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Worship Leadership

The Worship Leadership Major at Milligan University

Milligan University’s Worship Leadership major prepares students to lead and serve in Christian worship settings with skill and purpose. By combining theological studies, musical training, and leadership development, the program equips individuals to guide worship that is authentic and rooted in faith. Students in this program gain both practical experience and a deep understanding of worship’s role in fostering spiritual growth.

Equipping Tomorrow’s Worship Leaders

The Worship Leadership major is offered by the School of Bible & Ministry, an academic community focused on equipping servant leaders. Faculty members with extensive ministry experience and educational expertise offer a blend of spiritual guidance and professional insight. Students lead chapel services, collaborate with local churches, and participate in dynamic worship ensembles, cultivating the skills needed for effective service in various worship settings. Milligan’s mission emphasizes faith, service, scholarship, and character development, ensuring graduates are professionally prepared and spiritually grounded to serve their communities.

SCHOOL OF BIBLE & MINISTRY

BACHELOR OF ARTS, WORSHIP LEADERSHIP MINOR

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What to Expect in the Worship Leadership Major

Worship Leadership students engage in a curriculum integrating theology, music, and leadership. Courses such as Worship Theology, Worship Arts Technology, and Church Leadership provide the tools for leading vibrant, Christ-centered worship. Through these studies, students explore the foundations of worship and develop an understanding of its role in the life of the church.

Practical experience plays a vital role in the program. Internships with local churches, participation in worship ensembles, and leadership opportunities in Milligan’s chapel services allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. This hands-on approach helps students refine their abilities and gain confidence as leaders in worship ministry.

I have been greatly impacted by all of my professors throughout my time at Milligan. I would say the classes that have been most impactful were Jesus, Paul, and Women and Cross-Cultural Psychology.”

Emma True | Class of 2025

Enrich Your Worship Leadership Journey

Milligan provides a nurturing environment for academic, spiritual, and relational growth, fostering a strong foundation for a worship leadership degree. The School of Bible & Ministry promotes collaboration and supports personal and professional development, essential for those pursuing a degree in pastoral ministry. Worship Leadership students receive a faith-centered education, inspiring service with humility. Beyond the classroom, students engage in a vibrant campus life with spiritual activities, small groups, and ministry opportunities, connecting their education to their calling and preparing them to lead inspiring worship.

Course Requirements

View all details and course requirements for this program in the Milligan College Catalog (link below). The Milligan College academic catalog is the official, authoritative source for all academic requirements and policies. Any discrepancies in curricular requirements from other sources will default to the Catalog.

Worship Leadership Career Paths

Graduates of the Worship Leadership major are well-prepared to enter various ministry roles. They possess the skills and knowledge to lead and inspire their congregations effectively.

Countries Represented at Milligan

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Students Received Financial Aid 2023-2024

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Students Live On Campus

Potential Careers

Worship Pastor

Guide congregations in worship through music and prayer.

Music Director

Plan and direct musical elements of worship services.

Worship Artist

Perform and create music that encourages spiritual growth.

Production Leader

Oversee sound, lighting, and technical aspects of worship.

Songwriter

Craft original music to support worship experiences.

Youth Worship Leader

Mentor and guide young people in worship ministry.

Ministry Leadership Program

The Ministry Leadership Program at Milligan University offers an enriching framework for students pursuing the Worship Leadership program. This comprehensive approach effectively combines academic and theological training with practical ministry experience, equipping students for leadership roles in worship settings, such as local churches and music ministries. It emphasizes musical competence alongside theological soundness.

The immersive full-time mentored ministry field experience is a significant aspect of the program, which provides students with real-world skills in worship leading and music ministry. The program also nurtures personal and spiritual maturity, ensuring graduates can thoughtfully engage with contemporary cultural dynamics.

Supported by a liberal arts foundation, students gain a broad, nuanced understanding of the world, further enriched by a strong sense of community fostered through retreats and Ministry Expeditions. This holistic preparation ensures that students are well-rounded, insightful, and ready to make a meaningful impact in their worship communities.

Worship Leadership Faculty

Jason Bembry

Jason Bembry

Professor of Old Testament

Lee Blackburn

Lee Blackburn

Associate Professor of History and Humanities

Curtis Booher

Curtis Booher

Professor of Christian Ministries

Paul Blowers

Paul Blowers

Dean E. Walker Professor of Church History

Kellie Brown

Kellie Brown

Professor of Music

Noah DeLong

Noah DeLong

Professor of Music

Kip Elolia

Kip Elolia

Professor of Christian Theology and World Christianity

Craig Farmer

Craig Farmer

The Joel O. and Mabel Stephens Chair of Bible; Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities; Professor of History and Humanities

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Worship Leadership Major at Milligan University All About?

The Worship Leadership major at Milligan University prepares students to guide meaningful worship experiences grounded in faith and purpose. This program integrates theological education, musical training, and leadership development, equipping students with a bachelor’s degree to serve in diverse Christian worship settings. With an emphasis on spiritual growth, the major combines classroom learning with real-world application, ensuring students gain the knowledge and skills needed to lead worship. Milligan’s commitment to its Christian mission and values fosters a community where students grow academically, spiritually, and relationally. This program is ideal for individuals seeking to make an impact through music and ministry.

What Hands-On Opportunities Are Available in the Program?

Milligan’s Worship Leadership major provides numerous opportunities for practical experience. Students lead worship during campus chapel services, where they develop confidence and leadership skills in real-time settings. Participation in worship ensembles allows students to collaborate with peers, enhancing their musical abilities and teamwork. Internships with local churches further bridge the gap between academics and ministry, offering insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of worship leadership. These hands-on experiences ensure that graduates with a bachelor’s degree are well-prepared for their roles in ministry, whether in small congregations or larger worship environments.

What Type of Student Thrives in the Worship Leadership Major?

This major is designed for students passionate about serving others through worship. Those who excel are often interested in music, ministry, or both. While a background in music can be helpful, the program welcomes students at all levels of experience and provides the training needed to develop essential skills. Students eager to grow spiritually, refine their leadership abilities, and engage deeply with their faith will thrive in this supportive, Christ-centered environment. Milligan’s faculty mentors and collaborative community create the perfect space for students to develop their unique gifts for worship leadership.

Do I Need a Musical Background To Enroll in This Program?

A musical background is optional for admission into the Worship Leadership major at Milligan. While students with prior experience in music may have a head start, the program includes foundational training designed to build and strengthen musical abilities. The curriculum balances theological study with musical education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their starting point, are equipped to lead worship effectively. Faculty members work closely with students to identify and nurture their talents, making this program accessible and enriching.

What Courses Will I Study as a Worship Leadership Major?

In the Worship Leadership program, students engage in a curriculum that balances biblical and theological studies with practical learning. Core courses include Worship Theology, Music Theory, Worship Arts Technology, and Church Leadership. These classes provide a solid foundation in both the spiritual and technical aspects of worship ministry. 

Students learn how to design and lead worship experiences that reflect a deep understanding of the theology of worship while mastering the technical tools required for modern worship settings. The curriculum also includes opportunities for hands-on practice, making it a comprehensive and dynamic program that prepares students for a bachelor’s degree.

How Does Milligan's Christian Mission Shape This Degree Program?

Milligan University’s Christian mission is central to the Worship Leadership major. The program reflects the university’s commitment to developing servant leaders who integrate faith and service into their lives. Students are encouraged to grow spiritually through academic study, personal reflection, and ministry opportunities. Faculty members not only provide expert instruction but also model what it means to live out one’s faith in leadership. Graduates leave Milligan prepared to lead worship in ways that inspire and uplift their communities while staying grounded in biblical truth.