Worship lies at the heart of the church’s life and ministry. From the earliest believers gathering in homes to the wide range of worship expressions today, the way Christians encounter God together has always been central to discipleship and mission.
This October, Horizon Seminary is offering a week-long seminary module course with Dr. Dale Dirksen that dives deep into the theology and practice of worship. Students will trace how Christian worship has developed over the past two millennia, exploring its theological foundations and engaging with today’s worship trends in light of historical and biblical perspectives.
Why take this course?
Worship isn’t just about music styles or Sunday routines—it’s about how the people of God respond to and encounter the triune God. This course will:
- Help students identify a biblical theology of worship.
- Equip ministers with competency for leading and participating in corporate worship that strengthens the church.
- Provide tools for discerning current worship practices in light of theology and history.
- Encourage both personal and corporate engagement with God as the subject and object of worship.
Whether you’re a seminary student, pastor, worship leader, or someone passionate about worship, this intensive course offers a rich opportunity to deepen your understanding and practice.
Theology of Worship Course
Dates: October 6-10, 2025
Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00 pm (CST)
Instructor: Dale B. H. Dirksen, DWS
Dr. Dale Dirksen brings over 28 years of ministry experience, including roles as a professor, worship pastor, youth pastor, camp administrator, and professional musician—which uniquely equips him to teach the theology and practice of worship. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music, Master’s degrees in Christian Education and Leadership, and a Doctorate in Worship Theology (D.W.S.), all of which demonstrate his deep theological and practical grounding in Christian worship.
Additionally, he has a graduate certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University and served as a faculty member at Briercrest College & Seminary from 1997 to 2009, teaching worship/theology, leadership, coaching, and church ministry—affirming his strong academic and pastoral formation.
Study Options:
- On campus in Saskatoon, Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00 pm (CST)
- Livestream classes from wherever you are.
- Video on Demand
- Audit – Attend class lectures without the requirement of completing course assignments (*conditions apply)
Course Delivery Options
On Campus Saskatoon
Livestream
Video on Demand
How to Join
For Credit
Current students can register for this course by contacting the Registrar’s office. If you are interested in taking this course but have not yet applied, please visit the Seminary Admissions page.
For Audit
Although this class is offered for credit, anyone over the age of 22 years old that is interested in learning is welcome to join as an auditor. Auditors can engage on campus or by livestream only. Space is limited!
Auditors do not complete the formal homework for the course and pay only a fraction of the fees ($100.00 audit fee for the entire course; some reading and preparation for the course is required). Contact the office to request the auditing application (info@horizon.edu).
