DE041-812 - Music Ministry in Your Local Church

  • 3,432 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 8
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • Developmental and Educational Ministry Unit Discipline

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

1. Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of, and the research underlying, Christian music ministry 

B. Be able to

1. Appraise biblical and theological perspectives on Christian music ministry

2. Examine the use of congregational singing and communicating the word of Christ in song

3. Present Research-Aware evidence-based perspectives on selected practical, legal, ethical, leadership or organisational issues in church music ministry 

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying Advanced perspectives and skills from 'Music Ministry in Your Local Church' to ministry practice and contemporary Christian living as a reflective practitioner

Content

Students must study at least 8 of the following topics (including 1 topic from each section below): 

 

1. Biblical, Theological Foundations of Worship Biblical theology of congregational singing and worship 

 

2. Historical Role of Church Music

Music ministry in the history of the church and contemporary evangelicalism 

 

3. Context and Philosophy of Music Ministry Today

Understanding church culture and shaping a singing church

Developing a philosophy of music ministry for the local church 

 

4. Leadership and the Music Minister

The role of the music minister in serving the church

Music as a pastoral, formative, and missional ministry 

 

5. Crafting Services and Choosing Songs

Planning services and using intentional liturgy

Selecting, introducing, and organising repertoire 

 

6. Song Leading 

Leading congregational singing with effective use of vocals, instrumentation and performance techniques 

The deep cultural impact of song leading 

 

7. Band Leading, Musicianship and Rehearsing

Accompaniment, arranging, and ensemble playing

Instrumental roles, rehearsals, and developing musical excellence

Recruiting, training, and mentoring volunteers

Team dynamics, communication, and conflict resolution 

 

8. Resources, Technology, and Administration

Sound, presentation, equipment, and music resources

Copyright, licensing, and administrative responsibilities

Further Information

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC218

Set Readings

Books:

Boswell, M. Doxology & Theology. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2013.

Carson, D. A. (ed.). Worship by the Book. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002.

Cosper, Mike. Rhythms of Grace: How the Church's Worship Tells the Story of the Gospel. Wheaton: Crossway, 2013.

Dawn, Marva. How Shall We Worship: Biblical Guidelines for the Worship Wars. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2015.

Frame, J. M. Contemporary Worship Music: A Biblical Defense. Phillipsburg: P&R, 1997.

Gordon, T. D. Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns: How Pop Culture Rewrote the Hymnal. Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2010.

Hicks, Zac. The Worship Pastor: A Call to Ministry for Worship Leaders and Teams. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016.

Kauflin, Bob. Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God. Wheaton: Crossway, 2008.

Kauflin, Bob. True Worshippers: Seeking What Matters to God. Wheaton: Crossway, 2015.

Lamm, Kenny. The Worship Ministry Guidebook: Engaging Your Congregation in Transformational Worship. Sanford, NC: WorshipLink Publishing, 2023.

Merker, Matt. Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God's People. Wheaton: Crossway, 2021.

Molinari, Ryanne J. Spirit-Filled Singing: Bearing Fruit as We Worship Together. Wheaton: Crossway, 2025.

Percival, Philip. Then Sings My Soul: Rediscovering God's Purposes for Singing in Church. Sydney: Matthias Media, 2015.

Peterson, David. Encountering God Together: Biblical Patterns for Ministry and Worship. Leicester: IVP, 2013.

Raiter, M., & R. S. Smith. Songs of the Saints: Enriching Our Singing by Learning from the Songs of Scripture. Sydney: Matthias Press, 2017.

 

Film/Documentary:

Kimber, Brandon, dir. American Gospel: Christ Alone. Transition Studios, 2018.

Kimber, Brandon, dir. American Gospel: Christ Crucified. Transition Studios, 2019. 

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