Mastor of Divinity in Worship and Liturgy

The Master of Divinity in Worship and Liturgy program is an in-residence program (Bloomington, IN) that thoroughly prepares men for the work of shepherding God's people, especially through worship. In the three-year course of study, men come to know the Bible, the doctrine, and the history of Christ's Church, and the skills needed to be a faithful shepherd, while also preparing to lead churches in biblical, culturally-engaged worship.
Classes are split between pre-recorded video classes, live video-conference classes (Tues./Thurs. from 6:30-9 p.m.), mentor-led practica, and self-guided independent studies.
Classes are split between pre-recorded video classes, live video-conference classes (Tues./Thurs. from 6:30-9 p.m.), mentor-led practica, and self-guided independent studies.
Here's the full picture of the classwork and practica for the Worship and Liturgy track:
LUTHER YEAR |
|||
Semester 1 |
Credits |
Semester 2 |
Credits |
Biblical & Covenant Theology |
3 |
Systematics 1: Scripture, God, & Man |
3 |
Gospels & Acts |
3 |
Pentateuch & OT Historical Books |
3 |
Church History: Ancient & Medieval |
3 |
Church History: Reformation & Modern |
3 |
Music Portfolio |
1 |
Music Portfolio |
1 |
Practicum |
3 |
Practicum |
3 |
SUMMER 1 |
|
Systematics 2: Christ, Salvation, & Eschatology |
3 |
Practicum |
3 |
KNOX YEAR |
|||
Semester 1 |
Credits |
Semester 2 |
Credits |
Hermeneutics 1: Translation |
3 |
Systematics 3: Church & Sacraments |
3 |
General Epistles & Revelation |
3 |
Psalms & Wisdom Books |
3 |
Reformed Worship |
3 |
The Apostle Paul's Epistles |
3 |
Music Portfolio |
1 |
Music Portfolio |
1 |
Practicum |
3 |
Practicum |
3 |
SUMMER 2 |
|
Summer Seminar |
1 |
Practicum |
3 |
CALVIN YEAR |
|||
Semester 1 |
Credits |
Semester 2 |
Credits |
Music and the Reformation |
3 |
Apologetics |
3 |
Prophets |
3 |
Biblical Counseling |
3 |
Pastoral Theology: Leadership |
3 |
Pastoral Theology: Shepherding |
3 |
Final Music Portfolio |
1 |
Final Music Portfolio |
1 |
Practicum |
3 |
Practicum |
3 |
As with our Mastor of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry, students in the Worship and Liturgy track will complete a practicum each semester. The practica will be tailored to the specific demands of those men who are called to lead worship. Here's an overview of each of the units:
Practicum Units
1. Songwriting Portfolio (6 credits; 1 credit every semester) Students will study songwriting, notation (chord charts, lead sheets, etc.), recording (two full mixes). The end result will be a final portfolio made up of a collection of chord charts, lead sheets, usable demos and full mixes of original songs/arrangements.
Portfolio Assignments:
Semester 1
-1 Hymn Arrangement
-1 Scripture Song
Semester 2
-1 Hymn Arrangement
-1 Hymn Rewrite
-1 Scripture Song
Semester 3
-1 Psalm / Canticle
-1 Hymn Arrangement
-1 Hymn Rewrite
-1 Scripture Song
Semester 4
-1 Original Song
-1 Hymn Arrangement
-1 Psalm / Canticle
-1 Scripture Song
Semester 5
-1 Original Song
-1 Psalm / Canticle
-Portfolio Development
Semester 6
-1 Psalm / Canticle
-1 Hymn -Arrangement / Rewrite
-Final Portfolio
2. Music Administration (6 credits; 1 credit every semester) Students will be training to lead choir, band, AC team and will participate in music leadership meetings (tasks to include: worship music selection, worship planning, budget development, volunteer development, youth band development, and technology/system development).
3. Personal Disciplines (3 credits; 1 credit every year) Students will have regular meetings (at least 6 per year) with a mentor concerning personal and family disciplines (daily Bible reading, meditation, and prayer). Students will write a personal testimony to God’s work in and through them. Students will receive instruction in stewardship of personal finances and demonstrate financial faithfulness. Students will develop a plan for regular participation in evangelism, then implement it.
4. Elder Board Meetings (3 credits; 1 credit every year) Students will attend monthly elder board meetings as observers.
5. Basics of Mixing (2 credits; year 1) Students will learn the basics of live sound.
6. Ministry Experience (2 credits; year 2) Students will spend time with a church administrator who will develop their approach to church dynamics and basic pastoral care.
7. Biblical Teaching (2 credits; year 3) Students will learn strategies for communicating the content of Scripture.
8. Conducting Training (2 credits; summers) Students will learn the rudiments of rehearsing and conducting choral and instrumental ensembles.
Practicum Units
1. Songwriting Portfolio (6 credits; 1 credit every semester) Students will study songwriting, notation (chord charts, lead sheets, etc.), recording (two full mixes). The end result will be a final portfolio made up of a collection of chord charts, lead sheets, usable demos and full mixes of original songs/arrangements.
Portfolio Assignments:
Semester 1
-1 Hymn Arrangement
-1 Scripture Song
Semester 2
-1 Hymn Arrangement
-1 Hymn Rewrite
-1 Scripture Song
Semester 3
-1 Psalm / Canticle
-1 Hymn Arrangement
-1 Hymn Rewrite
-1 Scripture Song
Semester 4
-1 Original Song
-1 Hymn Arrangement
-1 Psalm / Canticle
-1 Scripture Song
Semester 5
-1 Original Song
-1 Psalm / Canticle
-Portfolio Development
Semester 6
-1 Psalm / Canticle
-1 Hymn -Arrangement / Rewrite
-Final Portfolio
2. Music Administration (6 credits; 1 credit every semester) Students will be training to lead choir, band, AC team and will participate in music leadership meetings (tasks to include: worship music selection, worship planning, budget development, volunteer development, youth band development, and technology/system development).
3. Personal Disciplines (3 credits; 1 credit every year) Students will have regular meetings (at least 6 per year) with a mentor concerning personal and family disciplines (daily Bible reading, meditation, and prayer). Students will write a personal testimony to God’s work in and through them. Students will receive instruction in stewardship of personal finances and demonstrate financial faithfulness. Students will develop a plan for regular participation in evangelism, then implement it.
4. Elder Board Meetings (3 credits; 1 credit every year) Students will attend monthly elder board meetings as observers.
5. Basics of Mixing (2 credits; year 1) Students will learn the basics of live sound.
6. Ministry Experience (2 credits; year 2) Students will spend time with a church administrator who will develop their approach to church dynamics and basic pastoral care.
7. Biblical Teaching (2 credits; year 3) Students will learn strategies for communicating the content of Scripture.
8. Conducting Training (2 credits; summers) Students will learn the rudiments of rehearsing and conducting choral and instrumental ensembles.