Many experts have noted the centrality of worship in healthy, growing congregations. In many such churches, worship renewal has occurred through a careful exploration of Scripture and their own traditions, a growing familiarity with and appreciation for worship practices in other Christian traditions, and a serious study of their cultural and ministry context.

Furthermore, in a growing number of congregations, leading and planning worship has become a recognized and separate skilled position held by someone on the church's professional staff or by a qualified lay leader. This degree program seeks to respond to this need for trained worship leaders in local congregations.

The Master of Arts in Worship and Spirituality is a specialized ministry degree intended for:

• church staff and lay leaders who are responsible for designing and leading worship programs in their local congregations;
• pastors who want to develop special skills in worship to enrich their current ministries; and
• persons who wish to prepare for further study in the area of worship and spirituality.
  

Goals of the Master of Arts in Worship and Spirituality

The educational goals of this degree program are as follows:

• To provide students with a solid foundation in the theological disciplines (Bible, church history, theology, and ethics);
• To introduce students to the theology, history, and practices of Christian worship and spirituality;
• To integrate academic study, skill development, and spirituality;
• To provide students with the knowledge and ability to design and lead a theologically, biblically, and historically grounded and culturally relevant worship program in a local church; and
• To cultivate the creative arts (music, drama, arts, etc.) in local church worship.

Description of the Master of Arts in Worship and Spirituality

The Master of Arts in Worship and Spirituality consists of 60 quarter hours and can be completed in 2 years of full-time study. It contains foundational courses in the theological disciplines, required and elective specialty courses in worship and spirituality, spiritual formation, a supervised internship, and a concluding integrative exercise.

View the Master of Arts in Worship and Spirituality Degree Flier.