Pastoral Roles of the Worship Leader – WRSP 845

Course Description

A philosophical study of the use and function of music in the worship practice of the local church. Particular emphasis is given to the goals, motivations, responsibilities, parameters, and aesthetics of music in the evangelical church community. 

Rationale

Developing a Philosophy of Music and Christian Worship is vital to those serving in leadership positions in ministry. An understanding of music and liturgy and the role that each play in the formation of corporate gatherings is tethered to a proper theology and determines the methodology of worship. 

Course Assignment

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

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads. While there are no required word counts, students normally write between 250 and 300 words for the original thread and 150 words for the replies. There are no required citations. 

Optional Live Discussions may be offered for this course. Should the student choose to attend a Live Discussion, the student will need to download a free version of Microsoft Teams (this is available in Canvas). A link with instructions on how to download and use Microsoft Teams is included under the Resources header for each Discussion.

Using the Turabian Chart of Citations as a guide, the student will create sample footnotes and bibliography samples for each of the textbooks for the course. The student will also create a footnote and bibliography entry for a journal article and course lecture, as well as provide a sample parenthetical citation for a Scripture reference. This assignment provides preparation for the detailed formatting work required in other course assignments. 

In these assignments, the student will write a two-part reflection journal consisting of a Summary and a Response section in current Turabian format. The required content for each assignment will include the Read and Watch items as specified for the particular assignment. The summary must be written in third-person perspective while the response may be written in first-person perspective. The purpose of these assignments is for the student to recall and respond to the concepts discussed in the course as a point of preparation for applying them in worship ministry. The total page count (title page, contents page, summary and response, and bibliography) for these assignments should be between 5-9 pages.

Based on insights gained throughout the course, the student will craft a 12- to 15-page paper outlining an individual Philosophy of Music and Christian Worship for use in future ministry applications. The paper should include topics discussed in the course with specific application to musical style, musical pluralism/diversity, worship ordo and liturgy, creativity in worship, and excellence in practice and presentation. 

Capstone Project: Annotated Bibliography Assignment

The student will prepare a Bibliography of at least 15 sources including course texts, external texts and journal articles. A brief annotation of 35 to 50 words per source is required to establish relevancy and the Bibliography must be submitted in current Turabian format.

Capstone Project: Outline and Introduction Assignment 

The student will present an outline of required elements for the research project and write an introductory paragraph for the paper, including a carefully constructed thesis statement.

Capstone Project: Philosophy Paper Assignment

The student will present a 12- to 15-page research paper which presents the student’s personal Philosophy of Music and Christian Worship. The paper must include support from 15 scholarly references, including all course textbooks, external texts, journal articles, and the Bible. The paper must be written in current Turabian format.

The student will craft a 4-week devotional that explores the lyrical content of 4 songs that emphasize the topic of hope. The student will analyze the intent of the lyrics, providing biblical and scholarly support, and addressing  whether the songs speak to present or future hope. Song choices across the 4-week devotional must also be reflective of Trinitarian worship. Turabian formatting is required.