Includes bibliographical references and index.

Phase one: laying the foundation for worship. Establishing the foundation: biblical worship -- Setting the cornerstone: worship is centered in Jesus Christ -- Phase two: building the structure for worship. Four rooms for encountering God: the general order of worship ; The first load-bearing wall: the gathering ; The second load-bearing wall: the word ; The third load-bearing wall: the table of the Lord ; The third load-bearing wall: the alternative response to the word ; The fourth load-bearing wall: the sending -- Phase three: creating doors and windows for encountering God. Encountering God in prayer: capturing the heart of worship ; Encountering God in music: singing the church's song ; Encountering God in music: offering "sound" musical leadership ; Encountering God in the Christian year: remembering the whole narrative -- Phase four: adding style to the worship event. Principles of worship style: expressing your corporate identity ; A more excellent way: exploring convergence -- Phase five: Nurturing hospitality at the worship event. The hospitable worship leader: engaging worshipers as participants -- Appendix A: ten basic steps in designing vital worship -- Appendix B: checklist for designing vital worship.