Kiki's Worship Blog

In Chapter 23, Kauflin talks about the differences between being planned and being spontaneous in the church.  Planning can make us aware of our need for God before the meeting, help us use different musical styles, diversify the worship team, and use God's Word more consistently.  However it is important to keep in mind that planning can't replace dependence on the Holy Spirit, and planning certainly does not ensure that everything will go right.  As for spontaneity, it is a way to make it evident that the Spirit is manifesting his power through us in many ways.  Spontaneity gives us the freedom to respond to present needs and increase our awareness of the Spirit's active presence. In Chapter 24, Kauflin writes about being rooted and being relevant.  It is important to not forget that our generation is not the first to think of biblical worship.  We must open our eyes to what God has done in the past, and be rooted in the history of His worship.  Howe...

In Chapter 21, Kauflin talks about the tension between internal and external.  People worship exuberantly may seem like they are worshipping from the heart, but that may not be the case.  God looks upon the heart, and He rebukes those who think that outward compliance compensates for internal coldness. Real worship involves heart engagement and an active faith.  What we do with our bodies is important too.  Keeping that in mind, our true goal is to direct people's gaze toward God's glory.  Trying to persuade people to greater expressiveness might hinder, rather than help people.  Our bodies naturally respond to what affects our souls, so if people really grasp the glory of God, they'll be more inclined to respond with physical expressions of worship.  And while outward expression may say a great deal, it isn't everything.  People will learn the most from the worship leaders, who should be leading by example.  In Chapter 22, Kauflin ...

In Chapter 19, Kauflin talks about how God is transcendent and immanent.  Transcendence means that God is independent from and superior to his creation. While we worship, we need to remember that He is not us.  Our appropriate response to God's transcendence is reverence, honor, and respect.  However, God is also immanent, which means he's near to us.  God took on the form of flesh and blood to be near us.  He dwells in us, as well, which is a constant source of wonder and comfort.  So while He is a transcendent God, He is also our friend.  In Chapter 20, Kauflin talks about the tension between head and heart.  The knowledge of the mind and the passions of the heart are two different things, but they are integrally related, and both are crucial to worship. Our world is constantly trying to get us to conform, so while we worship, we are leading believers in a battle for the truth.  God wants our worship to be intelligent and informed....