How to Choose the Best Worship School for You
Find the Worship School that Fits Your Needs
Choosing the right worship school is a significant step for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills in worship ministry. Whether you're looking to become a worship leader, enhance your musical talents, or gain theological insight, the right school can provide the foundation you need. This guide will help you understand the different types of worship schools, what to look for when making your decision, and provide a list of some of the top-rated worship schools.
Types of Worship Schools
Bible Colleges and Seminaries
- These traditional institutions offer comprehensive theological education with a focus on worship ministry. Programs typically include studies in music, theology, biblical studies, and practical ministry training.
- Example: Liberty University
Church-Based Worship Schools
- Many large churches have developed their own worship training programs, often with a strong practical component and real-world ministry experience.
- Example: Bethel Music Worship School
Online Worship Schools
- For those who need flexibility, online worship schools offer a range of courses that can be taken from anywhere in the world. These programs often include video lessons, live webinars, and interactive assignments.
- Example: WorshipU, The Worship Initiative
Worship Conservatory
- These schools emphasize musical excellence and often offer programs specifically designed for worship music. Students can expect rigorous training in music theory, performance, and production.
- Example: Worship Arts Conservatory
What to Look For in a School of Worship
Cost
The first consideration is the cost of attendance. It's essential to understand the overall financial commitment. Some worship schools charge per course, while traditional colleges often charge per credit. Many colleges also offer scholarships to help reduce the overall cost.
When evaluating cost, ask yourself:
- What will be the cost per course after any scholarships?
- What will be the annual cost?
- What will be the total cost to complete the program?
Convenience
Consider the formats in which courses are available. Can you attend in person, or is there an option to attend online? Unless you live near the school, attending in person can significantly increase the cost. While attending in person offers substantial social and musical benefits, the additional expenses might be prohibitive. Can you take the courses at any time or are they only offered at specific times or days?
Comprehensiveness
A well-rounded training in worship leadership should include:
- Spiritual and Theological Training
- Musical Knowledge and Skills
- Arts and Technology
- Worship Leading Skills
- Practical Ministry Skills
For a detailed exploration of these aspects, see our page: What Every Worship Leader Should Know
Completion
Understand what you'll receive upon completing the program. Does it offer a certificate, diploma, or degree?Are the courses transferable to other schools? This information is crucial for planning your educational and career path.
Rating System
Each school will be rated based upon the four C's listed above: Cost, Convenience, Comprehensiveness, Completion
The ratings will be from 1-5 with 5 being the best and 1 being the worst.
Summary List
| School | Overall | Cost | Convenience | Comprehensiveness | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worship Arts Conservatory | 18 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 10KFAM | 15 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Liberty University - Online | 14 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Liberty University - In-Person | 13 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Worship Ministry School | 13 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Worship Ministry Training | 13 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Grand Canyon University | 12 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Oral Roberts University | 12 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Radiant - Online | 12 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Belmont University | 11 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Radiant - In-Person | 10 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Please note that the overall rating is based on the assumption that all these characteristics are important to you. If location or cost is not a concern, one of the universities might be the best option for you.
Ten of the Best Worship Schools
Worship Arts Conservatory School of Worship
Overall Rating: 18
Cost: 4
Certificate/Diploma/Advanced Diploma
$7,400/$14,000/$25,600 (not including fees, books or scholarships)
*Currently all students receive at least 50% of the cost covered by scholarships.
Convenience: 5
Online or In-person in St. Clair Shores, Michigan
Most of the courses can be taken anytime and anywhere
Comprehensiveness: 5
🗹 Spiritual and Theological Training
🗹 Musical Knowledge and Skills
⧄ Arts and Technology
🗹 Worship Leading Skills
🗹 Practical Ministry Skills
Completion: 4
Worship Leadership Certificate (1 year)
Worship Leadership Diploma (2 years)
Worship Leadership Advanced Diploma (4 years)
*Credits are transferable to select colleges
Denomination: Non-Denominational
Website: worshiparts.net
Related Content: Affordable Worship Education
10KFAM (10,000 Fathers & Mothers Worship School)
Overall Rating: 15
Cost: 5
$6,000 online (not including books)
$9,000 hybrid (not including transportation and books)
Convenience: 4
Online or hybrid in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Comprehensiveness: 3
🗹 Spiritual and Theological Training (1-2 courses)
⧄ Musical Knowledge and Skills (songwriting)
☐ Arts and Technology
🗹 Worship Leading Skills
⧄ Practical Ministry Skills
Completion: 3
Transferable college credits
Denomination: Non-Denominational
Website: 10kfam.org
Liberty University - Online
Overall Rating: 14
Cost: 2
$46,800 (not including housing, fees, books or scholarships)
Convenience: 4
Online
Comprehensiveness: 3
This program includes a lot of elective courses so the comprehensiveness might be higher depending upon what courses a student selects.
🗹 Spiritual and Theological Training (1-2 courses)
⧄ Musical Knowledge and Skills (1 course)
⧄ Arts and Technology
⧄ Worship Leading Skills
🗹 Practical Ministry Skills
Completion: 5
Bachelor of Science Degree in Worship Studies
Denomination: Baptist
Website: liberty.edu
Liberty University - In-Person
Overall Rating: 13
Cost: 1
$95,200 (not including housing, fees, books or scholarships)
Convenience: 1
In-person in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA
Comprehensiveness: 5
🗹 Spiritual and Theological Training (1-2 courses)
🗹 Musical Knowledge and Skills (private lesson)
🗹 Arts and Technology
🗹 Worship Leading Skills
🗹 Practical Ministry Skills
Completion: 5
Bachelor of Science in Music and Worship
Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership
Denomination: Baptist
Website: liberty.edu
Worship Ministry School
Overall Rating: 13
Cost: 5
$600 to $3000 (depending on what courses you take)
Convenience: 4
Online
Comprehensiveness: 3
⧄ Spiritual and Theological Training (2 courses)
⧄ Musical Knowledge and Skills (1-2 courses)
🗹 Arts and Technology
🗹 Worship Leading Skills
🗹 Practical Ministry Skills
Completion: 1
None
Denomination: Non-Denominational
Website: worshipministryschool.com
Worship Ministry Training
Overall Rating: 13
Cost: 5
$45 per month or $475 one time payment
Convenience: 4
Online
Comprehensiveness: 2
10 courses and 30 hours (less time than one 3 credit college course)
⧄ Spiritual and Theological Training (1-2 courses)
⧄ Musical Knowledge and Skills (private lesson)
☐ Arts and Technology
⧄ Worship Leading Skills
🗹 Practical Ministry Skills
Completion: 2
Certificate of Completion
Denomination: Non-Denominational
Website: worshipministrytraining.com
Grand Canyon University
Overall Rating: 12
Cost: 1
$82,500 (not including housing, fees, books or scholarships)
Convenience: 1
Only available on campus in Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Comprehensiveness: 5
🗹 Spiritual and Theological Training
🗹 Musical Knowledge and Skills
🗹 Arts and Technology
🗹 Worship Leading Skills
🗹 Practical Ministry Skills
Completion: 5
Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts
Denomination: Baptist Heritage
Website: gcu.edu
Oral Roberts University
Overall Rating: 12
Cost: 1
$135,200 (not including housing, fees, books or scholarships)
Convenience: 1
In-person in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
Comprehensiveness: 5
🗹 Spiritual and Theological Training (1-2 courses)
🗹 Musical Knowledge and Skills (private lesson)
🗹 Arts and Technology
🗹 Worship Leading Skills
🗹 Practical Ministry Skills
Completion: 5
Bachelor of Science in Worship Leadership
Denomination: Non-Denominational
Website: oru.edu
Radiant School of Worship - Online
Overall Rating: 12
Cost: 5
$1,500
Convenience: 4
Online
Comprehensiveness: 2
⧄ Spiritual and Theological Training (1-2 courses)
⧄ Musical Knowledge and Skills
☐ Arts and Technology
⧄ Worship Leading Skills
⧄ Practical Ministry Skills
Completion: 1
Unknown
Denomination: Non-Denominational
Website: radiantschoolofworship.com/online
Belmont University
Overall Rating: 11
Cost: 1
$170,160 (not including housing, fees, books or scholarships)
Convenience: 1
In-Person in Nashville, Tennesee, USA
Comprehensiveness: 4
⧄ Spiritual and Theological Training (only 2 courses)
🗹 Musical Knowledge and Skills
🗹 Arts and Technology
🗹 Worship Leading Skills
🗹 Practical Ministry Skills
Completion: 5
Bachelor of Music in Church Music
Denomination: Non-denominational (Baptist Heritage)
Website: belmont.edu
Radiant School of Worship - In-Person
Overall Rating: 10
Cost: 5
$4,950 (not including housing) for 1 Year
Convenience: 1
In-Person in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Comprehensiveness: 3
⧄ Spiritual and Theological Training (1-2 courses)
⧄ Musical Knowledge and Skills (songwriting)
⧄ Arts and Technology
⧄ Worship Leading Skills
🗹 Practical Ministry Skills
Completion: 1
Unknown
Denomination: Non-Denominational
Website: radiantschoolofworship.com/onsite