All too often, the word worship brings to mind songs, videos, and bands, and whether you prefer one style or another. These are not what worship is about. Just focusing on the methods has created divisions instead of unity. In Worship Essentials, Mike Harland writes about what worship is, how churches have lost sight of that, and how to get back to true worshiping.

He addresses several aspects of true worship, how it should point to the good news of salvation, the way it helps with discipling believers, what to consider in picking songs, and many others. He also talks about what it isn’t, like how it is not about what we take home from worship services, but what we bring to the service. Harland doesn’t just point out a problem, he includes ways to address it.

Worship Essentials is fairly short, but full of information. Harland writes in an easy to read style, and what he is saying can be understood by a wide audience.

Though the book is aimed at worship leaders, others can benefit from it. I work with the media in church, and I wanted to make sure I was supporting those leading worship in the right way, and with the correct focus. Sometimes we all need to be reminded that worship is about God, not ourselves.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.