Worship Studies Course Descriptions

Worship Studies Specialization Requirements:

CMIN 2353 INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN MINISTRY (3 hrs)

This course is a broad overview of various aspects of Christian ministry. It includes an introduction to missions, pastoral and youth ministries, worship leadership, and educational ministry. The biblical basis, principles, and practices of each area of ministry are examined. The course is designed for students pursuing either vocational or lay ministry.

CMIN 4442 MINISTRY INTERNSHIP (2 hrs)

This course is designed to provide the ministerial student with practical experience and on-the-job training through involvement in the work and ministry of a local church on a regular basis. Classroom time is devoted to discussion and analysis of the student’s church involvement. The course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.

CMIN 4523 MINISTRY CAPSTONE (3 hrs)

This is a contract course in which the student does a ministry project/paper that integrates all degree coursework, practical experiences, and personal preparedness for the transition from college into the next necessary stage for engagement in his or her specific ministry track choice. The student will fulfill this requirement during his or her final semester in the program. The student’s work will be evaluated by the instructor assigned to work with him or her, the program director, Christian ministry department chair, and the Academic Dean. An oral presentation before the preceding team of educators will be part of this evaluation. Prerequisite: Senior standing and approval of the department chair.

LEAD 3823 CONCEPTS OF LEADERSHIP (3 hrs)

This course is a study of the concepts of leadership presented in the Scriptures with the goal of maximizing leadership potential.

WRSP 1503 MUSIC SKILLS FOR WORSHIP LEADING (3 hrs)

This course is a study of the most common music skills a worship leader needs to know to effectively carry out the music side of his/her ministry position. This includes reading notes on a staff, time signatures, key signatures, major and minor scales and chords.

WRSP 2212 INTRODUCTION TO WORSHIP STUDIES (2 hrs)

This course is an introductory study of Christian worship. Application is made to worship as a lifestyle integrated into the community life of congregational worship in the church. Time is spent discerning what is meant by biblical worship and how it is enacted philosophically and practically in a worship service.

WRSP 3133 DYNAMICS OF WORSHIP LEADING (3 hrs)

This course is a study of worship methods that deals with principles and processes of building a music program for the traditional and non-traditional worship service. Attention is given to pedagogy of vocal groups for adult singers. Students also learn the development, role, and repertoire of large and small ensembles in the worship service.

WRSP 3523 HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF WORSHIP (3 hrs)

This course is an analysis of worship practices from the beginning of worship in the Old Testament to the present time. The students will analyze and evaluate different worship practices found in churches today. Upon completion of this study, the student will be able to develop a personal philosophy of worship.

WRSP 3533 TOOLS, TECHNIQUES AND LITERATURE FOR WORSHIP (3 hrs)

This course is an analysis of the tools, techniques, and literature available to the worship leader today. It includes information on basic vocal and instrumental techniques, the locations of tutorials and other helps, worship planning tools, and presentation software. It will also assist the student in locating music charts, blogs, worship publications, social media, websites, and other valuable information.

WRSP 3543 TOOLS FOR CREATIVE WORSHIP (3 hrs)

This course is a biblical study of worship as related to the five senses, exploring the whole person given in worship to God. Application is made to lighting design, audio and video production, creative use of presentation software, banners, choreography and movement, staging, and a variety of multi-media possibilities. Students will prepare a project that represents understanding and application of creative worship.

WRSP 3553 TECHNOLOGY IN WORSHIP (3 hrs)

This course is a study of technology used in worship today. From sound, the use of tracks including click and multi-tracks, loop community to the following software and tools which could include but are not limited to: Finale, Final Cut Pro, Ableton, Pro Tools, Main Stage, midi, Sunday Keys, Worship Essentials, Pro Presenter. Students will prepare tutorials and projects which will demonstrate their understanding of the technology being introduced. Prerequisite: WRSP 1503

WRSP 4423 PLANNING & CONDUCTING PUBLIC WORSHIP (3 hrs)

This course is a biblical, theological, and practical study of public worship. The principles of worship design are studied, including a survey of various historical and contemporary models for corporate worship, elements of the worship program, how to plan an effective worship service, how to adapt to various types of churches, and the responsibility of the pastor and other leaders in planning and leading church worship services.

WRSP 4513 CONDUCTING FOR THE WORSHIP LEADING (3 hrs)

This course is a study in the conventional conducting of beats. Basic conducting patterns for the most common time signatures of 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/4, 6/8, 9/8, and 12/4. Rehearsal techniques for choirs and ensembles will also be taught, individual demonstration is stressed. Prerequisite: WRSP 1503