The worship music we typically see online is produced with highly talented musicians and awesome stage production. We may see this as the ideal that we should strive for, but what if we are part of a small church with minimal resources? What does good worship look like in an Asian American context? In his book, In Reverence and Awe: The Practice of Leading Worship with Excellence, Enoch Liao speaks on the practice of leading worship with excellence, no matter the circumstance.
In Reverence and Awe is broken up into five parts. It begins with simple theological and ecclesiological considerations, with Part 1 focusing on shepherding and growing a team, and Part 2 showing how to select the best songs. The book then pivots to more practical concerns: Part 3 shows you how to build worship sets, and Part 4 gives specific instructions to leaders. Part 5 ends the book with various worship letters and exhortations for the different members of the worship team.
Simple and Practical
This book seems massive at more than 400 pages. But the chapters are short and the font size is large. It reads more like a practical handbook than an academic work as Liao writes casually and conversationally. He alludes to Bible passages to make his points, while also giving anecdotal advice.
This is the book I wish I read when I first began in worship ministry. It is simple and straightforward. This is the book you will want to give to the volunteer leader with no previous ministry experience or musical accolades.
Having grown up and led worship in an Asian American church context, I have related to nearly all of the issues this book attempts to address. I appreciated the “Workbook” sections at the end of every chapter, providing questions and writing space to help you reflect on your heart, your church, and your commitment to the worship ministry. It would be wise for pastors and worship leaders to use these questions and discuss how music can be better used for the church.
Cultural Considerations, Personal Perspectives
I was most interested in the cultural considerations that Liao brings up in his book, specifically in Chapter 7 and his experience in building worship teams. Liao talks about growing up in a “Chinese Heritage Church,” meaning a church that is ethnically Chinese and speaks in Chinese dialects while also developing and growing in an Asian American context.
He speaks on relevant issues in the Asian American church, such as a focus on orchestral instruments, an upbringing where singing was not normal, and a lack of physical expressiveness. He also concludes that there is a bright side to being in an Asian American church, including musical training and a willingness to learn.
As Liao writes this book from his personal perspective, he admits to making generalizations and says you have to see what will work for your specific congregations. While I don’t agree with everything he suggests, I appreciate the wisdom he is sharing.
Equipped for Excellency
This book does not address issues with COVID-19 and many churches moving their music online. It is very much focused on in-person, corporate worship. But as there are still many smaller Asian American churches with minimal resources who have not been able to pivot as easily to online worship and are still gathering outdoors, this book reaches them where they are.
While what we see online may be treated as the world’s standard for praise music, it’s definitely not what God requires. The Lord looks at the heart. The Kingdom includes people from all ethnicities and local church environments. God’s servants want to serve him well, even in the smallest churches. This book reminds me that those of us with more resources can help guide and equip them. Excellent worship can still happen, and I’m encouraged because it is already taking place.
I received a media copy of In Reverence and Awe and this is my honest review.