Graduate Worship Program
Regent University offers graduate-level worship programs that combine the expertise and experience of world-class worship leaders with the core of a degree in practical theology. Both the Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degree programs contain a Worship & Renewal Concentration that is comprised of five core courses. Other worship-related courses are available as electives. Read about the courses below and complete a Request Information or Apply Now form today.
Worship & Renewal Core Courses
Worship: The Power of a Worshiping Life
The passion for God's presence is set afire by the Holy Spirit within. He is the "deep" in us, calling unto the "Deep" in Heaven. The Holy Spirit prompts our hearts to worship with an abandon, to pour our lives out in loving surrender, to pray without ceasing and to listen with our spiritual ears. His role in both our personal and corporate worship cannot be underestimated. One of the many signs of being filled with the Holy Spirit is a hunger for more and more of the Lord. The times of refreshing that come to open and united hearts in a worship service will change a church and a community. A proper understanding of what worship is and a theology of worship are paramount to our own spiritual development and effectiveness in ministry. Worship has the unique ability to open people up to experience and encounter God in a fresh way. Once people have tasted what true worship is, nothing else will suffice. Worship is the greatest ministry of the Church and the sound of Heaven on earth.
Christian Worship: A Biblical & Historical Perspective
For more than 2,000 years, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has stewarded the privileged responsibility of "Spirit and truth" worship. Whether through the rich ongoing reenactment of the Gospel in orthodox practice or giving voice to the eternal "song of the Lord," the worship of God's people has sustained them, drawn them and healed them, while at the same time beckoned the unbeliever, the hurting and those in need. The worship of the holy is an unbroken continuum from the time of the Patriarchs right up to the 21st Century. An understanding and appreciation for this rich tapestry helps us to remain culture current without compromise as we seek new ways to express our love for the Lord.
Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs
The Kingdom of God and song are inextricably connected. From the dateless past when cherubim, seraphim and angels sang God's praise, to the glory of worship in John's Revelation, the music of heaven and earth join as God's creation to bless His great Name. In this course we will discover the power of the Song of the Lord—one of the threads that binds us as the people of God. Particular emphasis will be given to the Psalms as the first "hymnbook of Israel," the hymns of mankind written to both glorify God and teach theology, and spiritual songs that are given by the Holy Spirit to encourage, edify and exalt the Lord. Modern songwriting within the church will also be reviewed.
Worship: Liturgy & Sacred Space
From the Tabernacle in the wilderness to today's modern worshiping church—liturgy—the work of the people has always been an integral part of Israel's and the Church's worship. The goal of liturgy ultimately is sacred space—God's habitation within the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3/Matthew 18:20). This course will cover the rudimentary elements of liturgy within the historic Christian Church and address both the importance of and how-to elements of creatively planning services of worship, i.e., liturgies, which breathe with the presence of God, create an enthroning environment for the Lord and engage the worshiper. Particular attention is will be given to the vast variety of art and media forms that can be incorporated into a worship experience.
Worship Leader: Life & Ministry
Worship leading is more than a position within the local assembly; it is a spiritual calling for which one must be both gifted and equipped for. Effective and fruitful worship leaders understand that they have a sacred trust, and that mere talent and natural abilities alone cannot suffice. In order to lead people into God's presence, a worship leader must know the path well that will take them there—he or she must lead by example. The creative tools necessary to lead well, communicating with confidence to a room full of people, worship team dynamics, managing and planning well, personal spiritual preparation, and ongoing spiritual maintenance will be explored.
