We internalize what we intone; the songs, words and theology that we repeat do form us. Personally, for me, I feel like music is such a part of my Christian formation and can recall songs from different periods of my life and development. Some of my first memories in life are of church music.
Music in Worship
Minor
Where music and faith meet
Grow as a musician while exploring how music shapes faith and builds community.
The music in worship minor explores how music shapes faith, builds community and inspires worship. Additionally, music in worship weaves together musical excellence, theological insight and spiritual formation. As a result, it prepares you to lead worship in churches, ministries and faith-based organizations.
What you’ll study
This interdisciplinary minor blends courses in music and in Bible and religion. You build real musical literacy and the theological insight that worship leadership asks for. You’ll move from traditional hymns to contemporary praise and grow as a collaborator and a performer, not just a soloist.
It pairs well with majors such as music, Bible and religion and communication, which makes it a natural add-on whether you’re heading toward ministry, teaching or the stage. View the complete program requirements in our catalog.
Bradley Kauffman ‘96
General editor for Voices Together song book
You’ll lead from day one
Through campus ministry and performance, you apply what you learn in real, hands-on ways. You can lead and take part in bi-weekly chapel services, contribute to community hymn sings and special events, join music ensembles or serve as a worship intern.
You’ll do this in real venues like Sauder Concert Hall, the Umble Center, the Church Chapel and other worship spaces. Music Center rehearsal rooms give you the practice spaces you need to prepare. Small classes and close mentorship mean you’re known by name and supported as you grow.
Common questions about the music in worship minor
No. The minor fits students preparing for ministry and students who simply want to understand music’s role in faith more deeply. The Goshen College community welcomes people of every background. You’ll build leadership, collaboration and performance skills that serve you in a church, a classroom, on a stage or whatever path you take.
It pairs naturally with majors such as music, Bible and religion, communication and education. Its interdisciplinary approach complements both performance-minded and service-minded paths. Your advisor can help you fit the courses and worship experiences around the major you’ve chosen.
You can lead and take part in bi-weekly chapel services, plan and perform in student worship bands, contribute to community hymn sings and special events, collaborate with campus ministry staff, and join ensembles or serve as a worship intern. You’ll perform in venues like Sauder Concert Hall, Rieth Recital Hall and the Umble Center.
Students pursuing music in worship may be eligible for music scholarships, which range from $2,500 to full tuition and are based on an audition and application process. Use the net price calculator on the financial aid page to see your real number, and a financial aid counselor can walk you through the options.
The minor builds a foundation for worship leadership, church music ministry, Christian education, youth ministry and music performance, as well as arts and theology graduate programs. It also strengthens your musical and leadership gifts for lifelong service in faith communities, whatever your primary career turns out to be.
Matthew Hill
Professor of Music
Scott Hochstetler
Professor of Music
Luke Kreider
Associate Professor of Religion and Sustainability
Breanna Nickel
Associate Professor of Bible & Religion
Solomia Soroka
Professor of Music
Roz Woll
Associate Professor of Music
Mark Douglass
Associate Professor of Music
