Worship Arts
Worship is an expression of our gratitude to God for who He is. It is more than just something we do, but rather it is who we are.
“For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth”— John 4:24 NLT
Worship Arts is a program designed to gain insight and perspective and develop a clear understanding of the character and skills necessary for effective pastoral leadership. Upon completing the Bachelor of Worship Arts degree, students will be able to demonstrate expressions of worship through the development of musical, visual, and communicative skills in a biblically grounded and theologically informed manner.
- Professional Faculty — MVNU professors are knowledgeable and experienced, and engage with students in every capacity. Our faculty members continue to be actively involved in their respective fields of expertise.
- Advising Relationships — You will begin interacting with the faculty within your chosen discipline during your first day of classes, and develop mentorship relationships with them that often continue well past graduation.
- Skill Development – You will gain hands-on experience through participation in music, sound, and video production.
- Preparation in your Field — You will complete a senior ministry internship where you will work closely with leaders in a church along with your advising supervisor. In addition, there are opportunities to serve through mission trips and/or apply for a Contemporary Music Program in Nashville.
Christian Ministry Core:
- Rev. Jennifer Ballenger, Assistant Professor of Youth and Family Ministries
- Dr. Brenita Nicholas-Edwards, Professor of Intercultural Studies
- Prof. Timothy Radcliffe**, Director of the Library, Assistant Professor of Theology
- Dr. C. Jeanne Serrão, Professor of Biblical Literature
- Dr. Henry Spaulding, III**, Assistant Professor of Theology, Associate Campus Pastor
- Dr. Eric Vail, Associate Professor of Theology
- Dr. Doug VanNest, Professor of Pastoral Practices and School Dean
- Dr. Michael VanZant, Professor of Biblical Literature and Coordinator of the Master of Ministry Program
Music Core:
- Professor Carrie Vail, Assistant Professor of Music
- Dr. JoAnn Koh-Baker, Professor of Music
- Dr. John Packard, Professor of Music and Department Chair
- Dr. Robert Tocheff, Professor of Music
Graphic Design, Communication/ and Media Core:
- Professor Margaret Allotey-Pappoe, Professor of Graphic Design and Department Chair
- Professor Jayme McMillan, Instructor in Visual Media
- Professor Joseph Rinehart,, Assistant Professor of Communication and Department Chair
Check out the catalog for a complete list of the requirements, courses, and objectives for the Worship Arts!
All MVNU students are invited to participate in our many other service and learning trips.
For other service learning and academic travel possibilities, visit mvnu.edu/travel.
MVNU has many endowed scholarships available for students.
Music scholarships:
Music Scholarships are talent-based awards, open to all students regardless of major, and are awarded through an audition before MVNU music faculty. Scholarship awards range from approximately $650–$3,500 for one academic year and are available for voice, piano, guitar, most wind and string instruments, percussion, organ and composition. Each year, one or more music performance scholarships of $5,000 will be awarded to students who declare as a music major. All prospective students considering music as a major should audition for consideration.
Two types of scholarship awards are offered.
- Participation awards (up to $1,000) only require the student to participate in one of the MVNU Music Department ensembles such as band or choir.
- Performance awards (up to $3,500) require the student to study privately at MVNU on the instrument (or voice) on which they auditioned and register for one of the MVNU Music Department ensembles.
All music scholarships are renewable each year as long as the student continues to meet the above requirements and maintains a good academic standing.
The deadline to submit the application form is one week prior to your audition. Applicants can also send in an audition via recording (YouTube link preferred). Applicants are encouraged to audition in person or submit a recorded audition by Dec. 7. To be considered for a music major award ($5,000), applicants must audition by Dec. 7.
Guidelines, information, applications, and recommendation forms for music scholarships can be found at www.mvnu.edu/musicscholarships.
Christian Ministry scholarships:
There are over 30 endowed scholarships for students in the School of Christian Ministry with a call to ministry. In addition, there are other university scholarships available and a Nazarene Ministerial Scholarship Program in which Nazarene ministry students can participate during their four years.
This program is designed for a full-time position in Pastoral Ministry within a church as a Worship Arts Director. There is opportunity to take additional music courses to gain an additional Associates Degree in Music if graduate school is of interest. There is also the option to take additional ministry courses if there is interest in Ordination after graduation.