A new major in worship ministry will be offered by Lipscomb University's College of Bible and Ministry this fall.
Offered in cooperation with the Department of Music, the major is designed to "prepare students with the knowledge and skills to assist congregations in meaningful, purposeful times of worship," said Dr. Terry Briley, professor of Bible and dean of the College of Bible and Ministry.
The new major is a response to a growing interest among churches and worshipers in the nature, effectiveness and unity of worship, he said.
"Worship involves the interrelationship of Scripture, song, prayer, communion at the table, and their impact on the lives of members of the body. It is a challenge to coordinate these various aspects of worship in a way that is cohesive, pleasing to God, and effective in touching the hearts and minds of the worshipers," Briley said.
The major is not designed to emphasize a particular worship style, but to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for effective worship leading in any church setting, he said.
"With an increased scrutiny of worship, regardless of style, we would hope that the substance and coordination of worship would be given greater emphasis," Briley said.
The worship ministry major will focus on three main areas: leading congregational worship, finding and arranging music appropriate for a cappella worship and working with church singers, he said.
Courses will emphasize biblical studies, historical and theological aspects of worship, and development of the musical skills necessary to adapt songs for use in worship, he said.
Briley said he believes the worship ministry major is the first to be offered among institutions associated with the churches of Christ. Lipscomb was also the first to offer a children's ministry major.
For full information on the worship ministry major and other biblical studies at Lipscomb, call 615.279.6051, 800.333.4358, ext. 6051, or e-mail michael.moss@lipscomb.edu.