Worship Arts

Cultivate your creativity in a community that is committed to holistic worship.

The Worship Arts program at Columbia is focused on preparing people for holistic worship ministry that impacts the world for God both artistically and pastorally. The program examines the philosophical, theological and cultural concerns of worship alongside the development of musical and artistic abilities. Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of artistic media including music, visual art, and drama all while focusing on the pastoral task of worship leadership and building a strong theological foundation.

The Worship Arts department is also responsible for leading Columbia's two weekly corporate worship services: Chapel and Vespers. Both gatherings are student-led, allowing members of the Columbia community to serve one another with their creative gifting. For more information on how to get involved in a ministry team, please visit Student Life.

Traveling Ministry Team

The TMT is a group of select musicians committed to serving and representing Columbia in local churches, schools and special events. Students chosen for this team will register for MUSI 151 and receive 1.5 credits per semester, with the expectation that they will commit to a full year. Because this team is a credit course, there is a stronger teaching/coaching component than other on campus ministry teams.  The college covers all costs associated with required travel and an itinerary is posted well in advance.

Chapel Teams

Chapel Teams consist of instrumentalists and vocalists who are looking for a volunteer opportunity to serve on campus and to develop their musical skills. Each student-led team will lead worship at Thursday morning chapel at least 3 times per semester.

Vespers

The Vespers Team consists of 3rd and 4th year instrumentalists and vocalists who desire to further their musical and worship leading skills.  Vespers is a one hour evening worship service that runs from 9:00 – 10:00 on Tuesday evenings. While this service is intended for the CBC community, guests are always welcome!

The two year diploma program in Worship Arts includes core classes in theology, biblical studies, culture and the practice and pastoral task of worship leading. Additionally, students will participate in skill development in the area of sound and media, visual arts, drama, and musical theory. Graduates from the diploma program have a sufficient theological and musical understanding to lead worship in churches and be grounded artists in the contemporary world.

Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology, Major in Worship Arts

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Worship Arts builds on the foundation of the diploma program. Degree students will expand on their biblical and theological knowledge and and deepen their artistic skills while further exploring how the theology of worship affects the pastoral practice of worship leading. Graduates from the degree program are well equipped to serve as Worship Pastors in a variety of church contexts. Many Columbia Worship Arts graduates have gone on to pursue further theological training at the graduate and seminary level.

Worship Arts Minors

Each degree student at Columbia has the option to select a minor in a variety of fields. Typically, minors are chosen in a student's third year of study and will inform the type of internship placement they choose. Learn more about available minors.