Music for Worship Arts and Ministry, BA

Why Study Music for Worship Arts and Ministry at CBU?

Learn from worship leaders

CBU’s unique worship program was developed by a team of church and worship industry leaders and has been designed to fully equip the 21st-century worship leader for success in the highly eclectic worship culture of the modern evangelical church. Throughout the program, students lead consistently in local churches and weekly CBU chapels, and also complete a summer internship with a church worship ministry. 

Practice a diverse array of worship styles

As the Church in America attempts to connect with existing and emerging subcultures through worship style, the musical skillset of the worship leader must be increasingly diverse. In addition, today’s worship leader is called upon to incorporate an expansive palate of technical, studio production, and even theatrical elements in each worship experience. CBU’s objective is to prepare future worship leaders to be competent in a multitude of styles—from modern to choir and/or orchestra models, from hymnody and liturgy to multicultural music—equipping them to utilize these eclectic styles individually, or in concert, to create a coherent, unified, and powerful worship experience.

Gain leadership skills

It isn’t enough for the modern worship leader to be a skillful musician or have a strong platform presence. The role requires skills as a leader, pastor, counselor, administrator, motivator, organizer, manager, theologian and communicator. With a strong concentration on personal character, pastoral skills, and professional aptitudes, this program draws from a cross-section of disciplines to prepare students to be strong and wise leaders as they manage resources, projects, and the people the Lord has placed in their sphere of influence.

What You'll Learn

Students in CBU's music for worship arts and ministry bachelor's program will learn to:

• Conceive, plan, organize, and facilitate/lead biblical, creative, engaging worship experiences that incorporate a variety of programmic, stylistic, and cultural models.
• Demonstrate “worship leading proficiency” in voice, piano, and guitar and incorporate these proficiencies into leading worship effectively alone and in multiple collaborative settings.
• Effectively build, conduct and rehearse bands, choirs, vocal teams, and instrumental ensembles (including an orchestra).
• Apply a multi-dimensional understanding of Music Theory and Aural Skills into worship planning, rehearsing, and execution.
• Understand the functions and vernacular of Technical Arts (as defined as AVL, Live and Studio Production, DAW’s, stems, and current digital platforms and tools for worship/tech integration) and how to apply effectively to a worship experience.
• Understand the process of commercial music production, including the identifying and writing of quality songs, the publishing of music, understanding of copyright law, and the craft of making an album
• Articulate foundations of the biblical theology and historical practice of worship.
• Synthesize worship ministry with a personal understanding of systematic theology and the purpose, function, and mission of the Church.
• Possess pastoral skills and ministry strategies related to the craft of worship and discipleship ministry in the local church.
• Exemplify professional leadership, organizational administration, and personal character in life and ministry.
• Embrace servant leadership and love for Christ/people as the core of their purpose and function as worship leaders.

Program Details

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