WRSP 321 Principles of Worship Leadership

This course is about the worship leader’s responsibility to build relationships with Christ, the family, people inside and outside the church, the pastoral staff, praise team ministry, the profession, and the congregation. Practical principles of Church ministry including time management, budgeting, and discipleship training are part of this course.

The need for full-time worship pastors that qualify as spiritual, musical, and pedagogical leaders has never been greater. In order for worship pastors to function well in the diverse, ever-changing evangelical church, they must understand how to relate well with church staff, church members, and the worship team. Additionally, they must be able to effectively guide and administrate a comprehensive worship program. As a practical resource in leadership, this course covers a wide range of topics such as: leading with integrity and character, developing and implementing philosophy, establishing chains of command, the dangers of insubordination, time management, staff relationships, emotional intelligence, administrative responsibilities for musicians, building a calendar, budgeting, discipleship training, building staff, and leading one’s family.

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 provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 300 words. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to at least 2 other classmates threads. Each reply must be at least 150 words.

Strengths Based Leadership Report Assignment

The student will complete the Strength Based Leadership Assessment (required access code is included with the purchase of the book) and review his/her results. The student will write a 500-750-word self-evaluation in current Turabian format based on the inventory assessment, especially as related to his/her top five leadership qualities. The evaluation must reference the assessment findings, pertinent information found in the book, and make application to current and/or future ministry leadership. A PDF of the Leadership Assessment must be submitted along with the self-evaluation.

Worship Ministry Calendar Assignment

Based on a thorough understanding of planning (long and short term) and calendaring in a team environment, the student will create a 2-page annual calendar of music and worship ministry special events and a worship schedule as presented in a worship planning grid. Where applicable, current Turabian format must be used.

Worship Ministry Budget Proposal Assignment

The student will propose an annual worship ministry budget for a church of 300-500 (mid-level church barrier) members. The budget must demonstrate a thorough understanding of planning (long and short term), operational and capital expenses, age-based team resourcing, and provide a rationale for the budget. The proposal will include a 6–8-page written Budget and Ministry Action Plan and a 5-minute scripted PowerPoint presentation. Where applicable, current Turabian format must be used.

Goal-Setting Project Assignment

The student will outline a five-year set of personal goals (long-range (3), mid-range (6), short-range (12), and sub-range (24). All goals must follow the principles outlined in the readings and lectures. 

Weekly Schedule Assignment

The student will propose a weekly schedule (Sunday – Saturday) of activities. It must include: work hours, education/study, dining, leisure, sleep, family, quiet time, etc. The schedule must reflect a biblical and organizational understanding of establishing goals, setting priorities, and time management. A template will be provided for this assignment.

Practical Leadership Philosophy Assignment

This final project is designed to help the student synthesize the course material to develop a cohesive philosophy of leadership which will impact how he/she leads moving forward.  The student will write an 8–10 page (not including title page and bibliography) Practical Leadership Philosophy in current Turabian format. The student will include 10 overarching principles of leadership with supporting scriptures and discussion. The student will utilize 4-6 scholarly sources and will include at least 1 reference (footnote) per page (scholarly sources may include course texts).

Quizzes (4)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned module. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 20 multiple-choice and true-false questions, have a 40-minute time limit, and allow for one attempt.