Delirious: My journey with the band, a growing family, and an army of historymakers

by Martin Smith and Craig Borlase,
David C. Cook, 2011

In this book Martin Smith, lead vocalist of the now-defunct group, Delirious?, wants to tell a story of God's grace, to show others how God "can take anyone and give them a life of faith and hope," and for people to recognize how Christian music needs to be in the mainstream so that everyone can hear the "sounds that can pry open the hardest of hearts, allowing people to know that God is God."

The stories of Martin Smith and Delirious? (yes, that's a deliberate question mark) are fascinating. Until I read this book, I hadn't realized that I'd actually listened to the group's music and sung their lyrics in congregational settings. I Could Sing of Your Love Forever; Lord, You Have My Heart; Shout to the North; and Did You Hear the Mountains Tremble? are just some of the songs that have been penned by its members over the years. I have to admit that on learning this, my preconceived opinion of the group went up several notches as it cut through my stereotype and perhaps disdain of the oxymoron "Christian rock band."

Delirious?, the book, is very well-written and describes how the band went from playing Sunday morning worship services in their local church, to playing different venues on weekends while maintaining "day jobs," to quitting their jobs and committing to life as full-time musicians. It tells how they managed to balance (with reasonable success) their work and family lives, and how they went from playing in intimate settings to playing for crowds numbering in the thousands, even fronting for the secular group Bon Jovi on its UK tour. The decision to disband after 17 years together was easy in some ways, difficult in others. Martin went on to found CompassionArt, a fundraising venture whose purpose is to help the most-poverty stricken people in the world. Today, his main roles are as husband to Anna, and father to their six children, as he waits on God's direction for the future.

I think this is an important book for anyone who is interested in music ministry. It troubles Martin to receive e-mails from people asking him how they can have a career as a worship leader, and reading this book would help people understand why such a question should trouble us as well. It's also a valuable book in terms of allowing the reader to see the hearts of a particular group of Christian song-writers and musicians. I was encouraged by what I read, and I think you will be too.

My review of this book was not influenced by the fact that I received it for free, courtesy of The B & B Media Group, Inc.

Make Love, Make War: NOW is the Time to Worship

by Brian Doerksen

David C. Cook, 2009

In Make Love, Make War, award-winning Canadian songwriter, musician, and worship leader, Brian Doerksen, sounds a clarion call for believers to engage in authentic worship. He defines what true worship is, describes what it looks like, and tells us why it's important. The writer of many beloved worship songs [perhaps most notably Come, Now is the Time to Worship; Refiner's Fire; and Today (As for Me and My House)], Doerksen encourages songwriters and worship leaders to rethink their values and motivations and to draw close to the heart of God. Each chapter tells the story behind one of his songs, and concludes with tips for songwriters.

Despite its uninspiring cover, this book demands to be read by all believers who are serious about worship. While the title may startle some Christians who have bought into the notion that believers should always be 'nice,' Doerksen reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle and that worship is one of our most significant weapons as we seek to recognize the character of God and to love others.

While I am not giving my copy of the book away, but passing it along to my daughter, who is an aspiring singer/songwriter, I encourage you to visit HearItFirst.com to enter the “Hear It First, Read It First” contest and promotion sponsored by David C Cook, Integrity Music, HearItFirst.com, and Gibson/Epiphone Guitars. There, you will be able to enter to win prizes, as well as download free music video performances of Brian Doerksen (i.e., “It’s Time” and “Holy God”) and free sample chapters from Make Love, Make War. Prizes include a set of worship CDs from Integrity, a signed Epiphone guitar and an Epiphone amplifier! Visit hearitfirst.com/BrianDoerksen!

You can also watch Brian Doerksen's music video, "It's Time," here.