Customer Reviews

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

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Brian Doerksen wants to show you God's love: an active, fatherly, husbandly, marching sort of love. Winner of multiple Dove, Covenant, and Juno awards as a writer of worship music, Doerksen (pronounced "DURK-son") uses his songs as jumping-off points for a dozen devotions on what it means to love and worship the Lord. Intensely personal yet universal in their power, these devotions will stir thoughts, prayers, and creative Christianity for years to come.

Doerksen's songs come out of his own life, and he builds that life together with his brand of charismatic Evangelical Christianity to lead readers through the ups and downs of a God-filled life. This is a life that encompasses both praise and lament, that lives in hope but does not blush to admit doubt, and loves peace but fights a war against sin and the Enemy. And by being so personal, Doerksen's story is universal, because we've all felt the story he tells so well.

With his highly wrought emotions and profound commitments, Doerksen preaches to those Christians who want a deeply felt relationship with God. Though he may turn off the sort of believer who read Bonheoffer and rely on reason, those Christians who see faith in his way will find plenty with which to connect on the joyously visceral level. Passions run high in this book and sweep praying readers into his longing to engage God on God's terms.

Each chapter ends with "Songwriting Tips." Doerksen wants to share what he's learned about creative worship with anyone who wants to join him. Many of these tips are specific to writing worship songs, but others could just as easily apply to writing sermons, poems, or prayers. Doerksen's vision of Christianity is both highly active and highly artistic, and he wants to help you share that experience today.

I admit a few niggling problems with this book. Because the emotions run so high, his devotions lack a single thesis. He takes in so much with each one that sometimes I have to read them two or three times to spot the point he's making. And he abuses endnotes. Honestly, Brian, if it needs said, say it in the chapter; making readers flip back and forth is frustrating and takes us out of the moment. If it doesn't need to be said in the chapter, does it need to be said at all?

There are a few places where Doerksen overextends himself. He takes on history and current events so tentatively that I suspect he fears offending readers. I wish these bits were as bold as his theology. Then there is the chapter where he addresses science. He makes a few untenably sweeping pronouncements on physics, and while describing anatomy he cites a phlebotomy (!) text. It feels like he's outside his element in these areas.

But these are small stuff in light of Doerksen's confident, moving spirituality. By joining his devotions to his well-known songs, he crafts a multi-dimensional reading experience which is as dynamic as his worship services must be. Christians seeking a deeper experience of worship would be well rewarded to turn their attention to Brian Doerksen, who knows the very questions you've probably had, and can address them with the grace you've been seeking.

Unique. Thought-Provoking. Personal. Christ-centered.

All these words come to mind when reading the new book Make Love, Make War by songwriter Brian Doerksen. Although you may not have heard his name, if you listen to contemporary worship you certainly have heard his songs such as "Come, Now Is The Time to Worship" and "Hallelujah, Your Love Makes Me Sing." Brian has given the church a wealth of wonderful songs and ministry over the past twenty years, and Make Love Make War is another creative gift.

Each of the twelve chapters is structured around one of his songs. After introducing the song, he talks about the circumstances of his life that led up to the song, whether it was a wise-cracking comment to a fellow songwriter or the dark valleys of raising two special needs sons. He then digs deeper, going into the theological underpinnings of each song and how he views both the church's needs and responses to the song. He ends each chapter with a series of practical tips for songwriting based on the song as well.

This book worked for me on multiple levels. First, I appreciated getting to know Brian as a person, his joys and struggles, his transparency and his love for Christ. Second, although I am not a songwriter, his descriptions of his creative process and tips resonated with my own as a devotional prose writer.

But the greatest value of this book are his insights on the nature of worship in the church today. He is frank in his discussion of both what is right and what is wrong in much contemporary worship with comments such as:

"When we worship, we do what Satan abandoned long ago-- and the enemy does everything he can to stop us from worshipping, because when we worship, he remembers."

and...

"The modern worship culture of the megachurch makes it much easier to sing the big, shiny, happy anthems. But that culture of happy appearances and upbeat performances is keeping some brokenhearted people away from churches of all sizes."

Make Love Make War is must reading if you're involved in worship ministry, and it is a great read for anyone. I enjoyed this book, but more importantly I was challenged by this book. Highly recommended.

I found this book interesting into the realm of a well-known worship leader, Brian Doerksin, into the inspiration of his world-renown and beloved worship songs. Good stuff if you're curious on how his songs are spiritually inspired and crafted.

Make Love, Make War has been one of the most enriching books I've read in a very long time. I learned much about the heart of this man, his devotion to God and family, his intimate and intense love for God and the His Church (The Bride), and his musical works. He has a specific purpose for writing each and every song. The reasons may surprise you. I know I delighted in them.

Although I have no background in music, Brian's life history behind his songs have been an inspiration to me. To top it off, you get some thoroughly in-depth teachings about who God is, little nuggets of truth throughout the book. He also shares song-writing tips to aspiring musicians and current worship leaders.

This is one book everyone should have on their shelf to read. It will give you a greater insight into the words of the songs and inspire you to respond in love and/or war.


I received this book free from The B & B Media Group, Inc., for the express purpose of reading and reviewing this book. I do this for the express purpose of encouraging others to read great books.

In this book, Brian Doerkson, a worship leader and song writer, walks the reader through the process of writing songs and the stories behind some of his songs.

At times, there can be a tendency for church gatherings to want to sing happy clappy songs but Doerksen shares about the importance of also singing about the sad and difficult times in life. He shares some of the rough spots in his own life such as having two special needs children as well as professional disappointment and some of the songs that came out of those times.

There can be a false sense of infallability that audience members sometimes associate with pastors and worship leaders. The reality is that they are real people with some of the same issues that those "in the pew" deal with. It is nice to read an account of a leader who is willing to open up some of the tough scenarios he's dealt with in his own life.

As a song writer myself, I was encouraged in the creative aspects of writing and actually wrote several songs while reading the book. One tip Doerksen offers is to keep a journal or some place to store ideas whether or not you're able to complete an entire song at the moment. He gives examples of ideas that he's come back to later to include in a song. Another idea he offers is to co-write with others to help give a different perspective or break through a spot you're stuck at in writing.
He challenges the reader to be willing to take musical risks and not always feel that he or she needs to follow a set pattern. Another crucial element is to ground a song in scripture and to even include scripture within the song. He also provides encouragement to write from a genuine place and to not try to necessarily write songs for the masses. Some of the great songs we sing today started with the writers by themselves pouring out their hearts before God.

This book would be good for songwriters, those interested in learning more about the song writing process, or those simply interested in learning more about what it's like to be a worship leader on a day to day basis.

I've long sung along to the author's songs on Sunday mornings, so was curious to read this book and see what lingered beneath the surface. I am in awe of song writers because they convey so much in such a few words. When they can usher us into God's presence with those words, I am grateful. This book is an honest, thought-provoking look beneath the surface of some of the best loved worship songs of the last ten years. I was challenged as I read the stories. Even though I am not a worship-leader, I think many will appreciate the song writing tips at the end of each chapter. If you're ready to dive deeper and be challenged by the stories behind the songs, then this book is for you.

Brian Doerksen does an incredible job here of giving us deep insights into his motivations and methods for many of his hit worship songs. Brian has been a worship leader for Vineyard for years and is responsible for songs like "Come Now is the Time to Worship" and "Your Name is Holy" among many, many others. His life has had more than enough tragedies, and enough heartache to make many give up and walk away from God altogether. Instead, it has drawn him closer to God, and allowed him to pen some incredible songs. Along the way, he gives ideas about worship, leading worship, and many other important topics to worship leaders and worshipers alike. I would say this is easily required reading for any worship leaders, and would benefit anyone seeking a more personal relationship with God that moves beyond the norm and into the intimate.

Every song not only tells a story, but has a story of its own. The rhythm, the theme, the lyrics all hava a source of inspiration. For the writers, songs are deeply personal. They come from personal pain, deep longing and sometimes overwhelming joy. But when a song is recorded and added to a collection of other music the background behind the song often goes unshared. I like the Liner Notes that share what these background stories are.

Brian Doerksen is one of those song writers who writes and plays beautiful music. Brian has been a worship leader in the Vineyard Church movement for many years. His songs have been sung all over the world in church services far and wide. The songs stand on their own helping lead people into an atmosphere of worship and helping people connect emotions, spiritual truths and expression. Brian recently wrote "Make Love, Make War" about the stories behind his music.

For twelve of his songs Brian provides the lyrics, personal story, and biblical background for what he has written. But the book serves more than just a Brian Doerksen musical history lesson. It is obvious that he hopes to encourage people to lead lives of radical worship as well as understand more about the God they are singing about.

At the end of each chapter Brian provides song writing tips- some are very technical that only a musician would understand, while others are lamp posts along the way for the lyricists.

Before I read each chapter I would listen to the song (most are easily found online if they aren't already in your music collection) so that I'd have the song playing in my head as I read through the story. This book made me appreciate Brian's music from a new perspective. There is even a story behind the title, which is an interesting choice for a worship leader that was brought up in a Mennonite pacifist's home.

The songs/stories covered by this book are:
1. Come, Now is the Time to Worship
2. Holy God
3. Father, I Want You to Hold Me
4. Refiner's Fire
5. Fortress 144
6. Today (As for Me and My House)
7. Psalm 13 (How Long O Lord)
8. Your Faithfulness
9. Hallelujay (Your Love Is Amazing)
10. It's Time For the Reign of God
11. With All My Affection
12. Song for the Bride (Isaiah 30:15

Although there may be better books written about the topic of worship music, if you write songs, sing them, or just appreciate those who can, you will find value in reading Brian's book.

As soon as I read the introduction I was hooked. Love and war are at the core of our relationship with Christ. We are in the middle of an ancient battle and when we worship we wage war!

I have always enjoyed hearing the stories behind the songs. It is encouraging and oftentimes challenging to hear the ways that God moved and taught that resulted in the music that leads us in praise of His glory.

The only thing that would make this book better is if it was offered with an audio CD of the songs. If you aren't familiar with the songs I would recommend you get a hold of them and listen to them before and after each chapter. If you are looking for them on Itunes they are all under Brian Doerksen except for "Father, I Want You to Hold Me" which they have as recorded by Paul Turner.

Make Love Make War
Now is the Time to Worship
Brian Doerksen
2009
David C. Cook
Nonfiction/Religion/Christian Living

Reviewed by Cindy Loven

Brian Doerksen, author of the worship song, Come Now is the Time to Worship, brings us a book about worship. "Oh" you groan another book about worship. This book is unique in that each chapter is a song, whether a song he has written, or a song from the Scriptures. He then expounds on the song, and the why behind the ones he has written.
Worship is first, always has been and always will be, is what Brian tells us in his book, he also points out that at the very core of worship is a call to faithfulness. Because faithfulness is what is most important to God.
The opening page of each chapter has the words to the song, then the chapters are closed with tips and hints for songwriters.
This book is an amazing tool for the worship leader, who feel they have a song to write, and sing.
In relating the story of the woman at the well, Brian reminds us, that Jesus was trying to relate to the woman, that the importance of worship is not the "where" you worship, but "who" you worship.
A wonderful book, with lots of helpful information and great Godly advice Make Love, Make War is a must for any worship leader's library. 253 pages [...]