Music for Worship Arts and Ministry, BA
Worship leaders are to be individuals who disown self-glory and self-preference and lay down their lives to serve the body of Christ through the mission of facilitating authentic, Spirit-filled, corporate worship in the house of God.
Program Intro
The call of the worship leader is the call of a servant. CBU's music for worship arts and ministry program emphasizes theological foundations of worship in the church and provides an extensive internship/mentorship program through church plants and influential church bodies nationwide.
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:
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of biblical theology and its application in the practice and planning of Christian worship.
- Develop broad performance skills (vocal and instrumental) and musicianship in various genres and apply them to worship ministry.
- Exemplify professional leadership, organizational administration, and personal character in life, and apply these qualities through hands-on experience in the local church.
- Compose liturgies and design cohesive worship services as a means of discipleship, representing local culture and demonstrating musical excellence, theological acumen, and artistic creativity.
- Lead worship and facilitate vocal/instrumental ensemble success in a variety of musical styles and cultural settings.
- Utilize worship technology effectively in church services and environments.
Program Details
MUS 332: History of Music and Worship in the Church
An examination of the development of worship and musical practices in the church, focusing on congregational engagement and singing.
MUS 360: Theology of Worship
An examination of Scripture in order to develop a biblical theology of worship and its application in the local church.
MUS 304: Leadership for Worship Ministry I
This course is designed to explore the craft and heart of ministry in the church. It will equip future worship leaders/pastors with the practical, ministerial, and management skills needed to build, organize, and manage a thriving multi-dimensional, biblically based, worship ministry in the context of the local church worldwide.
Steven Dahlgren, M.M.
Assistant Professor of Music
Office Phone: 951-343-4706
E-mail: sdahlgren@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Hawkins 222
Chessa Williams, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Worship Arts and Ministry
Program Director, Worship Arts Division
Office Phone: 951-552-8648
E-mail: chessawilliams@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: HMUS 217
I love the community here, and the music faculty. There have been so many opportunities to grow through this program, through our internships and discussions with guest speakers. I hope to glorify God in the best way possible and serve people by spreading Jesus' name through worship in music.
Makenna Diegelman '21
I have always been passionate about music and worshipping with it. My major is very hands-on, and all the professors are very talented and have been where I want to go.
Josh Warren '21
Career Possibilities
Music for worship arts and ministry majors can apply their field of study to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.
- Songwriter
- Worship Leader
- Musician
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.