WRSP 520 The Role of the Worship Leader

A study of the many responsibilities and roles required for effective spiritual leadership and ministerial effectiveness as a worship leader in the local church. In particular, roles related to pastoral leadership, ministerial relationships, organizational development, theological perspective, and spiritual devotion are included.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

At the heart of successful worship leadership is the preparation and presentation of worship. This course seeks to help the worship leader accomplish these tasks on a regular basis by raising awareness of skills in various roles and relationships important to the position.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the 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. Each thread must be at least 250 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. 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. (CLO: A, D)

Reflection Activity Assignments (3)

Reflection Activity: The Way of Worship Precepts Assignment

The student will read Part One of The Way of Worship by Neale and Whaley and respond to five reflection questions (200-250 words each) with Turabian citations. The total assignment length is 1,000-1,250 words. (CLO: B, C, D, E)

Reflection Activity: A Personal Narrative on Vocational Ministry Calling Assignment

The student will reflect on their vocational journey, addressing five key components (200-250 words each) with scholarly or biblical citations in Turabian style. The total assignment length is 1,000-1,250 words. (CLO: B, C, D, E)

Reflection Activity: Worship from Pastoral/Theological Perspective Assignment

The student will read Part One of Caring Worship by Howard Vanderwell and answer five reflection questions (200-250 words each) with Turabian citations. The total assignment length is 1,000-1,250 words. (CLO: B, C, D, E)

Capstone Project Assignments (2)

Capstone Project: Bibliography Assignment

The student will submit a bibliography for the Capstone Project Assignment prior to the submission of the project to receive instructor feedback on his/her progress. The bibliography must include 13–15 references including the course textbooks and the Bible.

Capstone Project: Paper Assignment

The student will produce a 12-page capstone paper that articulates the role of the worship leader in shaping a biblical, caring, and transformational worship culture for a large-church context. The paper should synthesize theological foundations, spiritual and relational leadership, identity and character, calling and formation, practical ministry leadership, and a vision for sustainable worship leadership, answering the committee’s key question for hiring a new worship leader. Current Turabian style is required (footnotes and bibliography), and the project must include at least 14 sources (course texts, Scripture, up to five lecture quotes, and at least five external scholarly sources). (CLO: A, B, D, E)

Interview Project Assignment

Using the provided template, the student will interview 2 full-time worship pastors/ministers of music in order to help him or her define the role of a professional worship leader. Then the student will write a report of 8–10 pages (plus title page, table of contents, bibliography, and appendices) summarizing and comparing the 2 interviews. The paper must include at least 2 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible. (CLO: A, B, D, E)

Practical Analysis Report Assignment

The student will write a 10–12 page paper analyzing the theology and practice of worship as presented in The Way of Worship by Michael Neale and Vernon Whaley. The paper should include an introduction, two main sections covering precepts and practices, and a conclusion, with each section supported by biblical references, theological analysis, and practical applications. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Biblical Counseling Action Plan Assignment

The student will develop a biblical counseling Action Plan for a real or hypothetical ministry scenario involving emotional, spiritual, or relational challenges. Drawing from Biblical Counseling: A Guide for the Christian Counselor by Clinton & Hawkins, the plan will identify core issues and theological themes, make a referral decision if appropriate, outline a biblical care framework, and present step-by-step pastoral care with scriptural application. The paper (4–5 pages, excluding title page and bibliography) must follow current Turabian style with footnotes and bibliography, include at least four academic sources and three or more Scripture passages, and disclose any AI use per course policy. (CLO: B, C, D, E)