Mike Cosper - Rhythms of Grace: How the Churchs Worship Tells the Story of the Gospel

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I have read and heard preached a ton on the reality that all of life is worship. It is, and I wouldnt want to dispute that point. But what about when the covenant people of God gather together? Are there not some ways God desires us to worship corporately that can differ from how we worship in all of life? Mike Cosper has served the church well with Rhythms of Grace . I was both convicted and compelled as I read it.

Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor, The Village Church; President, Acts 29 Church Planting Network

Mike Cosper is uniquely gifted as both a musician and a pastor to speak into the culture where art and church meet and mesh. This is an important book for folks thinking about what it is to be a musician, a worship leader, and everything in between. The historic question of how we worship on Sunday and with our lives is an important one to keep asking because the songs we sing have the power to shape who we are and who we will become as individuals and as a community.

Sandra McCracken, singer-songwriter

Years ago, A. W. Tozer remarked that worship was the missing jewel of the evangelical church. Since that time, evangelicals have been engaged in an urgent and sometimes feverish struggle to determine the nature of true biblical worship. In Rhythms of Grace , Mike Cosper takes us back to first principles and roots his understanding of worship deeply within the context of the Christian gospel. This is a book that will offer much to Christians and church leaders seeking to understand worship. It is both biblical and deeply practical, and it is written by an author who has deep experience in the worship life of a thriving and faithful congregation.

R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Reading Mikes Rhythms of Grace was like sitting across the table from someone you need to be listening to. In this season of the church, there is some confusion on what a worship leader is and does, and why. This book brings great clarity to those questions. As someone who aims to see song leaders become worship leaders and worship leaders become worship pastors, I found this to be a key resource. This will be an important text in training new leaders, and a great reminder to more seasoned leaders, to sing the gospel and, above all, highlight Jesus.

Charlie Hall, Worship and Arts Director, Frontline Church, Oklahoma City

I know of no one more insightful on questions of worship than Mike Cosper, and I know of no one more gifted to articulate a Christ-focused, kingdom-directed, Spirit-driven sense of what it means to worship in the presence of the triune God. Read this book and see if it does not drive you to repattern your worship to fit the full rejoicing, lamenting, raging force of biblical adoration of God.

Russell D. Moore, Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

When Mike Cosper writes, I read. And even though Im not a pastor and dont play the guitar, I learned a lot from him about how the gospel of grace shapes our rhythms of congregational worship. Pick up this book and benefit from his biblical wisdom and pastoral experience.

Collin Hansen, Editorial Director, The Gospel Coalition; coauthor, A God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories That Stretch and Stir

This book challenges worship leaders not merely to announce a gospel of grace in Jesus Christ, but also to begin to discover how that gospel reshapes every dimension and element of worship. It invites readers into a world where theology and practice, belief and action are intimately intertwinedwhere every practice reflects and then reinforces a theological vision, and every doctrine both grounds and sharpens practices. Who better to offer this challenge and invitation than a reflective practitioner who considers it a joy to discern the implications of this gospel of grace for a host of practical concerns, week-by-week, year-by-year?

John D. Witvliet, Director, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship; Professor of Worship, Theology, and Congregational and Ministry Studies, Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary

I cant overstate my excitement about Mike Cospers new book Rhythms of Grace . This practical volume represents the many years my good friend has spent in serious theological reflection, doxological engagement, and faithful service in the body of Christat Sojourn Church and well beyond. Mikes passion for Gods glory and Gods worship are evident on every page. In particular, Im thankful for how Mike helps us plan our services of worship in light of the history of redemption and the riches of Gods grace. Liturgy isnt a four-letter word; its the storyboard that helps us connect with Gods commitment to redeem people, places, and things through the person and work of Jesus. I will use Mikes tremendous book in the seminary classes I teach on worship; but I will also place it in the hands of seasoned worship leaders and young congregants alike. Thanks, dear brother, for your art and heart!

Scotty Smith, Founding Pastor, Christ Community Church, Franklin, Tennessee

The greatest composers are gifted synthesizers. They have the ability to weave what theyve heard and learned and experienced in the past into their own musical stories. If Rhythms of Grace were a symphony, the critics would hail it as a masterful work of synthesisa fusion of biblical, historical, cultural, and philosophical elements into an engaging, challenging, and thoughtful treatment of worship. At the end of this work, youll also be able to sing the primary thematic motifthe gospel of Jesus Christ.

Joseph Crider, Senior Associate Dean, School of Church Ministries, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

For the glory and enjoyment of God, the health of the church, and the spread of the gospelthis is why you should read Rhythms of Grace by Mike Cosper. In this book Mike proves to be a good pastor, giving us a practical theology of worship that cautions against and corrects error, while shepherding us toward a more biblically faithful understanding and experience of worship in the church gathered and scattered.

Joe Thorn, author, Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself ; Lead Pastor, Redeemer Fellowship, St. Charles, Illinois

An important contribution to the discussion among many younger evangelicals about worship and liturgy. Mike writes with grace, and with wisdom beyond his years. Frankly, I am amazed by the amount of ground he manages to cover! Mike introduces us to ideas and thinkers that we all in the evangelical world should know. He has set a lofty goal, painting a picture of liturgy as a beautiful way, and I believe he succeeds. For anyone nervous about exploring the world of liturgy, Mike is a gentle and wise companion.

Kevin Twit, Campus Minister, RUF; Founder, Indelible Grace Music

Mike Cosper has written a book that is both easily accessible and deeply challenging for all who want to see worship flourish in their congregations. Rhythms of Grace is a must readespecially for church musicians and pastors who desire to deepen their understanding of how worship shapes and forms individuals and communities.

Isaac Wardell, Founder, Bifrost Arts

For many churches, a well-thought-out approach to how to lead music is woefully lacking. This needs to change, and this book will surely help. Rhythms of Grace is a book I will rely on in the future to develop music leaders for our church and the churches we plant. Clear, beautifully written, theologically grounded, and yet very practically helpful and completely gospel-centeredthis is a book for pastors and music leaders alike. In fact, I would get two copies so that pastors and musicians can read it together!