Tools and Techniques for Contemporary Worship – WMUS 610

Course Description

A study of the current available resources and techniques employed by contemporary worship leaders. Consideration is given to practical issues related to rehearsal techniques, programming, MIDI technology, sound reinforcement, use of drama, use of drama as script, and worship events. (Formerly WRSP 610)

Rationale

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, church leaders not only need 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.

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.

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 (Read & Watch 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 (Read & Watch items) in current Turabian format.

4-MAT Method Book Review Assignment

The student will complete a 4-MAT Method Book Review of the following text using the template provided within the course:

Cherry, Constance. The Music Architect: Blueprints for Engaging Worshipers in Song. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2016. ISBN: 9780801099687.

Video Presentation Assignment

You will create a video presentation. The hypothetical situation is: Your local church is planning a special Heritage Celebration service to honor the heritage and legacy of the church. 

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/her band rehearsal at his/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

Using Rory Noland’s The Worshiping Artist: Equipping You and Your Ministry Team to Lead Others in Worship to identify a topic, the student will write a research paper of no less than 15-20 pages that explores one of the equipping principles discussed in the text. This paper should make practical application of the role of the worship leader in the life of a worship artist, worship band, or worship team. The paper should utilize a minimum of 8 scholarly sources such as books and scholarly articles including Rory Noland’s The Worshiping Artist. Only one article taken from internet blogs or magazines is acceptable.