Worship Studies (WRSP)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
An exploration of the current trends and transitions related to leadership, music, worship, and culture, and their influence on the church today.
Offered: Online
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
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
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
This course prepares the student to begin the thesis writing project.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: WRSP 880
This is the first course for doctoral candidates in the process of developing and completing the research study and doctoral thesis. Doctoral candidates will finalize the thesis proposal and develop chapters 1 & 2 of the thesis to include a detailed literature review relevant to the research study.
Offered: Online
This is the second course for doctoral candidates in the process of developing and completing the research study and doctoral thesis. Doctoral candidates will develop chapters 3, 4, & 5 of the thesis and prepare a presentation for the final thesis defense.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: WRSP 889
This is the final course for doctoral candidates completing the doctoral thesis. Doctoral candidates will defend their thesis and finalize the thesis manuscript for publication.
Offered: Online
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
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
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
Online Prerequisite: WRSP 805
The value of quantitative research is examined with an emphasis on various statistical techniques and quantitative methods.
Offered: Online
Online 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
In this course, students will complete chapters 1-2 of their dissertation.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: WRSP 987
In this course, students will refine chapters 1-2 of their dissertation, complete chapter 3, and begin their research.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: WRSP 988
In this course, students will complete their research and chapters 4-5 of their dissertation.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: WRSP 989
In this course, students will submit their dissertation, to include the abstract and chapters 1-5. Students will conclude this course with an oral defense of their dissertation.
Offered: Online
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