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:
- 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
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.
- Jazz Studies Concentration
- Keyboard Collaborative Arts Concentration
- Live Music Production Concentration
- Songwriting Concentration
- Studio Production Concentration
- Worship Tech Concentration
Steven Dahlgren, M.M.
Assistant Professor of Music
Office Phone: 951-343-4706
E-mail: sdahlgren@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Hawkins 222
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.