DESCRIPTION: This course explores both the practical and theological dimensions of worship leadership and examines issues relating to the planning and implementing of worship on the Lord's Day (Sunday or Sabbath) in various Christian traditions. A significant part of the course will be devoted to the careful theological planning of worship on the Lord's Day. Students will be introduced to the histories and theologies of Christian worship through time and around the globe. Students will also be exposed to the worship life of an actual congregation, and plan worship for that church. Further, the course gives opportunity to develop skills in crafting various elements for worship, in application of pastoral care to worship, and in musical selection and leadership.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The phrase "going to church" almost always refers to attending a worship service of a Christian community--whether it meets in a church building or not. This reflects the reality that worship is the most public face a congregation has for its members and the world. Effective and reflective worship leadership is the keystone of ministry, both discipleship and evangelism. This course will teach the integration of worship and pastoral ministry and qualities that determine its effectiveness and excellence.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Four goals for learning will drive this course: First, the student will understand the importance and centrality of corporate worship to the mission and ministry of a congregation. Second, the student will understand the tasks required for liturgical leadership in a variety of liturgical styles. Third, the student will develop a greater understanding of their own gifts and skills for pastoral ministry and liturgical ministry specifically. Fourth, the student will be able to articulate and apply a praxis-theory-praxis methodology for liturgical ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: Conducted online, the ten weekly lessons align with Fuller's academic calendar. Each week students and the instructor will interact with the course material through journaling, threaded discussions, web-based research, case studies, and applying the concepts to liturgical praxis.

REQUIRED READING:

Living Worship interactive DVD (from the instructor).

Course Reader (available in the online course).

Bradshaw, Paul. Two Ways of Praying. OSL Publications, 2008. ISBN: 978-1878009593. Pub price $19.95.

Foley, Edward. From Age to Age. Revised and expanded. Liturgical Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0814630785. Pub price $29.95.

Hoffman, Lawrence. The Art of Public Prayer. Skylight Paths, 1999. ISBN: 978-1893361065. Pub price $19.99

Johnson, Todd. The Conviction of Things Not Seen. Brazos, 2002. ISBN: 978-1-58743-032-9. Pub price $28.00.

Liesch, Barry. The New Worship. Baker, 2001. ISBN: 978-0801063565. Pub price $22.00.

White, James. Introduction to Christian Worship. 3rd ed. Abingdon, 2000. ISBN: 978-0687091096. Pub price $3150.

A book of worship and hymnal/songbook used in the student's tradition (student's choice).

Costen, Melva Wilson. African American Worship, rev. ed. Abingdon, 2007. ISBN 978-0687646227. Pub price $18.00.

Gonzalez, Justo L., ed. Alabadle! Hispanic Christian Worship. Abingdon, 1996. ISBN 978-0687010325. Pub price $18.00.

Hawn, Michael. Gather into One. Eerdmans, 2003. ISBN 978-0802809834. Pub price $30.00.

1. Assigned readings, Weekly Threaded Discussions (20%), Journaling (10%)

2. A report of a participant observation of a Christian worship service outside one's tradition (20%)

3. Craft elements of corporate worship in response to assigned case studies from the Living Worship DVD (30%)

4. Final assignment: planning of an entire worship service for the church in the Living Worship DVD (annotated by reasons for choices) (20%)