The New Life School of Worship is divided into three modules and one three-week intensive. Modules one, two, and three are class-based, and the Intensive period is project-based. (See Weekly Schedule for class times.)

Sep. 15 - Nov. 21; Thanksgiving Break Nov. 22 - Nov. 30

Pastoral Ministry is designed to give students an understanding of what it means to be a pastor. We will discuss the heart of the pastoral vocation, the nature of church, how to study, and how to engage in spiritual direction. Along the way, students will gain an overview of early church history, learn how to use bible study tools, and develop a framework for helping people grow in their faith. Students will formulate and articulate a philosophy of pastoral ministry based on Scripture and historical texts that have stood the test of time.

Biblical Foundations of Worship provides an overview of worship in the Bible, throughout both Old and New Testaments. We will examine the types and forms in the tabernacle, temple, and feasts, as well as the fulfillment of those roles in the new covenant, including the concept of a lifestyle of worship.

Christian Growth and Development covers some of the core spiritual ideas that shape New Life's philosophy of ministry. Topics will include practical training in living the Christian life, including prayer, fasting, and worship.

Organizational Communication addresses the most basic element of the worship ministry, including auditions and team building. It will also address some of the nuances and subtleties of inter-ministry relationships affecting the worship leader, such as the senior pastor, the worship team, and the congregation.

Worship Choir provides a first-hand experience in the New Life Church choir. Students rehearse each Thursday and sing for Sunday morning services.

Dec. 1 - Dec. 19; Christmas Break Dec. 20 - Jan. 7

Intensives Students will participate in a three-week intensives period, which will include the following topics: Basic Audio, Studio Recording, and Music Technology. (These courses are only available for Full-time students.)

Jan. 12 - Mar. 20; Spring Break Mar. 21 - Mar. 29

Practical Ministry Leadership covers serving volunteers as a leader and encouraging them in their ministry as musical servants themselves.

Practical Music Theory covers those aspects of contemporary worship music important to aspiring worship leaders. Topics covered will include modern chord symbol notation, charting, arranging and composition.

Directing a Band* will deal with instrumentation, arranging, producing, and rehearsing a contemporary worship band including an understanding of each instrument's roles and responsibilities within the band.

Understanding the Psalms provides insight into praise and worship through an in-depth look at the form, poetry, and theology of the Psalms.

Mar. 30 - Jun. 5; Graduation Jun. 6 - Jun. 6

Systematic Theology gives an overview of the nature of God, the nature of man, salvation, and other core doctrines of our faith. How we think about God affects how we relate to Him. In order to approach God correctly and build our worship ministries on a strong foundation, we must formulate accurate thoughts and beliefs about God and His Kingdom.

Worship Songwriting will teach the proven techniques of harnessing your inspiration to create memorable worship songs. The class will include practical training and discussions on techniques that will help the songwriter gain the listener's attention quickly, use musical techniques to find fresh ways of expressing worship, write effective lyrics, and much more. Students will have opportunity to share songs and ideas with each other as well as share encouragement and evaluations with other students and staff.

Worship Leading Practicum* covers the dynamics of leading a worship service. Topics will include: building song lists, creating a flow, personal preparation and other relevant subjects. Students will form worship teams, lead worship before class, and receive evaluations. (This course is only available for Full-time students.)

Applied Music Theory is an applicational treatment of the material covered in the Practical Music Theory course. The class will include vocal techniques for everyone, piano or guitar immersion, part writing, and charting. Students may test out of segments of this class with the instructor's approval.

*These classes are only available in the Full-time program.