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How to Worship a King: Prepare Your Heart. Prepare Your World. Prepare the Way
We were born for deep, meaningful intimacy with our Father-King.
In fact, we were redeemed to serve as priests – directly accessing the throne room of Heaven to minister to God and then carry away His light and glory to a dark, hurting world.
This is the most extraordinary privilege ever extended to flesh and blood. And yet...
True worship is a process that is poorly understood and widely neglected in the Church. Too few believers ever experience the indescribable joy and radical transformation that come from stepping fully and properly into that priestly role.
In this deep yet highly accessible book, Pastor Zach Neese, a worship leader and composer of numerous beloved worship songs, brings you powerful encouragement to step into that role along with a practical, biblical roadmap to help you on your journey.
In fact, we were redeemed to serve as priests – directly accessing the throne room of Heaven to minister to God and then carry away His light and glory to a dark, hurting world.
This is the most extraordinary privilege ever extended to flesh and blood. And yet...
True worship is a process that is poorly understood and widely neglected in the Church. Too few believers ever experience the indescribable joy and radical transformation that come from stepping fully and properly into that priestly role.
In this deep yet highly accessible book, Pastor Zach Neese, a worship leader and composer of numerous beloved worship songs, brings you powerful encouragement to step into that role along with a practical, biblical roadmap to help you on your journey.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
445 people are currently reading
1290 people want to read
About the author
Zach Neese
11 books11 followersZach Neese is the worship pastor at Gateway Church’s North Fort Worth Campus. Along with pastoring his local church, he is currently a professor at The King’s University at Gateway, and he travels internationally to teach on worship. Zach has published articles in Charisma, Worship Leader, and The Voice (Christ for the Nations) magazines, and has made several appearances on Daystar Television Network. He is also a seasoned songwriter. Zach and his wife Jen have six children: Simeon, Judah, Charis, Maggie, Nora, and Sam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
August 18, 2020
I think Zach Neese is the real deal. I don't doubt his love for Jesus, his gifts in leading in worship, or his experiences with God. There was plenty in this book that reflected real wisdom about how people experience God in worship.
However, all the good in the book was mixed up with wonky exegesis and slightly odd theological frameworks. I worked really hard to appreciate the good in the book and learn from it. But in the last chapter, the wheels come off.
He tries to do an analysis of church history via his unusual interpretation of the furniture in the tabernacle. Each item in the tabernacle represents a stage in church history. As he describes this scheme, his depiction of every age of church history is full of caricature and misunderstanding (especially when he talks about the middle ages). He then uses uses this framework to predict that Jesus' return must be soon, since the Jesus People of the 1970s restored the table of showbread and International House of Prayer (Kansas City) restored the alter of incense to the church's worship. Seriously, it's strange.
Neese isn't from the same church background as me, so I want to give the benefit of the doubt where I can. I read people I disagree with all the time, and I want to learn from the different branches of the church. But this got wacky enough that I just can't recommend this book.
However, all the good in the book was mixed up with wonky exegesis and slightly odd theological frameworks. I worked really hard to appreciate the good in the book and learn from it. But in the last chapter, the wheels come off.
He tries to do an analysis of church history via his unusual interpretation of the furniture in the tabernacle. Each item in the tabernacle represents a stage in church history. As he describes this scheme, his depiction of every age of church history is full of caricature and misunderstanding (especially when he talks about the middle ages). He then uses uses this framework to predict that Jesus' return must be soon, since the Jesus People of the 1970s restored the table of showbread and International House of Prayer (Kansas City) restored the alter of incense to the church's worship. Seriously, it's strange.
Neese isn't from the same church background as me, so I want to give the benefit of the doubt where I can. I read people I disagree with all the time, and I want to learn from the different branches of the church. But this got wacky enough that I just can't recommend this book.
May 6, 2019
Good Points, Bad Presentation
He had good things to say, but it is a struggle to get to them. It is repetitive, a little patronizing, and basically every story/illustration is about how he is doing the right thing. If a good editor made a few passes and cut it down to about 150 pages, it would be a good book.
He had good things to say, but it is a struggle to get to them. It is repetitive, a little patronizing, and basically every story/illustration is about how he is doing the right thing. If a good editor made a few passes and cut it down to about 150 pages, it would be a good book.
January 15, 2025
I had to DNF this one honestly.
Maybe I shouldn't be writing a review if I didn't finish it, but I just had some beef with a lot of what he's saying.
Although Zach Neese seems like a genuine dude, and I do appreciate genuine dudes, there were some fundamental flaws in the writing of this book. And listen, I have never written a book before and probably never will, so take this with a grain of salt. I would not write half as good of a book as even this probably, so it feels weird to wright a bad review.
First off, there were arguments like " when I was a toddler, I learned the hard way that there is a right way to approach a dog. If there is a right way to approach a dog, don't you think it's possible that there might be a right way to approach the master of the universe?"
Okay. Interesting argument that has nothing to do with scripture and has a lot of fallacies. I'd be so forgiving if he didn't make arguments like this very often but he does. Regardless of the fact that I agree with the outcome of the argument, I just feel like you could base your argument on the word instead of dogs and situations.
The part that lost me was when he started talking about finding worship leaders to lead in churches.
He says: "We choose the best (meaning worship leaders). Why? Because bringing God less than our best would be an insult to His Majesty. It would 'profane the Holy gift'... God will not accept lame offerings - whether they be lame sheep or lame music. It is an insult."
Then goes on to say:
"Malachi 1:8 says that God considers it evil to bring him less than our best. Consider that for a moment. I could bring a curse on the ministry I Steward by offering God less than the best we have. I have a responsibility to the people of God to make sure that our offerings of music are excellent offerings, the best we can bring."
I feel like we're missing the point of the story of David, where God's standards of judgement for leadership are different from people's standards of Judgement. It lost me that he took a Bible verse about not offering sheep that had blemishes and converting that to worship leaders or any leadership position in the church when the heart of those scriptures have nothing to do with making sure we pick the "best" and everything to do with Jesus.
Also taking away the responsibility of the Holy Spirit to guide the picking of leaders instead of on raw talent and good feelings about their spiritual life. It's also strange to me to feel the pressure of choosing the "best" most talented person or maybe getting cursed by God. May be just me but seems a little odd 🤷
This may be a little spicy. Sorry to come off that way. I paid double for a trash can at tractor supply today because the price tag was wrong, so maybe that's why I'm feeling a little Jaded. Lol jk.
Last thing I'll say. There was some good stuff that I liked. I was mostly with him through 3 chapters until the taking OT scripture out of context and poor argumentation, and I'm sure there are good things for the rest of the book too. I will never know..
Some good one liners to be sure.
Big takeaway, Worship is about God, not us.
Agreed. 100%
Maybe I shouldn't be writing a review if I didn't finish it, but I just had some beef with a lot of what he's saying.
Although Zach Neese seems like a genuine dude, and I do appreciate genuine dudes, there were some fundamental flaws in the writing of this book. And listen, I have never written a book before and probably never will, so take this with a grain of salt. I would not write half as good of a book as even this probably, so it feels weird to wright a bad review.
First off, there were arguments like " when I was a toddler, I learned the hard way that there is a right way to approach a dog. If there is a right way to approach a dog, don't you think it's possible that there might be a right way to approach the master of the universe?"
Okay. Interesting argument that has nothing to do with scripture and has a lot of fallacies. I'd be so forgiving if he didn't make arguments like this very often but he does. Regardless of the fact that I agree with the outcome of the argument, I just feel like you could base your argument on the word instead of dogs and situations.
The part that lost me was when he started talking about finding worship leaders to lead in churches.
He says: "We choose the best (meaning worship leaders). Why? Because bringing God less than our best would be an insult to His Majesty. It would 'profane the Holy gift'... God will not accept lame offerings - whether they be lame sheep or lame music. It is an insult."
Then goes on to say:
"Malachi 1:8 says that God considers it evil to bring him less than our best. Consider that for a moment. I could bring a curse on the ministry I Steward by offering God less than the best we have. I have a responsibility to the people of God to make sure that our offerings of music are excellent offerings, the best we can bring."
I feel like we're missing the point of the story of David, where God's standards of judgement for leadership are different from people's standards of Judgement. It lost me that he took a Bible verse about not offering sheep that had blemishes and converting that to worship leaders or any leadership position in the church when the heart of those scriptures have nothing to do with making sure we pick the "best" and everything to do with Jesus.
Also taking away the responsibility of the Holy Spirit to guide the picking of leaders instead of on raw talent and good feelings about their spiritual life. It's also strange to me to feel the pressure of choosing the "best" most talented person or maybe getting cursed by God. May be just me but seems a little odd 🤷
This may be a little spicy. Sorry to come off that way. I paid double for a trash can at tractor supply today because the price tag was wrong, so maybe that's why I'm feeling a little Jaded. Lol jk.
Last thing I'll say. There was some good stuff that I liked. I was mostly with him through 3 chapters until the taking OT scripture out of context and poor argumentation, and I'm sure there are good things for the rest of the book too. I will never know..
Some good one liners to be sure.
Big takeaway, Worship is about God, not us.
Agreed. 100%
March 12, 2025
DNF - as I’m updating my Goodreads account, I’ve had this one sitting half finished on my nightstand for over a month now and I think I’m going to shelve it to read something else. He had a few good points, especially early on that I remember being solid which is why I’m giving it 2 stars (maybe more like 1.5⭐️)
But there were a few points where I had a bad taste in my mouth (metaphorically of course) with some of the arguments he was making. Especially entering a season where I’ve been leading worship in chi alpha - I remember not agreeing with some of his arguments. I honestly can’t remember which ones unless I were to go back through the book which doesn’t feel worth it to me.
Kinda bummed cause this was on by TBR for a long time
But there were a few points where I had a bad taste in my mouth (metaphorically of course) with some of the arguments he was making. Especially entering a season where I’ve been leading worship in chi alpha - I remember not agreeing with some of his arguments. I honestly can’t remember which ones unless I were to go back through the book which doesn’t feel worth it to me.
Kinda bummed cause this was on by TBR for a long time
June 10, 2022
I personally find almost nothing redeemable in this book. It is a fairly standard statement of Pentecostal/Charismatic worship theology based largely on a flawed typology based on the Tabernacle and to a lesser degree a shoddy analysis of Hebrew words for praise. The tone is overly condescending with a plea for "unity" that is just call to embrace the author's theology. Too much of his presentation is "let me tell you about this dream I had that revealed this truth to me", "here's a crazy object lesson stunt I pulled", or "here's an unbelievable supernatural thing that I will claim happened to me". Worship is described as something "lost" to the church until a century ago. It is also compared far too many times to "intimacy" (bordering on sexuality in my opinion). The language studies are flawed and the the historical inaccuracies are many. The use of the Tabernacle as a model for worship is troubled at best, as its clearer typology regards God's holiness and the redemption of mankind.
February 20, 2025
I loved all the different ways Neese tied in history. History of the Bible, of the Jews and the churches, of our own faults and follies. I loved that the focal point of this book was TRULY how to worship God - using all of that history to back up his claims.
But most of all - I loved how he used real life situations and comparisons of his own relationship with his children to paint a clearer mental picture of the relationship of God hungers for with us.
Chapter 15 VERY unexpectedly had me in a fresh bout of tears every time I thought I was done crying - while driving. I listened to this as and audiobook and am happier for it - hearing the works in the authors voice and humor made it settle even more.
A great book if you looking to understand more about worship, what it is, how to do it, and why God requires it.
But most of all - I loved how he used real life situations and comparisons of his own relationship with his children to paint a clearer mental picture of the relationship of God hungers for with us.
Chapter 15 VERY unexpectedly had me in a fresh bout of tears every time I thought I was done crying - while driving. I listened to this as and audiobook and am happier for it - hearing the works in the authors voice and humor made it settle even more.
A great book if you looking to understand more about worship, what it is, how to do it, and why God requires it.
December 26, 2021
I am super thankful for all I have learned from this book and how it has really shaped my approach to my first year of worship leadership. Zach Neese holds worship in very high esteem for God’s love of it and its ability to change our own hearts and cause us to fall deeper in love with Jesus. I wish more devout followers recognized the power of worship and prayer. God has really used this book for his glory in my life.
However, I would not recommend this book. The theology gets a bit wonky—especially in the last chapter. I could communicate the bits of gold hidden in this book while avoiding the less desirable portions of it. I won’t give this book to my team or recommend my mentors or friends read it, but I will hold on to the good parts.
However, I would not recommend this book. The theology gets a bit wonky—especially in the last chapter. I could communicate the bits of gold hidden in this book while avoiding the less desirable portions of it. I won’t give this book to my team or recommend my mentors or friends read it, but I will hold on to the good parts.
April 21, 2018
Wow! This book was incredible...filled from the start to the finish with such wisdom and understanding of Biblical worship applied to our modern life. I highly recommend this book!
December 30, 2022
Loved the book! Lots of great insight on what true worship looks like and how it reflects the altar, sacrifice, and the tabernacle. Easy read and offers practical things. I listened to this book and will definitely be buying a physical copy to reread and highlight all the goodies.
Gave it 4 stars for a few reasons.
- Zach uses very accusative language. At times it's harsh and without compassion. Something you can look past though.
- Self-praise was a huge theme. I don't doubt that he genuinely loves the Lord but he it seemed as if he was blaming everyone but himself and saying 'my way or the high way'.
- some speculation in the last chapter. My theological foundation isn't super strong so I can't exactly pinpoint what was off or wrong but it definitely felt a bit off when he began talking about Jesus's soon coming and other things. This was only the last chapter though.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Is it perfect? No. Is there something better out there? I'm sure. Nonetheless the book was rich in scripture and truth. Would recommend.
Gave it 4 stars for a few reasons.
- Zach uses very accusative language. At times it's harsh and without compassion. Something you can look past though.
- Self-praise was a huge theme. I don't doubt that he genuinely loves the Lord but he it seemed as if he was blaming everyone but himself and saying 'my way or the high way'.
- some speculation in the last chapter. My theological foundation isn't super strong so I can't exactly pinpoint what was off or wrong but it definitely felt a bit off when he began talking about Jesus's soon coming and other things. This was only the last chapter though.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Is it perfect? No. Is there something better out there? I'm sure. Nonetheless the book was rich in scripture and truth. Would recommend.
October 11, 2024
"How to Worship a King" begint prachtig en wist me diep te raken, vooral door de elementen die ik kon toepassen in mijn eigen leven rondom aanbidding. Zach Neese legt op een mooie manier uit hoe de Tabernakel (en de onderdelen ervan) een beeld kan zijn voor onze hedendaagse aanbidding. Toch verloor ik halverwege mijn verbinding/‘interesse’ met het boek. Sommige vergelijkingen voelden ongemakkelijk en er was veel herhaling, waardoor het wat langdradig werd. Het boek had wat mij betreft korter gekund. Hoewel ik niet zeker weet of ik het zou aanraden, houd ik vast aan de waardevolle inzichten die ik er toch uit heb gehaald. :)
March 6, 2023
Oh my goodness I loved this book so much. A few small things I wasn't sure I agreed with but it gave me something to chew on. I loved the lines drawn between worship now and God's desire with the tabernacle in the Old Testament. All the symbolic meanings of the tabernacle and how they point to Christ. Also, a good reminder that worship is not about us, it's about our King.
January 31, 2024
Ten years ago I was in worship bible school and our course was kind of built around this book, so I wanted to read it to refresh my learning.
So good.
However - reading it stretched out over three years was not my wisest call, a lot has been lost to memory already, again (hopefully embedded in the heart though).
So good.
However - reading it stretched out over three years was not my wisest call, a lot has been lost to memory already, again (hopefully embedded in the heart though).
February 21, 2020
This book challenged my current thoughts on worship. It changed my perspective. I truly enjoyed it.
October 12, 2023
Quite literally earth-shattering.
July 4, 2024
One of the best books I’ve ever read.
This has impacted my view of worship and how I lead. Would highly recommend for any Christian, especially worship leaders!
This has impacted my view of worship and how I lead. Would highly recommend for any Christian, especially worship leaders!
May 22, 2025
WOW.
Amazing. A lot to take in, but rightfully so.
This feels like a textbook I need to study and read a few (hundred) times.
Amazing. A lot to take in, but rightfully so.
This feels like a textbook I need to study and read a few (hundred) times.
September 27, 2025
I must read this again, someday!
January 2, 2026
Calling quits on this one…DNF.
Read
August 30, 2019This book gives us some great food for thought on what worship truly means and how we can live a life of worship. The book does talk about the actual act of singing worship in church, but it focuses more on why worship is important and what a worship leader can do to set the tone and prepare people to hear God's word. Neese goes into detail about the original tabernacle, and how each piece of the tabernacle relates to our posture of worship. And he also relates some of his own experiences and encounters with God.
April 8, 2019
Music is part of worship, but worship is a much bigger thing than music, and I'm happy to say that many, many pages in Zach Neese's "How to Worship a King" don't even mention music. It's when music is mentioned that I have my quibbles, but more on that later.
Let me start by saying this is not Christianity lite. Neese is knowledgeable, and he handles his topic in depth while writing in a lively, approachable manner.
What I especially appreciated about this book -- and wouldn't have expected except that our church's worship leader tipped me off -- was a number of chapters about the furnishings of the Tabernacle. The church I am part of observes Lent, and I was reading this during Lent, and it was fascinating to me to see how the furnishings of the Tabernacle correspond to the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus.
I learned a lot from these chapters, and I think reading about the Tabernacle in Scripture won't be nearly as boring to me in the future.
Unfortunately, the author and I got off to a bad start. In the introduction, he suggests that all the worship music from the time of the Reformation until almost the present wasn't worship music at all. Finally, he and the other worship pastors at mega Gateway Church in Texas, along with a few other enlightened souls, have gotten it right.
Now, I get his point that many of the hymns of the Reformation were intended to illustrate Scripture -- "singing sermons" as he puts it.
But not worship? Is he really trying to say that there is no worship in the music of J.S. Bach? In Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus"? In "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, early in the morning, our song shall rise to Thee"?
That's not worship?
So I went into the first chapter in the mood to argue with the author.
I gradually got over that, although I again found things to argue with later on. In the latter part of the book, he presents a "Christ is coming soon" argument, and I pretty much agree with him. But his argument is awfully U.S.A.-centric. God is working powerfully elsewhere, particularly south of the Equator, and that needs to be part of any analysis of whether the Second Coming might occur in some of our lifetimes.
Let me start by saying this is not Christianity lite. Neese is knowledgeable, and he handles his topic in depth while writing in a lively, approachable manner.
What I especially appreciated about this book -- and wouldn't have expected except that our church's worship leader tipped me off -- was a number of chapters about the furnishings of the Tabernacle. The church I am part of observes Lent, and I was reading this during Lent, and it was fascinating to me to see how the furnishings of the Tabernacle correspond to the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus.
I learned a lot from these chapters, and I think reading about the Tabernacle in Scripture won't be nearly as boring to me in the future.
Unfortunately, the author and I got off to a bad start. In the introduction, he suggests that all the worship music from the time of the Reformation until almost the present wasn't worship music at all. Finally, he and the other worship pastors at mega Gateway Church in Texas, along with a few other enlightened souls, have gotten it right.
Now, I get his point that many of the hymns of the Reformation were intended to illustrate Scripture -- "singing sermons" as he puts it.
But not worship? Is he really trying to say that there is no worship in the music of J.S. Bach? In Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus"? In "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, early in the morning, our song shall rise to Thee"?
That's not worship?
So I went into the first chapter in the mood to argue with the author.
I gradually got over that, although I again found things to argue with later on. In the latter part of the book, he presents a "Christ is coming soon" argument, and I pretty much agree with him. But his argument is awfully U.S.A.-centric. God is working powerfully elsewhere, particularly south of the Equator, and that needs to be part of any analysis of whether the Second Coming might occur in some of our lifetimes.
August 4, 2018
I read this book as part of a study with our worship team at the church where I work. The author goes right back to the Old Testament worship practices and directives, and compares it to the modern equivalent of what we can and should be doing to lead others. I really loved about 80% of it, but the last couple chapters started to become a stretch to fit things into the comparisons the author was going for. Even so, it's still worth the time to read as an individual who wants to worship the God of the Bible more deeply, or as a study for a worship team band that wants to lead others to a deeper walk with sincere, selfless motivation.
June 19, 2015
How to Worship a King was a very accessible and entertaining read. On top of that, as a worship leader, I'll be referencing this book often for all of it's insight, scholarship, and biblical information on the subject of worship. Zach Neese (worship pastor at Gateway Church) does an amazing job of using the imagery of Moses' Tabernacle in relating to us how we are to worship our King.
Whether you're a worship leader, a musician at a church, or just a person looking to understand worship a little better, this one's for you.
Whether you're a worship leader, a musician at a church, or just a person looking to understand worship a little better, this one's for you.
June 24, 2025
This was a pretty good book on worship. I think the first six chapters were a great little introduction to thinking about heartfelt worship. Neese has a conversational tone and self-deprecating sense of humor which mostly works throughout the book. This is most definitely not aimed at the academic crowd, which is not a bad thing. There were some really great moments and solid thoughts on worship throughout.
His use of the Tabernacle as a paradigm for worship in the church was a little troublesome, though. I think some of ideas, though dynamic, were a bit of a stretch. I think his high-level (i.e. general ideas) were great, but as he dailed into the details, some of the concepts he drew out didn't have very solid biblical (or scholarly) warrant. Since this wasn't an academicly oriented book, there was less a concern of conveying any research which supported some of the points he made. And in places a lack of proper research/understanding for the subject at hand was evident, such as in Chapter 11, where some of his comments on Communion betrayed a lack of understanding about the epistemological significance of ritual. It evidenced a shallow understanding of the contribution the rite (i.e. the event) of Communion makes in the ongoing discipleship of the believer.
That said, I think if someone has never read a book book on worship, this book might be a great place to start. It's a great first (or second) step, so-to-speak in one's journey towards a more Biblical understanding of worship. Moving on to read a more rich Biblical Theology of worship, such as those by Block, Peterson, or Ross, will help straighten out some of the things Neese kind of glosses over or doesn't provide the best Biblical support for. But this is a great starting point.
I also appreciate Neese's passion for worship and his desire to keep one's heart engaged in worship. His thoughts in that direction are great.
His use of the Tabernacle as a paradigm for worship in the church was a little troublesome, though. I think some of ideas, though dynamic, were a bit of a stretch. I think his high-level (i.e. general ideas) were great, but as he dailed into the details, some of the concepts he drew out didn't have very solid biblical (or scholarly) warrant. Since this wasn't an academicly oriented book, there was less a concern of conveying any research which supported some of the points he made. And in places a lack of proper research/understanding for the subject at hand was evident, such as in Chapter 11, where some of his comments on Communion betrayed a lack of understanding about the epistemological significance of ritual. It evidenced a shallow understanding of the contribution the rite (i.e. the event) of Communion makes in the ongoing discipleship of the believer.
That said, I think if someone has never read a book book on worship, this book might be a great place to start. It's a great first (or second) step, so-to-speak in one's journey towards a more Biblical understanding of worship. Moving on to read a more rich Biblical Theology of worship, such as those by Block, Peterson, or Ross, will help straighten out some of the things Neese kind of glosses over or doesn't provide the best Biblical support for. But this is a great starting point.
I also appreciate Neese's passion for worship and his desire to keep one's heart engaged in worship. His thoughts in that direction are great.
April 24, 2024
I wish I could rate this lower than one star. I would give it higher than a zero, but probably close to a .01, because there are some decent points made in the book.
I have known about this book for some time now, but was only recently compelled to read it in its entirety as required reading for a college course on worship.
There are so many better books to read than this one. What little solid thought is found in the book is quickly drowned by Neese’s “Chronological snobbery” (as C.S. Lewis would put it), unbearable narcissism, his terrible exegetical practice (there is little exegesis, more eisegesis) and even some venturing into “new” revelation in the midst of the book, and especially at the end.
Neese insists at multiple points that the reformers and other notable figures in church history taught us the wrong way to worship. There are multiple times throughout that Neese offers a niche interpretation of a widely known scripture (the lampstand in the tabernacle, for example) and insists that all of our pastors “got it wrong” and that HIS interpretation is the correct one.
The final section of the book became unreadable due to Neese’s insistence that he had new revelation of how the end-times would unfold based on his views of worship.
Not recommended.
I have known about this book for some time now, but was only recently compelled to read it in its entirety as required reading for a college course on worship.
There are so many better books to read than this one. What little solid thought is found in the book is quickly drowned by Neese’s “Chronological snobbery” (as C.S. Lewis would put it), unbearable narcissism, his terrible exegetical practice (there is little exegesis, more eisegesis) and even some venturing into “new” revelation in the midst of the book, and especially at the end.
Neese insists at multiple points that the reformers and other notable figures in church history taught us the wrong way to worship. There are multiple times throughout that Neese offers a niche interpretation of a widely known scripture (the lampstand in the tabernacle, for example) and insists that all of our pastors “got it wrong” and that HIS interpretation is the correct one.
The final section of the book became unreadable due to Neese’s insistence that he had new revelation of how the end-times would unfold based on his views of worship.
Not recommended.
August 23, 2025
I recently started this book and had to stop on page 109.
I found a few very helpful ideas in this book, especially theologically when it directly addresses worship at its core. However, this author makes declarative theological statements that are debatable (ex: saying that you should question and investigate a congregation on their saved status if they aren’t expressive in their worship).
His personal anecdotes are often strange, offensive, and overall off-putting. It makes me question his character (especially his unapologetic behavior towards debating with his Christian friends and making them cry, and his story of demanding his then-girlfriend to get an abortion in a remorseless way). Unfortunately, there aren’t enough helpful insights in this book for me to finish it. My worship and study time is better spent in more reliable resources.
I truly don’t say any of this to insult the author, this is simply my experience. I wouldn’t recommend this book at all.
I found a few very helpful ideas in this book, especially theologically when it directly addresses worship at its core. However, this author makes declarative theological statements that are debatable (ex: saying that you should question and investigate a congregation on their saved status if they aren’t expressive in their worship).
His personal anecdotes are often strange, offensive, and overall off-putting. It makes me question his character (especially his unapologetic behavior towards debating with his Christian friends and making them cry, and his story of demanding his then-girlfriend to get an abortion in a remorseless way). Unfortunately, there aren’t enough helpful insights in this book for me to finish it. My worship and study time is better spent in more reliable resources.
I truly don’t say any of this to insult the author, this is simply my experience. I wouldn’t recommend this book at all.
October 24, 2022
A few really great thoughts, but a LOT of cringey stories and ideas. Wouldn't recommend this one to anyone new in worship arts, but rather someone seasoned and needing to be re-inspired. Half of this book could be tossed out though - personal visions, dreams, prophetic wasn't helpful to the topic. And as much as the remarks about the items in the tabernacle were interesting, I'm not sure his interpretation of the meaning of these items is terribly accurate. Neese speaks as if this is all factual, but seems like this is more like his own thoughts/theories.. There is also a very strong theme of making people feel shamed for not worshiping the way Neese sees fit. It was okay, but I won't return to this title. There's plenty of other, much better, options to inspire and develop a worshiping church.
January 4, 2024
I really loved this book. 4 stars because I feel like the first half of the book, Zach is unnecessarily harsh, and some of his points or “jokes” are just not well written. They come across degrading instead of encouraging. I do feel like he focuses a lot on what the church does poorly, verses encouraging what we do well and building on that. I understand why he makes the points he does, they are valid and true, but could’ve been communicated better. I feel like the second half of the book could’ve been the whole book and it would be 5 stars. I learned the most in the definitions of worship and going through the tabernacle piece by piece. Overall, this book is challenging and a wonderful read for any worship leader who desires to go deeper in their worship and leadership. Read with discernment, don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.
November 1, 2024
4⭐️! I learned a lot about the true, biblical meaning of worship in this book. I enjoyed going through the symbolism of the tabernacle and how each part relates to Jesus and to us as worshipers today. It was very insightful and it is now even more abundantly clear to me that there is truly a purpose in everything God does.
However, at times I thought the author was a bit too condescending and sarcastic for my liking. Like another review mentioned, he could have been way more encouraging and less snarky with some of his points about other churches and the way they worship. Also, the way it was written was a bit too repetitive and it could have been much shorter and still have all the important details in there.
Overall, I left this book with a fresh, enriched understanding of biblical worship and look forward to implementing the good parts and discarding the bad.
However, at times I thought the author was a bit too condescending and sarcastic for my liking. Like another review mentioned, he could have been way more encouraging and less snarky with some of his points about other churches and the way they worship. Also, the way it was written was a bit too repetitive and it could have been much shorter and still have all the important details in there.
Overall, I left this book with a fresh, enriched understanding of biblical worship and look forward to implementing the good parts and discarding the bad.
July 23, 2025
Overall a solid book.
Frustratingly imprecise at times (if you’re gonna use biology to make a point, you gotta know things about biology. Tree and fish reproduction is not an example of “intimacy.”) There’s also the occasional sexist rant, but that’s not surprising from a book from the Evangelical world. First half of last chapter should not have been published. Have we learned nothing from the repeated failures of people trying to assign recent events to Biblical symbols? Yikes. The section on IHOP aged like milk.
That said, the general premise of exploring the different words for praise and worship in the Scriptures and the tabernacle as a model for worship was good and necessary and important.
Frustratingly imprecise at times (if you’re gonna use biology to make a point, you gotta know things about biology. Tree and fish reproduction is not an example of “intimacy.”) There’s also the occasional sexist rant, but that’s not surprising from a book from the Evangelical world. First half of last chapter should not have been published. Have we learned nothing from the repeated failures of people trying to assign recent events to Biblical symbols? Yikes. The section on IHOP aged like milk.
That said, the general premise of exploring the different words for praise and worship in the Scriptures and the tabernacle as a model for worship was good and necessary and important.
January 22, 2020
On the basis of a great friend recommending it, I took hold and dove in. Very good decision. I never rushed my reading so I could absorb every nugget that helped paint a way for myself to minster and lead a nation, on a smaller scale.
This book gives you the tools and experience for being a “priest” on the assignment for changing how others can see the world through Christ’s eyes. High points and pitfalls aside, this can really re-affirm passion that has lapsed some time ago for others and yourself.
We are all building tabernacles to point where our hearts should go. Don’t you want to hit the star at the end of the journey?
This book gives you the tools and experience for being a “priest” on the assignment for changing how others can see the world through Christ’s eyes. High points and pitfalls aside, this can really re-affirm passion that has lapsed some time ago for others and yourself.
We are all building tabernacles to point where our hearts should go. Don’t you want to hit the star at the end of the journey?
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