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: