Trevecca Nazarene University Hosts Worship Intensive to Help Church Leaders Enhance Congregational Worship

Nashville, Tenn. - More than 75 worship leaders from across the Southeast came together in January on the campus of Trevecca Nazarene University for a three-day worship intensive on 'How the Jesus Movement Changed the Way We Worship.'

The immersive on-campus experience was a one-of-a-kind opportunity for pastors and worship leaders to unite in training, discussions and learning. The Jesus Movement began in the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s among young people as they sought spiritual awakening and Christian renewal. Contemporary Christian music was one of the many impactful results of the movement.

Participants in the three-day seminar had the chance to hear from some of the country’s most dynamic worship influencers - including Michael W. Smith, Tommy Cooms, Phil Keaggy, Don Finto, Rob Reddman, Stephen Newby and Sherman Andrus - about how the Jesus Revolution impacted their careers and their faith. They were also able to take what has been learned from the Jesus Movement and use it to design and develop strategies for 2024 that will help enhance, expand and energize their congregation’s worship experience.

“It was an incredible time of learning and growth,” said Dr. Vernon Whaley, dean of Trevecca’s School of Music and Worship Arts. “It was a great blessing to have some of the biggest influencers in contemporary Christian music share their experiences and thoughts and offer practical and engaging worship theology during special periods of worship.”

The training event was hosted by Trevecca’s School of Music and Worship Arts, which uses intensives to help participants grow in the field of worship ministry. Trevecca also offers a Master of Arts in worship and leadership and a Master of Arts in African American worship studies. These programs are designed to provide students with the tools to answer a calling as an effective servant leader, and to fulfill their purpose as local church worship practitioners.

“Above all, our worship and leadership degree programs seek to glorify God,” said Dr. Sam Green, director of the Center for Worship at Trevecca. “We are here to train and prepare the next generation of church leaders for caring, compassionate and thoughtful service in ministry.”

Trevecca Nazarene University (www.trevecca.edu) is a Christian university in the heart of Nashville focused on preparing students for lives of leadership and service.  Founded in 1901, Trevecca is committed to holistic education that encourages students to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. With students from 44 states and 24 countries, Trevecca offers 17 associate degrees, 77 undergraduate majors, 19 master’s programs and 3 doctoral programs as well as specialist and certificate programs.