Chapter 11: Accepting the Role of Being an Example

In Chapter 11, Krauter talks about how Worship leaders are examples for others. It's not a choice we make to be an example. When we're constantly in front of people, others look up to us whether we want them to or not. This means we can't just talk the talk, but we must walk the walk outside of worship because people are watching. We need to set an example for others as worship leaders.

I really liked this chapter because it's very true, whether we like to admit it or not. I've definitely realized over the past few years that people look up to me and watch what I do. Worship leaders must act in a way that's pleasing to God all the time. People look up to worship leaders as role models so we need to make sure that every aspect of our life is pleasing to God, not just when we lead worship. I need to live my life to a higher standard as a worship leader because I may be influencing people that I do not know.

Chapter 10: self-discipline

In chapter 10, Krauter talks about self-discipline. He acknowledges that self-discipline isn't necessarily fun, but it is necessary as a worship leader. We need to spend time in the Word, prayer, and practicing our music. Krauter quotes Paul who talks about how athletes go into strict training to be successful. In the same way, we need to discipline ourselves in our spiritual life.

I definitely agree with what Krauter says in this chapter. It's so important as worship leaders to be self-disciplined. Although practicing constantly isn't always fun, it's necessary. We also need to discipline ourselves in our spiritual lives through prayer and the Word. We need to make God a priority and spend time with Him constantly.

Chapter 9: Holding Loosely to the Ministy Position

Krauter's main point in this chapter is that we should not hold too closely to our ministry positions. Being a worship leader is great, but it should not be valued too much. Worship leading should be viewed as a gift that God gave and can take away. God is the treasure; the position is not.

I think it's really important that we don't value our positions too highly as worship leaders. It's easy to let pride get in the way. We need to put a God at the top and make him our treasure. This way, if we lose it, we will still be content because God is more important than any position. We can't get too attached to our position that we forget what the purpose is.

Chapter 8: Spiritual Maturity

Kraeuter main point in this chapter is that worship leaders need to be spiritually mature. It's not enough for them just to be good musicians. Many times the best musicians don't do well as worship leaders. One quote I like is when Kraeuter says, "The responsibility falls on the worship leader to be a solid, mature Christian who knows God and knows His Word." Though musicianship is important, spiritual maturity is more important.

I really like what Kraeuter says in this chapter because I have definitely seen conflicts where a worship leader's pride gets in the way because they are not spiritually mature. I have to admit that I have had this problem before when I focus too much on the music and my pride as a musician. It's a process to become spiritually mature and I'm still working on it. I think it's a process for every worship leader and that no worship leader becomes spiritually mature overnight. I hope to continue growing in my maturity so that I can be a better worship leader.

Chapter 7 - Underatanding God's Word

This chapter, Krauter talks about the importance of knowing God's Word to be an effective worship leader. He says that one of the best worship leaders he knew was great not because he was a phenomenal musician, but because he knew the Bible very well. Krauter says that if we don't know the Bible well, we can easily lead people astray. The more we know the Bible, the more it'll help keep you on the right track and lead people in the right direction.

I agree with Krauter and definitely concur that knowledge of the Word is essential as a worship leader. This can help make connections in songs and relate them to the words of God. I love it when worship leaders integrate verses of scripture into songs. It really helps to relate it directly to what God said. The opposite is also true. When worship leaders are not grounded in the Word, they can lead people astray without realizing it.

Chapter 6: Thankfulness to God

In chapter 6, Krauter talks about being thankful all the time in order to lead worship in a pleasing way to God. Krauter says that it's hard to be thankful all the time, but that's why we have to make it a habit. The Israelites were not a good example of this as they complained all the time. Instead, we need to be thankful in all circumstances. This will help us come to God in worship with a thankful heart.

I think Krauter's points are especially relevant as worship leaders. It's very hard to worship God when we come to God with a complaining heart. We definitely need to learn to be thankful in all situations and make it a habit in our lives. If we're always complaining, it's very hard to worship God with a sincere and thankful heart. I've definitely found this true when I lead worship. I find it hard to worship God when I'm in a bad mood. I need to be more thankful in all situations and learn to worship God with a sincere heart because there's always things to be thankful for.

Chapter 5: Living a Life of Worship

In this chapter, Krauter talks about living a life of worship in everything we do, not just while leading worship. Krauter says, "Worship in the sanctuary is meaningless unless it is preceded by six days of worship as a way of life." We need to give our whole lives to God, not just our Sunday worship. Krauter says that our Sunday worship should be a culmination of our entire weeks. Everything should be an act of worship.
I think this is definitely important and many times we forget this. We act one way during the week, and then act a different way while we lead worship. Our whole life should be pleasing to God. I think I need to work on this and make sure I please God during my whole life. Sometimes I act differently at church than at school or other places but my life needs to be pleasing to God all the time.