Fall 2006/Pasadena
CO513
Schmit

CO513: COMMUNICATION AND THE LITURGY (Two Units). Clayton J. Schmit.


DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to develop communications skills for the public leading of Christian worship, with special emphasis on the practices of liturgical communities. It will provide opportunity to explore various means of communication in worship, including leading public prayer, presiding over worship events and occasional services, public reading of Scripture, temple talks (brief speeches on ministry-related topics), preparing worshipers for participation, and making announcements. For those interested, a musical component will allow for consideration of teaching new music to congregants and for chanting portions of the liturgy.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course objectives are that students will (1) grow in their understanding of the dialogical shape of Christian liturgies, (2) become familiarized with best practices for communicating as worship leaders, and (3) increase in the use of communication skills and techniques in worship leadership.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Because Christian worship is communication between God and God's people, and between leaders and participants in worship, matters of clear and effective communication are critical for effective worship leading.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for two hours for lecture, discussion, and student presentations and evaluation. Class attendance is mandatory. All student presentations will be video-taped for self-evaluation.

REQUIRED READING:

Bartow, Charles L. Effective Speech Communication in Leading Worship. Abingdon, 1988.

Jacks, G. Robert. Getting the Word Across: Speech Communication for Pastors and Lay Leaders. Eerdmans, 1995.

The Worship Sourcebook. Baker Books and Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, 2004. (Selected portions.)
OR a denominational worship book (containing prayers and liturgies).

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Prepare and deliver 6 oral presentations (approximately 5 minutes each).

  2. Read and prepare written (2-3 page) responses to both the Bartow and Jacks books (300 pages).

  3. Prepare and submit self-assessments for each presentation.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Preaching and Communication (MIN 2). A student may not use both CO513 Communication and the Liturgy and CO500 to meet the MIN 2 requirement.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.