Worship Studies (WRSP)
WRSP 801 Historical Developments of Christian Worship 3 Credit Hour(s)
A study of the historical and cultural influences on Christian Worship from Old and New Testament practice, and a survey of the development of Christian worship from the Patristic era through modern worship practice. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of worship order (i.e. liturgy) and corporate worship practices.
Offered: Online
WRSP 805 Foundations of Doctoral Research in Worship 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces students to doctoral education in worship and the requirements for a Ph.D. in Christian Worship. Critical thinking skills, scholarly writing, and empirical research are discussed to equip students for success in the doctoral program.
Offered: Online
WRSP 810 Biblical Foundations of Christian Worship 3 Credit Hour(s)
A comprehensive survey of the Biblical texts that lay the foundation for Christian Worship. Special attention is given to the integration of Biblical worship models within present-day worship practice for both evaluation and alignment.
Offered: Online
WRSP 811 Principles of Ethno-doxology 3 Credit Hour(s)
An examination of how different cultures practice worship. Students investigate how worship both influences and is influenced by life as lived within a cultural community or specific ethnic group. Application is made to the role of various art forms (i.e. music, dance, drama, video, visuals, storytelling) have in the proclamation of the gospel and celebration of the Eucharist event.
Offered: Online
WRSP 812 Cultural Contextualization in Christian Worship 3 Credit Hour(s)
An exploration of the practical integration of multicultural and cross-cultural worship practice within the church. Particular application is made to the worship practice in today's increasingly multi-cultural congregations.
Offered: Online
WRSP 820 History and Practice of Congregational Song 3 Credit Hour(s)
A comprehensive survey of the practice and materials related to congregational singing in the church from Biblical times to today. Special emphasis is given to key authors, composers, and hymn/song compilers and their songs.
Offered: Online
WRSP 835 Theology of Christian Worship 3 Credit Hour(s)
A survey and development of a Biblical theology of worship practice for the broader Evangelical church community. Particular emphasis is given to developing a gospel- focused pedagogical strategy for teaching worship theology as a worship practitioner.
Offered: Online
WRSP 840 Current Trends and Transitions in Christian Worship 3 Credit Hour(s)
An exploration of the current trends and transitions related to leadership, music, worship, and culture, and their influence on the church today.
Offered: Online
WRSP 845 Philosophy of Music and Christian Worship 3 Credit Hour(s)
A philosophical study of the use and function of music in the worship practice of the local church. Particular emphasis is given to the goals, motivations, responsibilities, parameters, and aesthetics of music in the evangelical church community.
Offered: Online
WRSP 846 Spiritual Formation, Worship, and the Church 3 Credit Hour(s)
An in-depth look at individual spiritual growth, development, and spiritual formation through private worship and the pursuit of Biblical spirituality. Particular application is made to the connection between a personal worship life and public worship leadership.
Offered: Online
WRSP 851 Planning and Leading Christian Worship 3 Credit Hour(s)
A survey of the process of the planning, preparation, administration, and leadership of corporate worship in the local church setting. Particular emphasis is given to the tools and resources available for worship planning today.
Offered: Online
WRSP 880 Introduction to Applied Research in Worship Ministry 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course prepares students to start the Applied Research Project. It focuses on identifying a problem or practice to improve within a specific church or worship ministry. Key components include formulating a central research question, beginning a review of related literature, and selecting three methods for data collection.
Offered: Online
WRSP 888 Applied Research I 4 Credit Hour(s)
Prerequisite: WRSP 880
This is the first course for doctoral candidates who are developing a research project in the Doctor of Worship Studies program.
Offered: Online
WRSP 889 Applied Research II 3,5 Credit Hour(s)
This is the second course for doctoral candidates who are developing a research project in the Doctor of Worship Studies Program.
Offered: Online
WRSP 890 Applied Research Project Defense 3 Credit Hour(s)
Prerequisite: WRSP 889 (may be taken concurrently)
In this course, candidates will submit their final Applied Research Project.
Offered: Online
WRSP 895 Directed Research in Worship 1-3 Credit Hour(s)
Designed for the advanced student in good standing who has demonstrated an ability to work independently. This course should/can only be used if a student lacks a seminar for graduation and the needed seminar is not offered in their last semester. If approved, the student will work with the instructor in developing a proposal for guided research in a specific area.
Offered: Online
WRSP 897 Seminar in Worship Studies 3 Credit Hour(s)
An intensive study in a specific subject of worship studies. This course allows variation in the approach and content of the regular curriculum and often will be used by visiting professors.
Offered: Online
WRSP 899 Worship Self-Study and Apprenticeship 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course is a written and oral examination that serves as a culminating assessment for the Doctor of Worship Studies. The comprehensive exam will be based on the content of courses taken in the Doctor of Worship Studies program.
Offered: Online
WRSP 915 Quantitative Methods of Research 3 Credit Hour(s)
Prerequisite: WRSP 805
The value of quantitative research is examined with an emphasis on various statistical techniques and quantitative methods.
Offered: Online
WRSP 917 Qualitative Methods of Research 3 Credit Hour(s)
Prerequisite: WRSP 805
This course examines qualitative methods used in research, including participant‐observation, asking questions, writing field notes, and the transformation of these primary field data into written documents.
Offered: Online
WRSP 987 Dissertation I 5 Credit Hour(s)
This is the initial course for the PhD candidate in the development of their doctoral research and dissertation manuscript.
Offered: Online
WRSP 988 Dissertation II 5 Credit Hour(s)
Prerequisite: WRSP 987
This is the second course for the PhD candidate in the development of their doctoral research and dissertation manuscript.
Offered: Online
WRSP 989 Dissertation III 5 Credit Hour(s)
Prerequisite: WRSP 988
This is the next course for the PhD candidate in the development of their doctoral research and dissertation manuscript.
Offered: Online
WRSP 990 Dissertation Defense 0 Credit Hour(s)
Prerequisite: WRSP 989 (may be taken concurrently)
This is the final course for candidates in the PhD in Christian Worship Program. In this course, candidates will submit their final dissertation.
Offered: Online
WRSP 997 Advanced Seminar in Worship Studies 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course focuses on a study of worship practices in the evangelical community in the 21st century and investigates current tools being used within worship ministries for leading a vocal team, choir, band, media, and tech ministry. The pedagogical aspect of this course encourages students to process and share learned information.
Offered: Online