Training for Leading Worship in a Local Context (Mix of Online & Campus Based Classes) (10 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None.

Special Information

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

Guidance about completing the essay task.

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 indicated. Those who take the course for credit will be required to write a 2000 word essay.

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

Key texts:

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

Greg Scheer, Essential Worship: A Handbook for Leaders (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2016)

Further reading:

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

Sally A. Brown, Sunday’s Sermon for Monday’s World: Preaching to Shape Daring Witness (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2020)

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

Sam Wells, Speaking the Truth: Preaching in a Diverse Culture (London: Canterbury Press, 2018)

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

Web Sources

John D. Witvliet, ‘So you’ve been asked to plan worship’, 12-page PDF from https://worship.calvin.edu/resources/resource-library/so-you-ve-been-asked-to-plan-worship/

Class Handouts

None.

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.