tennessee, coauthor of Holy Roar: 7 Words That Will Change The Way You Worship (with Chris Tomlin) * 'What Michael Neale and Dr. Vernon Whaley have penned is a must- read for those of us in worship and church leadership. Unfolding the essence of worship through the practical lens of a nature-filled journey reinforces the belief that God is indeed everywhere and in everything. I believe this book will serve as a manual to many seeking a deeper understanding of the practice, performance, and posture of a worshiper and leader.' * DR. OSCAR WILLIAMS JR., executive director of arts and music, the Potter's House and T. D. Jakes Ministries * ''We need more books like this to equip worship leaders effectively!' That was my response while reading The Way of Worship. The book is biblically sound, providing a solid theological foundation for those who are called to worship ministry. Michael Neale and Vernon M. Whaley elaborate on timeless and timely topics by skillfully blending insightful (and enjoyable) illustrations, practical guidance, and theological truths. This is a must-read not only for worship leaders but also for all followers of Christ who desire to understand true worship and deepen their worship of God. I look forward to using this as a textbook to train my Worship Studies students.' * JON CHOI, director of MA in Worship Studies and MA in Christian Ministry, Dallas Baptist University * 'This engaging story of a river journey combined with Biblical truth engages the reader in experiencing the spirit and truth of genuine worship and their journey with Christ. Michael Neale and Vernon Whaley give the reader excellent tools for nurturing the inward journey of spiritual growth.' * SAM GREEN, EdD, chair, Department of Worship, Trevecca Nazarene University * 'There is no higher calling or greater responsibility than leading others to engage actively in the worship of a holy God. In The Way of Worship: A Guide to Living and Leading Authentic Worship, my friend and worship pastor, Michael Neale, will lead you on a journey of discovering what genuine worship is as well as offer practical insight and advice to those serving in this unique role. The church needs leaders today that are humble in spirit, excellent in skill, and driven to seek the glory of God above all. That is who Michael Neale is, and that is why you can follow this guide he and Dr. Whaley have written. I recommend it to anyone who desires to worship God in 'spirit and in truth.'' * DR. JARRET STEPHENS, teaching pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church * 'With compelling stories, practical applications, and insights that come from years of experience in joining their deep personal faith with local church expressions, Michael and Vernon take us on a delightful journey of renewing our call, sharpening our focus, and centering our goal of guiding others in worship.' * STEPHEN P. JOHNSON, DMA, dean, College of the Arts, Azusa Pacific University * 'Filled with the sacred narrative of God's love for us and powerful, practical worship theology, Michael and Dr. Whaley give laser focus to what it means and what it takes to be a worship leader in the mod- ern church. This book provides everything needed to encourage and sustain worship leaders in their important role!' * JOHN LARSON, worship pastor, Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, Alabama * 'Michael Neale is one of the most creatively gifted storytellers I know. His songs, stories, and leadership have impacted countless people. In this engaging and comprehensive study, Michael and Vernon guide us deep into the waters of worship to experience God and his Word in a unique and powerful way.' * DR. TOM MULLINS, founding pastor, Christ Fellowship Church, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida * 'The Way of Worship is a refreshing look at what it means to be a worshiper. Using the metaphor of whitewater river rafting, Pastor Neale guides us into thinking about the metaphor's application to worship, and Dr. Whaley underpins the application with further biblical focus. This results in each chapter being a modern worship parable with solid biblical teaching to support and expound upon it. It will be a highly recommended book for my students!' * ROGER O'NEELE, associate professor of worship, Cedarville University * 'With the perfect blend of story, metaphor, and practical application, The Way of Worship is not just a book you read; it's a road map that helps you discover the very essence of what it means to be a worship leader. This resource is incredibly helpful in rediscovering the 'why' behind what we do. It's something the church needs today more than ever. I believe that the truth found in these pages will bring you clarity and passion and will unlock a greater power for you and your teams. It's a must-read for worship leaders.' * DREW POWELL, creative arts pastor, Cross Point Church, Nashville, Tennessee * 'Neale and Whaley capture the call to worship through compelling story and reflection. The Way of Worship conveys an all-encompassing journey of faith in which every aspect of life and purpose becomes a glorious response to Christ. This work is a devotional joy! I recommend it for personal growth and ministry in the local church.' * DR. PAUL RUMRILL, associate dean, Center for Music and Worship, Liberty University *