The Certificate in Worship Arts is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide opportunity and training in Biblical arts ministry in the church. The program is 24 credit hours and can be added to any other Wheaton College undergraduate degree offering. Two core courses in the certificate offer opportunity to develop understanding and application of fundamental principles of music and worship ministry. The certificate also includes private lessons, an internship, and courses in music and theology. There are many local opportunities for students to apply their training in worship arts whether it be through a campus ministry like the chapel band program or in a local church.
Program Requirements
Core Classes
BITH 326/526 Biblical Foundations of Worship (4)
MUMS xxx Principles of Music and Worship Ministry I
Books: Greg Scheer, The Art of Leading Modern Worship; Constance Cherry, Worship Architect; Excerpts of Harold Best, Unceasing Worship
Course Content: Biblical, historical, and theological foundations of worship leadership: Who is the worship leader?: What is worship leadership?: Organizing a Praise Band: Vocal Production and Instrumental Techniques: Arranging: Chord Charts and Lead Sheets: Audio, Video, and Lighting Technologies: Planning Worship: Resources for Worship Planning: Leading Worship: Working with Volunteers
MUMS xxx Principles of Music and Worship Ministry II
Books: Charlotte Kroeker, Music in Christian Worship; John Bell, The Singing Thing; Randall Bradley, Postlude to Prelude; Zac Hicks, The Worship Pastor; Best, Music Through the Eyes of Faith
Course Content: Biblical, historical, and theological foundations for church music: Congregational Song: World Praise: Recruiting and Leading a Choir: Basic conducting gestures: Resources for the Church Choir: Vocal pedagogy and health: Working with accompanists and instrumentalists: Working with Children, Youth, and Senior Adults: Budgets, Libraries, and Calendars: The Worship Leader as Pastor: Choosing Music for Births, Weddings, and Funerals: Applying for and accepting a job: Leaving and transitioning well
MUIP 100/200 Private lessons (organ, piano, voice, guitar, percussion) (4)
MUMS 496 Internship or practicum (2)
- Chapel Band with a faculty coach
- Local church or summer internship
Electives
Choose 6 Credit Hours
| BITH 344 | The Psalms: Songs of Israel and the Church (4) |
| BITH 345 | Life of David (4) |
| BITH 378 | Origins of Christian Worship (4) |
| BITH 396 | Roman Catholic Theology (4) |
| BITH 398 | Eastern Orthodox Theology (4) |
| CE 226 | Christian Spiritual Practices (4) |
| CE 241 | Leadership Development (4) |
| CE 346 | Discipleship (4) |
| CE 421 | History and Philosophy of Ministry (4) |
| CFM 514 | Ministry in Culture (2) |
| CFM 523 | Ministry Leadership and Organization (4) |
| PHIL 216 | Philosophy of the Arts (2) |
| MUIP 141 | Small Group Voice Class (1) |
| MUIP 131 | Small Group Piano Class (1) |
| MUTC 101 | Introduction to Music: Reading, Writing, and Analysis (2) |
| MUMS 248 | Basic Conducting (3) |
| MUMS xxx | Keyboard Leadership Class (2) |
| MUMS 342 | Vocal Technique (1) |
| MUMS 349 | Organ Service Playing Techniques and Teaching (3) |
| MUCS 422 | Choral Literature (2) |
| MUCS 321 | Church Music Practices. (2) |