Online Certificates
Biblically sound education for worship leaders. Designed with the local church in mind.
Would you like to offer your church staff members an opportunity for high-quality continuing worship education?
Interested in studying worship deeper but unable to pursue a degree right now? Whether you are a volunteer, bi-vocational worship leader, or a well-seasoned minister or administrator, our certificate programs offer biblically sound worship instruction without the commitment of pursuing a degree or attending classes on-campus. The Center for Worship and the Arts in partnership with Samford’s Ministry Training Institute offers two non-degree, Online Certificate Programs: Worship Leadership and Music Fundamentals for Worship. Registration for 2026-27 courses is now open.
Register for full certificates, or individual courses year-round.
While each class has starting and ending dates, actual classwork can be accomplished at the student’s convenience. You’ll have due dates for assignments, but there are no required synchronous class meeting times. We estimate you’ll spend approximately six hours per week on course work.
- $699 for the four-course certificate in either Worship Leadership or Music Fundamentals for Worship
- $199 for each individual course (Between the two certificates, 8 courses are available.)
Online Certificates 2026-2027
Biblically sound education for worship leaders. Designed with the local church in mind.
Worship Leadership
Created in partnership with the Center for Worship and the Arts in Samford University’s School of the Arts, the Worship Leadership Certificate offers a thoughtful introduction to the calling, craft, and context of worship leadership
Designed for current and emerging worship leaders, pastors, and church musicians, this certificate explores how worship is shaped—biblically, theologically, historically, and practically. Participants will engage in foundational questions about leadership, creativity, and pastoral responsibility while gaining tools for planning and leading worship that is faithful, formative, and attentive to the life of the church.
Rather than focusing on style or trends, this certificate emphasizes depth, discernment, and long-term formation for those entrusted with guiding the worship of God’s people.
This certificate includes four integrated courses that can be taken in any order:
- Introduction to Worship Leadership
- Designing Creative Worship
- Biblical, Historical and Theological Foundations for Worship
- The Worship Pastor
Register for the full certificate
Introduction to Worship Leadership
Introduction to Worship Leadership offers a foundational orientation to the responsibility of leading worship in the life of the church. The course approaches worship leadership as a pastoral vocation shaped by Scripture, theological conviction, and attentiveness to context. Emphasis is placed on grounding congregational worship in enduring biblical principles rather than cultural trends, and on forming leaders who serve the church with clarity, humility, and faithfulness over time.
The course will address:
- Vocational calling and discernment
- Articulating a theology of worship
- Assessing and evaluating a church’s worship context
- Administering a worship program
- The worship leader as part of a pastoral and ministry team
Dates: August 18 – October 13
Instructor: Kimberly Williams
Text: Worship Matters (Bob Kauflin)
Designing Creative Worship
Designing Creative Worship considers how public Christian worship is thoughtfully shaped through theological imagination and careful planning. The course approaches worship design as an intentional practice that brings Scripture, music, and liturgical forms into meaningful relationships. Participants are invited to reflect on how faithfulness to the Bible and attentiveness to the gathered community inform creative decisions in worship across diverse contexts.
The course will address:
- Theologically perceptive worship planning and leading
- Guided experience in multiple models of worship design
Dates: October 20 – December 15
Instructor: Mike Harland
Text: The Worship Architect (Constance Cherry, Second Edition)
Biblical, Historical and Theological Foundations for Worship
Biblical, Historical, and Theological Foundations for Worship situates contemporary worship practices within the broader story of the Church. The course invites participants to attend carefully to the sources that have shaped Christian worship and to consider how these foundations continue to guide the church’s gathered life. Emphasis is placed on understanding worship as a shared inheritance that is practiced faithfully across cultures, denominations, and generations.
The course will address:
- The Christian and liturgical year
- Congregational prayer
- The reading and proclaiming of Scripture
- Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Dates: January 19 – March 16 2027
Instructor: Glenn Stallsmith
Text: Christian Worship: Its Theology and Practice (Randall Bradley and Franklin Segler, 3rd edition)
The Worship Pastor
The Worship Pastor examines worship leadership as a pastoral practice rooted in spiritual care, theological responsibility, and service to the church. The course highlights various emphases within the role of worship leader that have developed over time. Participants are invited to consider how worship leaders shepherd others through their leadership while tending to their own formation within the rhythms of ministry.
The course will address:
- Pastorally sensitive leadership
- Spiritual formation in private and corporate contexts
- Attention to the broad and varied roles of the worship leader
Dates: March 23 – May 18 2027
Instructor: Katie Roelofs
Text: The Worship Pastor (Zac Hicks)
Music Fundamentals for Worship
Created in partnership with the Center for Worship and the Arts in Samford University’s School of the Arts, the Music Fundamentals for Worship develops the musical skills and understanding necessary for faithful and effective leadership in the church.
The four-course certificate approaches musicianship not simply as technical ability, but as a form of service shaped by sound leadership and generative collaboration. Participants are invited to strengthen their musical foundation while considering how these skills support and sustain the worship life of the church over time.
This certificate includes four integrated course that can be taken in any order:
- Music Theory for Worship
- Music Leadership for Worship
- Worship Technology and Production
- Building the Music and Worship Ministry
Register for the full certificate
Music Theory for Worship
Music Theory for Worship introduces the foundational language of music as it is practiced within the life of the church. Participants will develop steps toward fluency in the patterns and structures that shape congregational music.
Attention will be given to:
- Note reading
- Scales and key signatures
- Chord structure and chord symbols/charts
- Basic rhythms
- Nashville Number System and standard harmonic progressions
Dates: August 18 – October 13
Instructor: Dan Mullis
Text: Contemporary Music Theory: A Complete Guide for the Worship Musician (Andrew Nicolette)
Music Leadership for Worship
Music Leadership for Worship explores the practical leadership of music for worship in various ministry contexts, with attention given to the worship choir and band-led setting. Participants are invited to consider how rehearsing, arranging, and directing supportive environments in which musicians can serve the church with confidence and consistency.
Focus will be given to:
- rehearsal techniques
- arranging
- basic conducting
Dates: October 20 – December 15
Instructor: Michael Slaughter
Text: TBD
Worship Technology and Production
Worship Technology and Production considers how sound, lighting, and visual media are integrated into the life of worship services. Attention is given to both the practical coordination of AVL systems and the relational dynamics of those who serve in these roles, with an emphasis on thoughtful, theologically informed use of technology in gathered worship.
The course will address:
- Integrating audio, visual, and lighting systems in support of congregational worship
- Establishing clear and consistent technical practices
- Cultivating healthy and collaborative relationships within tech teams
- Supporting clarity, participation, and communication through technology
- Reflecting on theological considerations that shape the use of technology in worship
Dates: January 19 – March 16, 2027
Instructor: Shannan Baker
Text: Sound, Lighting, and Video: A Resource for Worship (Brad Herring)
Building the Music and Worship Ministry
Building the Music and Worship Ministry considers how worship ministries are formed, sustained, and guided within the life of the church. Participants will learn how healthy rhythms, clear communication, and collaborative relationships contribute to a ministry that serves the church faithfully over time.
The course will address:
- Spiritual formation of the worship and music team
- Nurturing healthy team dynamics
- Copyright and livestream practices
- Volunteer recruitment and management
- Collaboration with other ministry departments
Dates: March 23 - May 18, 2027
Instructor: Kim Arnold
Text: TBD
“I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to grow their worship leadership skills.
“From those new to the role to those who've been involved for years, it's both practical and challenging to your spiritual growth, equipping you with many great tools for worship planning and leadership.”
—Corrine Scholman, Ottawa, ON
“The Worship Leadership Certificate is for worship leaders/pastors from all levels of experience.
“If you'd like to grow even a little bit in your ability to lead your church or your team, give it a try!”
—Michael Adams, Philadelphia, PA
“I had been considering taking this course for a couple years, and I'm so glad that I decided to take it.
“It has given me a deeper understanding of the "whys" and "hows" of worship, and has especially affirmed what I was already doing in my worship planning. It has given me the language to explain to my congregation and church leadership why we do what we do.”
—Becky VandenAkker, Whitinsville, MA
“Taking this course completely changed my understanding of worship and corporate church practices...
“...giving me a deeper connection to my congregation and to Christ. Developing this new knowledge and learning how to best utilize my gifts as a worship leader was an amazing opportunity that everyone involved in worship planning, leading and performing should consider!”
—Ann Elizabeth Smit, Milford, NS
“I loved this course. It was so helpful in clarifying a foundation for theology, philosophy, history, and practice in worship.
“The combination of the four classes was a great balance of concepts, and the year-long time frame allowed the information to soak into my framework (and ultimately my worship planning) rather than drinking from a firehose at a short conference. Thank you for this great resource! It has absolutely impacted my vision for worship.”
—Tim Vande Griend, Chino, California
“I think this is something I would recommend for anyone looking to grow as a worship leader.
“Whether you are new to this calling or have been serving for a while, there is something new to learn in each class. The community of students taking the courses together is a nice way to dialogue with people in similar (or different) situations and be able to bounce ideas off of and share the joys and stumbling blocks of worship ministry together.”
—Lynn Stob, Cascade, Michigan
“I totally recommend the Worship Leadership classes. Personally, I will never be the same after taking these classes.
“My insight into the "whys" and "hows" of worship has deepened. I was able to apply knowledge into my planning of the services. I have acquired not only informational knowledge, but also spiritual knowledge to be able to use my God-given gifts to bless others (including myself). These classes do not take a whole lot of your time, are very doable, and you will be better for it!”
—Analu Riegstad, Pella, Iowa
“I recommend this program with much excitement.
“My ideas of what worship was were challenged as well as my understanding of what worship is has become more concrete and is now eagerly expressed. The purpose of worship has become more directly focused on God and I can recognize the work of the Spirit as we prepare and lead our services! I lead with confidence as I spent the year building up my knowledge of worship. I have a clearer understanding of how our worship impacts our church as we give all the glory to Christ in the story that we tell through our services. He is Lord!”
—Ashley Renkema, Edmonton, AB
“I have served my church as a worship leader for 13 years, and haven't had any formal training or education aside from annual conferences.
“In just a few short months, I feel like I have gained a wealth of knowledge. The Biblical foundations and practical applications that I have learned during these classes are already proving themselves invaluable in my church community. I have also enjoyed engaging with others across the country, from different churches, denominations and backgrounds. I have learned so much through our discussions.”
—Christie Grammatikos, Olathe, KS
“Most of us have a sense of what seems right in worship, and we all certainly know what we like.
“What we really need is the ability to approach worship from a Biblical perspective. Relating the Gospel story to the liturgy of our weekly gatherings is the foundation for creating worship that honors God and renews his people. This program has given me a much better understanding of what that means. I have also been greatly blessed by sharing the experiences of fellow worship leaders. They have been a source of strength and learning. Through this excellent program and the wonderful people I've met, I believe I am much better equipped to serve our church.”
—Christy Olsen, Colorado Springs, CO
“I'm grateful the CRCNA has found on a way to encourage continued life-long education, assessment and exploration.
“As a new worship director, the coursework provided a solid framework to carefully discern the nuances of this role and how it deeply impacts the spiritual formation and well-being of my congregation. I've been blessed by the weekly discussions with classmates/colleagues as we've grappled with issues in modern worship and differing church traditions, hoping to come to a common call and understanding of our work. The pace of the program provided both rigor and flexibility. On a personal note I feel more sure and confident in my calling to the role of Worship Leader/Pastor than I ever have.”
—George Davis, Grand Rapids, MI
“Having led worship now for almost 15 years, most of what I’ve learned about worship I’ve learned through experience.
“While experience is a great teacher, it has been refreshing and rewarding to get some teaching about worship and its history through this certificate program. I’ve found ways in which I was doing worship wrong and ways in which what I might be doing right could be adjusted to be even better. I have really appreciated the practical, spiritual and historical approach that this certificate program has taken, and I would recommend this program to anyone who has the opportunity to take it.”
—Austin Gentry, Rockford, MI
“I recommend this program with much excitement. My ideas of what worship is were challenged...
“as well as my understanding of what worship is has become more concrete and is now eagerly expressed. The purpose of worship has become more directly focused on God and I can recognize the work of the Spirit as we prepare and lead our services! I lead with confidence as I spent the year building up my knowledge of worship. I have a clearer understanding of how our worship impacts our church as we give all the glory to Christ in the story that we tell through our services. He is Lord!”
—Ashley Renkema, Edmonton, Alberta
