Worship Studies (WRSP)
This course provides an overview of worship studies. Emphasis is given to principles of worship, history and theology of worship through the Old and New Testament and leadership skills necessary for worship leaders.
Offered: Resident and Online
This is a study of the history of worship music from the early church through the modern period. Emphasis is given to changes in worship practices resulting from the Reformation, the Great Awakenings, revival moments, large evangelistic crusades of the 1940s and 1950s, Jesus Movement, Praise and Worship Movement and Modern Worship.
Offered: Resident and Online
A study of the principles of worship as found in the Old and New Testaments. Includes study of the Tabernacle as a model of worship, worship in the lives of biblical characters, and the biblical roots of worship practices developed by the early church.
Offered: Resident and Online
A study of the many responsibilities and roles required for effective spiritual leadership and ministerial effectiveness as a worship leader in the local church. In particular, roles related to pastoral leadership, ministerial relationships, organizational development, theological perspective, and spiritual devotion are included.
Offered: Resident and Online
A study of the characteristics and responsibilities of a good leader as they relate to the worship leader. Planning, organizing, staff development, and decision-making are topics of consideration.
Offered: Resident and Online
A study of the current trends and issues related to worship. Consideration is given to various worship models, worship evangelism, and church worship in transition.
Offered: Resident and Online
A study of worship as observed in biblical examples. Scriptural principles regarding worship are applied to the life of the individual and to individual responsibility in the corporate worship experience. Emphasis is on building a theological orientation for interculturality by understanding the nature of worship as the foundation for building interdependent relationships in the kingdom of God.
Offered: Online
This is a course that looks at the various roles the worship leader holds within the mandates of the overall church mission. Consideration is given to the worship leader's relationship to the local church education and discipleship programs, missions and evangelism outreach ministries, preaching and teaching ministries, women's and men's ministries, children, youth and young adult ministries, and creative arts ministries.
Offered: Online
This course deals with a biblical approach to spiritual formation for leading African American worship. Included in this study are practical lessons related to God's mandate for worship, African-American spiritual life, spiritual disciplines, and the relationship between music and spiritual formation.
Offered: Resident and Online
This course focuses on the cultural, social, inter-generational, and ecclesiastical issues surrounding worship in the black church community. Issues include but are not limited to social norms and values, intergenerational relationships, reconciliation and multiculturalism, role of the worship leader and the family, and the diverse issues in the worshiping community.
Offered: Resident and Online
This course is a study of the purpose and practice of a theology of worship in the local church. The study is divided into two parts: 1) the understanding and discovery of a biblical theology of worship and music that is biblically-rooted, Christ-centered, and gospel-focused; and, 2) practical application of that theology in a local church setting. Students develop a personal theology for application as a worship practitioner for both corporate and continuous worship.
Offered: Resident and Online
This course deals with principles for team building in the African-American worship tradition. Studies include but are not limited to: working as a pastor/worship leader team, organizational management, conflict resolution, people skills, and personnel management.
Offered: Online
This is a study of the relationship between the pastor and worship leader in a local church. Emphasis is given to leadership models for team building and staff management, leadership responsibilities towards the gospel ministry, and the biblical role of the pastor as the worship leader of the congregation.
Offered: Resident and Online
Introduction to research methodologies in preparation for completion of the capstone project in worship and music studies.
Offered: Online
This course documents the history of African American worship through the Black experience, from the 17th Century to the present. Included in this study is an examination of the development of the African American church and the influential role of preaching, praying, and music in African American worship.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: WRSP 650
Students will finalize the thesis, lecture recital, or music and worship ministry project in preparation for the defense.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: WRSP 689
This is the final course for candidates completing the master's thesis. Candidates will defend their thesis and finalize the thesis manuscript for publication.
Offered: Resident and Online
Designed for the advanced student in good standing who has demonstrated an ability to work independently. The student will work with the instructor in developing a proposal for guided research in a specified area of worship.
Offered: Online
This course focuses on advanced worship practice within the evangelical and local church community. Student and faculty will work together to develop and tailor assignments to each student's individual preference, professional goals, and objectives for future practice as a worship leader. A major project illustrating the student's ability to apply learned theory to the practical outcomes of a local church is expected.
Offered: Resident and Online
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Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: WMUS 692
This course involves practical work experience in an approved ministry or organization under the direction of a qualified supervisor. Selection of the internship site should coincide with the student's academic track and intended career path.
Registration Restrictions: Completed application to the Coordinator of the Graduate Program
Offered: Resident and Online