Bachelor of Arts in Worship Ministries

Future pastoral leaders with a love for the musical arts can combine their interests in SEU’s worship ministries degree program, offered through the School of Worship within the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology. The worship experience is significant in many ways, particularly in regard to its power to enhance community, inspire people in their devotion to God and provide an avenue for entry into the Christian faith.The BA in Worship Ministries fulfills the academic requirements for ordination in the Assemblies of God. This degree recognizes that potential and prepares pastors to engage the creative arts and incorporate music in a quality manner in the worship experience. In contrast to our church music major, which focuses primarily on the arts component, the BA in Worship Ministries degree includes core studies not only in audio and production, directing and songwriting but also in theology, Bible, ethics and practical theology. An internship provides practical, hands-on experience in a ministry setting, and a required minor in church music further equips students with a solid foundation in aural and music theory, hymnology and music administration. Worship ministries majors graduate ready to make a positive impact in a church or alternate ministry setting as well as to pursue advanced graduate study in theology or another discipline.

Sample Core Courses

• Worship Leading I (MUSC 2021) — This course is an introduction to the study of worship leading in a small-group setting. Emphasis will be placed on the development of the spiritual life of the worship leader as well as the musical and leadership skills necessary to lead a small group during corporate worship.
• Music History and the Church (MUSC 3532) — This course is a study of basic styles of music history as they developed through the influences and needs of the Christian church.
• Christian Spirituality (PMIN 2123) — The course is designed to help students understand and engage in spiritual growth and cultivate their personal relationships with God. The course addresses such areas as prayer, Bible study, fellowship, trials, the grace of God and the need to be obedient to God. Students will also become acquainted with various perspectives on spiritual life from the area of historical theology. This course requires careful study and reflection upon the appropriate biblical texts.
• Pastoral Theology I (PMIN 3533) — This course is a study of the biblical materials as they relate to the pastoral ministry. The course includes an overview of the pastor’s call; the church call; the pastor’s personal life; spiritual formation; general administrative duties; and church, community and district responsibilities. This course requires careful study of and reflection upon the appropriate biblical texts.