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The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Worship Ministry at Grand Canyon University can help you prepare yourself for potential careers in worship leadership and church music ministry. The worship ministry emphasis can provide you with the opportunity to focus on the creativity, artistry, musical ability and performance aspects of ministerial leadership.
Graduates who complete this worship ministry training are expected to develop a solid foundation of biblical and theological knowledge. You will also be taught the fundamentals of songwriting and arranging, as well as leading worship and musical performances.
As a worship arts major at our private Christian university, you are encouraged to embrace the Word of God and live your life accordingly. You will be immersed in a faith-centered environment, surrounded by students who strive to live by biblical principles. Our worship ministry school program can provide you with opportunities to deepen your faith and demonstrate your love of Christ in worship and music ministry performances. With a worship arts degree, you may be prepared to make an impact on the lives of others in ministerial settings.
Many graduates from this worship arts degree program have chosen to follow paths that nurture creativity and artistry. The basis of this worship and music ministry program is theology and spiritual formation.
The emphasis in worship ministry coursework focuses on a number of engaging topics, including:
Musical direction
Music theory for contemporary worship
Songwriting
Musical arrangement
Sound recording
Training in piano, voice, guitar and percussion
The worship arts degree coursework is designed to deliver a well-rounded theological education. The curriculum emphasizes musical direction for contemporary worship. You will explore the fundamentals of music theory and be guided in writing and arranging songs, and recording music. Worship ministry training covers several instruments, although there is a focus on a primary performance instrument. Additionally, GCU’s Center for Worship Arts has a recording studio for music production.
Prospective students of this worship ministry training degree are required to audition for the program. This helps to ensure that accepted students have sufficient musical skill and for this particular emphasis.
As a worship arts major, you will have multiple opportunities for practice as you participate in a variety of worship-related ensembles throughout the degree program. During your worship ministry training, you must complete a capstone internship. This experience allows you to apply your music ministry abilities in local ministry settings under the supervision of experienced worship leaders.
The BA in Worship Arts: Worship Ministry emphasis teaches the musical ability, ministerial skills and theological knowledge that may be needed for graduates to pursue roles in music ministry.
Graduates can continue their creative paths by following many different career paths, such as:
GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Accreditation status reflects the quality of an institution’s education, and the HLC has awarded accreditation status to GCU and its programs since 1968. To learn more, visit our accreditation page.
When deciding to major in worship arts ministry, you should consider not only choosing a Christian university, but also a school that prioritizes the quality of its education. GCU strives to provide a quality, biblically rooted college education to our student body so that our graduates may go forth to faithfully serve the Lord and act as an example of God’s grace within their communities.
The intent to pursue a career in worship arts ministry can be a meaningful one. Before you make a decision about your future, you may wish to pray upon your choices and explore the career field further. The following questions and answers can provide a starting point for your research.
Worship leaders and worship pastors fulfill different roles within ministerial settings, although the two professionals tend to work collaboratively with each other to create a cohesive worship service. Whereas the worship pastor typically selects readings and delivers the sermon, the worship leader is responsible for planning and directing all of the music ministry elements of the service.
If you have a passion for music and a desire to spend your life in service to Christ, then you might consider pursuing a career in worship arts ministry. It can be a good idea to reflect prayerfully on your decision first, and to seek out the guidance of the worship leader in your church. Although there are no strict or universal requirements for getting into the field, it’s generally a requirement to possess musical ability.1 Spend time practicing your instruments and vocals, and then consider pursuing a worship arts degree. While you’re working toward your degree and career, consider volunteering for the music ministry program in your church.
Although there are no set requirements for worship ministry training, there are some steps you can take in addition to pursuing a bachelor’s degree in worship arts. First, it’s important to practice your musical skills as often as you can. You can also seek to expand your understanding of the Bible and biblical principles and to grow closer to God through prayer and worship activities.
The function of the worship arts team at a church is to perform the musical elements of the worship service, including instrumental and vocal music. At some churches, the musical performances may be accompanied by lights or other visual elements. The worship arts team typically strives to increase engagement among the congregation and to celebrate God’s glory through Christian music.
Worship leaders come from all walks of life, but they generally share something in common: the desire to live a prayerful life in service to God. To be an effective worship leader, it’s important to remember that, although your music ministry celebrates and gives glory to God, your primary mission is to enable and encourage the congregation to worship in a creative way. To be effective in this role, it’s important to strive for a connection with the congregation, and to create a comfortable atmosphere in which people can draw nearer to God.
A BA in Worship Arts with a worship ministry emphasis may lead you on a path to support others with your strong belief system and creativity. Apply for this program online at GCU today.
1 Indeed. (n.d.). How to become a worship leader. Indeed. Retrieved Oct. 9, 2023.
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
