Every Tuesday, a diverse team of UWaterloo students gathers for prayer, small group discussion, song teaching, and worship service planning. These students are part of the Worship Apprentice Program offered by Grebel’s Music Department as a skill-building opportunity within the Church Music and Worship Program.
This program includes a practical course, a scholarship, and attendance at a worship conference. The practical course offers experience in developing and leading church worship services. Students put their theoretical knowledge to work when together they design and lead two very different types of services at churches during the course.
“I was drawn to the opportunity to explore how the best elements of worship from multiple traditions could be combined into a single accessible and transformative service,” remarked Mykayla Turner, a Music and Health Studies student. “I hope that the knowledge and experience gained through this program will make me more confident while leading worship.”
Matthias Mostert, a PACS and French student, commented on the understanding that he has gained: “Being exposed to different styles of worship through relationship with my classmates, rather than through a textbook, has broadened my appreciation for the spectrum of Christian worship styles and the people who bring them to life.”
“The students that participate in this program are the future of the church in North America,” remarked Kate. “Every time I meet with these students I get really excited for the future. They are intentional, thoughtful, engaged students who come with a variety of insights and desires for worship. We see this program as an opportunity for churches to rejuvenate their worship or to reach out beyond their usual song set.”
Churches that are interested in hosting a service planned by students in the Worship Apprentice Program are welcome to contact Kate Steiner at 519-885-0220 x24244 or ksteiner@uwaterloo.ca.
By Katrina Steckle, Conrad Grebel University College