Comments on: One Step Closer to a Subtitle

By: Bruhaha

Bruhaha — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 01:09:39 +0000

I agree that NO subtitle is snappier, and also maintains the wordplay you’ve been using. I especially wonder if the “Worship (really) MATTERS!” reading — which is your STARTING point (and hence, quite properly, emphasized in your first chapter) will come across clearly if you add the subtitle.

BUT, if you decide you really need a clarification (which sounds to me rather like the way people ‘title:subtitle’ master’s and doctoral theses!) then something like #1 is the only one that accurately reflects what you intend to do with the book. If you go with one of the others, try somehow to specify that this is addressed to WORSHIP leaders.

In any case, have you considered creating parallel titles for the four sections? perhaps playing on “matters”? It seems that in each section you are treating one key aspect of doing (and leading) worship that matters, e.g., Part 3 stresses that the fact that BOTH sides of each ‘paradox’ matters, Part 4 stresses that other PEOPLE matter! (a biggie that is so often missed), Part 2 may be ‘LEADING matters’… and you might even be able to call Part 1 “Worship Matters” or some slight variation on that in which you stress that it really does matter (and so we’d better be sure we know what it IS!… that it involves all we are and have). . . I’d sort of like to see a “GOD matters” section somewhere.

By: Chrysta

Chrysta — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 21:28:14 +0000

#1 or no subtitle.

By: ANN HSIAO

ANN HSIAO — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:26:15 +0000

Hey Mr. Kauflin,
As a almost 24 year old person who desires to study the theology of worship, I’m so looking forward to this book!

My suggestion for your subtitles in general is to make it more specific towards worship leaders and not just leaders.

I also just found your site today, so I wanted to throw in one more subtitle suggestion for you to consider.

Worship Matters: God’s Word Leading you in Leading Worship

Thanks!

By: ron

ron — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 03:00:26 +0000

my vote is NO SUBTITLE.
It makes you get the double meaning of “Worship Matters”

By: Josh

Josh — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:20:40 +0000

I like the #4 “Worship Matters: No Subtitle” option the best. The atheological 20-something will certainly resonate with the two short, bi-syllabic words, even more so than a lengthy subtitle that might grab them if they can get to the end of it. Your other 3 options are great and well thought-out, but my impression of your target audience leads me to make my selection.

So when exactly does the voting begin for the cover art?

By: Ruth Moran

Ruth Moran — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 16:19:24 +0000

My vote is for #1.

I’m not coming from the perspective of a 20-something, but from more the environment of old school Presbyterian at a small-town church stuck in the 70s-80s emotional, experiential gospel rut, desperately needing this book!

Having an English degree (but admittedly having truly majored in extracurricular music and drama activities) I nonetheless looked up “encounter” in the thesaurus and found “stumble upon” as a replacement. I believe what you’re talking about is more intentional than that connotation. Perhaps “Worship Matters: Leading Others to Consider the Greatness of God” might be a viable alternative–and might also alleviate any concerns of the “mystical” as expressed by another reader.

Personally, I’ll read it (and provide it to others in leadership at my church) with whatever title you choose, but given the other criteria, that’s my suggestion.

By: Pete

Pete — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:40:25 +0000

Bob,

For what it’s worth, I tried to look at it from the standpoint of a twenty something worship leader (TSWL) walking down an aisle looking at book titles. It may only be me (and my general cluelessness) but my first thought was that the word “Leaders” in # 2 and #3 could refer to Pastors [in the sense of understanding how Worship fits into the overall meeting] rather than Worship leaders so there could be a subtle ambiguity. Not to be all psycho-marketing (which I know nothing about) but “Worship” and “Leaders” are at opposite ends of the Title/Subtitle in 2 and 3. Whereas, with #1, it is clear that the book is intended for WL’s (including TSWL’s). So, I vote for #1.

Just my 2 cents.

By: Scott Hill

Scott Hill — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:19:17 +0000

Maybe its because I know what you mean when you say “encounter the greatness of God”, but I like #1 the best. The others seem dry. Kind of old school Presbyterianesque.

How about Worship Matters “a practical guide to understanding worship in our modern context when you are just starting your ministry and don’t have very much theological training”.

Then it would really be old school Presbyterian.

By: Sean

Sean — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:17:51 +0000

Bob,

Last year I was a 20-something worship pastor, but now no more (30-something now).

#1 is the best. It sounds very practical and is most interesting for guys like me, that want to grow in theology, but aren’t naturally bent toward deep thinking.

Undoubtedly you will get deep and personal, but a more practical title will get your foot in the door, IMHO.

Thanks for who you are. After just hearing about SGM about a year ago, I made a last minute decision to attend Worship God in Gaithersburg. WOW! What an experience. I can’t wait for the next one and plan to take my wife. Keep up the great work, brother!

By: Marshall Stoy

Marshall Stoy — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 02:10:35 +0000

Bob:

I like “Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God”, but with a tweak, if you’ve not already considered it. “Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of Christ”

Very excited about this book…for how it’ll impact me personally, but also how it’ll impact the Church at large.

Grace to you mi hermano,
m