BA in Christian Studies: Worship Leadership Emphasis
Examine the Range of Approaches to Worship
Modern worship leaders are empowered to faithfully lead and minister to their Christian communities amidst a changing world while remaining grounded in biblical truths. Worship leaders guide congregations in praising the Lord, often through psalms and related musical arrangements. If you feel called to use your talents to serve God and your fellow Christians, consider applying for Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Worship Leadership program.
Offered by the College of Theology, this degree program is designed to prepare you to pursue various roles in church leadership and in the mission field. Knowledgeable and faithful instructors will guide you in deepening your understanding of Christian doctrine while you explore the application of theological principles. The program examines a range of historical and contemporary approaches to worship and encourages you to engage in self-reflection regarding your own character and leadership style.
Explore Christian Faith and Ministry
Christian studies students benefit from the academic and spiritual guidance of well-qualified instructors. Within our faith-based learning community, you will have opportunities to gain a thorough understanding of matters pertaining to Christian doctrine and biblical truths.
Along with the core Christian studies courses, the worship leadership emphasis courses are designed to prepare you to become an effective communicator, ethical servant leader and critical thinker. You will be encouraged to develop your own Christ-like character as you examine the leadership skills necessary to inspire others to know and love God.
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Online: $410 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Cost of Attendance
Christian Leadership and Worship Core Competencies
In this program, you will begin with an in-depth look at the Old and New Testaments, examining the biblical narrative, genres, theological themes and major historical periods. Additional courses in theological methodology, biblical basis for Christian doctrine and biblical interpretation and application prompt you to develop a solid framework for building a career as a worship leader. Other core competencies include the following:
- Developing understanding and habits related to personal and corporate worship
- Reflecting on biblical patterns of worship and praise, including contemporary expressions of worship
- Exploring emerging technologies and media for shaping and enhancing the expression of the Christian worldview and worship
- Examining effective leadership, administration and pastoral care for leading others in faithful worship
- Developing an understanding of the biblical theology of worship, including the historical developments that influence current worship practices
Career Possibilities for Ministry Leadership Graduates
The BA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Worship Leadership program can provide a flexible learning path with the potential for a diverse range of career applications. Worship leaders are important members of the Christian community. During your studies, you will be taught how to develop a solid framework of biblical and theological knowledge and how to apply that knowledge within various worship settings, including the church, mission field and other Christian organizations.1
This degree program can provide the basis for advanced study in theology. You may choose to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree from the Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, which may further expand your career opportunities.
Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree at an Institutionally Accredited University
GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university that encourages our students to live in accordance with biblical principles. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Theology shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
GCU has compiled the following FAQs and answers to help you explore your religious studies career and degree options more thoroughly.
Prepare to step into leadership within the Christian community with a degree in Christian studies from GCU.
1 Jody Fleming, Ph.D (2024, April 18). What Can You Do With a Theology Degree? 28 Potential Careers. Indeed. Retrieved Nov. 27, 2024.
2 Vanco. (2022, April 22). 11 Church Leadership Competencies Faith Leaders Must Have. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
3 Career One Stop. (n.d.). Directors, Religious Activities and Education. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces the text of the Old Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This course introduces the text of the New Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of revelation, God, humanity, sin, and the person of Jesus Christ with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course helps equip students to understand and use basic principles of biblical hermeneutics, including an introduction to the nature of Bible interpretation and the application to contemporary issues. The majority of the course focuses on developing practical procedures and step-by-step skills in exegesis of Scripture. Prerequisite: BIB-106.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the first major division of the Old Testament with an emphasis on the application of hermeneutical principles. The class focuses on the interpretation of selected passages from the Pentateuch. Attention is also given to textual issues and major theological themes. Prerequisites: BIB-106 and BIB-355.
Course Description
This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of the works of Jesus Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and last times with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine.
Course Description
This course examines pastoral leadership skills needed to effectively navigate ministry. Special attention is given to pastoral identity, life management, shepherding and discipling, and the biblical qualifications for pastoral/ministerial leadership.
Course Description
This course examines the biblical truths, spiritual disciplines, virtues, and habits that contribute to the process of discipleship, form Christian character, and result in Christ-likeness. Special attention is given to the doctrine of sanctification and teaching related to ministerial ethics and the cultivation of Christ-like character. Prerequisites: BIB-106 and BIB-107 or BIB-100.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a survey of global Christianity that examines the mission and purposes of God and His people among the nations. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of recent mission movements, best practices for mission strategies, and contemporary trends in global Christianity. Prerequisite: HTH-201.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the initial books of the New Testament with an emphasis on the application of hermeneutical principles. The class focuses on the interpretation of selected passages from the Gospels and Acts. Attention is also given to textual issues and major theological themes. Prerequisites: BIB-107 and BIB-355.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a systematic study of the biblical, historical, and theological dimensions of Christian worship. Emphasis is placed on the development of a thoroughly biblical theology of worship, analysis of historical developments that influenced current worship practices, and the ways that worship forms community and shapes individual worshipers.
Course Description
This course surveys the major developments within the history of Christianity that have shaped Christian doctrine. Emphasis is placed on key events, personalities, theological developments, and movements. Prerequisites: HTH-201 and HTH-202.
Course Description
This course is a study of the theory and methods of oral communication with emphasis on the development of speaking and listening skills for application in ministerial contexts such as preaching, teaching, small group discussion, and interpersonal communication. Prerequisites: BIB-106, BIB-107, and BIB-355.
Course Description
This course equips students to be effective worship leaders who integrate worship within a community of faith and lead God's people in faithful worship. This course develops skills for effective leadership, administration, and pastoral care within the local church and other worship gatherings.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course systematically studies the biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations of Christian ethics as compared with other ethical systems that shape public discourse on ethical issues. Emphasis is placed on personal morality and an exploration of contemporary issues relevant to the church's public witness.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course examines the ways in which various media affect, challenge, and enhance the expression of Christian worldview. Special attention is devoted to developing technologies, the Christian life, corporate worship, and the communication of the Christian worldview through multiple modalities.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.