Training for Leading Worship in a Local Context

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None

Content of Course

The course will begin with a discussion of the history of liturgy and the theology which lies behind the varieties of current practices in different denominations. It will then explore the different aspects of services of worship in turn, including themes and readings, prayers, children’s talks and music, concluding with a focus on preaching. This will include material on biblical hermeneutics, theories of homiletics, and the technical skills required to preach effectively.

Week 1

• Introduction to the course.
• Lecture on the history of liturgy, including worship in the Bible and in the Reformed tradition.
• Where we have come from and why it matters.

Week 2

• Discussion of themes raised by Week 1 lecture and further readings.
• Lecture on the theology of liturgy: different perspectives on why Christians worship the way they do.

Week 3

• Discussion of themes raised by Week 2 lecture and further readings.
• Lecture on choosing themes and readings for worship: introducing the lectionary and the liturgical year; varieties of approaches.

Week 4: Saturday afternoon event

• Public prayer and music in worship:
• Workshop on writing prayers for public worship
• Hymns as theology
• Constructing an order of service.

Week 5

• Discussion of themes raised by Week 3 lecture and further readings.
• Lecture on leading worship with children and young people.

Week 6

• Formative Feedback event
• Discussion of themes raised by Week 5 lecture and further readings.
• Lecture on Preaching in a variety of contexts.

Week 7: Saturday afternoon event

• Interactive Focus on Preaching- how to birth a sermon:
• Homiletics, biblical hermeneutics, technical advice.

Week 8

• Formation for leading worship: the theological, biblical and pastoral issues involved.
• Taking account of the local context.

Teaching method(s)

The course will be delivered in a variety of ways, including short lectures and discussions based on short readings prepared in advance. The experiences of those taking the course will be drawn upon throughout. Opportunities will be given for students to share material they have prepared, such as prayers, themes and sermons, with members of the class for constructive critique. Students will be expected to come to each class having covered the required reading and prepared any material required.

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the history, theology and structure of services of Christian worship.

Acquire an ability to compare the differences between styles of contemporary worship.

Demonstrate competence in constructing a service of worship which is relevant to the local context.

Sources

Core Readings

Indicative Bibliography

Sally A. Brown and Luke A. Powery, Ways of the Word: Learning to Preach for Your Time and Place (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2015)

Duncan B. Forrester, Living and Loving the Mystery: Exploring Christian Worship (Edinburgh: St Andrew Press, 2010)

Doug Gay, God be in my Mouth: 40 Ways to Grow as a Preacher (Edinburgh: St Andrew Press, 2018)

Paula Gooder, Everyday God: The Spirit of the Ordinary (Norwich: Canterbury Press, 2012)

William H. Willimon, A Guide to Preaching and Leading Worship (Louisville: WJK Press, 2008).

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.