Books

CALLED TO WORSHIP: From the Dawn of Creation to the Final Amen

A sweeping biblical exploration of worship from Genesis to Revelation. In Part One, Dr. Vernon M. Whaley traces worship throughout the Old Testament—from the Pentateuch, the historical books, and the books of poetry and prophecy. Part Two explores New Testament worship through the Gospels, the early church, and the Epistles. Part Three culminates with worship in heaven. This compelling study reveals God’s self-disclosure and humanity’s fitting response—face-down worship—uncovering timeless biblical principles, revealing Christ as worship’s central focus, and challenging readers to move beyond routine toward a deeper, life-shaping response to God’s glory. 

EXALT HIS NAME BOOK 1: Understanding Music & Worship

A practical, biblical guidance for living a life of true worship. Drawing from Scripture, Dr. Vernon M. Whaley lays a strong foundation for understanding worship as both calling and daily response to God’s revelation. Through chapters such as Why Study Worship?, Created to Worship, Honest Worship, The Great Commission and Worship, and Why We Worship Jesus, readers are challenged to grow as authentic worshipers. Rich with biblical insight and pastoral application, this resource equips believers to magnify the Lord and exalt His name together in every season of life.

EXALT HIS NAME BOOK 2: Understanding Music & Worship

Builds upon the biblical foundations established in Book 1 by exploring the historical and philosophical principles that shape authentic worship. Dr. Vernon M. Whaley guides readers through key themes such as Old and New Testament worship, the Great Awakenings, worship leadership, ministry development, and responding to God’s call. More than a resource on music methods, this practical handbook offers timeless biblical insight for pastors, worship leaders, teams, and individual believers. Written with a devotional and pastoral spirit, it equips readers to serve faithfully, lead effectively, and exalt God’s name with greater understanding and purpose

THE GREAT COMMISSION TO WORSHIP: Biblical Principles for Worship Based Evangelism

Explores the inseparable relationship between worship and evangelism as central to fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission. In this compelling work, Dr. David Wheeler and Dr. Vernon M. Whaley draw from Scripture to reveal how worship shapes and strengthens gospel witness through its formational, transformational, relational, missional, and reproducible nature. Each chapter includes thoughtful “life questions” designed to encourage reflection and practical response. Concluding with actionable steps and ten guiding principles for developing a lifestyle of worship evangelism, this resource warmly invites pastors, ministry leaders, and believers to embrace a Christ-centered life of worship that proclaims His glory to the nations.

THE WAY OF WORSHIP: A Guide to Living and Leading Authentic Worship

 A practical and spiritually enriching guide designed to disciple worship leaders and praise teams in the character and calling of authentic worship. Written by veteran worship leader Michael Neale and worship theologian Dr. Vernon M. Whaley, this engaging resource addresses 28 essential character qualities every worship leader should cultivate. Through compelling “River Story” illustrations, biblical application, practical wisdom, and Scripture-rich teaching, each chapter guides readers toward a deeper understanding of worship and leadership. Ideal for pastors, worship leaders, team members, and ministry students, this book warmly equips believers to live and lead with integrity, humility, and a Christ-centered heart for worship. Text and workbook versions available.

THE DYNAMICS OF CORPORATE WORSHIP

Offers practical, biblical guidance for worship pastors, praise teams, and church leaders entrusted with planning and leading corporate worship. In a time when worship preferences, traditions, styles, and cultural expectations often create tension, Dr. Vernon M. Whaley graciously redirects the conversation to the heart of the matter—a biblical understanding of true corporate worship. Easy to read and rich with real-life illustrations, this insightful resource explores the essential elements of genuine worship, examines biblical models and definitions, and provides practical strategies for planning Christ-centered gatherings. Especially valuable for worship teams, this book warmly equips leaders to guide their congregations toward unified, meaningful worship that exalts Christ and strengthens the church.

WORSHIP THROUGH THE AGES: How the Great Awakenings Shape Evangelical Worship

Offers a rich historical journey through the movements that have shaped worship across the centuries. Written by Dr. Vernon M. Whaley and Elmer Towns, this engaging resource traces the development of evangelical worship from the Early Church to the twenty-first century. Through compelling stories of key leaders, revival movements, and cultural shifts, readers discover how each move of God shaped new expressions of worship. Especially valuable for college and adult classes, this practical and accessible study provides historical insight, philosophical reflection, and a helpful timeline chart that invites readers to better understand—and faithfully steward—the ongoing story of biblical worship.

ONE HEART, ONE MISSION: Embracing the Fusion Between Worship, Evangelism, & Discipleship

Explores the powerful connection between worship, evangelism, and discipleship as essential expressions of the Church’s calling. In this collaborative work, Dr. David Wheeler provides the foundational overview and defines and applies evangelism, while Dr. Dave Earley examines discipleship and its biblical application to daily living. Dr. Vernon M. Whaley defines and applies principles of worship and brings the message together with a compelling call to live God’s purpose through worship, evangelism, and discipleship. Complete with discussion questions for each chapter, this practical resource equips churches and ministry leaders for unified, Christ-centered ministry.

BIBLICAL WORSHIP: Theology for God's Glory (Biblical Theology for the Church)

Tells the sweeping story of worship as revealed throughout the whole of Scripture. Co-edited by Dr. Vernon M. Whaley, Walter C. Kaiser Jr., and Benjamin K. Forrest, this landmark volume brings together more than thirty-six respected evangelical scholars, including Andrew Hill, Ed Hindson, Peter Lee, John Oswalt, Willem A. VanGemeren, and Ray Van Neste. Moving beyond contemporary trends, each contributor explores worship within specific books of the Bible, tracing God’s unfolding revelation from Genesis to Revelation. Especially valuable for college and adult classes, this resource thoughtfully connects biblical theology to the life of the church, inviting pastors, worship leaders, and students into a richer, Christ-centered understanding of worship for God’s glory.

HYMNS AND HYMNODY: Historical & Theological Introductions - Volume 1 - From Asia Minor to Western Europe

is the first of a comprehensive three-volume survey tracing the history, theology and enduring influence of the Church’s most significant hymn writer, composers, and worship movements. Beginning with the early church and concluding with the Renaissance, Volume 1 introduces the foundational voices that shaped Christian hymnody and worship. Each chapter explores the historical setting, theological message, liturgical contribution, notable hymns, and lasting influence of the hymnists, liturgists, and musical movements that established the Church's rich heritage of congregational song. This Three-Volume Series is Edited by Mark A. Lamport, Benjamin K. Forrest, and Vernon M. Whaley

HYMNS AND HYMNODY: Historical & Theological Introductions - Volume 2 - From Catholic Europe to Protestant Europe

is the second of a comprehensive three-volume survey tracing the history, theology and enduring influence of the Church’s most significant hymn writer, composers, and worship movements. Volume 2 examines the remarkable transformation of Christian worship from the Protestant Reformation through the eighteenth century. Through historical and theological analysis, readers discover how reformers, hymn writers, composers, and liturgical leaders renewed congregational singing and strengthened the Church's doctrine through biblically grounded hymnody. This Three-Volume Series is Edited by Mark A. Lamport, Benjamin K. Forrest, and Vernon M. Whaley.

HYMNS AND HYMNODY: Historical & Theological Introductions - Volume 3 - From English West to the Global South

is the third of a comprehensive three-volume survey tracing the history, theology and enduring influence of the Church’s most significant hymn writer, composers, and worship movements. This final volume traces the growth of Christian hymnody from the nineteenth century to the global worship movements of the twenty-first century. Highlighting influential hymn writers, composers, and contemporary worship leaders from around the world, it demonstrates how the Church continues to proclaim the timeless truths of Scripture through songs that reflect diverse cultures while remaining centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. This Three-Volume Series is Edited by Mark A. Lamport, Benjamin K. Forrest, and Vernon M. Whaley.