# Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies

The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies (IWS) is a multi-denominational graduate theological school (emphasizing worship theology) which employs a hybrid course delivery system combining intensive on-campus pedagogy and distance learning methods. The administrative offices, library, and classroom space for the on-campus intensives are provided by a church in Jacksonville, Florida.

## History

IWS was conceived of in the 1990s by worship theologian Robert E. Webber, who intended to provide doctoral-level theological training to Worship Leaders and Music Ministers, who often complete master's degrees in areas like music or theology, and thus lack the divinity credentials to enroll in Doctor of Ministry programs. The first student cohort began matriculating at what was then called simply "The Institute for Worship Studies" in June 1999 with a class of twenty Doctor of Worship Studies (D.W.S.) students. The Masters of Worship Studies (M.W.S.) program began in 2002. After Dr. Webber died in 2007, the board of trustees voted to rename the school in his honor, and it has been called "The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies" ever since. IWS has been cited in the "Best of the Best" issues of Worship Leader Magazine in the area of Worship Education and Training multiple times. Due to ongoing growth, the school relocated to the campus of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, in Jacksonville, FL.

## Academics
### Accreditation

The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies was granted accredited status by the Commission on Accreditation (COA) of the Association for Biblical Higher Education in 2010, having become a member of the same in 2005. Accredited status was reaffirmed by the ABHE COA in February 2015. IWS became an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools in June 2018, and achieved initial accreditation with the Commission for Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in 2020. In 2023, IWS withdrew from ABHE.

### Master of Worship Studies (M.W.S.)

The master's program consists of four core courses, three online courses, and the ministry internship, for a total of 36 credits.
* BIB 501(A): Biblical Survey (Online)
* BIB 501(B): Interpreting Scripture (Online)
* WR 501: Graduate Research and Writing (Online)
* MWS 501: A Biblical Theology of Worship
* MWS 502: The History of Christian Worship
* MWS 503: Spirituality in a Postmodern World
* MWS 504: Cross-cultural Perspectives in Christian Worship
* MWS 601: The Ministry Internship

### Doctor of Worship Studies (D.W.S.)

The doctoral program consists of four core courses, the Practicum, one online course, and the thesis course, for a total of 36 credits. The program is similar in rigor and philosophy to a Doctor of Ministry degree.
* WR 701: Graduate Research and Writing (Online)
* DWS 701: The Biblical Foundations and Historical Development of Christian Worship
* DWS 702: Sunday Worship: Music and the Arts
* DWS 703: The Church Year
* DWS 704: The Sacred Actions and Ministries of Worship
* DWS 702P-704P: The Practicum
* DWS 801: The Thesis Course

### Faculty

The IWS Faculty consists entirely of adjuncts who almost all teach (or have taught) full-time at other schools. Faculty members have held positions at such schools as Wheaton College (Illinois), Lincoln Christian Seminary, Northwestern College, College of the Ozarks, Cornerstone University, Indiana Wesleyan University, Messiah College, Reformed Theological Seminary, Alliance University (formerly Nyack College), Walla Walla University, and Furman University.
* Jeff Barker, M.F.A.
* Doris Borchert, D.Min. (Professor Emerita)
* Gerald Borchert, Ph.D. (Professor Emeritus)
* Constance M. Cherry, D.Min.
* Vaughn CroweTipton, Ph.D.
* Doug Curry, D.Min.
* Amy Davis-Abdallah, Ph.D.
* Dinelle Frankland, D.W.S.
* Andrew E. Hill, Ph.D.
* Jessica Jones, D.W.S.
* Lou Kaloger, D.W.S.
* Reggie Kidd, Ph.D.
* Melody Kuphal, D.W.S.
* Pedrito Maynard-Reid, Ph.D.
* Jennifer Nicholson, M.W.S., M.L.I.S. (in process)
* Carl Park, Ph.D.
* Alan Rathe, Ph.D.
* Daniel L. Sharp, D.M.A.
* Jack Van Marion, D.Min.
* Kent Walters, D.W.S.
* Gregory Wilde, D.W.S.

## Board of trustees

* Dr. Eric Bolger (Chair)
* The Rev. Dr. Walter Brown
* Dr. Kai Ton Chau (Sect'y/Treasurer)
* Dr. Laura Story Elvington
* Dr. James R. Hart (President)
* Dr. Wendy Layland
* Dr. John Lindsell (Vice Chair)
* Ms. Sarah Monaco
* Dr. Reuben A. Rubio II
* Ms. Joanne Webber (Trustee Emerita)
* Ms. Patricia Witt (Trustee Emerita)
* Mr. Don Moen (Trustee Emeritus)
* Dr. Luder Whitlock (Trustee Emeritus)