DESCRIPTION: This course explores both the practical and theological
dimensions of worship leadership, its planning and implementation, 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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student will (1) understand the importance and
centrality of corporate worship to the mission and ministry of a congregation;
(2) understand the tasks required for liturgical leadership in a variety of
liturgical styles; (3) be able to integrate liturgical planning and pastoral
care; (4) develop a greater understanding of their own gifts and skills for
pastoral ministry and liturgical ministry specifically; (5) 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, of
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 of
lecture, discussion of readings, and various forms of applying 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: