On this page you will find references to and reviews of books, websites and CD's which we have found useful. Please recommend any resources which you think would be useful to add here.
Krzysztof's Heart of Worship
Krzysztof Szczypula From Nowy Sancz in Poland is well know to some of us as a worship leader at the annual leader's conferences and also at our summer camps around Europe. Download an audio file of him addressing a gathering in Oxford in the Spring of 2006 and be inspired!
Click HERE to download
Worshipping Trinity by Robin Parry, Worcester Community Church
If worship is God-centred and God is the Trinity then worship should be Trinity-centred. This book explores the meaning and implications of that simple claim.
"An extremely valuable resource for any pastor, leader or worshipping heart. Robin punches us in the stomach (theologically speaking!) " Matt Redman
Written for church leaders, worship leaders and songwriters as well as those interested in theology, Robin Parry (our keynote speaker from DI Day 04) looks at why the Trinity matters and addresses pressing questions such as:
What is the relationship between theology and worship?
Why is the Trinity central to Christian living and believing?
Does the Trinity help us understand what we do when we worship?
How can we write and select songs that foster an awareness of the Trinity?
How can we make the Trinity central through Holy Communion, spiritual gifts, preaching, and the arts?
Practical and realistic, Worshipping Trinity shows how we can maintain the centrality of the Trinity in a fast-changing worship culture. Available from www.WesleyOwen.com
Facedown by Matt Redman – The CD
The best worship CD in the world (probably!). Often ‘live’ albums sacrifice something of musical quality but here Matt has surrounded himself with musicians of the highest standard. Recorded at a gathering of songwriters and musicians earlier in the year, this CD captures the heartfelt passion of praise-filled worshippers. What is most impressive is the breadth of themes covered by the songs which together blend to paint a big picture of an awesome God: ‘Praise awaits you’ reminds us that God is always worthy of praise; ‘Nothing but the blood’ with its anthemic chorus is an obvious congregational song borrowing from the well known Robert Lowry hymn; ‘Gifted response’ explores the mystery of the trinity; ‘dancing generation’ with its irresistible bassline explodes into exuberant joy; ‘Pure light’ expresses the wonder of God’s grace; ‘Mission’s flame’ looks toward the day when every tribe, tongue and nation will gather before God in worship and reminds us of the part we have to play in this. There is much, much more and a DVD of the recording is also available.
Facedown by Matt Redman – The Book
”When we face up to the glory of God, we find ourselves facedown in worship”. After the proliferation of ‘warfare’ songs in the 1980s, the 1990s brought a much needed restoration of intimacy in worship through songs written by the likes of Matt Redman and Martin Smith. Today there is a heart cry amongst many for our worship to be centred around God, recognising that the point of worship is God, it really is all about him. Again Matt Redman is leading the way. Through the pages of this book, he explores with wonder and reverence the mystery and majesty of God, giving us a glimpse into heaven, reminding us of the privilege we have in joining with whole host of heaven and of giving voice to the mighty song of all creation to our Almighty God. “A soul so captivated by the Almighty that to bend low in true and total surrender seems the only appropriate response”. It is Matt’s conviction that worship starts with seeing God and this theme recurs throughout. Matt’s poetic style means that this inspiring book is a joy to read again and again and is a must read for all worship leaders.