Spring 2005/Pasadena
WS500
Schmit
WS500: CHRISTIAN WORSHIP: LEADERSHIP AND PRACTICE. Clayton J. Schmit.
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.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- 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.
COURSE FORMAT:
- 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.
REQUIRED READING: (*indicates that only portions of the text will be
assigned)
- 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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 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.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- 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.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets MDiv core requirement in Pastoral Ministry and Theology (MIN
6) or the requirement in Ministry Foundations (MIN F) for other master's
degrees.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.