Practicum in Worship Leadership

Building on introductory worship courses, this course has two primary foci related to worship in the Presbyterian context: 1) to explore worship leadership as a theological practice, 2) to explore the many intersections of worship and music, and develop skills as a worship leader for appropriate and creative use of music in worship settings. With regard to worship leadership as a theological practice, this course will examine a series of topics related to the development of worship leadership skills, nurturing community through worship, and effective worship practices for the contemporary church. How do we as worship leaders understand the realities facing worshipping communities in the twenty-first century? How do we as worship leaders practice evaluation and discernment in a diverse and dynamic twenty-first century context? With regard to worship leadership and music, this course studies the history of Christian worship from its earliest manifestations and notes the development of Christian worship through history. There is a strong emphasis on the purpose of Christian music in the experience of spirituality (both in and out of worship services).