NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Integrating worship and the arts will be the focus of a one-day workshop led by Christian composer Ragan Courtney in November.
The event, sponsored by the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in Falls Church, Va., is set for Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at First Baptist Church in Newport News, Va., one of Leland’s satellite locations.
A concert by Courtney’s wife, Christian music artist Cynthia Clawson, will follow that evening at 7. The ticketed event will benefit the Leland School of Ministry, which offers the center’s undergraduate and non-traditional degree programs.
Ragan Courtney
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Cynthia Clawson
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In his workshop, Courtney, a widely-known composer of musicals, including Celebrate Life, will discuss the history of worship practices and current and future trends in worship. He also will offer creative and practical advice on ways to enrich worship through the visual and performing arts.
Courtney and Clawson are co-pastors of The Sanctuary, a Baptist congregation in Austin, Texas. Courtney, who describes authentic worship as “stimulating, provocative and inspiring,” leads workshops on creative worship around the country.
Following graduation from the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City and a brief time on Broadway, Courtney composed Celebrate Life, as well as Bright New Wings, A Christmas Spectacular and five books of poetry. He also has taught at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and has been director of the Center for Christianity and the Arts at Houston Baptist University. He became pastor of The Sanctuary in 1999.
Clawson, a Grammy award winning recording artist, designs worship services using theatrical arts and musical expression. In her concert, she will be accompanied by Bruce Greer, who received a Dove Award for Musical of the Year for Mary, Did You Know?
Cost of the workshop is $20 and for the concert, $25. Tickets for both may be purchased at a discounted price of $35. Group discounts also are available. Reservations may be made at (757) 930-3150 or at [email protected]. Lunch with Courtney also can be reserved for an additional $5.
First Baptist Church is located at 12716 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News.
Lisa Mason is a member of First Baptist Church in Newport News.