Students will explore the Biblical principles and historical practice of Christian worship in order to synthesize a contemporary philosophy for their own ministry in this course.  This course examines Old Testament and New Testament worship models, Patristic and Medieval worship, Reformation changes, Revivalistic worship, the rise and impact of the Contemporary Worship Movement, and Emerging worship.  Various worship structures in use today will be analyzed.  A worship philosophy paper will be required of each student. 

This course will immerse the student into the practical leadership issues of worship ministry:  nurturing of people in ministry, working with musicians, strategic planning, recruiting, administration, and major productions.  Each class session will include practice of basic choral conducting skills.  The student will prepare three anthems to conduct with a workshop choir.

This course will provide basic training in technologies that are essential in contemporary worship.  Principles of sound amplification, worship lighting, and visual presentation will be a primary focus.  Hands-on-training will be provided for basic sound and lighting systems, video production, PowerPoint, and MediaShout.  Students will be expected to produce several projects for the course.

This course will equip and encourage the student to effectively employ eclectic worship elements from a variety of resources.  Historic hymnody as well as contemporary worship song will be examined along with appropriate performance practice to maximize effectiveness in worship.  Multiple websites, books, and other sources will be explored and compared as sources for liturgical, musical, dramatic, and multi-media materials.  Special focus will be given to emerging worship trends.

This course will provide practical vocal training for contemporary worship including popular vocal technique, microphone technique, and improvising harmony parts.  Students will be expected to sing in front of the class.