Every student is asked to take a brief music proficiency test to assess their musical knowledge. This test is designed to ensure that all students have a foundational understanding of music theory and practice before beginning the course. If a student does not pass the proficiency test, they will be required to complete an additional music proficiency module before being eligible to receive the Minister of Music Course certificate. This approach aims to ensure that all students are equipped with the necessary musical skills and knowledge to excel in the program and in their future music ministry endeavors.

“These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the Lord after the ark came to rest there. They ministered with music before the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.”                                          1 Chronicles 6:31-

A Minister of Music is a person who oversees the church’s musical ministry and is responsible for making sure that the congregations’ musical and worship experiences are meaningful, inspiring, and done in a way that honors God.

“Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.”

Deuteronomy 32:7

The Ministry of Music in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) has a rich and strong history that is deeply rooted in the African American religious tradition. COGIC was founded in 1907 in Memphis, Tennessee, and from the very beginning, music played an important role in the church’s worship experience.

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.'”

Genesis 12:1-3

The call to music ministry is a profound and powerful life-changing experience that leads to a life filled with purpose as one lives a life loving God and loving others. Whether you are a musician, singer, songwriter, or worship leader, answering the call to music ministry can be a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey.

 “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun.”                                      Psalms 19:1-4 

It is essential for every Minister of Music to have a solid biblical theology of worship. Understanding the biblical foundation of worship will help you to fulfill your purpose as a minister of music and lead the congregation in worship in a way that brings glory to God. In this module, we will explore the biblical principles that define worship and how you can build a biblical theology of worship.  

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”                                       Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 –

Leadership is an important aspect of the ministry of music and the relationship between the pastor and the worship leader is particularly important. The pastor and worship leader work together closely to design a worship service that is powerful and engaging for the congregation. In this module, we will discuss 5 key dynamics of leadership between the pastor and the worship leader.

The Minister of Music is an essential position within a church, responsible for leading and organizing the musical aspects of worship services and events. One of the most important aspects of the minister of music’s job is administration. Administration involves the overseeing, organizing and leading aspects of the music ministry. In this module, we will discuss the Administration of the Minister of Music in detail.

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”                                          Ephesians 4:25-27 –

Any organization will inevitably experience conflict, and music ministry is no exception. To maintain a positive, productive work atmosphere, a minister of music must be able to manage disagreement successfully. In this module we will go through some key guidelines for conflict management as a Minister of Music.

“All the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets.”                          2 Chronicles 5:12

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As a Minister of Music, there are several essential duties and skills that you must possess to be effective in your role. From leading a choir to selecting appropriate worship music, the Minister of Music plays a crucial role in creating a worshipful atmosphere.