Description
Liberty WRSP 440 Strategies for Worship Leading Entire Class
Course Description
This is a methods course that deals with strategic planning for worship ministry. Attention is given to the principles for developing services that encompass a variety of worship models. Students will learn about established patterns of worship and how they can be adapted not only for worship styles but also for churches of all sizes.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
With the emergence of a diverse and ever-changing worship culture, worship leaders must be equipped to sculpt creative and engaging worship services. This task has been complicated by the emergence of a consumer-driven mentality that has resulted in congregations being categorized by worship style (i.e., traditional, blended, and contemporary). This modern worship culture has resulted in a necessity for modern worship leaders to develop a broad skill set in order to effectively function in the local church.
This course will explore strategies for planning worship based on different style models and targeted at churches of various sizes. In addition, students will develop practical organizational methods applicable to ministries of all sizes and identities.
Measurable Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Articulate the need for strategic planning in the worship setting
- Explain the significance of four-fold worship in worship leading and planning
- Articulate and define the differences between various models of worship
- Describe and apply worship strategies for small, medium, and large ministries
- Recognize and demonstrate understanding of the roles of the worship leader as it is related to various worship styles and church size
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Syllabus and Liberty University, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (2)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. The student will participate in 2 Discussions. In each Discussion, the student will choose to respond to one of several prompts which relate to the module readings. In addition, the student will reply to at least two classmates in line with the concept of “give and take.” Replies to peers must include positive feedback, and possible suggestions to assist the peer in ministry, and cite at least one concept or idea that the reader has gained that they can apply in their own ministry.
Worship Meeting Agenda and Special Event Planning Notes Assignment
Using the information gained in course materials, the student will submit a document containing a Worship Team Meeting Agenda and specific details about a special worship event that is being planned in the life of the church that requires participation from multiple ministries in the church. A template is provided for the planning notes for the special event portion of the assignment.
Worship Statement Assignment
The student will construct a worship statement that provides an overview of their ministry’s theology of worship, the purpose of worship, the participant’s roles in worship, the patterns and practices of worship, and the process of worship planning. The statement must be specific to the size, structure, orientation, and direction of your church, with each item pointing toward your church’s overall vision.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All Application Assignment
The student will write a 5 to 7-page worship ministry application paper based on the content from the McIntosh text, One Size Doesn’t Fit All (Chapters 1-8). The paper must include a Title Page and a Bibliography, as well as scholarly citations (see below) in Turabian Format.
Quiz: Worship Styles
The student will complete a 25-question quiz (10 true and false, 15 multiple choices) with an emphasis on understanding the differences in worship styles.
Worship Service Orders Assignment
The student will create unique service orders for small, medium, and large churches in the three most common worship styles: (traditional or traditional/liturgical, contemporary, and blended/convergent). For each style of worship, the student will create unique plans that indicate appropriate numbers of volunteers/staff, instrumentation, worship flow, music, and other worship elements that are representative of the size and style of worship being designed.
Song Cycle Assignment
Using the template provided, the student will create an active playlist of worship songs for worship ministry using the Song Cycle Model as presented in the course text.
Series Worship Plan Assignment
Students will create a plan of special music and other ministry-related elements for a 4 to 6-week series of worship for application in a small, medium, and large church. The student will select one worship style but will adapt each of their worship plans accordingly to represent the resources available in each size church. The student should include a variety of ensembles, anthems, special music, videos, and dramas, noting that church size will dictate the depth of ministry that can be presented.
There should be limited duplication of worship elements between the series plans for each size church. Projects will be graded on Completeness, Creativity, Adherence to the Series Theme, and Appropriate use of Elements and Ensembles according to Church Size.
Worship Service Evaluation Assignment
Using a template provided in the course materials, the student will observe a live worship service, offering substantive comments regarding focus, structure, style, and presentation.
