Winter 2011/Houston
WS500
Boyd
WS500:
CHRISTIAN WORSHIP: LEADERSHIP AND PRACTICE Dr. Kevin R. Boyd
DESCRIPTION: This course will
explore historical, theological, and practical dimensions of Christian worship.
It will provide an overview of theological issues relating to worship; the
practice of sacraments and ordinances in various denominational, liturgical,
and ethnic traditions; and consideration of the range of worship/liturgical
styles presently at use in the Church (including traditional, contemporary,
blended, and seeker styles).
The class will have opportunities for worshipping together. Students are
expected to develop a theology of worship, and to use that theology in the
planning, evaluation, and execution of the assigned projects.
SIGNIFICANCE
FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Worship is the most visible ministry of the Church and
it is at the core of the ChurchÕs identity.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will demonstrate:
1. Knowledge of the historic importance
and centrality of corporate worship to the life of the Church.
2. Understanding of the tasks required for
worship leadership in a variety of styles and settings.
3. Commitment to developing their own
gifts and skills for pastoral ministry and worship leadership.
4. Ability to articulate a set of
commitments regarding worship in their ecclesial setting.
5. Ability to develop and apply an
appropriate methodology for the planning and leading of worship.
COURSE
FORMAT: The course will meet on Monday evenings for three hours. It will
involve lecture and discussion of reading material, as well as various forms of
class participation. Outside
journaling and participation in leadership of worship are required.
REQUIRED
READING:
Foley,
Edward From Age to Age: How Christians Have Celebrated the Eucharist.
Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN 2008.
ISBN: 978-0814630785; $19:77.
Johnson,
Todd E., ed. The Conviction of
Things Not Seen: Worship and Ministry in the 21st Century.
Brazos Press, Grand Rapids 2002.
ISBN: 978-1587430329; $25.20.
Kimball,
Dan Emerging Worship: Creating Worship Gatherings for New Generations.
Zondervan, Grand Rapids 2004.
ISBN: 978-0310256441; $10:19.
White,
James F. Introduction to Christian Worship. Third Edition; Abingdon
Press, Nashville 2000. ISBN:
978-0687091096; $20:79.
A
book of worship and/or a minister's manual that could be used in the student's
tradition.
RECOMMENDED
READING:
Black,
Kathy Worship Across Cultures Abingdon Press. Nashville 1998. ASIN: B0034Q609M; $66.78.
Burkhart, John E. Worship:
A Searching Examination of the Liturgical Experience. Westminster Press,
Philadelphia, 1982. ISBN:
978-0664244095; $14.98.
Lathrop, Gordon W. Holy
Things: A Liturgical Theology. Fortress Press, Minneapolis1993. ISBN: 978-0800631314; $19:80.
Long, Thomas G. Beyond the
Worship Wars: Building Vital and Faithful Worship. Alban Institute,
2001. ISBN: 978-1566992404; $9:50.
Malefyt,
Norma deWaal and Howard Vanderwell
Designing Worship Together: Models and Strategies for Worship Planning.
Hearndon VA: Alban, 2005. ISBN:
978-1566992961; $14.40.
Webber, Robert Planning
Blended Worship. Abingdon Press Nashville 1998. ISBN: 978-0687032235; $16:80.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Grading will be on a total points basis as follows:
1. Assigned readings, and weekly discussion participation.
(10%).
2. Journaling (10-12 pp): Responding to 4 different worship
services, including at least one that is outside oneÕs tradition, and two in
which you have a leadership role. (30%).
Further instructions will be given on the syllabus.
3. Examination on class readings. (30%).
4. Final Project (10-12 pp):
Planning of an entire worship service for an assigned case study, implementing
a method of reflection and practice developed during the course. (30%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
Elective for general MDiv; required course for MDiv Worship, Theology and the
Arts concentration and the MA in Worship, Theology and the Arts.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide
to the course design but is subject to modification.