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Worship Center Dean Named
WINDSOR, CO (April, 1999) - Douglas Vetvick will begin duties July 1 as dean of The Worship Center, located on the campus of Covenant Bible College, according to Paul Lessard, executive director of Covenant Bible College and founder of The Worship Center.
Vetvick currently serves as pastor of worship and music at Newport Covenant Church in Belleview, Washington, where he has served three years. He served the Covenant church in Mount Vernon, north of Seattle, for 17 years prior to coming to Newport.
In his new role, Vetvick will split duties as dean of The Worship Center and as director of ministry arts for CBC-Midwest. During the summer months, he will work closely with Lessard preparing for the program's start on August 16.
The Worship Center began under Lessard's leadership in 1997 while Lessard was still associated with the CBC campus in Strathmore, Alberta. The program was temporarily suspended while Lessard directed the construction and opening of the second CBC campus in Windsor last fall.
The Worship Center program focuses on development of worship leaders, providing a mix of conceptual theories with practical application to help equip gifted individuals for the role of what Lessard calls "chief storyteller" in the congregation.
The real gift of the worship leader is "the ability to lead a congregation and draw people into worship and God's presence," Lessard said in describing the worship leader role. "It is about more than just being musical or possessing an ability to speak well," Lessard explained. Worship leaders must also have what he describes as a pastoral heart and the ability to weave together the elements of a worship service that lead individuals to focus on God, not on the skills of those leading.
Lessard's approach is unique in that it eschews the traditional higher education model in favor of a practical, hands-on apprenticeship approach. The program will begin August 16 with an intensive two-week preparatory session. The more formal program begins September, incorporating two basic components as part of the training: a weekly internship of approximately 15 hours with an established church under the mentorship of an established worship pastor, and approximately 10-15 hours per week of classroom instruction, both classroom and workshop. At the completion of the nine-month program, students will receive a certificate.
Enrollment for the first year is limited to a maximum of 10 students and applications are now being received. Tuition and fees of $5,000 include private lessons in vocal, piano or guitar. Applications may be directed to Lessard at Covenant Bible College, 675 Southwood Lane, Windsor, CO, 80550. Further information may be obtained by calling 970-686-6977.
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