What is a worship apprentice?
A worship apprentice is a student who has gifts for and an interest in any combination of:
- engaging in prayerful planning and preparation for worship
- playing or singing in a worship musical group
- exploring liturgical leadership
- making use of drama in worship
- invigorating worship through the visual arts or dance
- supporting worship through technology
- showing hospitality
- working with teams and administering worship related projects
Worship Apprentices will have opportunities to plan, lead, and take part in Chapel, LOFT and more. Ten apprentices will work as a team, supporting and encouraging each other. Each apprentice will be assigned a particular ministry area and a particular mentor with whom to work and develop his/her gifts in worship.
Who may apply to be a Worship Apprentice?
Anyone wishing to develop or explore his or her leadership gifts and interests within the worship context of worship may apply. Applications are due February 20, 2008, and selections will be made before Spring Break.
What time commitment is needed?
1. Worship apprentices must arrive two weeks before school starts for mandatory on-campus training. The training will be equal parts learning, working, and team building. It will include at least the following:
- Introduction to Reformed Worship
- Practice in worship leading skills
- Group dynamics and team-building
In addition, there will be other opportunities for ongoing training throughout the year.
2. Each Worship Apprentice will be assigned to a mentor and will commit to completing specific tasks each semester. These tasks will vary according to your particular ministry assignment and mentor relationship. During the semester the time commitment will be something more than ten hours a week, and will include at least the following:
- basic office work (photocopying, music, filing, e-mail, etc.)
- weekly worship planning, including leading, planning meetings
- attendance at various worship services across campus
- constant, prayerful evaluation
- team building (recruiting, training, and spiritual leadership)
- meetings -- at least 3/week
- Worship Apprentices will be required to remain on campus for both semesters, interim, and interim break, as well as attend and assist at the Calvin Worship Symposium, held each January.
How long will apprentices serve?
Worship Apprentices will be selected to serve for one semester, with the expectation, given a positive apprentice-mentor evaluation, that they will continue for additional semesters.
Is there compensation involved?
Apprentices will receive a stipend of $2,400 per year or $1,200 per semester. This should free apprentices from pursuing other work during the semester.
What are the significant dates for apprentices to keep in mind?
- Application and Recommendation deadline: The February prior to the Fall semester you want to serve. [February 20, 2008]
- Interviews: Late February - early March
- Select apprentices: Prior to Spring Break
- Year-end gatherings: May
- Training: Two weeks, late August/Early September before Fall Semester
- Calvin Symposium on Worship: late January
How do I apply?
Application Form
You'll also find worship apprentice applications in the offices of Student Development ( 616-526-6165), Christian Formation ( 616-526-8695), or with Paul Ryan( 616-526-7505) or Cindy de Jong ( 616-526-8586), both of whom have offices in the Chapel Undercroft.
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