Spring 2006/Pasadena
WS500
Johnson

WS500: CHRISTIAN WORSHIP: LEADERSHIP AND PRACTICE. Todd E. Johnson.


DESCRIPTION: This course explores both the practical and theological dimensions of worship leadership, its planning and implemention, in various traditions. 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). Students will be given the opportunity to participate in the planning process of our all seminary chapels. Students will be exposed to various case studies of worship within congregations and to plan worship for those churches, and will have the opportunity to develop skills in the public reading of Scripture, leading in prayer (ex tempore and prescribed), application of pastoral care to worship, as well as musical selection and leadership.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Five 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 students will be able to integrate liturgical planning and pastoral care. Fourth, the student will develop a greater understanding of their own gifts and skills for pastoral ministry and liturgical ministry specifically. Fifth, the student will be able to articulate and apply a praxis-theory-praxis methodology for liturgical ministry.

RELEVANCE FOR 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.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour meetings. It will involve lecture and discussion of reading material, as well as various forms of applying the concepts in this class to liturgical praxis. The course grade will be based on projects involving case studies and other exercises of applications of the course material.

REQUIRED READING:

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

Hoffman, Lawrence. The Art of Public Prayer. Skylight Paths, 1999.

Liesch, Barry. The New Worship. Baker, 2001.

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

White, James. Protestant Worship: Traditions in Transition. Westminster John Knox, 1989. (if student has completed CH507); If not, then: J. White, Introduction to Christian Worship. Abingdon, 2000.

One denominational book of worship and one denominational hymnal (student's choice).

RECOMMENDED READING:
Costen, Melva Wilson. African American Worship. Abingdon, 1993.

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

Hawn, Michael. Gather into One. Eerdmans, 2003.

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

ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Completion of assigned readings, attendance and participation in class discussions. (2) A report of a participant observation of a Christian worship service outside your tradition. (3) Participation in the planning and leading of a prayer service or chapel. (4) Plan for a "traditional" service and a contemporary/emerging service. (5) Plan for a wedding and a funeral. The final assignment is to plan a worship service for the church the student observed at the beginning of class.

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.