Center for the Worship Arts

HEATHER R. DAUGHERTY, Director of the Center for Worship Arts; Assistant Professor of Worship Arts, 2006—
BA, Olivet Nazarene University, 2000; MDiv, Boston University, 2004.

Center for Worship Arts General Information

Mission Statement

The Center for Worship Arts seeks to help students develop informed minds, inflamed hearts, and engaged hands to minister through the arts in a variety of contexts.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a worship arts major will be able to:

1. Appreciate the significance of arts in the worship of God both within and outside of the church.
2. Articulate a theology of worship.
3. Embody the habits and practices of the Christian faith.
4. Understand the Biblical and theological foundations of worship.
5. Articulate the pastoral role of a worship leader.
6. Design a worship service for particular settings.
7. Know and demonstrate proficiency in a student's area of study.

Worship Arts BA

Varsity athletics do not count toward this requirement.

Worship Arts BA Four-Year Plan

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Minor in Worship Arts

Worship Arts Course Descriptions

WORSHIP ARTS

WAS 1010 Introduction to the Worship Arts (1)

Designed as the portal for all Worship Arts majors, this introductory class defines and explores foundational questions in the Worship Arts including the purpose of worship, the role of the worship leader and the place of worship in the local church and her mission. This course will serve as a prerequisite for all other WAS courses. Fall.

WAS 2010 Spiritual Formation: The Heart of Worship Leading (2)

Focuses on developing a foundation for understanding and nurturing the spiritual life of a worship leader. Course work will involve the study of classic spiritual disciplines and the writing of one's personal worship journey.

WAS 3010 The Story of Worship (3)

Explores the biblical and historical practices of worship from the patriarchal period to postmodern times. Special attention is given to exploring historical shifts in how Christian people have understood God, the church, salvation and the church-culture intersection with respect to worship. Fall.

WAS 3015 The Shape of Worship (3)

An interactive examination of the unifying elements and the dynamic diversity of worship. Attention is given to the theology and practice of sacraments, the Christian calendar and its use in worship, the relationship among the different elements of corporate worship and the overall design of the worship service.

WAS 3020 Telling the Story (3)

Designed to aid students in exploring many of the dynamics of communication that take place in the context of worship. Topics will include voice and articulation, non-verbal communication, interpersonal communication, and the voice and choice of art in worship.

WAS 3025 Worship Arts Practicum (1)

A supervised practicum designed to give students the opportunity to observe and experience the role and responsibilities of a worship arts pastor in a local church. In addition to on-site observation, students will participate in on-campus guided small groups for reflection, mentoring and spiritual formation.

WAS 4000 Worship Arts Senior Internship (1-2)

A cumulative integration of the students learning and experience in a worship ministry assignment. Students will participate in worship leadership in a congregational setting. During this internship, students will create a Senior Project that will be carried out within the context of worship in their ministry assignment. Students will participate in on-campus guided small groups for reflection, mentoring and spiritual formation.

WAS 4020 The Contextualization of Worship (2)

Fosters the understanding that there are a wide variety of contemporary cultural expressions of worship. With this in mind, students will gain skills in identifying practical theological questions and interpreting contexts, as well as pastoral and practical insights that will guide them in creating God-centered worship. Attention will be given to new ministries, church plants, and the renewal of existing congregations.

WAS 4030 Issues in Systematic Theology: The God We Worship (3)

A study of the nature of theology as a systematic, logical and disciplined activity within the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. This course will consider theological method and the doctrine of God, understanding that worship ultimately informs and shapes our understandings of God.

WAS 4040 Administration and Program Development in Worship Ministry (2)

An examination of leadership and administration skills for worship ministry, the development of a budget and calendar, and working with a larger church staff.

WAS 4100 Special Topics in Worship Arts (1-3)

In-depth investigation of a particular topic or issue in worship ministry.

WAS 4500 Field Education in Worship Arts (1-3)

A cumulative integration of the students learning and experience in a worship ministry assignment. Students will focus on and participate in worship leadership and the pastoral duties of a worship ministry pastor. Students will participate in on-campus guided small groups for reflection, mentoring and spiritual formation.