Exploring Worship Third Edition: A Practical Guide to Praise and Worship

by Bob Sorge

EXPLORING WORSHIP is a 240-page textbook that gives worshipers a balanced theology of worship, and trains your worship team in the art of leading worship. This book covers all the bases, both devotional and practical. Equip them with one of the most comprehensive tools available today for worship leaders, musicians, songwriters, and singers.

First written in 1986, Bob completely rewrote the book in 2018, producing this THIRD EDITION. This new edition is stronger than ever and relevant for today’s changing worship landscape.

Used as a text internationally, Exploring Worship is a “must read” for worshipers. It lays a scriptural foundation for understanding what praise and worship really is, and then provides a practical framework for implementing praise and worship in the local church. This is one of the foremost worship texts used today by Bible Schools, Universities, and local church worship ministries.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christianity, Spirituality, Theology, Christian Non Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Bob Sorge is “the speaker who can’t talk”—that is, he is reduced to a whisper because of a debilitating vocal injury he suffered over 20 years ago. Through the journey, God has given him an empowering message that explores God’s purposes in fiery trials. It’s not the fire that changes you but your pursuit of God in the fire that changes you. Bob has a unique way of helping us process our journey so we stay in the race and overcome. Whether you’re reading one of his books or listening to him, you’re about to receive a message from the heart of God that will strengthen your faith and draw you into greater intimacy with Jesus.

Reviews

[Jordyn Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of wisdom in this book, even if you are not on staff at a church. We are all created to worship, and Bob Sorge effectively breaks down what that means and how we can do that with pure hearts. If you have any musical or creative ability, this book is all the more important to pick up! God gave you these abilities, so make sure you use them to glorify Him!

[Frans Kempe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical down to earth take on worship and how to lead worship. Contains many practical advices to think about.

[Kaitlyn Schleif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing explanation of what Praise and Worship should truly look like in the believers life! I Loved it! :)

[Mark Zumpano · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for anyone on a worship team or in worship ministry! Just finished this ahead of joining my church's worship team. So often, churches focus on the music and experience of church members that they can often forget it is God who is the center of our worship. This read unpacks how worship is unto God Himself, how stewarding His presence is the true call of every believer, and how to sustain an atmosphere of true biblical worship and praise. Worship is not about music or performing but truly knowing God! Seeing Him and experiencing His presence! It is much more than just the 30 minutes on a Sunday we afford to give Him. Worship is lifestyle! I'll get off my soap box, but can't resist sharing just a few nuggets of wisdom from this one!

[Austin Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE textbook on worship. If you are a worship leader, this is a great book to take your team through.

The only reason I didn't give this on five stars is because some of Sorge's examples are out of date. All the spiritual lessons are 5 out of 5!

[Daunavan Buyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Practical Book on Worship

This book is amazing. I highly recommend it for all worship leaders and worship team musicians as well as pastors who have a high value on worship through singing. I found the pages deeply practical while engaging in profound theology.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful, very practical while still considering the theological and personal hearts aspects of worship and leading. Will read again.

[Berna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

What an incredible book! I've been a worship musician for several years and this book has just brought so much revelation to what worship truly is. Thank you Bob Sorge!

[Blair Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was helpful. While I didn’t agree with everything in it, I did enjoy it. I felt like some of the scripture references were a stretch. I do feel like this book is best read in a group, which I was grateful to be able to do.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to read this for a class. It was full of arguments based on poor hermeneutics, was written from a totally charismatic theology without room for other interpretations, and the author enjoyed contradicting himself a bit overmuch for our group to sometimes know what his point was supposed to be. The only useful bits of the book were toward the end when it talks about worship teams, worship leaders, etc. and their roles and how worship leaders and the other pastors need to be on the same page /same team. Otherwise it was a drudgery to read, mostly because I knew I was going to get irritated and want to chuck the book into a furnace that I don't even have. I suppose this somehow enhanced my french vocabulary, which was a *tiny* silver lining. To get the most out of this book with minimal frustration, I recommend reading chapters 1, 4, 9, and 10 and skimming or skipping the rest. As far as translation goes, the french students said that this was not the best translation work, so it's advised to stick to the original english version which is purportedly better to read. I still have my reservations.

[Jackie Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on congregational worship

Learned a lot about how worship is done in a congregations church. I am currently catholic where much of this does not apply. In eastern catholic churches it would not apply as much either. When I was church of Christ there were no instruments and again not much applies. But for most other denominations this is a very good guide. I Also have the workbook, which reinforces the material in the book. The book is well-written and easy to understand and detailed.

[Larry Jr. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have never been a worship leader, but I think one would find much in this book to be helpful. However, the impression I am left with is that it defines worship based on another set of traditions. Much of what is written here makes assumptions based on forms that may indeed help one to be more open to the move of the Holy spirit, but are man-made forms non the less. It explores a form of worship, but should not be taken as God's guide to worship.

[Tracy Laws · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book has been used in Bible Colleges as well as in Worship Teams and Churches. It's a Really Good resource in teaching about Worship and functioning in Teams. If this area is of interest, it's a Must read!

[sarah kuglin · Rating 4 out of 5]

its a break down on why & the way we worship.

[Sue]

book for a Sunday School class a number of years ago

[Brett Stanfill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great practical guide to worship. Biblically sound. Some parts are irrelevant to current church culture but overall I highly recommend it.

[Troy Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books give some great insight and good practical tips on worship in the church.