Seminary Degree Specialization: Worship Studies
The Seminary at LCU offers a Worship Studies specialization that will help satisfy the hunger that many music
ministers have for a better understanding of worship in all its dimensions. It is a theological degree, rather
than a music performance degree. Coupled with the Seminary’s strong emphasis on equipping leaders, the worship
specialization is well-rounded and highly-relevant.
The Seminary's Worship Studies specialization will give you practical insights coupled with Biblical, historical,
and cultural studies as you pursue a Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree. Students with an
undergraduate degree in professional ministerial or theological studies (i.e., a Bible college degree) may be able
to complete the M.A. program in as few as 30 hours. This option may be completed at a distance, through one-week
intensive classes and Internet courses (see below). While recognizing that music plays an important role in
congregational worship, this program is not musically-based and therefore an undergraduate degree in music is not
a prerequisite.
The worship studies program also emphasizes the relationship between worship and spiritual formation and will tie directly into
your current or future role in the church as a worship minister. The social network that forms from being in class with others
who share the same passion for worship ministry is invaluable!
What our graduates are saying:
The Seminary was appealing to me because it offered a theological degree that tied directly into my role in the
church as a worship minister. The theological training nicely balances the musical training that a typical
undergraduate degree emphasizes.
Daniel Shelton, Worship Minister, Southside Christian Church, Springfield, IL (graduate, 2008)
This program will not only present a solid theology of worship, but it also equips the student to apply his/her studies
in a relevant and meaningful way in the ministry of worship and creative arts.
Josh Webber, Worship Arts Minister, Outlook Christian Church, McCordsville, IN (Graduate, 2006)
What our students are saying:
I'm being stretched in my thinking; to go beyond the routines I've established over the years . . . I am learning
the reasons "why" like never before.
Eric Radecki, Worship Minister, Greenwood Christian Church - Greenwood, IN
If you have a passion for worship ministry, this academic setting will help you unpack concepts, rooted in Biblical
texts, that will make your ministry stronger.
Michael Frost, Worship Minister, Cornerstone Christian Church - Shiloh, IL
Contact Dr. Dinelle Frankland
Email
217.732.3168 ext. 2373
A student (with a Bible College degree) may complete the program in 30-33 hours at a distance by taking courses as follows:
Fall 2010
Intensive
Dynamics of Worship in Cultural Context
Interpreting Scripture I*
Shaping the Mind of a Leader**
January 2011
Intensive
Shaping the Heart of a Leader
Spring 2011
Intensive
Biblical Principles of Worship
Monthly
Creative Design for Sunday Worship (One Thursday per month)
Interpreting Scripture II*
May 2011
Pastoral & Practical Skills for Worship Ministry
(Intensive, meeting in Indianapolis)
Fall 2011
Intensive
Worship in Historical Perspective
Extended Research Paper***
Spring 2012
Intensive
Worship & Spiritual Formation
Extended Research Paper***
*This class is available as an Internet class. Students who have taken 2 years of Greek in undergraduate
school may proficiency out of Greek and take Hebrew via the Internet.
**Shaping the Mind of the Leader concerns research & writing, as well as theological worldview; there is a
proficiency exam available for opting out of this class. When taken for credit, the course adds 3 hours to the program.
***The 3 hour Extended Research Paper may be completed over the course of 1 or 2 semesters. It is recommended to do this
over 2 semesters. The student may choose the 6 hour Thesis, which must be completed over 2 semesters, and eliminates one 3
hour worship elective.
Classes in bold are required. Worship Electives change from year to year.