Foundations of Worship Certificate

The Foundations of Worship Certificate offers pastors the opportunity to engage in depth analysis of the many aspects of worship in the church today. The certificate can be earned by taking the course “Biblical Theology of Worship,” and any five of the remaining seven courses. To offer the working professional maximum flexibility in scheduling, the certificate can be completed within a three-year period. Each course is designed to help ministry leaders actively explore, relate, practice, and reflect on the course’s essential question and the related course objectives.

Biblical Theology of Worship

This course addresses the essential question, “What patterns and expressions of worship does the Bible demonstrate, and how do these influence worship in the local church community today?” The course offers the opportunity to rediscover and rekindle a sense of the priestly role of the pastor, and to consider worship as the vocational call of every Christian.

Bringing People into the Presence of God

This course addresses the essential question, “How can worship bring together diverse styles and preferences among God’s people, in a way that honors God’s presence in its fullness?” The course reflects on the contributions of various streams of Christian thought, and their influence on facilitating a well-rounded experience of God’s connection with humanity. Leaders will learn how to use both their own style and the styles of others, to encourage a worshiping lifestyle and to prepare for authentic corporate experiences.

Creative Arts in Worship [NOTE: THIS MAY CHANGE]

This course addresses the essential question, “What does it mean to express the image of God’s creativity as a form of worship?” In this course, we will explore the role of creativity and artistic expression in the worship environment, and the role of creativity as a means of grace and spiritual formation. Learners will build competency in using creative gifts as a leader, and releasing creativity in the congregational context.

Using Technology in Worship

This course addresses the essential question, “How can technology facilitate relationship between God’s people, and between God and people within and outside the church?” This course will explore the philosophy and practical applications of technological advances, to assist in the mission of the church – for an integrated approach to the use of various technologies in personal and corporate worship. The course will also facilitate a beginning understanding of how technology informs and shapes human experience.

Historical Forms of Worship

This course addresses the essential question, “What role do historical forms of worship and sacramental practice play in influencing the contemporary church, presently and in the future?" In this course, we will consider how the life of the church is influenced by our worship, and the relevance of historical church practice in shaping our lives together. Learners will investigate both familiar and ancient traditions, to better understand the significance of both.

The Role of Music in Worship

This course addresses the essential question, “What does a balanced and effectively administered music program contribute to the worshipping community?” Seeking answers to this question will help to develop an integrated philosophy of music in worship, and to develop practices that discourage “worship wars” based on musical preferences. This course will also develop an appreciation for the role and significance of music in religious experience.

Preaching as Participatory Worship

This course addresses the essential question, “What does a balanced and effectively administered preaching ministry contribute to the worshipping community?” The course will help to develop an integrated philosophy of preaching ministry and its role in worship. It will explore the personal worship and preparation experience of the preaching pastor, and consider practical models of shared participation in the worshipping community.

Culture and Worship

This course addresses the essential question, “What role does culture play in the expressions of worship, presently and in the future?” In this course, we will explore the relationship of missiological principals and cultural trends, to the practice of worship from both historical and contemporary perspectives. This journey will encourage a balanced consideration of tradition and projected trends in modern Western cultural context, and cultivation of creative responses to the associated challenges.

This program will begin once we have five students registered. Please email us if you are interested in this certificate program!

Contact Us :: SCIM@mnu.edu :: 913.971.3356 :: fax 913.971.3406