Worship Leadership

This exegetical study is prefaced by an introduction to Old Testament poetic writing. Following this preface, attention is given to major Psalm types and the messages they contain. Reflective thought and worship within the community of God’s people are also considered.

Book of Revelation
The movement and message of Revelation is studied against the larger background of apocalyptic literature. The victory of God and the renewal of creation brings closure to the biblical story and to the canon of the New Testament.

Letter to the Hebrews
A close look at this unique book is offered with consideration given to its theological and rhetorical method, its use of Israel’s Scriptures, and its contribution to the church’s theology.

This course explores biblical and theological foundations of Christian worship. It seeks to develop a theology of worship based on the concepts and practices of worship modeled in Scripture and applies that theology in contemporary worshipping contexts.

This course surveys the development of Christian worship from the close of the New Testament era to the present day. Attention is given to the worship practices of the Stone-Campbell Movement. The course aids the student to develop her or his own practical approach to worship.

This course introduces first semester students to the Worship Leadership program by overviewing key areas of the curriculum, including the value of music studies, the importance of biblical, theological, and historical inquiry, the necessity of improving one’s practical ministry, musical and production skills, and developing a philosophy in Christian gathered worship. The course aims to orient the student to the program’s expectations and design to prepare them for success in their study of Worship Leadership. Students participate in a weekend retreat/seminar as part of this course.

This course is designed to introduce students to biblical principles and pastoral considerations regarding the dynamic relationship between worship and culture. The course aims to aid students in developing a practical approach to worship leadership that is (1) grounded in the eternal and universal nature of Christian worship, and (2) informed by the specific cultural and demographic context of their local congregation.

This course introduces basic worship leadership skills as well as core biblical, theological, historical, philosophical, and pastoral considerations for gathered worship. Attention is given to (1) form and patterns of worship; (2) crafting the actions and elements of worship; (3) designing and planning worship; (4) executing the actions of worship; (5) leadership skills; and (6) time and the narrative of Christian worship. Students actively demonstrate learning of course principles through several service learning experiences in class, on campus, or in a local ministry setting.

This course will aid the student in developing a philosophy of the use of arts in worship. This course explores how the content, form, and styles of worship are enlivened through the expression of the arts. With attention given particularly to visual and performing arts, the course covers the history of the use of the arts in worship and the application of arts in ministry today. 

This course presents the foundational elements of pastoral worship ministry and administration in the local church. Attention is given to (1) worship pastor role, function, and responsibilities; (2) cultivating relations with the worship team, staff, pastor, and congregation; (3) shepherding a worship team; (4) conducting special services (funeral, wedding, ordination, dedication) as a worship pastor; (5) the administrative services (communication, budget, scheduling and organization, curation of song & music library, technical) of a pastoral worship ministry in the local church; and (6) present issues in worship ministry.

This 10-week internship is designed to provide practical experience for Worship Leadership majors to observe, analyze, participate in, and lead the music and worship ministry of a local church under the guidance of a minister of music and/or minister of worship. This internship must be supervised by a full-time minister of music and/or worship minister employed by the church, or by a part-time minister of music and/or worship minister employed by and actively involved in the church, who has earned an undergraduate degree in music and/or worship studies. All internships must receive approval from the instructor/supervisor, and in some instances may require approval from the entire Communication & Creative Arts faculty.

Students in this practicum will gain practical experience in live audio, video, and stage production through involvement in chapel services, on-campus worship events, and/or local church settings. This hands-on experience serves to develop both the student’s operating skills and pastoral sensibilities.

Choose a combination of one- and three-credit courses for a total of six credits that enhance professional studies. In consultation with their advisor, students select additional courses with the following prefixes: CMML, COMM, MART, MUAP, MUSC, MUTC, or WORS. Students may earn up to 3 credits in WORS 2000, Chapel Worship Leadership Team, per instructor approval.   

Choose three of the following courses:

Foundations of Biblical Preaching
Spiritual Formation for Ministry OR Spiritual Formation & Creativity
Conflict and Communication
Pastoral Care in Ministry

This course briefly considers the fundamental elements of music theory, including notation, scales, intervals, key signatures, meter and rhythm, and triads and their respective inversions. The majority of the course focuses on harmonic analysis, figured bass, cadences, non-harmonic tones, melodic organization, and texture/textural reduction.

This course is devoted to the development of musicianship skills through ear training, sight singing, and functional keyboard instruction. Course content includes the recognition and execution of intervals, diatonic melodic and rhythmic patterns in symmetrical meters, scalar materials, and triads and seventh chords found in folk, pop, and classical music by chanting, singing, playing, and transcription. 

This course is designed as a continuation of the work encountered in Music Theory I. Course contents include voice leading and melodic motion, cadences and harmonic progression, secondary chords structures, modal mixture, an introduction to modulation, and modern song forms. Applicable content from classical, popular, and world music is examined. 

This course is a continuation of the work encountered in Music Theory Lab I. Course content includes continued development of rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic reading and recognition skills, scalar materials, non-diatonic chords, recognizing modern song forms, basic Nashville numbers, chord chart, and lead sheet realization, basic harmonization techniques, harmonic progression, and basic ornamentation and improvisation by chanting, singing, playing and transcription. 

This course investigates the development of music in Western civilization. Emphasis is given to the significant role of church music in this history. The hallmarks of musical literature representing major periods of music history are studied along with composers, performers, processes, and historical/political/religious events. Music of the ancient Greeks, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque Period, the Classical Period, the Romantic Period, and music of the 20th and 21st centuries will be addressed.

This course is a study of commercial music from vaudeville to the Internet and beyond with an emphasis on music technology and how it has enabled the music industry and commercial music to explore ever-expanding paths. 

This course pursues the recognition and execution of elements found in popular and jazz music. Course content includes extended and altered chords, keyboard voicings, articulation, rhythmic patterns, advanced harmonic progression, improvisation techniques, basic reharmonization, chart realization and creation, related song forms and composition, stylistic considerations, and basic arranging of vocals, rhythm section, strings, and horns for jazz and popular music styles.

The study of popular music from the perspective of practicing its foundational elements as an arranger/planner for musical events.

Students in music-related majors present an hour-length public performance on the principal and secondary instruments. The recital may also include a worship set. Guidelines are provided by the Music Department. Worship Leadership majors may opt to present a senior recital as per recommendation of primary instrument instructor.

Choose three of the following options:

Contemporary Guitar Methods
Contemporary Keyboard Methods
Contemporary Percussion Methods
Contemporary Vocal Team Methods

Pop/Rock/Jazz Ensemble (1 credit)
This ensemble pursues the technical study, practice, and performance of music from the popular, rock, blues, and jazz repertoire. The ensemble is open to students, staff, faculty, and members of the Johnson community who know the fundamentals of their instrument. Ensemble membership and participation may require an audition at the instructor’s discretion. Public performance of works is expected.
University Choir (1 credit)
University Choir is a select ensemble open to any student, faculty, staff, or community member by interview and/or audition. The ensemble represents the University in local public relations programs, local churches, conferences, and campus events. . The choir sings a wide variety of collegiate and sacred music that reflects the diverse musical nature of the ensemble.

Vox Royale (1 credit)
This select, primarily a cappella ensemble is open to any student or community member by audition. The ensemble performs a wide repertoire of music that includes chamber music, church music, modern worship, vocal jazz, and modern a cappella. The ensemble represents Johnson University at select events, retreats, conferences, and worship services on and off campus. Vox Royale members rehearse with the University Choir one day a week and rehearse as a separate ensemble one day a week.

NOTE: Students complete the first 2 ensemble credits with University Choir and may complete the next 4 credits with University Choir, Vox Royale (by audition), or Pop/Rock/Jazz Ensemble (by audition).

Choose 6 credits in one instrument (voice, guitar, or piano).

Choose 2 credits in a second instrument (voice, piano, guitar).