Assignments for this course take the form of written summaries, research, and analysis. They are designed to help us work through the course objectives, while keeping a focus on our spiritual growth through conceptual learning.

For each assignment, please develop a document and submit it to me in either Microsoft Word or HTML format (your word processing software should permit you to do a "save as" and choose either of those formats).

Each assignment can be completed by consulting Web-based materials listed on the course Resource page.

Foundations-Philosophy of Instruction 

As an introduction to instruction, I believe we must first lay a strong foundation regarding creativity, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.  When I think of these characteristics, the first thing I do is reflect on and seek the Lord who created humanity and everything else - the Master Artist (Jesus Christ).  In fact, the Lord tells us that, “The earth is His [the Lord’s], and everything in it, the world and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1, NIV).   

As creative beings made in the image of God, we must always search for ways to express His creativity through us to make His presence known to the world and to help humanity see the reality of a God who loves them, who was willing to pay the ultimate price for their redemption so that they could have a relationship with Him.  God is capable of meeting us right where we are at in our lives and the creative arts can help express this reality.  How wonderful it is for us to be used of God to bring forth His message in the creative arts because the creative arts have a way of directly speaking to and touching the heart in ways that other forms of communication do not.  The creative arts, when expressed from a humble heart surrendered to God, are a wonderful way to see how “we do not have a high priest [Jesus] who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in everyway, just as we are---yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15, NIV).  This is why we can approach Him with confidence “so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NIV).  Therefore, what better Person to be connected with than the very Creator (Master Artist) Himself.  Only in Him, not in the creation, is all knowledge and understanding for He is the very Author of life.   

The Lord is the Master Artist (in which He is the Master Composer-Musician).  The Word of God provides much information regarding creativity, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and relationship.  Therefore, our foundation for this course will be centered on the foundation for life – God’s Word (the Bible). 

Assignment #1

Music & Ministry: A Biblical Counterpoint by Calvin M. Johansson   

Text:  Music & Ministry

            Chapter 1: Philosophical Perspectives

            Chapter 2: The Doctrine of Creation

            Worship Songwriting and Composition-Course Reader

            Part I: Introduction                                                                   

Application: 

Length: 4-5 pages

Sit in the presence of the Lord and ask Him to reveal to you the purposes He has for you as a songwriter.  What is He telling you and what does He want you to learn through your personal time with Him? In what ways will your time with the Lord help you grow as a songwriter unto Him? Meditate on your favorite Psalms and see how these Psalms could be written to music.  

Assignment #2 

Text:  Music & Ministry

            Chapter 3: The Imago Dei

            Chapter 4: The Incarnation

            Worship Songwriting and Composition-Course Reader

            Part II: Goals of a Worship Song 

Application: 

Length: 3-4 pages 

Take the time to listen to various styles of worship music. What do you think the goals of these worship songs are? How do they sound and what are the goals of the lyrics? How are they similar and how are they different from ways you might approach composing worship music? 

Assignment #3 

Text:  Music & Ministry

            Chapter 5: The Gospel and Contemporary Culture

            Worship Songwriting and Composition-Course Reader

            Part III: The Importance of Maintaining Your Personal Spiritual Growth as a

         Songwriter of Worship Unto the Lord 

Application: 

Length: 3-4 pages 

Why is it important to maintain your spiritual growth as a songwriter of worship unto the Lord? In what ways does your relationship with the Lord influence your growth as a songwriter? How do think your songwriting can affect the contemporary culture around you?  

Assignment #4 

Text:  Music & Ministry

            Chapter 6: Faith

            Worship Songwriting and Composition-Course Reader

            Part IV: Origins of Music 

Application: 

Length: 3-4 pages 

What is God’s purpose for music? Why do you think He created music? How does living a Spirit, faith-filled life influence your views about music and how it is different from the way you used to perceive the role of music in the world? 

Assignment #5 

Text:  Music & Ministry

            Chapter 7: Stewardship

            Worship Songwriting and Composition-Course Reader            Part V: Having Vision and Purpose for Your Worship Song 

Application: 

Length: 3-4 pages 

Why is it important to have vision and purpose when creating a worship song?  How is it different than just getting random ideas, writing down a few musical notes, and jotting down a few words?  In what ways does the Lord draw you to seek Him in the process of creating a worship song?  

Assignment #6 

Text:  Music & Ministry

            Chapter 8: Mystery and Awe

            Chapter 9: Conclusion

            Worship Songwriting and Composition-Course Reader

            Part VI: The Basic Mechanics of Song Writing 

Application: 

As a final project, seek the Lord and create a worship song that you can use in a corporate worship setting. A corporate worship setting could be a traditional church setting, a house church, a home group or Bible study-essentially in any environment that believers gather corporately.  

Final Exam

At the end of your course reader is the Final Exam for this course.  It is a series of various questions based on what you have learned and how you can apply them in your ministry vision.  View the Final Exam not just as an academic activity but as a review of how you can take your understanding of Worship Songwriting and Composition to a deeper level for you and those you minister to.  Once you have completed the Final Exam, e-mail the exam to me so I can evaluate it and then you will receive your final grade for the course.