Music and Worship

• Fundamentals of Music 1

  This course is specifically designed to help students with little or no previous musical training acquire the basic skills and concepts of musicianship. Students will learn to read, write, and aurally apprehend musical structures that relate to time and sound. The course follows a lecture, discussion, and student participation format.

• Worship Band Skills

  This course explores the role of the various instruments and tools used in modern worship bands, including keyboard, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, and percussion instruments. The course will focus on the application of music theory to the creation of chord charts, and training students how to prepare for and execute effective and efficient rehearsals. Students will learn through classroom, laboratory, and project-based learning experiences.

• Music and Audio Production

  This course introduces students to principles, tools, and techniques of music and audio production. Students will record and mix multi-track audio for distribution and develop their skills in live audio production. Learning will be classroom- and project-based.

• Practical Issues in Worship & Creative Arts Ministry

  A study of qualifications, responsibilities, and opportunities of a vocational worship/creative arts minister. Students will gain knowledge of the role of music, production, technical elements, pastoral endeavors, and other worship and creative arts in various church contexts. This course follows a lecture and discussion format.

• Foundations for Creative Arts Ministry

  This course introduces students to the tools of live production and visual presentation. Students will gain foundational skills in audio production and visual design and apply these skills to church ministries. The course will be divided into topical segments with classroom, laboratory, and project-based learning experiences.

Music and Worship Program Description and Outcomes

• Program Description

  The Bachelor of Arts in Music and Worship degree equips students to serve as worship arts pastors in churches and parachurch ministries. The degree focuses on preparing students to lead with musical excellence, theological depth, and effective interpersonal pastoral skills. With a solid foundation in music theory, students develop vocal, guitar, and piano skills. 

  The program emphasizes the importance of planning and leading biblically rich and culturally sensitive worship services. Students are expected to put what they are learning into practice by participating in ministry opportunities both on and off campus.

• Program Outcomes

  Students completing the BA in Music and Worship (BAMW) will be able to:

  1. Articulate the history and biblical theology of worship practices while adapting and applying them to current worship contexts.

  2. Plan and lead cohesive worship services for various contexts.

  3. Recruit, disciple, and lead a creative arts team while serving alongside other ministry staff members.

  4. Create musical arrangements for worship and lead a team in rehearsal.

  5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the production equipment needed for modern worship.

  6. Demonstrate vocal and instrumental proficiency for leading worship.