Music for Worship Arts and Ministry, B.A.

California Baptist University

Program Summary – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music for Worship Arts and Ministry

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music for Worship Arts and Ministry program prepares students for a career in the music ministry by integrating music performance, theology, and ministry skills. The program focuses on training students to lead worship, organize music programs for church services, and develop creative arts for ministry contexts. Students will gain a solid understanding of both music and its spiritual and cultural significance in worship, as well as the leadership skills needed to guide worship communities.

Key Program Features:

• Spiritual and Musical Integration – Combines theological studies with in-depth music training for worship ministry.
• Leadership Development – Focus on building leadership skills for directing worship services, church music programs, and ministry teams.
• Performance and Worship Leadership – Training in musical performance and leadership, including vocal, instrumental, and choral skills specific to worship contexts.
• Creative Arts in Ministry – Exploration of integrating various art forms, such as visual arts and drama, with music for worship and ministry.
• Practical Ministry Experience – Includes hands-on ministry opportunities, such as internships or volunteer work in church settings, to apply learning in real-world contexts.
• Community Engagement – Emphasis on working with diverse church congregations, understanding their needs, and creating inclusive worship experiences.

Key Areas of Study:

1. Worship Leadership – Learning how to lead worship services, manage worship teams, and guide congregational participation.
2. Music Theory and Composition – Study of the fundamentals of music theory, composition, and arranging with an emphasis on worship music.
3. Theology and Worship – Exploration of the theological foundations of worship and how music serves as a means of spiritual expression.
4. Church Music History – Understanding the evolution of music in the context of worship, from traditional hymns to contemporary worship styles.
5. Vocal and Instrumental Training – Development of skills in singing and playing instruments, focusing on those commonly used in worship settings, such as piano, guitar, and voice.
6. Ministry Skills – Training in pastoral care, communication, counseling, and community building within a worship environment.
7. Music Technology – Introduction to the tools and software used in modern worship services, such as sound systems, recording, and media.
8. Worship Program Planning – Learning to plan and organize worship services, including song selection, arrangement, and creating meaningful worship experiences.
9. Creative Arts for Worship – Incorporating visual arts, drama, and other forms of expression into worship ministry.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the B.A. in Music for Worship Arts and Ministry program are prepared for careers in:

• Worship Leader – Leading music and worship services in churches and other religious settings.
• Music Minister – Overseeing the music ministry of a church, including choirs, worship teams, and special events.
• Church Music Director – Managing and coordinating all aspects of church music programs, including volunteer musicians and the selection of music for services.
• Music Educator in Ministry – Teaching music in religious schools, seminaries, or community centers with a focus on worship.
• Creative Arts Director – Integrating the arts (music, drama, visual arts) into worship services and church events.
• Christian Recording Artist or Songwriter – Creating original music for worship and ministry.
• Church Administrator – Managing church operations, including the music ministry and related programs.
• Nonprofit Arts Leadership – Leading nonprofit organizations focused on faith-based music and ministry arts.