Emphasis in Worship Leadership
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary's Emphasis in Worship Leadership is designed to deepen student formation while expanding access to a rich diversity of worship practices and leadership training. This program can be combined with any of the Seminary's master's-level degree programs. It is open to all master's students who have completed at least one semester and are in good academic standing.
Emphasis in Worship Leadership Overview
Worship is one of the essential elements of a PTS education. Through communal worship, students learn to lead with agility and grace, responding to the diversity of the body of Christ. Students are invited to engage, experiment, reflect, and rest in the presence of God—all within a worshiping community that sees theological study as a form of devotion.
The Emphasis in Worship Leadership offers students mentorship in the liturgical, ecclesial, theological, and pastoral dimensions of worship. Students will gain hands-on experience while developing a thoughtful and practical approach to worship in today's ever-changing church contexts, including virtual worship, non-denominational leadership, and a variety of worship traditions.
About the Emphasis in Worship Leadership Requirements
To complete the Emphasis, students must fulfill the following over at least three semesters:
PTS Worship Planning Team
- Participate in bi-weekly planning meetings for the PTS Worship Program.
Service Leadership and Reflection
- Collaboratively plan and lead two worship services per semester. Each service is framed by a preparatory planning meeting and a follow-up reflection meeting.
Worship Workshops
- Attend at least two Worship Workshops per semester. Topics include:
- The Lord’s Supper and Communion
- Baptism
- Weddings and Memorial Services
- Online Worship and Virtual Church
- Liturgical Year Planning
- Speech Practicum
- Crafting Liturgical Language
- Intercessory Prayer
- Congregational Song
External Learning Opportunity
- Participate in at least one Seminary-sponsored worship-related event (e.g., Calvin Institute Symposium on Worship, Festival of Homiletics, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Presbyterian Association of Musicians Worship and Music Conference, Hampton University Ministers Conference).
Mentorship and Leadership
Students will be mentored by Seminary faculty and staff, including the Director of the Worship Program. They will receive pastoral and theological guidance while developing leadership skills for real ministry contexts.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Emphasis, students will:
- Be able to name ways in which participation in short- and long-term worship planning contributed to their ongoing formation and preparation for ministry;
- Show evidence of growing capacities in worship leadership, such as in reading Scripture, public prayer, proclamation, or directing congregational song;
- Be able to identify and describe worship practices from at least three liturgical traditions different from their own, and reflect on their theological commitments, practical implementation, and contextual expressions;
- Be able to narrate places of integration between experiences within the Worship Program and insights gained and formation received from their degree bearing programs.
Who Should Consider the Emphasis in Worship Leadership?
This emphasis is ideal for:
- Students seeking deeper spiritual formation
- Leaders preparing for worship roles in a diversity of denominational settings
- Students desiring practical experience and theological reflection in worship
LEARN MORE ABOUT PITTSBURGH SEMINARY’S Emphasis in Worship Leadership
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary's Worship Leadership Emphasis equips master's-level students with hands-on experience, theological reflection, and mentorship in diverse worship practices, preparing them for effective and agile worship leadership in today’s varied ministry contexts. Students interested in the emphasis must complete the Seminary’s standard master’s application process. We’re always happy to answer your questions! Reach out at
