2025-2026 Catalog

 

300

WOR-300 Theology and Practice of Christian Worship Design

This course introduces the elements of Christian worship services and rituals, including the four-fold order of worship, baptism, marriage, and funeral services. The biblical, historical, and theological foundations of Christian worship and rituals will be examined. Students will also design and lead the elements of Christian worship as part of the course. Prerequisites: THE 101, WOR-235L.

3

WOR-322 Worship Throughout the Christian Year

This course will explore the biblical understanding of time and how Christians have organized time for purposes of corporate worship. Students will examine how the observance of the Christian year proclaims the story of God in Christ by remembering specific events which recount God's divine activity. Particular attention is given to creating special services of worship expressive of the primary seasons of the sacred calendar (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost). Prerequisites: THE-101, WOR-235 and WOR-235P.

3

WOR-325 Centuries of Song

A historical survey and theological examination of Christian congregational song used throughout twenty centuries of Christian worship ranging from chant to contemporary praise choruses, from traditional Western hymnody to global worship songs. Some attention is given to utilizing a variety of song types in worship design and introducing congregations to and leading them in new song forms for worship. Prerequisites: WOR-235 and WOR-235P or with permission of Division.

3

WOR-330 Theology of Lyric

Theology of Lyric investigates the theological content found in the text of hymns and worship songs, determining how these lyrics align with Scripture and the various traditional teachings. In taking this class, the student will explore various tenets of the Church and gain an understanding of how to write hymn, worship and poetic texts reflecting these traditions. Students are recommended to take WOR-325 prior to this course.

2

WOR-333 History and Philosophy of Worship

Explores the history of Christian worship from the close of the New Testament era to the modern period tracing the development and changes through history. The history section of this course uses the accepted rubric for worship studies: Time, Space, Prayer, Scripture, sacraments along with coverage of other elements of modern worship and their historical roots. The philosophy section examines various theologies and philosophies of worship in order to aid the student in developing his or her own practical worship theory. Prerequisites: THE-101, WOR-235 and WOR-235P.

3

WOR-340 The Arts in Christian Worship

This course explores the theology and application of various art forms in Christian worship. The biblical, historical, theological, contextual, and formational foundations of creative arts such as dance, visual art, film, scenic and architectural design will be considered. This theory and practice course requires 25% of the course work to be completed in a ministry setting. Prerequisites: WOR 235L and WOR 300

3

WOR-397 Campus Worship Ministry Internship

The campus worship ministry internship is an opportunity for students to gain experience in worship ministry through leading worship in IWU chapel or similar campus ministries under the supervision of the campus worship pastor. Internships require 42 hours of service during a semester. Students will meet regularly to receive coaching from the campus worship pastor and submit self-evaluation and reflection reports as assigned. The course may be repeated for credit up to 2 times.

1

WOR-398 Worship Arts Internship

The worship internship is an opportunity for students to gain experience in worship ministry in a local church under the supervision of a worship ministry professional. Internships require 42 hours of service during a 10-week or 5-week term. Students will meet regularly with their ministry supervisor, receive coaching from their faculty supervisor, and submit self-evaluation and reflection reports as assigned. The course may be repeated for credit up to 3 times.

1
Indiana Weselayan