[Perspective] A beautifully answered prayer

“The worship studies degree has been, to me, a beautifully answered prayer.” 

Those words were spoken by senior Michael Pasman to the Ouachita Baptist University board of trustees at their March 2024 meeting.  

During the past four years, the number of worship studies majors has grown from fewer than 10 to more than 30. This is an encouraging trend for Arkansas Baptist churches given the growing need for worship ministry staff.  

The program’s growth reflects both Ouachita’s commitment to serve Arkansas Baptists and the support received by the university. The program prepares students in three primary ways. 

Ministry Training 

We believe nurturing students’ spiritual walk and biblical understanding is essential to effectiveness in serving the Church. Students are trained in voice, keyboard, and guitar – and they’ll take courses in Christian studies to biblically ground their approach to worship. 

Pasman, from Little Rock, underscored Ouachita’s ministry training commitment to trustees when he said:  

“Worship studies has prepared and equipped me to have a proper understanding and strong theology of what worship truly is; to understand that it goes far beyond music, and that it is an offering of our entire lives to our Lord.” 

Immersive Education 

We believe in immersing students in a comprehensive educational experience, which is why seven of their eight semesters require a practicum. This involves opportunities for rehearsing and leading with bands/praise teams and worship choirs under the expert teaching of professionals in the field. Students help lead worship during Ouachita’s weekly required Chapel service, for example, and participate in one of the Ouachita Worship groups that travel to churches.  

Reflecting on Ouachita’s commitment to immersive education, Pasman stated: 

“I am so privileged and blessed to be surrounded by such a strong group of believers and leaders. I have found so many mentors, accountability partners, teachers, and even people for me to disciple in my time with this degree.” 

Hands-On Experience 

We believe in the value of hands-on experience, which is why students complete a 150-hour internship in local churches that includes one-on-one leadership training with a mentor as well as a broad array of stylistically inclusive training opportunities to prepare them for service in a variety of ministry settings. 

Speaking to the commitment to hands-on experience, Pasman said: 

“I have been offered connections to great leaders in ministry to teach me along the way, and I have been blessed to be able to serve in and learn from churches in several different states, many different sizes, and lots of different styles of worship.” 

The worship studies growth and focus reflect Ouachita’s long-time commitment to serving churches and, more recently, the leadership of Larry Grayson. Larry returned to his alma mater in 2020 after serving 10 years on the staff of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention as music and worship consultant – and many more years as a full-time music minister.  

In concluding his remarks to Ouachita’s board of trustees about the worship studies degree, Pasman articulated: 

“In short, everything in my life, my sense of calling, my understanding of God and how to rightly worship Him, and my leadership ability in a spiritual and administrative context have grown in surreal ways since I have been a part of this program.”  

Indeed, that’s a “beautifully answered prayer” for Michael and other Ouachita students – and for Arkansas Baptists.