Professional Dissertations DMin

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry

College

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Program

Doctor of Ministry DMin

First Advisor

David Sedlacek

Second Advisor

Allan Walshe

Third Advisor

Kelvin Onongha

Abstract

Problem

Pastoral observation suggests that the use of worship leaders in the area of music is gaining prominence in Adventist churches today. However, because this is a relatively undefined ministry, worship leaders often lack spiritual preparedness and support for ministry in the local church.

Method

As a pastor I want to learn from worship leaders so I can help develop mentoring models that nurture their calling and ministry. The theological basis for nurturing worship leadership is based on a Seventh-day Adventist understanding of worship being central to the everlasting gospel of Revelation 14:6-7. In a practical sense, two theological stories are foundational to the development of mentoring models in this project because they call for a) the appointing of music worship leaders, and b) the contextualization of the worship of Jesus. The dedication of the Ark of the Covenant of 1 Chronicles 16:4-6 establishes how David appointed musical priests not only to provide music, but also to teach worship practices. The book of Psalms was the worship guidebook for the Jewish people and the early Christian church. The Gospel Commission of Matthew 28:17-20 establishes how Jesus nurtured worship and faith in disciples even for those struggling with doubt. The Great Commission establishes that the worship of Jesus is the foundation of spiritual discipleship and contextualized mission. The purpose of this project is to learn about the spiritual calling and ministry of music worship leaders so as to develop and recommend mentoring models that nurture and support their spiritual development. This research project combines the use of mentored small groups, a reflection questionnaire, and focus group questions to provide qualitative data for outcomes.

Results

Music worship leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist church need to be nurtured in their devotional life, supported in the local church, and mentored with leadership opportunities. Worship leaders struggle to clearly see their role and calling. It is observed that educational institutions and large as opposed to small churches usually have worship leaders, creativity, and support. Thus, it is likely that many worship leaders lack mentorship. There is need to nurture heartfelt worship and community in the church in general. The lack of worship life in church communities may be due to a very isolated, dislocated, and entertainment-based culture. Nurturing, appointing, and mentoring worship leaders can help the church. Worship leaders desire to help congregations authentically connect with God.

Conclusions

A theology of music worship leadership needs to be developed, recognized, and implemented. More music worship leaders should be hired in the church. The Psalms provide fresh practices grounded in Scripture to help worship leaders and congregations experience God. The Psalms should be used as a discipleship track. Safe environments need to be created where young people can be mentored musically and spiritually into worship leaders. Adventist educational institutions and/or seminaries need to be more intentional about developing the spirituality and music ability of those God is calling to worship leadership. Pastors need to be equipped with resources and support to develop unique mentoring models for worship leaders that fit their congregational needs and cultural contexts.

Subject Area

Mentoring in church work; Public worship--Michigan--Berrien Springs; Seventh-day Adventists--Michigan--Berrien Springs

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