Vision

The School of Worship trains worship leaders, musicians, singers, and producers who are fueled by an uncompromising passion for Jesus as the first priority in their lives and who are not motivated by popularity or financial reward. Is this you?

Our desire is to raise up a generation who prioritize a lifestyle centered on God’s presence in worship and intercession as the basis for reaching the lost. We aim to train and release these gifted worshipers to be first, lovers of Jesus, secondly grounded in the Word of God, and lastly skilled in the craft of music, songwriting, music production, and worship leading.

 

Focus

Our focus during the School of Worship is to impart foundational values and principles to those intending to serve in worship ministry among the nations. Some of the topics we teach are “character and lifestyle of a worshiper, understanding the work of the Holy Spirit in worship, applying worship principles within a cross-cultural context, the biblical and historical aspects of worship, leadership and teamwork, creativity and musicianship, and worship in missions. We teach through the four main focus areas listed below.

Heart: Character

The foundation of any worship ministry is a life totally dedicated to following a deeper relationship with God. We desire to train students to pursue a daily walk with God that produces greater freedom and openness in their relationships with others. The “true” worshipers that Jesus talks about in John 4 are those who are not showy or fake but whose lives fully reflect all they portray in front of others. We aim for honesty and integrity in daily lives and in ministry.
Topics:
Knowing God in Worship

The character of the worshipper

Work of the Holy Spirit in worship

Head: Knowledge

Biblical principles regarding aspects of worship leading help the students gain valuable understanding for a solid grounding in this ministry. We teach foundational principles of Thanksgiving, Praise, and Worship along with Leadership and Teamwork. Special emphasis is given to the working together of worship and prayer along with the leading, guiding, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Regular written assignments contribute to the students’ personal growth. For example, a three-month continuing study of the Book of Psalms which highlights the power of lyrics to express our hearts to God.
Topics:
Biblical & Historical Basis of Worship

Worship’s role in prayer & spiritual warfare

Worship Leadership & Teamwork

Hands: Skills

All students are given the opportunity to develop creativity and musical skills, especially in songwriting and music theory, unlocking and releasing talents that God could use for his glory. There is optional training in guitar, keyboard, drums, voice, and song production. An important ingredient of the school is gaining an understanding and skills in cross-cultural expressions of worship as preparation for ministry in other nations and cultures.
Topics:
Worship creativity & musicianship

Worship & Mission in the Nations

Songwriting & music production

OUTREACH

The Outreach Phase for the School of Worship is an amazing opportunity and invitation to put to practice what you have learned during the lecture phase of the school. You will travel with your team to help equip and disciple others from cross-cultural locations. There will be opportunities to lead ministry times, workshops, leading worship and intercession, and performing in a variety of settings such as on the stage and in the streets.

Outreach will be 12 weeks (12 credits) starting straight after the lecture phase. Please contact us for more information on the possible locations.

Choose School Period

SCHOOL INFORMATION

Dates

Arrival Day: April 7, 2022
Lecture End: June 30, 2022
Outreach start : July 1st 2022
Outreach End: Sep 24, 2022

Dates

Arrival Day – Sep 29th 2022
Lecture Departure Day – Dec. 21th 2022
Outreach start – Dec. 22nd 2022
Outreach ends – March 16nd 2023

Dates

Arrival Day – April 6th 2023
Lecture Departure Day – June 29th 2023
Outreach start – June 29th 2023
Outreach ends – Sept. 21th 2023

Dates

Arrival Day – Sep 28th 2023
Lecture Departure Day – Dec. 20th 2023
Outreach start – Dec. 23rd 2023
Outreach ends – March 14th 2023

Cost

$4,395 + airfare + outreach.
For degree students, please reach out to degrees@uofnkona.edu for specifics on the degree discount.

Languages

English

Prerequisites

YWAM DTS
Course Code: (CHR 261/CHR 262)
UofN Credits: 12 for lecture and 12 for outreach

In accordance with State Law, all students and student children must present proof of age appropriate vaccinations in order to attend any program at the University of the Nations—YWAM Kona. Please click here for the vaccination requirements.

The School of Worship

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Meet the School Leaders

Chris McCall - September

Chris is passionate about music and God’s glory. He has had the opportunity to minister through music in many nations and across the many denominations of the Christian faith. Chris studied music at University and prior to joining YWAM was a Pastor at a church in Costa Mesa, Ca. Additionally, he was also the Worship Director for a private Christian school and has had the privilege of leading worship for apologetics conferences in the US. Chris currently serves as a co-leader for School of Worship in Kona, consultant leadership for YWAM Kona Music, and travels the world leading worship nights and teaching.

Manuel Meier - September

From the gorgeous Swiss Alps, he has surrendered his life to serve the nations including Kona. He has traveled to 22 nations and discovered that it is undeniable, the impact worship has and the need for equipped worship leaders, musicians, and producers to go out.
He did his DTS in Mexico where he realized that he thrives in discipleship, comes alive in foreign places, and was made to play the drums. He loves to equip and develop young musicians into leaders, and champion them to be who God created them to be.
Manuel just got married in 2020 to his wonderful wife Kimberly.

Grace Tarnowski - April

Grace has been serving with YWAM for over four years and has received her AA degree through the UofN in Christian Ministries. She has been serving in worship ministries for the past 11+ years and has a heart for sons and daughters to encounter who God is as their Father through worship, and grow in intimacy with Him. She has a passion to see musicianaries discipled, equipped, and sent out into the harvest field to fulfill the Great Commission.

If you have already done a DTS and are looking at a degree program with the University of the Nations, the School of Worship counts as 12 credits towards your Degree.

Click here to see how many credits you may already have.

Accreditation

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE NATIONS IS NOT ACCREDITED BY AN ACCREDITING AGENCY RECOGNIZED BY THE UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF EDUCATION.  Admission to the University of the Nations (U of N) and any of its sponsored programs is open to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, and educationally unrelated handicaps. U of N reserves the right to change schedules and course offerings as deemed necessary.

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