WMUS 303 Dynamics of Worship Leading

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.

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.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussions (4)

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 words.

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 Assignment

The student will observe a choir or orchestra rehearsal in local churches. The student must observe a church 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 the current Turabian format.

The student will observe two worship services, one from Easter at Thomas Road Baptist Church and one of their choosing from a church livestream. The student will utilize the included template to complete the requirements of this project. The student must observe a livestream service from a church other than the one in which he/she is involved. The student must insert 5 screenshot images from each livestream viewed (a total of 10 screenshots in the entire assignment), including a total of 5 traits (mix of positive and negative) exhibited by the worship leader. Each screenshot must be described (under the image) using at least three complete sentence. The template will guide the necessary elements needed for this assignment. 

The student will select a specific theme for a service and develop a worship experience with necessary elements including: theme, flow, song selection, and service elements utilizing an included template to explain the reasoning and theological grounds for song usage and service content. The assignment will assess the creativity and skills of the student in worship planning and preparation. The student will select at least 5 songs supporting the theme and write a description of the theme in 3 to 5 complete sentences. The student will write at least 3 to 5 complete sentences that explain how the lyrics are reflected in the Scripture, providing a solid theology for the text.

The student will record a video of himself/herself singing one song while exhibiting proper microphone techniques, encouraging congregational singing, and presenting proper worship/music leadership skills including what to say between songs making transitions. The student must write a three to four-page reflection associating the insight gained from this course with practical application in the presentation of worship/music in a congregational setting.

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. The student can use a video camera, phone, or webcam, and the video can be submitted via computer file, YouTube, Vimeo, or Kaltura.