WMUS 610 Tools and Techniques for Contemporary Worship

Every leader in the contemporary church faces technical, methodological, and social changes that significantly impact the local church. In the ministry landscape of the 21^st century, those changes are occurring faster and faster; therefore, the church leader not only needs to be informed of current techniques in ministry, but also equipped with the necessary tools to navigate the imminent changes that will have a lasting impact in the future and those that are only passing fads.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

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Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (5)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 350 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. At least 2 citations are required from the course material (Learn items) in current Turabian format. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to at least 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 100 words and include at least 1 citation from the course material (Learn items) in current Turabian format.

Book Review: Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late Assignment

The student will complete a summary analysis book review of Robert Morgan’s 10 Principles for Developing a Lifetime of Purpose in his book, Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late. There are 26 chapters but only 10 principles. The student will write a 2-3 paragraph summary of the material as well as an analysis section of one paragraph (3-5 sentences) for each principle. A final action section of 25-50 words will be written to identify at least one plan for action or application of the material for each principle. The review should follow all required guidelines of Turabian formatting, including a title page, properly formatted citations, and a bibliography.

Video Presentation Assignment

The student will create a video presentation to invite the local church community to a hypothetical Heritage Celebration service honoring the heritage and legacy of his or her church. The student’s video needs to be timely, between 1-2 minutes, easy to understand, creative, and energetic with the purpose clearly identified. The student’s video should be memorable and successful in creating a “buzz” about the Heritage Celebration service.

Capstone Project: Outline and Annotated Bibliography Assignment

In preparation for the Capstone Project: Final Submission Assignment, the student will create a formal outline of the writing narrative in current Turabian format. The student will include complete references and an annotated bibliography. The student will create an annotated bibliography of at least 8 references in current Turabian format. Each reference will include a short rationale of no more than 2 sentences explaining why each source is being used in the Capstone Project. 

Rehearsal Recording Assignment

The student will use a cell phone to document his or her band rehearsal at his and her local church including the Rehearsal Plan, the Rehearsal Invitation Process, and the Rehearsal. The student will also write a two-three paragraph summary of how the worship band engages with the congregation in corporate worship. 

Tech Team Interview Assignment

This assignment allows the worship leader to have a meaningful conversation with a representative of the local church’s technology team. The student will arrange for and video record an in-person or virtual interview with a representative of the local church tech team.  

Capstone Project: Final Submission Assignment

The student will write a research paper dictating the planning process and execution of the hypothetical Heritage Celebration service in no less than 15-20 pages of content that explores the various elements introduced in each course module. This paper should make practical application of the roles of the worship leader as a worshiper, administrative planner, service producer, exemplary communicator, self-disciplined administrator, and professional representative of church leadership. The paper should utilize a minimum of 8 scholarly sources, including course materials. Only one article taken from internet blogs or magazines is acceptable.