What is Cornerstone's Worship Fellows Program?
An intensive nine-month study and preparation for folks to develop knowledge, wisdom, experience, and skills in the areas of worship and music—whether currently serving, aspiring to serve, or for personal growth.
In its current form, the weekly schedule includes:
-
12 hours per week of reading, practice, study, and meetings
-
Approximately 4 hours of that time is in group or individual instruction, workshops, meetings, rehearsals, discipling, or with guests
At the end of this Program, a Fellow will have opportunity to:
-
Plan worship in a Biblical, historic, and Reformed setting
-
Navigate and thrive under pastoral authority and in relationship to Leadership
-
Have a context for music history, worship philosophy, and theology
-
Prepare music for worship teams
-
Play, Sing, and Lead with greater skill
-
Select music for special services
-
Participate in special projects such as congregational devotionals, recording projects, etc
-
Provide Worship and Music Resources for the Church
The Means
-
Readings and discussions in the areas of music, theology, and worship.
-
Development of needful skills through poiesis in the areas of planning, preparing, and practicing music and worship.
-
Group discussions and individual mentoring.
-
Active participation in planning worship services, arranging instrumental parts, selecting and preparing choral music.
-
Active participation in the ongoing work of ministry at Cornerstone (or at one’s home church) including: weekly worship, seasonal vespers, seasonal choir, devotional preparation, special services, and special events.
-
Additional personalized and group instruction with guests in vocal pedagogy, keyboard and guitar skills, organ, conducting, etc.
-
Regular opportunities to interact with thoughtful leaders in the music and worship sphere.
Topics to Cover (as needed)
-
Church Music History and Music Listening; Historic Liturgies
-
Theology of Worship and Philosophy of Worship; Theology of Music
-
Planning Weekly Worship and creating bulletins and Music Typesetting skills
-
Keyboard skills and Leading in Worship
-
Arranging for instruments (orchestrating for more advanced participants)
-
Choral Music and Choral Literature
-
Creating a Church musical culture
-
Personal development in spiritual disciplines and administrative skills
-
Introduction and understanding of audio/visual
Since joining the Fellows Program at Cornerstone Presbyterian church, I have been challenged to work through the whys and the hows of music ministry more than any prior time in my life. From weekly readings to our invigorating conversations, the foundations of my views have been strengthened, moving beyond the assumption of “this is just the way to do it” towards an understanding of how what we do as musicians can best benefit our congregations while also bringing greater glory to God. The assignments have been challenging and I can see how they are sharpening skills I can use in the future to the betterment of my own congregation.
Current Participant