VWC's Center for Sacred Music collaborates with Wesley Theological Seminary to offer a graduate level Church Music Certificate. Offered as part of the Seminary's "Equipping Lay Ministry Certificate Program," students may register through Wesley for classes held at Virginia Wesleyan or at the Seminary's Washington, D.C. campus.
Certificate courses
Music as Ministry
- An examination of the meaning and practice of music as a specilaized ministry.
Specialized Music Skill Development
- The practice of special skills needed in music ministry such as choral conducting, service playing, accompaniment, choral arranging, and personal growth.
Biblical Foundations for Ministry
- A survey of the Bible lifing up themes for leadership and the practice of ministry.
Theology for the Practice of Ministry
- The theology of the priesthood of all believers, which is foundational for lay ministry.
Spiritual Formation in the Christian Tradition
- An exploration of how Christians are formed, and preparation for spiritual leadership in the church.
Students in the General Board of Higher Education in Ministry (GBHEM) Certificate program should substitute United Methodist Studies in lieu of Spiritual Formation. It provides an overview of the history, doctrine and polity of the UM church, examining the life and thought of John Wesley, early English Methodism, and American Methodism to the present. Attention is given to the meaning of discipleship in the Wesleyan tradition, the beliefs and practices of The United Methodist Church, and the development of United Methodist polity.
Elective
- The Sacred Music Summer Conference at Virginia Wesleyan College (last week of July each summer) meets the requirement of Specialized Music Skill Development.
Students may elect to receive two hours of academic credit for each course through Wesley Seminary. Receipt of academic credit requires admission to Wesley Theological Seminary, or acceptance into a United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) certification program. Students may also take courses on a non-credit basis without admission. Wesley Theological Seminary certificates are awarded to both credit and non-credit students. GBHEM certification candidates must take all courses for credit.
For More Information on Program or Fees
http://www.wesleysem.edu/academics/id.16/detail.asp
Phone: 202.885.8720 (Sula Tyler, department assistant)
Program Director for Wesley: Dr. Susan Willhauck
E-mail: SWillhauck@wesleysem.edu
For Information on the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education program & scholarship opportunities
Director of the Office of Ministerial Services (VA Conference): Beth Downs
Phone: (804) 521-1100. x.127
E-mail: bethdowns@vaumc.org