worship arts
Many people today sense a revitalization of the arts in worship. As Robert Webber says, “The arts are the wheels on which the Gospel turns.” Recognizing this growing trend, CBC has designed a program that will expose students to the arts as gifts to be used in leading people in worship.
The focus of Columbia's Worship Arts major is on preparing people for holistic worship ministry.
Graduates from this program will have sufficient background to be vocational Worship ministers in many churches. The program recognizes the central role music plays in worship and equips people to give leadership musically. Secondarily, it prepares students in the dramatic arts, as well as the use of media and technology.
This program combines field based learning as well as rigorous intellectual development. Core training grounds the learner in theology, biblical studies, culture, and the practice of worship leading. These are supplemented by skill development courses in sound design, lighting, visual arts and multimedia, acting, playwriting, song writing, vocal and instrumental lessons.
Spearheaded by Nelson Boschman and Tony Funk, this program is designed to educate young women and men who desire further training in worship. Both come from different musical backgrounds but share a passion for a revival of the arts in worship. Both are committed to teaching worship from a biblical perspective, to look critically at the issues that affect and influence the church’s worship. They believe that the next generation of worship leaders could make a stunning difference in the life of the local church.
Worship Arts has implemented a third year oversees internship program for third year students. This is a one semester opportunity to study at Taizé in the south of France, L'Abri in Switzerland, and Iona in Scotland. The 3.5 months will also include visiting churches in Germany, and sightseeing. Feel free to email us for information at admissions@columbiabc.edu.
Please view the following pages for detailed information on the Worship Arts program at Columbia:
View the Worship Arts program overview and course requirements in our catalogue (pdf).
Worship Arts Components at a Glance (PDF 140KB)
What makes Worship Arts at Columbia Unique (PDF 308KB)
A student's perspective on the Worship Arts major (article)
Worship Arts Ensembles
Faculty Information
For a sample list of grad job placements, click here.
