Liberty University

Why Should I Consider a Ministry in Music and Missions?

Today you have the opportunity to make an important decision that could significantly impact the lives of others, further your personal ministry, and influence the future of worship in the church.

MIWC developed the graduate program in ethnomusicology at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. This new degree—a Master of Arts in Worship Studies (Ethnomusicology)—is housed at Liberty’s Center for Worship http://www.liberty.edu/academics/arts-sciences/worship/index.cfm?PID=9966.

Ethnomusicology is the study of music, in particular worship, in the context of culture. This degree prepares musicians to serve as missionaries focused on establishing worship programs specific to the culture and people of a particular nation.

Along with Worship, Biblical, and Theological Studies courses required, other courses for the Ethnomusicology degree will include: Field of Ethnomusicology, Anthropology of Music, Organology, Seminar in Ethnic Music, Worship and Culture, and Applied Ethnomusicology.

Graduates of the MAWS program currently serve in a number of missions capacities on six continents in over 20 countries. Ministry opportunities include:

  • First contact ministries (concerts, cultural research, strategic planning)
  • Cross-cultural communication specialization and assistance to field missionaries
  • New missions field preparation, planning, and analysis
  • Support ministries for nationals
  • Development of indigenous worship materials
  • Development of outreach strategies for unreached groups
  • Worship and music ministry development
  • Cultural ambassadors and tentmaking (professional music ministry)

For information about the program, go to http://www.liberty.edu/academics/arts-sciences/worship/index.cfm?PID=9970.