Section outline



    • Course Overview

      Welcome to Leading Worship: Building Confidence and Capacity as Lay Leaders. This course is designed to help you become a more confident and effective worship leader. It's designed for lay leaders who want to create a meaningful service that engages and connects with their congregation. Throughout the course, you'll gain practical advice, a theological foundation, and hands-on exercises that cover everything from selecting scripture and music to writing prayers. In the following video (4 min) John Borthwick, Director of Ministry Forum, further welcomes you to the course. 


      Learning Outcomes: 

      After completing this workshop participants will be able to
      1. Articulate their own context for ministry and the unique challenges and opportunities in that place.
      2. Outline the order of worship and how all the elements fit together, in relation to the reformed tradition.
      3. Reflect on strategies to lead with renewed energy and confidence and a greater awareness of the resources that are available.

      What to Expect:

      • There are 7 modules that make up this workshop. Each module will take approximately 30-60 minutes to complete. Module topics include: 
        • Introduction
        • Understanding Your Context for Worship Planning
        • What Is Worship?
        • An Overview of the Order of Worship
        • Choosing Scripture
        • Writing Prayers
        • Choosing Music
      • Each module include opportunities for you to reflect on new learnings and/or practice what you've learned in short ungraded practice activities.
      • Some modules also include discussion boards, where you can interact with others going through this program. 
      • A discussion forum will be available for you to introduce yourself to others taking the workshop before moving on to the 7 modules that make up this workshop. 

      About Ministry Forum

      Ministry Forum is a space where faith, community, and leadership converge. We are a vibrant and inclusive online platform hosted by Knox College, University of Toronto, dedicated to serving current and aspiring Christian ministry leaders. Our community is as diverse as the ministries we represent, encompassing students, alumni, pastors, psychotherapists, chaplains, and those passionate about spreading the Good News in whatever ministry context they find themselves.

      Our identity is rooted in the belief that ministry is not a solitary journey; it's a collective effort. We are a fellowship that values authenticity, fosters connections, and celebrates diversity. Here, you'll find a safe space to explore, share, and grow in your faith, leadership, and ministry.

      Our mission is to empower ministry leaders to thrive. We do this by curating valuable resources, facilitating thought-provoking discussions, and offering spaces to gather both online and in person. Through recommended reading, podcasts, the curation of lifelong learning opportunities, and much more, we hope to provide our community with a wealth of insights to enhance their ministry.

      We also believe in the power of personal connection. Our Director, John, would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your ministry context. With 25 years of ministry experience himself, he strives to be a good listener, a trusted advisor, and someone who values maintaining confidentiality. We also believe that Ministry Forum will thrive in the community that surrounds it - to that end, we need your suggestions, ideas, and expertise to shape our content and priorities.

      Contact John Borthwick, Director of the Centre for Lifelong Learning at Know College john.borthwick@utoronto.ca


      Need Help?

      If at anytime during your learning experience, you need help, please contact us at hello@ministryforum.ca

    • Meet Your Instructor: Rev. Dr. Sarah Travis

      Rev. Dr. Sarah Travis headshot.

      Sarah is the Associate Professor and the Ewart Chair in the Practice of Ministry and Faith Formation at Knox College. She is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and has served congregations in Guelph and Norval, Ontario. Her primary areas of research are preaching, worship, and the practice of ministry. From decolonizing worship practices to trauma-informed preaching, Sarah has published several books aimed at facilitating a conversation among Christians about topics that matter to the church today. 

      Contact Rev. Dr. Travis sarah.travis@utoronto.ca
    • Introduce Yourself Forum

      Please feel free to utilize this discussion forum to introduce yourself! Share:

      • Your name
      • Your church
      • What you hope to learn from this course
      • How you hope to use what you learn in the course in your congregational setting. 

      Instructions: To add your introduction, select the Introduce Yourself title link above and select the Add discussion topic button. You are encouraged to comment on at least two of the other introductions — get to know each other!


    • Q&A Forum

      Please feel free to utilize this discussion forum to ask any question you may have while navigating this learning experience. Someone from our team will get back to you. 

      Instructions: To add your question, select the title link above and select the Add discussion topic button.