SEU Launching School of Worship

In the fall of 2017, Southeastern University (AG) in Lakeland, Florida, will launch a School of Worship. Southeastern is restructuring its oldest, largest, and fastest-growing academic college, the College of Christian Ministries and Religion (CCMR). This restructure will focus on reimagining the training process for pastors in the 21st century. The School of Worship will be the first of the changes in the CCMR, with the goal of equipping and inspiring the next generation of worship leaders in the local church.

“We believe in creating a school where an above-industry-standard level of excellence is combined with a heart for leading believers in authentic worship,” said David Cook, Southeastern’s worship pastor and an alumnus.

Cook and Dan Rivera, another Southeastern alumnus, are working together to create a cutting-edge worship training experience. The School of Worship will combine instrumental and vocal development academics with theological and ministerial courses to provide a fully accredited practical degree. The School will also focus on developing hands-on experience in worship leading, song writing and service producing. 

“Our ultimate goal is to develop students who have a deep love for the local church, who can inspire, encourage and equip future church congregations with authentic worship experiences,” said Rivera. 

Cook spent his post-graduate years as a worship pastor and songwriter at Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. Prior to returning to Southeastern, Rivera served as a worship pastor for National Community Church (NCC) in Washington D.C., under the pastoral leadership of best-selling author and national speaker Mark Batterson. He led worship services and wrote worship music for NCC’s eight campuses in the D.C. metro area. Rivera has also worked with Grammy and Dove Award-winning artists.

The School of Worship is scheduled to begin accepting applicants in the fall semester of 2017.

Michael Steiner