Worship Ministry Training

At Pathways we recognise that worship is more than the form that it takes (eg. music, singing, communion, prayer, art, service etc). True worship is enabled through Christ and empowered by the Spirit. Additionally, we recognise that music has long been and still is the primary form by which most congregations worship together. Therefore we seek to train worship leaders in both the biblical foundations of what worship is, as well as practically equip them to lead worship through music, whilst incorporating other creative elements.

Pathways has a rich history of training and equipping worship ministry teams and leaders, most notably through the School of Worship Leading (SoWL) programme and SoWL Days. While the SoWL programme is no longer on offer, we still offer a variety of ways in which you can up-skill and be equipped for worship ministry.

What is SoWL Day?

SoWL Day is a full day of worship leading workshops presented by Pathways Bible College. These days typically run from 10am until 5pm, and are fully catered. SoWL Days provide training and inspiration for worship ministry teams and leaders with a focus on the Biblical, Practical and Spiritual aspects of worship and worship leading. Guest speakers and topics vary. To keep up-to-date on our 2024 offerings you can do the following:

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How to Register

To find out more about our next SoWL Day email info@pathways.ac.nz

What Short Courses are on offer?

Biblical Worship Course

We offer a Biblical Worship course every year worth 5 credits, as a part of our Level 5 Diploma Programme. This 2-day block course will help you understand the purpose and context of worship, including the role of music in Christian worship. We take a look at Biblical worship and how that translates into our church context today. The goal is to apply the lessons of history and look forward to how we can nurture worship in our church setting. Through this course, different approaches to leading and arranging music for worship will be discussed and applied.

Course dates for 2025 are 21st-22nd May, located at Pacific Park Christian Camp in Papamoa. Contact us at info@pathways.ac.nz to find out more.

Worship Leading Course

This course is designed for anyone involved in worship leading or a worship ministry team. You will receive training from worship leaders based all around Aotearoa in areas of leadership, musicianship, team building, technical, planning, confidence and spiritual development. This video course is available online at no cost, through Pathways College on Demand.

You can also purchase the Worship Workbook which was created alongside and to supplement this course, a compilation of passionate articles unpacking the role of a worship leader, each corresponding to the author’s video session. The Worship Workbook is available to purchase for $30 in our online shop.

“I was appointed the head of my church’s music ministry and had no idea what to do. Pathways has taught me the importance of leading myself before leading others as well as practical skills such as people leadership, service planning and working more effectively with my pastor and church family.”

– Nick McConnell, 2019 Pathways Graduate (School of Worship Leading, Level 5)

What can these courses lead to?

Short Courses in Worship Ministry Training can lead to a variety of outcomes, including personal and spiritual growth, practical equipping in a worship ministry team or leadership role, professional development of church staff members, and a deepening of one's biblical understanding of worship, and enriching the worshiping lives of the student and their faith community. These courses can also lead to further study, and with approval may also contribute towards the completion of Pathways' Level 5 Diploma in Christian Studies.