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 partnerships that exist between 10,000 Fathers & Mothers and both Northern Seminary and Visible Music College 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 both Bachelor’s and Master’s level degree credits at Visible and Master’s credit 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
Visible Music College
10KFAM Students and Alumni
Visible Music College offers both a Bachelor’s degree completion program and a Master of Arts in Worship, with your time at 10KFAM counting towards credit for both. For the undergraduate degree completion, Visible takes into consideration any on-the-job ministry experience you have, as well as any undergraduate coursework you may have already completed.
Your class requirements at Visible will be customized based on your particular experience and school history and determined by a free, one-on-one consultation with Brittany Janiszewski at brittany@visible.edu.
Visible’s Master of Arts in Worship is a 2-year, part-time program that can be completed either simultaneously with 10KFAM, or once you graduate. Visible is also offering scholarship opportunities for all 10KFAM students or alumni who wish to complete their undergraduate degrees. In addition, your time with Visible will be completed online, with no requirements to relocate or travel to one of its campuses.
Visible Students
Current Visible students in their 2nd or 3rd year of the program can opt to attend the 10KFAM Worship School onsite in Colorado Springs. Completing the 10KFAM intensives and huddle tracks will count for up to 12 credit hours at Visible, covering elective credits and a professional internship.
The immersive 10KFAM experience allows students to journey together with other worship leaders from around the world in our personal, family-like culture while receiving world-class coaching in small huddles from leaders serving as worship pastors in their communities.
Visible students should contact Brittany Janiszewski (brittany@visible.edu) to determine the best time to begin their 18-month journey with 10KFAM given the academic calendar at Visible.
