Course Description

This is a course that deals with the biblical principle of relationship. Attention is given to the worship leader developing relationships with the pastor, worship team, choir and orchestra, and media team.

Rationale

When developing a philosophical and practical approach to worship ministry, one of the most important concepts is an understanding of the importance of relationships in building a successful ministry. Relationships impact all aspects of life, education, and ministry, and in many ways, they determine our effectiveness as church leaders. This course will introduce the student to the biblical foundations for building strong relationships as well as provide practical instruction directed at improving those relationships with his/her congregations and ministry teams.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Articulate the need for healthy relationships in worship ministry.
2. Define the parameters of building healthy relationships with senior pastors and fellow staff.
3. Articulate principles for dealing with conflict resolution in worship.
4. Articulate the process for developing relationships with the worship team, choir, orchestra, and media team in an evangelical church.
5. Identify difficult people and ways to restore and develop relationships with them.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

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)

The student will participate in four Discussions. The student will post his/her thread of at least 350 words. The student must then post a substantive reply to at least two (2) classmates’ threads with a minimum of 150 words.

Relational Interview Project Assignments (3)

Proposal Assignment

Each student will choose a senior pastor with strong relational and leadership skills. The student will submit a 1-page essay explaining why this pastor was chosen. The student will schedule a time to interview this pastor during Module 3. Each student will use the Relational Leadership Interview Template (13 questions) when conducting the interview. It is highly recommended that students record the interview in order to accurately reflect the interviewee’s responses when writing the paper.

Paper Assignment

After completing the interview, the student will write a 3–5-page summary and synthesis paper, integrating the information from the interview with the course material.

Summary and Self-Evaluation Assignment

After reading the Shelley text, the student will write one page (single space) per chapter to include the following: a summary of the chapter’s content (1 paragraph) and a self-evaluation based on the following question (1-2 paragraphs)—“In what way(s) is the content applicable to me and my relationships?” The student will address both personal and ministry relationships, as applicable.

Ministry Relationships Essay Assignments (2)

Based on the course readings and lectures, the student will write a 3-page essay on how relationships specifically impact members of your family (Ministry Relationships Essay: Family Assignment) and members of the worship ministry (Ministry Relationships Essay: Ministry Team Assignment). The opening section will be a general overview of the importance of relationships with family/team members and how those relationships impact your ministries. The second section will outline and discuss specific strategies that can be used to strengthen those relationships.

Capstone Paper Assignment

The student will submit a 12–15 page paper on the importance of relationships with the worship leader. This paper will cover the major topics of the course, including the following: developing one’s relationship with God, one’s family, one’s pastor, one’s church, one’s ministry team, and with difficult people.