Spiritual Formation Module 5: Music and Spiritual Formation

Music plays a prominent role in our lives. The songs that we attach ourselves to – or that get attached to us – reflect not just our personal preferences but our deepest experiences. The formative power of music is often understated.

As we explore music and spiritual formation, we are aware that music teaches us to listen first – to hear the melody of God who rejoices over us with song (Zeph 3:17). Through music-making, we resonate in harmony with God and his creation, and explore the rhythm that keeps us ‘in time’ with God. Worship practices (including music) are spiritually formative as we are encouraged to imitate before we improvise.

Steeped in the tradition of psalm-singing, Paul reminds the church (Col 3, Eph 5) that our music-making should reflect the fullness of God and our participation in his life. Being filled by the Holy Spirit and having the word of Christ dwell in us richly moves us toward musical participation that forms us as Christ-followers.

• Consider how the embodied practice of music-making shapes identity
• Explore diversity in music (families of congregational song) that reflect the depths of God’s love for us and our love for him
• Illustrate how musical worship (especially in relationship to the psalms) forms us as the body of Christ

Facilitator: Dr. Ken Michell, MTS., DWS.

Ken is on faculty at Tyndale University as a Lecturer, Music and Worship Arts. Alongside Applied courses in music theory, guitar instruction, songwriting and music ensemble, Ken teaches three courses in the Christian Ministry department on Christian Worship (Theology, History, and Contemporary Worship). Ken also serves as the Worship Director in his home church and works with Christian Conservatory of Music, Canada (a music examination system that incorporates worship repertoire). Ken and his wife, Nicole, live in Scarborough.

Cost

Each module is $135.00 plus administrative fees.

There is a 10% discount for full-time Tyndale students, alumni and staff. You will need to contact the Tyndale Spiritual Formation Centre to receive a discount code before registering online. Email [email protected] to receive a promo code.

Learning Format

We offer both in-person and online options for this module. Please select one of the attendance options at registration. We require a minimum of 8 students for the in-person option. If the minimum number is not met, the module will be hosted online only. The final details concerning the format will be communicated to you one week before the module.

The platform for the live streaming will be Zoom.

Refund Policy

Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of event date, will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 3-6 days before the event, we will offer you a credit for future TSFC events. Cancellation requests made within 24 hours of the event may not receive a refund nor a transfer. If TSFC cancels an event under circumstances that would make the event non-viable, registrants will be offered a full refund. When you register for an event, you agree to these terms.

Host or Publisher Tyndale Spiritual Formation Centre