Book Update and Looking for a Subtitle


This past Tuesday morning I sent a semi-finished version of the book I’m writing to my editor. It’s funny how you can work on something for over a year and a half and still end up making a major push at the end. Part of the explanation is that last week my good friend C.J. Mahaney spent two days with me going over every word. His comments, thoughts, and insights were invaluable, but resulted in some more work.

At this point, Crossway has the manuscript and will be getting an edited copy back to me in a month or two. In the mean time I’ll have a few friends review the manuscript again. It’s great to be able to write a book in committee. There’s no question that this book will be more effective, biblical, and readable as a result of the thoughts I’ve received from others.

Thanks for your prayers, if you’ve been praying. Tentatively the book will be out next April, and will be called Worship Matters.

I’m still looking for a subtitle and wanted to invite you into the process. These are some I’m considering:

Take-Home Theology for Leading Worship
What Matters Most
Leading Others in Your Greatest Passion
A Practical Theology for Worship Leaders
Leading Others in Worshiping God
Leading Others to God’s Glory

Keeping in mind that my target audience is a twenty-something worship leader, that the content is both theological and practical, and that the subtitle should be engaging, I’d be interested in your opinion on the subtitle. Any of these you like? Any you’d suggest? If you’re the first to suggest a new one and I end up using it, I’ll get you some kind of gift. And it will be more than a free copy of my book.

UPDATE: Thanks for all your thoughts! I’ve finally settled on a subtitle. You can find out the final decision here.

59 Responses to Book Update and Looking for a Subtitle

  1. John July 20, 2007 at 3:04 PM #

    Subtitles:
    “A Theological Perspective of Worship Leading”
    “A Theology of Worship Leading”
    “A Theology of Doxology”
    “The Affectionate Worship Leader”
    You could be more emergent and say “A Theological Narrative of Worship Leading”

  2. Scott July 20, 2007 at 3:48 PM #

    Ideas:
    “Developing A Biblical View of Music and Worship”
    “Biblical Thoughts on Leading Others to Worship”
    “A Conversation in Theological Worship Leading”
    “A Plea to an Emerging Generation of Leaders”

    My favorite of yours is: “Leading Others to God’s Glory”

    My least favorite of yours is: “Take-Home Theology for Leading Worship”

    Hope that’s helpful.
    Blessings,
    SEZ

  3. Kyle July 20, 2007 at 4:28 PM #

    Thanks for responding so quickly to my previous comment. ; )

    Here are my suggestions:

    1. Theological Insights from the Heart of a Worship Pastor
    2. A Practical Theology of Worship
    3. A Biblical and Practical Theology for the Worship Leader

    Of the ones you’ve already suggested, my favorite is Take-Home Theology for Leading Worship.

  4. Bob Kauflin July 20, 2007 at 4:42 PM #

    Thanks for the ideas already coming in. These are great!

    Feel free to comment on what others have suggested.

  5. julieH July 20, 2007 at 4:59 PM #

    Here’s a few more.
    :-)

    1. Why and How
    2. Meet the challenge, reach the world.
    3. Foundations and Technique.
    4. Foundations and Practice.
    5. Wisdom for the journey.
    6. Developing yourself. Glorify God.
    7. Glorifying God

  6. David Fincher July 20, 2007 at 5:12 PM #

    Thanks for the blog, Bob. I’ve been a big fan of your music all the way back to the early GLAD albums, some of which I have on LP (Who do you love?) and Cassette (Romans). Here are a few ideas I have.

    Worship Matters: Theological Ideas for Those Who Lead

    Worship Matters: Thoughts for Developing Leaders

    Worship Matters: Theological Thoughts for Lead Worshipers

    Worship Matters: Essential Theology for Those Who Lead

    Worship Matters: Theological Essentials for Lead Worshipers

  7. William July 20, 2007 at 6:41 PM #

    Hi Bob, I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and it’s been a great motivation. So I guess it’s time for me and my contribution.

    I like what David Fincher had to say about the word “Theological” and “Essential”. I guess it gave me the idea that it is essential to put theological thought and pass it down to others in singing.

    I like SEZ idea as well on
    “Developing A Biblical View of Worship”
    “Biblical Thoughts on Leading Others to Worship”

    I like John’s idea on
    “A Theological Perspective of Worship Leading”

    I’m still struggling to find the best word to describe what I want, but hopefully in the end of my writing I can suggest u a subtitle of two to support what I have in mind.

    I’ll explain the weakness of some of the subtitle u’ve provided. Please dont get me wrong, I have no intention or whatsoever to turn you down. It’s just an opinion of mine, you’re free to comment as well as to reject them.

    What Matters Most
    Might want to change into
    “What Matters Most: The Heart of Worship” although it might seem to be very broad and might lead into confusion if writing doesn’t lead to the answer.

    Leading Others in Your Greatest Passion
    Are we to share each other’s passion only? Or are we to let others hear word of God listened and flowing from our worship?

    A Practical Theology for Worship Leaders
    I guess this is the best word that covers what you want. Although it might be a bit plain (if you want to be engaging)

    Leading Others in Worshiping God
    It seems that the idea of theological and practical are lost in this subtitle

    Leading Others to God’s Glory
    and same as above here. the idea of leading others to God’s glory might seem to reader that they have to be lead to reach God’s glory.

    In fact we all are worshiper of God as we worship Him in every aspect of our life.

    Suggested subtitles:
    “The Essential Sound Doctrine in Worship”
    “The Cross and Its Message in Worship”

    I know that I don’t provide you with lots of answer considering that I had a lot to comment. But at least I’ve commented on which of the comment others have given I like. Hope it helps!

    Yours in Christ,
    wil

  8. Ryan Flanigan July 20, 2007 at 6:57 PM #

    My suggestions:

    “A Call to Better Worship Theology and Practice”
    “Christ-Centered Worship Theology and Practice”
    “From Worship Leading to Worship Serving”
    “Becoming a Worship Servant”

    Can’t wait for the book! I’ll be at the bookstore faster than a Harry Potter fan.

  9. Desiree July 20, 2007 at 10:41 PM #

    I really like “A Practical Theology for Worship Leaders.” It’s just that I always wonder when we use the word “theology”…because I think that word means the study of God. You could just find another word for the theology … It probably has a broader meaning that I’m not aware of.

    I also really liked: “A Theological Perspective of Worship Leading” and “Developing A Biblical View of Worship”

    Here’s my shot: “Worship Matters: Bringing Others Into the Presence of God”…Just Kidding!! (I couldn’t resist) No, my real suggestion is:
    “Worship Matters: Establishing a Biblical Motivation for Corporate Worship”

    You’ve gotten a lot of great suggestions, Bob!

  10. Tony Pursley July 20, 2007 at 11:23 PM #

    Hi Bob.

    It has always been a joy to sit in on your lectures when you come to Southern. So, I am anxiously anticipating your new book. Here’s my contribution to the possible sub-title list.

    Worship Matters: Biblical Essentials for Today’s Worship Leader

    Worship Matters: A Biblical Approach to Leading Worship

    Worship Matters: A Biblical Theology for the Emerging Worship Leader

    On the lighter side, you could just subtitle it:

    Worship Matters: Theology for the Twenty-Something Worship Leader

    Well, that’s my contribution. Hope to see you at Southern soon.

    Grace and peace.

  11. Jeff Fisher July 21, 2007 at 1:17 AM #

    My initial reaction is to not use the same words in your subtitle as you have in your main title. Granted, “worship matters” is an intentionally multiple-meaning phrase that needs some fleshing out in order for someone (who doesn’t read this blog) to want to pick up the book.

    Looking over your previous posts about what you were hoping to do with the book, my input would be that the subtitle communicate the desire to help upcoming leaders embrace the truth that worship is more than just singing, but bringing glory to Christ both on Sunday and in all of life.

    So my recommendation is “Worship Matters: Leading and Living for the Glory of the Cross”

  12. Barrett July 21, 2007 at 1:46 AM #

    Hey Bob,
    I love the blog. I’ve tried to lead worship as a Junior High worship leader for the past year, and I am looking forward to this book. It’s challenging, because kids have such passion, but at the same time, they’ll want to sing anything!

    How about:
    WM – Because Nothing Else Matters
    WM – Leading Sacrificial Worship (or Living Sacrificial Worship; aka Rom 12:1)
    WM – Because God Matters

    I know the book is for worship leaders, but I think it should convey that the hardest part of leading worship is done Monday through Saturday…

    On second thought, why does every book need a subtitle nowadays? Is it a desire to be trendy, catchy, or clever? I think the name Worship Matters says so much, so simply. I love that about this blog title (and Church Matters). It’s like “matters relating to worship” and “worship matters”.

  13. Josh July 21, 2007 at 3:20 AM #

    As a 20-something worship leader, I really appreciate your blog and can’t wait to read the book. (If you’re looking for anyone else to read the manuscript, I can clear out my schedule…)

    My thoughts about the subtitle:
    * I would tend to avoid anything with either the word “worship” or “matters” in it, unless it is in either a directly parallel or anti-parallel form to the title itself. Otherwise it seems repetitive and the word itself loses value to the reader. (Example of anti-parallel form = “Worship Matters: So What’s the Matter with Your Worship?”)

    * I like your “Worship Matters: Essential Theology for Those Who Lead” option, as it strikes at the needfulness of a theology of worship, which is often absent. For some reason I prefer “those who lead” to “worship leaders”, perhaps for the reason stated in the above bullet.

    * My only other suggestion for the subtitle would be putting it in the form of a question (books that ask questions tend to make me want to dig in, since I assume the answer is in there)
    “Worship Matters: Is There Substance Past the Hype?”

  14. Penny July 21, 2007 at 6:47 AM #

    Bob
    Some of the suggestions seem to be, to me at least, a little bit heavy because of the word ‘theological’. Whilst this would not put me off buying your book, as I already read your blog, it might put off someone who is just browsing through the praise and worship section in a book shop.

    I have 2 suggestions:
    1. If you could look through the chapter titles of the book and base the subtitle around these. (humble apology if this is what you have already done)
    2. Worship Matters: The Who, Why and How of Matters of Worship.

    Every blessing
    Penny

  15. Trillia Newbell July 21, 2007 at 7:12 AM #

    I’ll start by saying I haven’t thoroughly looked at the others comments but it’s so nice to see people responded!

    Here are my ideas:

    Worship Matters: A Practical and Biblical Guide for the Emerging Generation

    Worship Matters: A Study of Theology and Application in Worship

    Worship Matters: Why We Do What We Do During Worship (or something like that, why we do what we do on Sunday morning….etc.)

    What I don’t like from your category:

    Take-Home Theology for Leading Worship
    (I just personally don’t like the words “take-home”. Sounds slightly, generic)

    What Matters Most
    (I actually think this could be more like the title than a subtitle. It doesn’t explain anything further, in my opinion, about the book. If it were the a title I could see it as “What Matters Most: Worshipping God in a Postmodern Society or “What Matters Most: A Guide to Biblical Understanding and Application of Worship…etc.)

    Leading Others to God’s Glory
    (I think it might be a little confusing. Maybe “Leading Others for God’s Glory” or “Leading Others to the Glory of God”

    I really hope that’s helpful. I’ll keep thinking. I thank God for you and your ministry.

    In Him,

    Trillia

  16. Clay July 21, 2007 at 8:10 AM #

    I’ll play.

    Worship Matters:
    More than just songs (to borrow from Matt Redman)
    Bringing eternity into focus
    Leading with love and wisdom
    Helping God’s people express eternal joy
    Magnifying the eternal worth of God

    These are my first thoughts at 8:00 AM on a Saturday. I’ll think of more later.

  17. kn July 21, 2007 at 8:26 AM #

    Worship Matters: How to help your church agree

    or
    Worship Matters: How to lead worship so your church agrees

    (you could substitute ‘congregation’ or ‘church members’ for ‘church’)

  18. kn July 21, 2007 at 8:42 AM #

    hi again, these are my ‘for what they’re worth’ reasons behind my suggestions.

    WM: How to help your church agree / How to lead worship so your church agrees

    If it were me in a Christian bookstore, I’d pick the book up if it had this subtitle – it’s what we (my husband’s a pastor) want for our church, and we would read it to get this out of it! and I (and possibly many Gen Xs and Ys?) personally like the idea of purpose-bearing subtitles (this book will take me somewhere) rather than just content-bearing (this book will teach me something). I’d also suggest my suggestions speak to / acknowledge the teaching role of worship-leading..

    I appreciate what you’re driving at with your subtitles and am glad your book contains both Theology and Practical help but I have to say that anything with ‘Theology’ in the heading (even ‘Practical Theology’) sounds ivory-tower-ish to me, which might sound odd coming from an MDiv grad but then again I’m also 20-something!

    I also reckon / agree that ‘Leading Others in Worshiping God’ lets the reader believe that worship-in-song is (alone) worship and ‘Leading Others to God’s Glory’ sounds a bit like the error Friday’s Q&A was written to refute. Maybe ‘Leading others to see God’s glory’ could work around that?

    My suggestions don’t let on that your book is Bible-based / contains theological principles but my humble suggestion is that the ‘hook’ leads to the meat (the theology) rather than that a more clinical or academic-sounding subtitle deter younger, non-theologically-trained readers – unless of course you’re targetting theologically-trained worship leaders in which case it doesn’t matter so much – they’d pick the book up to read anyway. If however you think the non-academic / theology-based hook would deter theology-favouring readers, hopefully your name and your association with SG / Cov Life etc would not lose you many of these readers!

  19. Dan Hames July 21, 2007 at 9:39 AM #

    Worship Matters: rejoicing in God’s truth, seeing God’s glory
    Worship Matters: theological grounding for worship leaders

    Dan

  20. West July 21, 2007 at 11:46 AM #

    Worship Matters: A Theology of Godward Affection

    or,

    WM: Leading Others in Godward Affection

    or,

    WM: Being a Catalyst for Godward Affection

  21. mandy July 21, 2007 at 12:02 PM #

    i’m a twenty-something worship leader… my favorite of yours is “take-home theology for leading worship”

    another idea:
    growing in worship, growing in leadership

  22. Bob Kauflin July 21, 2007 at 12:08 PM #

    Can’t thank you all enough for these ideas. It’s very helpful when you spell out reasons why you do or don’t like a subtitle. I figure after this book comes out I’ll have enough subtitles for about ten more books. Not that I’m ever going to write another one…

  23. Juan July 21, 2007 at 2:57 PM #

    Hello:

    Worship Matters: Entering the presence of God.

    Worship Matters: The Cross as the center of all.

    Worship Matters: More than Passion and Zeal.

    Worship Matters: Revering God in spirit and Truth

    Worship Matters: Respect, Honor, and devotion to the cross.

    Worship Matters: Biblical view on the importance of a praising church.

    Worship Matters: Giving him glory in our hearts and voices.

    Worship Matters: A biblical call to the worship leader.

    Alright, i decided to re-read the chapter on Worship of my “Systematic Theology” to think of a subtitle. I am very thankful that i read your blog because it helped me to get into this topic. I hope that you like these. I can’t wait to read your book. Hope everything turns well.

    – Juan

  24. Kyle July 21, 2007 at 3:45 PM #

    It seems to me that you’d want to avoid the word “emerging,” as has been suggested several times here, because of a possible miscommunication of the target group for the book.

    I’ll give one more suggestion:

    Worship Matters: A Biblical Foundation for Corporate Worship (or Praise)

  25. Aaron Campbell July 21, 2007 at 6:14 PM #

    I enjoy seeing people’s thought processes, rather than just the end product (a la Wil, above). So, here is mine:

    Worship Matters: Just Do It
    Worship Matters: Got Milk?
    Worship Matters: Yo Quiero Taco Bell
    Worship Matters: Live Long and Prosper

    Already been done, and not helpful.

    Of your’s, I prefer
    Worship Matters: A Practical Theology for Worship Leaders
    Worship Matters: What Matters Most

    The others are not my preference, but I’ll still read the book if you go with one of them.:)

    I like “A Practical Theology…” because the 20 something worship leader will have a pretty good idea of what he’s going to be reading about when he picks up that book. “What Matters Most” is “catchy” but more ambiguous.

    For the sake of brain storming here are a few genuine suggestions:

    Worship Matters: What Matters To God
    Worship Matters: A Worship Leader’s Guide to What Matters Most
    Worship Matters: Pointing Others to Christ

    Blessings,

    Aaron

  26. Allan Sherer July 21, 2007 at 8:15 PM #

    This is a really fun thread. I will throw in an idea:

    “Worship Matters: The fusion of passion and theology”

    I like it because it encapsulates what God is after (Spirit and Truth) AND it describes what we experienced worshipping with you: people who were unbridled in their delight in God coupled with theological content that has staying power.

    I also think fusion is a cool trendy hip kind-a word.

    Allan

  27. lemon July 21, 2007 at 8:43 PM #

    The two that resonated most with me with me were:
    * Take-Home Theology for Leading Worship
    * A Practical Theology for Worship Leaders

    This is simply because “Worship Matters” could be a book for anybody – we are all called to worship – but those two subtitle options gave clues that it’s not just a book on the theology of worship, but rather the theology of worship as uniquely applied to worship leaders.

    The “take-home” phrase implies a practical, applicable approach while sounding a little less, well, like an old theologian.

  28. Leah July 21, 2007 at 10:06 PM #

    Worship Matters: How to get worshipers engaged.

  29. Chris Clough July 21, 2007 at 11:54 PM #

    Hi Bob,

    I’d suggest a slight edit to one of your potential sub-titles:

    * Worship Matters: Leading Others Toward Their Greatest Passion

    I also liked:

    * A Call to Better Worship Theology and Practice
    * A Practical Theology for Worship Leaders

    Thanks for serving the worship community.

    Chris

  30. Daniel July 22, 2007 at 3:15 AM #

    Worship Matters: Leading Biblical worship in a post-modern age (maybe I’m second guessing some chapter topics)

  31. jp July 22, 2007 at 7:48 AM #

    Worship Matters: Leading God’s People in Singing God’s Praise

  32. Patrick July 22, 2007 at 1:13 PM #

    These ones are the best I think so far:

    Take-Home Theology for Leading Worship
    A Practical Theology for Worship Leaders

    They are simple and they honestly give the prospective reader an idea of what he will be reading. A lot of the other subtitles are not as clear and the words they use have multiple meanings. The two subtitles above communicate three things very clearly:

    1. This book is written for worship leaders.
    2. This book is going to be biblical and filled with scripture.
    3. This book will also be easy to understand, read, and apply.

    Unless there is something else that you want to communicate I would suggest one of these, particularly the second one, “A Practical Theology for Worship Leaders”. Granted, by using your own idea you won’t experience the joy of giving away a gift to someone but I’m sure most everyone is excited enough of your gift in writing the book for us to begin with! Take care, Bob, and best of luck!

  33. Mark Montgomery July 22, 2007 at 2:26 PM #

    Hi Bob, one idea for a subtitle:

    Worship Matters: Its why we were created.

    I thank God for what He has accomplished through you.

    Mark

  34. RUDOLPH BERGH July 22, 2007 at 4:30 PM #

    bob, first time on your blog. great to have found someone thats shares my passion. by the way – consider this title – “Audience of One”

  35. Rick July 22, 2007 at 4:53 PM #

    Bob,

    Of the titles you mentioned, I liked “A Practical Theology for Worship Leaders” the best. In my opinion, it’s the most clear and concise option without becoming too repetitive or cheesy.

    It’s kind of difficult to share ideas for a subtitle without reading the book. But here are two quick ideas.

    “A Practical Theology for Gospel-centered Worship Leading.”

    Or you could spin off of CJ’s idea and call it, “The cross-centered worship leader.”

    I’m looking forward to the book!

    Rick

  36. Declan Kelly July 22, 2007 at 5:04 PM #

    Worship Matters: Biblical Wisdom and Guidance for the Worship Leader of Today

    Hey Bob

    What’s been suggested by you and others so far has been great, but here’s my two cents. The reason I suggested this subtitle is to emphasize your devotion to the scriptures in writing this book, hence the use of the phrase ‘biblical wisdom’, since this is not just random musings from the mind of Bob Kauflin, but a book resulting from years of scriptural study and meditation. ‘Guidance’ represents the practicality of the book, suggesting that there is a journey which the worhsip leader must be guided through in order to learn how to best serve his congregation. ‘Worship Leader of Today’ simply spells out who the book is aimed at. I think this subtitle also stresses the fact that age old biblical truths still apply to the worshipper just as strongly today as they ever did.

    Anyway, all the best with the completion of the book, and as a twenty-something worship leader, I await it with baited breath.

    Declan

  37. Dan Warne July 22, 2007 at 5:24 PM #

    My name is Dan Warne, and I’m a Biblical Counseling student at The Master’s College. I’ve followed your blog for a little over a year. Thank you for your ministry!

    I would go with “A Practical Theology for Worship Leaders” (or lead worshipers, either one)

    Being a 20-something student of worship leading myself, that is the sort of subtitle that would attract me to read your book – not just “theological thoughts” but “applied, practical theology..what it looks like in practice”, that sort of thing.

  38. julieH July 22, 2007 at 8:28 PM #

    I’d avoid the word worship, as it’s in the main title.

    I’d probably also avoid the word theology, because some people think theology is something academic (not for them), and I think that’s exactly the folks who would really benefit from the book! :-)

    I’d also avoid anything more than 5 or 6 words, if you want people to remember and be able to repeat the subtitle when mentioning it to their friends.

    Worship is more than singing, so I’d avoid titles that focus on that.

    Here’s one more suggestion.
    – Worship Matters: God-focused Passion and Leadership

  39. Brad July 23, 2007 at 12:26 AM #

    I can’t make an origional suggestion. I want my input to be soley for the advancement of a beautiful work that encourages God’s children to pursue Him. My ideas for a title are selfish and motivated only for that promised prize, not for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. So please accept my input of other titles.

    As a twenty-some worship leader, I think that your title “Leading Others in Worshiping God” most effectively communicates what the book is supposed to be about. It’s the only title that makes me want to read the book based on where I am at with worship leading. However, after browsing the other titles, maybe it is best used as a subtitle. Simply because “Worship Matter: Leading other in Worshiping God” would keep you WM ministry as a foundation that point readers toward the website and the blog. I don’t know if that is a goal, but that’s my thought.

    Also, the only other title/subtitle I really like was suggested by Barret on 7/21 at 1:46am. “WM: Because God Matters” That might be a good title for a more broad audience, i.e. pastors, lay people, directors…That’s not exactly the target audience you mentioned, but the book would be invaluable for not just twenty something lead worshipers, but also for anyone in the (C)hurch body.

  40. Marcus July 23, 2007 at 4:52 AM #

    Hi Bob, Here’s another couple to throw in mix –
    Pressing toward a Biblical Music Ministry & Biblical Motivated Worship Leading

  41. Rich Tuttle July 23, 2007 at 8:12 AM #

    Wow….I don’t have a subtitle in mind…and forgive me if this has already been mentioned but I stopped reading half way through.

    Being a 20 something worship leader, I would probably shy away from something aimed at “the emerging/emergent worship leader”. I don’t want to start a debate here but while I agree with some of what the emerging church is doing, I strongly disagree with a large percentage of them about how they do things and much of their theology. By putting “emerging” on the cover it ties you into a thought movement rather than a culture. Also it seems like everyone has their own defenition of what the emergent church is. Best just to steer clear.
    That’s my two cents,
    Rich

  42. Shannon Lewis July 23, 2007 at 11:35 AM #

    “Practical, God-centered advice for Today’s Worship Leader”

    …I agree: don’t use the words “worship”, or “theology” in the subtitle, and definitely use the word “PRACTICAL”, as that’s both appealing (I’m read plenty on worship that’s NOT practical), and sounds like a good representation of the thrust of this book.

  43. Matt Lowe July 23, 2007 at 12:08 PM #

    The title that jumped out at me was
    “Leading other to God’s Glory.”

    However, I don’t know that we can actually lead people to His Glory. However I am helped to rejoice in His glory on a weekly basis by our church’s worship leaders (you, Devon, and Ken).

    How about “Leading others to Exult in God’s Glory” or “Leading others to Rejoice in God’s Glory”.

    I like exult because it’s obsolete meaning is “to leap for joy” (from Merriam Webster). What better way to describe our passion for God in worship?

  44. Emily July 23, 2007 at 2:57 PM #

    Hi Bob! Thanks for allowing us to be part of this process. Can’t wait to read the book!

    My favorite of your suggestions:
    “A practical theology for worship leaders” – it implies that the content will be God-centered, not based on ever-changing seeker-sensitive ideas, emotions or feelings. It also points out who this book was primarily written for. However, you mentioned that you want the subtitle to be engaging. In my mind, this title gets the point across, but also sounds somewhat plain.

    My least favorite: “Take-Home Theology for Leading Worship” – “take-home” sounds wordy to me. But it does imply that worship is more than an event on Sunday mornings and I like that. Proper worship invades the entire culture of your life, thereby invading your influence as a worship leader.

    Here are some thoughts I had.
    Worship Matters: Cultivating the primary importance of your life and leadership.

    Worship Matters: the “how” and “why” of cross-centered worship leading.

    Worship Matters: Leading others to glorify God through music and life.

    Worship Matters: Bringing the “old, old story” to today’s culture.

  45. andi rozier July 23, 2007 at 2:59 PM #

    ‘A Practical Theology for Worship Leaders’.
    it is what it is man. practice and theology.
    tell it like it is. cannot wait!

  46. Kevin Doyle July 23, 2007 at 3:30 PM #

    Hey Bob,

    Coming from a Pentecostal background, I believe that the word theology in the subtitle would limit the audience of readers. I love theology and understand its necessity in my life, but, to the “free spirited Christian”, the word theology spells out intellectualism, which has a very negative connotation in their world. I would love for my Pentecostal brothers and sisters to be blessed by the truth in this book that I know would set them free. I can’t wait to read the book myself, and whatever the subtitle, I know it will be a blessing. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to this project. As a worship leader, I can’t wait to have this material in written form. God bless.

  47. Neal July 24, 2007 at 3:28 AM #

    How about…”Finding Intimacy with God in Corporate Worship”

  48. Ang July 24, 2007 at 10:07 AM #

    “Leading Sound Worship”
    “Guarding the Good Deposit”
    “Practical Sound Worship”
    “Entering in: Sound Worship”

  49. Matthew Westerholm July 24, 2007 at 2:15 PM #

    Bob,

    The next book could just be a collection of subtitle ideas. As long as we’re all trying, how about . . .

    Worship Matters: Drawing Near for Dummies

    OR — Would it spite your Puritan spiritual heritage NOT to have a subtitle? Edwards’s “Surprising Narrative” comes to mind as excessive. His title was longer than that Jabez book.

    Worship Matters

    It is what it says. It says what it is. I love it.

  50. Paul Hayes July 24, 2007 at 4:37 PM #

    Bob,
    I don’t think your book needs a subtitle. The title speaks for itself. Thanks for all you do. From a forty-something who will use the book! Paul

  51. Jonathan Mason July 25, 2007 at 10:36 AM #

    Worship Matters
    1. “How to Lead God’s People Before the Throne”

    (obviously we do not, but we can lead people to see that Christ currently is before the throne and our worship is through Him)

    or

    2. “Equipping the Leader for God-Centered Worship”

    3. “Engaging the Leader in Biblical Worship”

    whatever you choose – i am excited to read the book! the content seems great

  52. Warren Anderson July 25, 2007 at 10:48 AM #

    Dear Bob,

    At the risk of sounding alarmingly beholden to culture, I would suggest that the subtitles you’re considering at the moment, will not, I’m afraid, reach out to an “atheological twenty-something worship leader.” They would work fine for a “theological twenty-something worship leader,” but if you’re truly trying to reach those who associate good worship with a congregation full of raised hands, closed eyes, and pursed lips, then you’re going to need to grab them with something much more touchy-feely or in-your-face. Then, in classic bait-and-switch style, you can hit them with what, I have no doubt, will be your very meaningful content. I’m afraid that if you use the subtitles currently under consideration, you’re going to end up preaching to the choir and missing your target audience. Maybe I’m getting cynical in my middle age, but having worked with both atheological and theological twenty-something worship leaders for the past 15 years, I know that, at least initially, you often have to reel them in with something pyrotechnical. Once you have them, many will listen with ears to hear, but you still have to get them first, in all but the rarest of cases.

    Hence, I would argue for something much bolder and, yes, more crass than anything on the docket at the moment. Here are some off-the-top-of-my-head suggestions. I’m sure there are better ones in this vein:

    Worship Matters . . . and You Don’t (at Least by Comparison)

    Worship Matters: Why It Does and What You Can Do About It

    Worship Matters: Put Down Your Guitar for Just a Minute and Find Out Why

    Worship Matters: Becoming Leaders after God’s Own Heart

    Worship Matters: Coming back to the Soul, Mind, and Strength of Worship as Well

    Again, I resonate so completely with your theology of worship that it pains me even to suggest these things. But we do no one any favors by assuming folks are already at a certain place when they’re really not. Yes, yes, some twenty-something worship leaders are there, praise God, and, in fact, I see reason to hope in this regard; the theological fiber of the young worship leaders I work with in 2007 is several notches above that which I encountered in 1997, and that’s a great thing. But there’s more work to be done here, and your book, Bob, is the kind of thing that more young folks need to read. Hence, using twenty-something verbiage or attitude will be helpful, I think, in grabbing the attention of those that might otherwise pass by a title that looks a little too heavy, theologically speaking.

    If you go with something like the above and I end up being wrong, yours won’t be the first book to survive a bad title or subtitle. But if you go with one of the current options and I end up being right, yours also won’t be the first really, really fabulous book that doesn’t get read because of a title that fails to grab its intended audience.

    Blessings for all that you do and the decisions forthcoming. I appreciate your work very much.

    Sincerely,

    Warren Anderson
    Dean of the Chapel
    Lecturer in Worship Arts
    Judson College
    Elgin, IL

  53. Mark McConnell July 30, 2007 at 9:35 AM #

    Subtitle……..”Right it Down”

  54. ANN HSIAO August 6, 2007 at 9:13 PM #

    I just came back from a Joni & Friends Family Retreat and came across this blog. This post might be too late, but I wanted to give my two cents just in case. =)

    Subtitle Suggestions:

    God’s Word leading you in leading worship

    Leading worship with mind, heart, and hands

  55. Paula DeSantis August 9, 2007 at 11:06 AM #

    Hi Bob,

    By now you’re probably in FL for Glorify – wish I could be there, but I need to stay home this time.

    So many great suggestions here. My thought was “Worship Matters: From Generation to Generation.” This subtitle actually holds two meanings. First, you’re imparting what God has so graciously taught you to the next generation (and to our our generation). Second, worship DOES matter from generation to generation – styles may change, but true worship of God does not.

    Another suggestion: Theology-Driven Worship for a High-Speed Generation (since 20-something generation is all about technology and everything being available at your fingertips, in seconds!)

    Just a couple of thoughts. So many opinions, and so little time….

    I look forward to reading your book!

  56. Vicki Anderson August 10, 2007 at 5:39 PM #

    Bob,
    Could the sub title just be The Gospel Song and then on the first page there is the song. It is in the simplest form of the word there is. The truth through word and music.
    On the side, when I can’t sleep and my mind is wondering I bring it back to singing The Gospel Song in my head and that gives me rest.
    Vicki

  57. Kriscinda August 11, 2007 at 1:05 PM #

    Okay, Maybe you have your subtitle by now… but as I read your post my mind filled with thoughts of the next gernetation being lead in glorious worship to their Lord. Thankfully by God’s grace we have encountered such times. Your leadership a gift to our church. One example that come to mind is the time when your dear family came to visit us and help remind our hearts of the Great God we served in the midst of severe sorrow. In recalling this it seemed as if we were being led to holy ground. Our hearts being turned outward and upward by the truth. So my suggestion would be Entering Holy Ground- that the next generation of believers would be provoked by life and song to live worship and enter deep communion with our Savior. May we enter the holy place by his blood and hence be revived, refreshed and set aflame with a passion for Him.
    Your family is a gift! So appreciate you guys!

    Side Note: I also like: “What matters Most”

    Respectfully
    Kriscinda Davis

  58. Bob B. August 15, 2007 at 2:27 PM #

    I don’t think “What Matters Most” work well as a subtitle for this particular book. To use “matters” twice in such a short span makes me feel as if the author is unsure of their topic and feels the need to drive some point before the book is even opened. I trust that your content will reinforce what matters most. Personally, I would be drawn to the subtitle “The Theology of Doxology”.

  59. Tom August 15, 2007 at 7:20 PM #

    Worship matters: Praising God with your whole mind, soul and strength.

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