Inspire, Spring 2009

c amp u s e v e n t s April 18 Elliv 22 Jazz Band Concert 23 Orchestra and Concerto Concert May 2 113th Annual Commencement 10–15 Faith Community Nursing Program June 8–12 Academic Camps: Music, Criminal Justice, and Social Work 15–19 Academic Camps: Premed, Worship, and Art and Design 22–26 Academic Camps: Forensic Science, Nursing, and Writing 22–26 Super Summer Camp July 2–5 Midwest Chinese Christian Association Summer Retreat 6–10 Academic Camps: Engineering and Pharmacy 6–10 Student Life Camp 20–24 LIFT Camp For more events and information, visit www.cedarville.edu/events . (All dates are subject to change.) “We want to prepare them for the ever-changing climate of worship, while grounding them in the never-changing truth of God’s Word.” New Major Sets Tempo for Worship Equipping students for lifelong leadership and service means preparing them to be leaders in local churches. For some students, this may require leading worship. With that in mind, the board of trustees approved the formation of the Bachelor of Arts degree in worship, which began in fall 2008. “The field of worship is gaining attention in many churches,” said Dr. Roger O’Neel, associate professor of church music, who proposed the major. “Those who are now called on to lead worship must be prepared to serve as ‘producers’ of sound, media, and drama.” In this new program, faculty members outfit worship students with the skills and knowledge they will need to minister effectively in various settings, creating the major as an interdisciplinary study of music, worship, and theology. Upon completing the major, students will be able to articulate a theology of worship based on sound biblical principles and valid biblical interpretation. Addressing the varied skill set needed, the major builds on the required Bible minor by including additional Bible courses specific to the field of worship. Along with music classes, students learn to incorporate field- related technologies in worship. They also gain practical experience by leading worship in Cedarville’s own chapel services, as well as through field experiences and internships at local churches. “We want to train worship leaders — not only musically but also theologically,” said Beth Cram Porter, chair of the department of music, art, and worship. “We want to prepare them for the ever-changing climate of worship, while grounding them in the never-changing truth of God’s Word.”