Curriculum development for worship in the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

Abstract

A misunderstanding or ignorance of the concept of worship resulting in a misuse of the word worship has necessitated clarification within the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC), an evangelical church denomination. Leaders of PAOC churches, colleges and the denomination have for the most part, received their ministerial training at PAOC theological colleges. In order for PAOC people (i.e. congregants and leaders) to correctly understand and practice biblical worship, those leading the denomination, colleges and churches require accurate teaching on the concept. Curriculum development (revision) within PAOC theological colleges may be necessary for this to take place. This thesis, therefore, studies the worship curriculum and instruction within PAOC theological colleges and clarifies the concept of Christian worship.

The PAOC denomination, colleges and churches base their doctrine and practice on the principles of the Holy Bible. Therefore, laying a biblical-theological foundation when defining and teaching Christian worship is essential. If instruction in biblical worship is inadequate and/or optional in PAOC theological colleges, the accurate understanding and practice of worship by PAOC leaders and, in turn, congregants, is diminished. The vast majority of a sampling of PAOC theological college graduates and PAOC leaders believe that all students at PAOC theological colleges should be required to receive instruction in biblical worship.

Since the biblical definition of worship relates more to Christians living all of life for God (or spiritual formation) than just to corporate gatherings within the church, it is recommended that worship instruction with this emphasis be required for all students at PAOC theological colleges. This instruction should take place within the biblical, theological and practical theology departments rather than the church ministry or music departments. However, since the purpose for the corporate gathering is to teach and foster whole-life worship, teaching on corporate worship should not be ignored. In order to assist church leaders in offering biblical teaching on worship to their congregations, accurate and thorough instruction at PAOC theological colleges is necessary. Included in this thesis are lesson outlines for whole-life worship instruction within spiritual formation courses or groups, and worship theology instruction within systematic theology or doctrinal courses.