Midwestern Seminary
Department of Worship Ministries
We exist to prepare musician-theologians For The Church.
We prepare musician-theologians who will faithfully serve, nurture, and guide the body of Christ, helping to build and strengthen her worship across generations. These musicians will cultivate and lead her worship through a variety of musical expressions, remaining true to the gospel message regardless of cultural or musical style.
Degrees
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Spurgeon College’s worship ministry program is designed to train students in musical proficiency while fostering a heart and philosophy for worship in the local church.
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Worship Ministries, Christian Ministries & Worship Ministries, Biblical Studies & Worship Ministries, and Intercultural Studies & Worship Ministries
These programs provide a well-rounded education, blending ministry training with a deep understanding of worship in diverse settings.
MASTER OF DIVINITY*
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) prepares students with a broad theological foundation, equipping them for leadership roles in the church, academic settings, and beyond. Graduates are trained for pastoral work, teaching, and further advanced theological study.
MASTER OF ARTS*
Worship Ministries and Christian Education & Worship Ministries
Both programs offer advanced training in worship leadership, theology, and ministry practice to prepare graduates for impactful service in various ministry contexts.
DOCTORAL STUDIES
Doctorate of Ministry (DMin) in Worship Leadership, and Doctorate of Educational Ministry (DEdMin) in Worship Ministries
The Doctorate of Educational Ministry program prepares students for leadership in educational ministry with seminars on advanced topics and a final ministry project. Both online and on-campus options are available.
OTHER
The Non-degree Certificate programs provide foundational biblical, theological, and practical training for lay ministry in the church. These certificates enhance skills and understanding, though they are not substitutes for formal undergraduate ministry preparation.*15 hours of theological, philosophical, and administrative study in the Masters programs are available online.
Why study here?
From undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degrees to minor areas of study and add-on certifications, there is a degree plan for everyone.
After all, every student who has surrendered his or her life to follow Jesus is truly majoring in worship—for all eternity.
We no longer simply produce worship leaders for the church. Instead, we unapologetically prepare musician-theologians for the church who will faithfully serve, build, strengthen, and lead her corporate worship among all her generations, no matter her cultural song.
Our degrees were designed by faculty who hold music & theology degrees from both universities and seminaries and who also have years of worship ministry experience in the local church. As a result, our programs of study include classes, experiences, and practices which help shape and prepare students for different types of worship ministry leadership roles for which each student is uniquely called and suited.
Our program is designed with the local church in mind and for those who are called to serve there. Because it’s not so much about what we produce as it is who we produce. And we desire to produce not simply skillful musicians or brilliant theologians, but humble disciples of Jesus who will make significant contributions and have incredible gospel impact on corporate worship practices across the globe—encouraging, uniting, and preparing all generations to worship! But our mission doesn’t end there. It extends to students across our campus who are studying and preparing to serve in other ministries of the local church–providing valuable insight through musical, academic, and ministry classes along with on-campus worship opportunities from which they also might form a solid biblical theology of worship.
Our methods reflect the diversity of corporate worship practices among today’s evangelical churches. After all, the local church represents the many sub-cultures surrounding her. From big church to small church; from city church to country church, her liturgy and song are highly eclectic and range from modern to traditional; from praise teams and choir to orchestra and everything in between. Therefore, the musician called to serve this ministry must develop and acquire an increasingly diverse musical skill set. But musical skills alone are not enough. The musician must gain wisdom and strength in a variety of leadership, pastoral, administrative, communication, counseling, and management skills—primarily being a student of the word.
Campus Worship Opportunities
Chapel Worship Team
Chapel Worship Teams exist to support corporate worship during each Tuesday & Wednesday Chapel on campus during the semester. It is sponsored by the Department of Worship Ministries and is developed and supervised by Dr. Matthew Swain. Opportunities exist for students, staff, and alumni to participate through playing instruments or singing. Experienced instrumentalists and vocalists can sign up for Chapel Band and receive one (1) hour credit at no tuition cost—it’s free. Rehearsals take place one hour before chapel at 9 am on the chapel stage. Interested participants should contact us with any questions or to schedule an interview prior to enrolling. [email protected]
Open Mic Night
Co-sponsored by the Dept of Worship Ministries and Student Life, Open Mic night provides opportunities for all students on campus to collectively share their artistic gifts with others in an environment of support and grace. From original musical compositions to poems and everything in between, students gather once a month to encourage one another and worship the Lord together during the corporate gathering. Keep an eye out on the campus events portion of the web site or for announcements around campus for current dates and locations each semester. Contact Dept. of Worship Ministries ([email protected]) or Students Life ([email protected]) for more information.
Voices of Midwestern
Voices of Midwestern is the premiere vocal team in the Department of Worship Ministries and exists to provide gospel-centered, musically diverse music and worship leadership for the seminary community. The repertoire of Voices of Midwestern includes a variety of styles—from a capella to a menagerie of gospel, traditional, and contemporary works. This vocal team helps train those called to worship ministry but is also open to non-worship majors as well. Rehearsals take place each Friday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 am in the Worship Ministries building. Participants may enroll for one (1) hour of free credit and no cost. For more information or to schedule an interview, contact us. [email protected]
Concerts and Special Events
During the year, many special events take place–from special guest speakers or ministry leaders to concerts featuring guest musicians or concerts sponsored by the Dept of Worship Ministries. As a result, there not only are many opportunities to enjoy great music or events but also opportunities to use your musical gifts, even if you’re not a “worship major.” If you have a musical gift and are willing to use it on occasion, please contact us to learn how to get plugged in. You never know when we’ll need a cellist or trumpeter or upright bassist. Be in touch! [email protected]
Worship Ministries Leadership
Videos
