Course Dates:
Not Currently Enrolling
This course is an introduction to the history and theologies of Christian worship for persons involved in leading the assembly. Building upon key Biblical themes, the course offers learners an overview of liturgical patterns and understandings, with special attention to the United Methodist (or each learner’s own denomination) embrace of the ecumenical liturgical consensus. Sessions will consider the constancy and diversity of worship as a basis for the student’s liturgical judgments and approaches in planning and conducting worship. This study encourages learners to form and articulate their theology as worship leaders and practitioners.
The course will include weekly readings, writing assignments, video lectures, discussion forums and optional Zoom meetings.
Learners are required to have this book for this class:
Patterned by Grace by Daniel T. Benedict, Jr. (either Kindle or print edition)
Introduction to Christian Worship: Fourth Edition Revised and Updated by James F. White and edited by L. Edward Philips (either Kindle edition or print edition)
Beyond the Worship Wars: Building Vital and Faithful Worship by Thomas G. Long (Kindle or print edition)
For United Methodists: The United Methodist Hymnal, 1989 and The United Methodist Book of Worship, 1992
Students from other denominations may substitute their principal ritual book/s, such as Book of Common Prayer (Episcopal 1979), Evangelical Worship (Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2006), Book of Common Worship (Presbyterian Church USA, 2018), Book of Worship (United Church of Christ, 1986).
In addition to Blackboard interactions, there will be up to four (4) optional Zoom meetings to be scheduled with learner input. The meetings will be recorded.
This course is eligible for 3.0 CEU.
Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 6
Price: $125
CEUs: 3.0
Required books: Yes
Blackboard: Yes
Zoom: Yes, optional
Certification or Series: Yes (Worship Leadership)
Read course description for details.
New to BeADisciple?
Read how BeADisciple courses work
Price: $125
About the Instructor
Daniel Benedict is invested in worship planning and leadership as a scholar, writer, practitioner, and teacher for more than 50 years. He has taught BeADisciple courses with hundreds of Lay Servant Ministry students since 2006. He served 12 years as director of worship resources for Discipleship Ministries. Daniel’s ongoing work focuses on ordering the life of the congregation around the means of grace, crafting liturgy, and the work of presiding and assisting in worship. He has a strong sense of vocation to encourage and lead clergy and congregations to richer and more frequent celebration of Holy Communion (Word and Table) as normative Christian worship. He is author of “Patterned by Grace: How Liturgy Shapes Us,” a basic resource for laity and clergy.
