Student singing and playing guitar with band during chapel
Undergraduate | In-Person

Worship Leadership, BA

There’s much more to being a worship leader than what happens during the actual worship service. The best worship leaders understand that the career involves theological and pastoral components.

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College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Danielle Walden
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.8340

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Why Major in Worship Leadership? 

If you’re answering God’s call to oversee or participate in worship ministry, the School of Theology & Christian Ministry will give you the necessary tools and techniques to bring about hope and healing to people through your work.

In addition to completing required courses in theology, spiritual formation and Christian ethics as well as the core liberal arts curriculum required of every Belmont student, you will participate in classes that explore the theology of worship, the arts of worship and the many ways we worship.

Additionally, you can choose one of five concentrations: audio engineering, theatre, design communication, music and video production. All students in the Worship Leadership program also take a lab-based course that offer opportunities for you to play your part in planning, organizing and participating in worship leadership.

There are no auditions required for Worship Leadership majors.

What You'll Learn 

  • The history of Christian Worshipworship leadership
  • The practicalities of creating a worship service
  • The theology of worship
  • Musical skills
  • Practical skills for leading ministry

Career Possibilities

girl leading worship service

  • Worship Pastor/Minister
  • Pastor
  • Youth Pastor
  • Christian Artist
  • Author

Program Details

Curriculum

The Worship Leadership major leads to a bachelor of arts. It requires 128 hours of coursework.

  • BELL Core requirements: 52 hours
  • Major requirement including religion core and area of emphasis: 36 hours
  • Worship Leadership Practicum: 18-21 hours
  • General electives: 13 hours

See All Program Requirements

Courses You'll Take

    • REL 1250, Introduction to New Testament and Exegetical Methods

    An advanced Biblical studies course for religion majors which focuses upon the interpretation of the New Testament and introduces the methodology of biblical exegesis.

    • REL 2350, Christian Doctrine

    A study of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith.

    • REL 1410, Vocation and the Christian Life

    An introduction to the study of religion with emphasis on research skills, writing and personal development.

    • REL 2410, Spiritual Formation

    An emphasis upon using an entire lifetime to be formed by God. The course focuses upon personal discipline, spiritual reading, journal keeping and dream interpretation as means of being attentive to God.

    • REL 2510, Christian Ethics

    An introduction to Christian Ethics, with attention given to methodology, biblical foundations, types of ethical thought and Christian responsibility in relation to current social problems.

    • REL 3310, Church History I or REL 3320, Church History II

    REL 3310 Church History I: Ancient and Medieval Eras

    A survey of the history of Christianity from the first to the fourteenth centuries that explores significant ideas, persons, movements and institutions.

    REL 3320 Church History II: Reformation and Modern Eras

    A survey of the history of Christianity from the fifteenth century to the present that explores significant ideas, persons, movements and institutions.

    • REL 4015, Colloquium for Religion Majors

    A colloquium designed as a capstone experience for majors which integrates biblical, theological, historical and practical studies. The course focuses on the student as a practicing theologian.

    • World Religions (choose one course)

    REL 3090 Spirituality in World Religions

    A comparative exploration of spirituality in the major world religions and select indigenous peoples, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relation to the divine.

    REL 3095 Ethics in World Religions

    This course is an exploration of ethics and choice in the major world religions, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relations to the Divine. This course explores the frameworks of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam.

    REL 4590 World Religions

    A phenomenological study of the major world religions with emphasis on the attempts of each to deal with the problems which confront humans.

    Any REL 3000 level Study Abroad course

    • REL 2450, Dynamics of the Local Church: Practice of Ministry

    A course designed to develop practical leadership skills for Christian ministry including time and money management, interpersonal relationships, decision making, leadership style, planning, organizing and directing.

    • REL 3430, Pastoral Care: Practice of Ministry

    A course designed to create practical skills in ministry under professional supervision, including hospital visitation, a pastoral internship and exposure to denominational agencies.

    • REL 3380, Faith and Beauty

    Course explores the interaction between aesthetics and theological reflection. Emphasis placed upon historical, theological and philosophical discussions that engage culture and religion.

    • REL 3550, Faith and Popular Culture

    Course explores the cultural dimensions that affect faith formation and attitudes. Examines how faith acts to enable individuals to construct meaning, understand life purpose and move toward greater authenticity. Attention given to the ways faith expressions influence inter- and intra-cultural dialogues in personal and professional life.

    • REL 4380, Theology and the Arts

    Examines the role theology plays in the development and presentation of art.

    • REL 3460, Worship and Preaching: Practice of Ministry

    A study of worship as the rehearsal of the acts of God by a believing community. Attention is given to the principles of preaching as part of worship.

    • REL 4355, Theology and Worship Arts

    Examines the role theology plays in the development and presentation of worship arts and worship leadership.

    • REL 4470, The Practice of Worship

    This lab-based course will engage students in planning, organizing and presenting corporate Christian worship. This work will be informed by theological reflection on the character of worship and historical awareness of the forms of Christian worship.

Request Information

Contact Us

College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Danielle Walden
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.8340

Email Danielle