Degree Programs

During the last few decades the staff position of Worship Pastor, Director of Worship, or Worship Leader has become essential within the ministry teams of local congregations. In response, a flood of individuals have taken their places in service to the local church.

In recent years, a growing cry has come from local congregations for Worship Leaders who are deeper and wider, that is, for leaders who have a growing understanding of the church, a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ, and a fully deployed set of gifts. This cry has been accompanied by a growing awareness on the part of Worship Leaders for development in their understanding of worship, spiritual formation, and theological/biblical competencies.

The unique partnership that exists between 10,000 Fathers & Mothers and Northern Seminary responds to that cry. Together, we seek to develop deeper and wider worship leaders who realize the difference between great concerts and the great commission, a great show and a great shepherd, gigs and growth, tours and tears, commitment to fans and commitment to family. In the end, we hope to send graduates throughout the world who, as leaders of worship, shape the way the world worships. And we truly believe we are better together. Students’ time at 10KFAM counts towards Master’s level degree credits at Northern Seminary.

northern seminary

Northern’s Master of Arts in Worship degree is designed to enable students to:

Develop a thorough and critical understanding of Christian heritage (Bible, Theology, Church History, and Ethics)
Acquire an understanding of the social structures and cultural realities within which Christian institutions live and carry out their missions
Increase capacity for critical and constructive theological reflection regarding the content and practice of Christian worship

This is a 3-year seminary program if completed part time (15 of the required 54 credit hours are satisfied by your time at 10KFAM Worship School). Students can choose to begin in any quarter, and either complete the program fully online, or opt into a summer Intensive in Chicago for a one-week, in-person experience. Financial aid and scholarship inquiries are handled directly by Northern Seminary upon applying.

If you have not completed a Bachelor’s degree, Northern does have allowances to accept a small number of students each year based on their life/ministry experience (with required referrals) in order to jump straight into this Master’s level program. To apply, visit seminary.edu/apply. If you have questions about this program, contact either Greg Armstrong (garmstrong@seminary.edu) or Shanina Leaks (sleaks@seminary.edu).

The required core courses which make up the MAW degree at Northern Seminary are:

Pentateuch, Poetry, and Wisdom Books
Historical Books and the Prophets
Gospels and Acts
New Testament Letters and Revelation
History of Christianity Survey
Christian Theology I
Christian Theology II
Theology of Church & Culture