Dynamics of Worship Leading – WMUS 303

Course Description

This is a worship methods class that deals with principles and processes of building a music program for the non-traditional worship service. Attention is given to pedagogy of vocal groups for adult singers. Students also learn the development, role, and repertoire of large and small ensembles in the worship service. (Crosslisted with MUSC 303)

Rationale

Today’s worship leader must be acquainted with a variety of musical genres applicable to performance by the worship team. These musical genres require that musicians develop the skill to interpret a variety of styles that are currently in use in worship services. Thus, there is a great need to encourage worship leaders to strive for vocal and ministerial excellence in crafting authentic worship experiences for the congregation God has ordained for them. As a result, musicians are asked to demonstrate the musical literacy necessary for performing traditional and contemporary worship literature for a wide variety of groups. Additionally, the worship leader is required to understand the dynamics of leading large and small vocal groups with communicative skill and musical prowess in rehearsals and in corporate worship.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to lead small, medium, and large vocal groups in the various evangelical traditions.
2. Demonstrate the ability to rehearse and lead a worship team as he/she leads congregational worship.
3. Demonstrate an ability to organize, build, and rehearse a vocal ensemble.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of basic arranging skills for worship-leading vocal groups.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussion Assignments (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 200-250 words. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 100-150.

Self-Assessment Assignments (2)

The student will complete a 300–400-word self-assessment that describes his/her understanding, experience, and abilities in regard to the dynamics of leading worship. Current Turabian format must be used.

Reading Response Assignments (4)

The student will complete 1,000–1,200 word responses to the required reading materials. These Reading Responses will focus on analysis and application of the text materials. At least 1 citation and 1 biblical reference must be included, and current Turabian format must be used.

Rehearsal Observation Assignments (3)

The student will observe 3 rehearsals in local churches—1 orchestral, 1 choral, and 1 praise team with a rhythm section. The student must observe churches other than the one in which he/she is involved. The student must contact the church to obtain permission before observation. The student will write a 500–800-word summary of each observation in current Turabian format.

Video Presentation Assignment

The student will complete an 8–10-minute video presentation explaining and assessing the techniques he/she learned in the course, and how he/she will apply these techniques in the future. The student may also voice disagreement with a method or technique, as long as he/she gives a credible defense of his/her position. Part of the video must also showcase the student conducting a choral song or musical piece. This video will be posted to the discussion board forum. The student can use a video camera, phone, or webcam, and the video can be submitted via computer file, YouTube, Vimeo, or Kaltura.