DESCRIPTION:

This course will explore both the practical and theological dimensions of worship leadership. It will examine issues relating to contemporary, blended, and traditional worship and will consider the theological and aesthetic responsibilities that are a part of worship leadership roles, including forming and participating in leadership teams that shape worshipping congregations. A significant part of the course will be devoted to the actual practice of worship leadership and the careful theological planning of worship events (including occasional services such as weddings and funerals). Among the specific practical issues to be considered are: contemporary music leadership, leading in prayer, public reading of scripture, use of body and voice, presiding over ritual, liturgical presence, and serving with hospitality and grace.

The gathering of God's people for worship has been central to the activity of the Christian Church from its inception. Within the context of worship, the Church has heard the Word of God read and proclaimed, taught its catechumens of the faith, administered baptism and holy communion, and shaped itself as God's people. This course will teach ministry students to understand the various roles that pastors and lay people play in worship leadership and give them skills for undertaking these roles effectively.

The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour meetings. It will involve lecture and discussion of reading material It will also feature a strong practical component in which students will practice the performative aspects of worship leadership. The course grade will be based on knowledge and understanding of lecture and reading material, participation in discussion, performance on class assignments, and diligence in the practical exercises.

Bartow, Charles. Effective Speech Communication in Leading Worship. Abingdon, 1988.

Hustad, Donald. True Worship. Hope Publishing. 1998.

Sample, Tex. The Spectacle of Worship in a Wired World. Abingdon, 1998.

Schmit, Clayton J. Public Reading of Scripture. Abingdon, 2002

Webber, Robert E. Worship is a Verb. Hendrickson, 1999.

White, James. Introduction to Christian Worship. Abingdon, 1990.*

One denominational book of worship (student's choice).*

Course Reader.

Black, Kathy. Worship Across Cultures. Abingdon, 1998.

Costen, Melva Wilson. African American Worship. Abingdon, 1993.

Gonzalez, Justo L., ed. Alabadle! Hispanic Christian Worship. Abingdon, 1996.

Schmit, Clayton J. Too Deep for Words: A Theology of Liturgical Expression. WJK, 2002.

Students will participate in class discussions & practical exercises; take a midterm examination on the reading & lecture material; submit two brief written assignments (first: the student evaluates two contrasting styles of worship as experienced in local congregational settings; second: the student addresses the theological issues relating to the roles of worship leadership); & write a final paper in which the student designs & evaluates a service of worship for a specific congregational context.

Meets MDiv core requirement in Pastoral Ministry and Theology (MIN 6) or the requirement in Ministry Foundations (MIN F) for other master's degrees.