FAQ
GENERAL
The ORU Worship Center exists to see students lives transformed through worship. How we do that is through providing different opportunities for students to encounter the Lord through corporate worship and prayer. From there, commissioning them to take the power of those encounters to different communities and nations. This is something that we live and breathe & we want as many people as possible to join us in that endeavor.
WHO CAN BE INVOLVED?
We invite all ORU students of any major that have a heart for worship and prayer to get involved in the various areas of our department. Our vision is to transform lives through prayer & worship. Our mission is to empower students to hear the voice of God by going into every man's world through worship and prayer. Although we do not base one's involvement in the department solely on musical proficiency or experience, a certain level of skill is necessary to ensure we are investing in and empowering the members of the department in the most intentional way.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WORSHIP CENTER & THE WORSHIP ARTS DEGREE?
The Worship Center is separate from the College of Music's Worship Arts degree. Acceptance into either of these programs does not imply automatic entry into the other. You do not need to be a Worship Arts Major in order to be involved in the Worship Center.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
Auditions are held at the beginning of both the fall and spring semester. During fall auditions your interest can be expressed in Prayer Movement, Music Missions, Souls A'Fire and Team Night participation. These auditions happen during the first week of classes. Later in the fall semester applications for music missions leadership will be made available at Team Night.
In the spring semester, there will be another opportunity to get involved in the department, including potential opportunities for worship room team placement. Near the end of the Spring semester, we will hold auditions for Souls a' Fire front line and ORU Live. Also, applications to serve on staff for the department will become available during this time.
Be sure to look at the specific sections of our department for more information.
Fall Semester Auditions
General Department Admission
Souls A' Fire
Prayer Movement
Music Missions
ORU LIVE
Fall Semester Applications
Music Missions Leadership
Prayer Movement Leadership
Spring Semester Auditions
General Department Admission
Souls A' Fire
Prayer Movement
End of Spring Semester Auditions
ORU Live
Souls A' Fire Frontline
End of Spring Semester Applications
Worship Center Staff
WHO HAS TO AUDITION?
Every year we ask all members of the Worship Center to audition again for two reasons: to gauge your improvement and to express your re-involvement in the department. We also invite new members to express their interest in the department through auditions.
WHO HAS TO PAY FOR AUDITIONS?
If this is your first time auditioning, we have a $5 audition fee. This is only required once; at your very first department audition.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY AUDITION?
Most importantly... don't stress! The audition will not be a high pressure environment.
First, find a song that will showcase your skill and that you feel confident about. For singers, find a song that showcases your range and your tone. For musicians, choose a song that showcases your abilities. Next, know the lyrics and chords to your song. Preparation is key! Lastly, express your interest in the various areas of our department during your audition. We want to know what you are passionate about and what about Worship Center excites you. Don't know what all we have to offer? Check out our Programs page.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY AUDITION?
First timers, remember to bring your $5 to your audition.
Singers, we have a microphone ready for you. All you need to bring is yourself.
Drummers, a drum set will be available for you to use! Remember your drumsticks.
Bass and guitar players, please bring your instrument. We will have an amp available for you to use.
If you are auditioning on any other instrument, please bring it with you.
HOW DO VIDEO AUDITIONS WORK?
If you are a returning student you will have the option to submit a video audition via our website rather than having to audition again in person.
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF THE WORSHIP CENTER STUDENT STAFF?
Staff applications for the upcoming academic year will be announced at a Team Night during the Spring semester. Things around our office work pretty quickly, so be sure you are paying attention at the Spring Team Nights!
Prerequisites: Must be a current ORU student with at least one academic year's experience in the Worship Center. Prior involvement in programs such as Prayer Movement, Music Missions and/or Chapel Choir are a must. Additionally, consistent attendance at Team Night plays a huge role in influencing our decisions.
PROGRAMS
PRAYER MOVEMENT
Prayer Movement is a student lead collective that corporately seeks the heart of Jesus through prayer and worship. Each set consists of a prayer team and worship team who on a weekly basis come together to engage the heart of the Lord. Prayer teams are assembled each semester. Worship teams are also assembled each semester and members are placed after an audition. Once formed, these teams are given access to rehearsal spaces and gain experience in leading worship amongst the ORU community. Prayer and Worship teams come together to receive training at Team Nights that are hosted frequently throughout each semester.
WHAT TIME ARE PRAYER SETS?
Monday: 4:00 PM-5:30 PM, 9:00 PM - Midnight
Tuesday - Friday 4:00 PM - Midnight
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
HOW CAN I KNOW WHO LEADS WHICH SET?
You can access the detailed schedule at pmschedule.oruworshipcenter.com
HOW CAN I BECOME A PRAYER LEADER?
Applications for Prayer Movement leadership are usually taken at the beginning of the fall semester. Come to our Open Team Night or Immersed to sign up, or email us at worship@oru.edu.
ORU LIVE
From weekly chapel services, album recordings and conferences to other special events around the globe, ORU LIVE captures the songs, creativity and passion of ORU. Led by Kristen Thomas, this dynamic worship team exists to bring a genuine heart of worship coupled with musical and creative excellence to any environment.
HOW CAN I BE A PART OF ORU LIVE?
The heart of our department is to empower and equip those who are faithfully pursuing the calling of God for their life. ORU Live is an extension of that vision and an opportunity to serve the student body. Every Spring semester, auditions are held for ORU Live positions for the next year. Members are not only selected on the basis of talent, but also on how well they represent the department and university through everything they do: their character expressed through academics, relationships and their personal pursuit of God.
MUSIC MISSIONS
In our summer missions program, students have the opportunity to serve in other nations through leading worship, teaching workshops, evangelism, and practical ministry projects. Past teams have served in locations like India, Dubai, Brazil, Zimbabwe, South Korea, Dominican Republic, and Russia. Teams are assembled in the fall semester after department auditions. Teams fundraise throughout the year and often lead worship in local churches to gain experience and support. They also receive practical training and team-building experience every week at Team Night. Trips are typically three or four weeks long.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE A LEADER?
To become a Music Missions leader you must have a previous ORU Missions Experience, through either Music Missions or ORU Missions.If you meet the Criterion, pick up an application and turn it in at our office.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A TRIP?
Music Missions combines both practical and musical ministry for the sake of the gospel internationally. We are sending students out first and foremost as missionaries, and secondly, as musicians. You can expect to see the heart of God manifested in you towards people that are different than you and see how he grips your heart to join with His as you serve them every day for the length of the trip. In addition to leading worship our teams visit schools, churches, parks, and cultural centers, support the contacts in their evangelizing efforts through music , lead extended worship in the prayer room setting, and other various ways to serve the contact.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
There is no one size fits all answer since all of the locations for our trips are so different, but general things include instruments (for bassists and guitarists) and personal items. Keys and drums will more than likely be available in the host country, however.
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Music Missions trip locations vary every year do to changes in the needs of the hosts. Some places we have gone to in the past include: Brazil, India, Russia, The United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe, and the Dominican Republic.
HOW LONG ARE THE TRIPS AND WHEN ARE THEY?
Our trips generally range from 2 weeks to a month, but most of our trips are 4 weeks. Training for our trips (ROPES week) happens the Sunday after graduation and last one week, then teams will leave probably a day after training ends.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE TRIP?
The cost for the trip will be around $3,600, this includes training, airfare, and all living expenses.
I'M A BROKE COLLEGE STUDENT, HOW CAN I RAISE FUNDS FOR MY TRIP?
God is the God of all money and he is faithful to supply every need according to his riches in glory. (Phil 4:19)
The one who is called is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thes. 5:24)
Above everything else, we must factor in the goodness and faithfulness of God. Under that fundamental reality, as stewards there are definitely things we can do. Pray and be creative and you will be surprised at how the finances come in. Ask God for strategy too! What gifts do you have that can help you raise the funds? Some examples: get a job and save, play at weddings or events for offerings, talk to your church and see if they can support you or give you opportunities to raise funds. Talk to your family and friends, Make t-shirts with your team, babysit, etc.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous and I will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
HOW MUCH HAVE I RAISED SO FAR?
Weekly updates of your funds are sent to your team leaders, so they can keep you posted and you can keep your family posted.
CHAPEL CHOIR
WHAT DO I WEAR FOR CHOIR?
Choir is an awesome opportunity to lead the student body and viewers online in genuine worship through example. This is not only achieved through joyful celebration and deep engagement with what God is doing in the room, but through the small things as well. Therefore, bring your smile with you! Second of all, look your best by abiding with the
ORU dress code (you are after all, representing the student body on stage and online) and showing honor through your attire. Some practical notes: no sheer fabric, no messy t-shirts with big logos, no shorts, nothing reminiscing of "I just got out of HPE" and if you have a doubt about it being too short, it probably is (especially when you are 5 feet above everyone else).
final thoughts: modest is hottest and looking sharp is never dull.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO WHEN I'M SCHEDULED FOR CHOIR?
Go to lowers at 10:50 am for prayer and sing your heart out on stage! Smile and have fun and don't forget to tell your mom to see you online.
EVENTS
WHAT ARE THE UPCOMING EVENTS?
Head over to our Events page to keep up with what's happening!
CHAPEL
Chapel is a time for the ORU community to engage in passionate worship and hear from dynamic speakers, such as President Wilson, Brian Houston, Lou Engle, and Christine Caine. Join us online or every Wednesday and Friday at 11am in Christ's Chapel.
WHO GETS TO PLAY FOR CHAPEL?
ORU Live is the primary worship band for Chapel Services. For more info, check out the ORU Live section of this page. For Specials, they may be guests to the university or different members of the study body selected by the Chapel Creative Staff.
WHERE CAN I WATCH CHAPEL ONLINE?
Go to oru.edu/chapel and you can watch them live or find previous chapels on archive.
CAMPUS WORSHIP
Every month, ORU Worship Center hosts a night of worship for the ORU students, alumni, and friends. Featuring different teams from the Worship Center, Campus Worship is a time to seek God corporately through music and creative elements.
HOW CAN I HELP OUT FOR CAMPUS WORSHIP?
Go to vip.oruworshipcenter.com and express you interest in being a part of our volunteer team, or simply come half an hour before the event and we will definitely plug you in! We always need greeters, set up staff and people to help us spread the word.
WHO GETS TO PLAY FOR CAMPUS WORSHIP?
The bands for Campus Worship consists of either members of ORU Live or members of the department actively serving in our Music Missions, Souls A' Fire or Prayer Movement Programs.
TEAM NIGHT
Every month, ORU Worship Center hosts a night of worship for the ORU students, alumni, and friends. Featuring different teams from the Worship Center, Campus Worship is a time to seek God corporately through music and creative elements.
I WAS LATE TO TEAM NIGHT, CAN I STILL SIGN IN?
Attendance for Team Night ends at 7:10PM, after that you will be counted absent.
WHO CAN COME TO TEAM NIGHT?
Team Night is open to the public and required for participants in the Worship Center; this includes ORU Live, Music Missions, Prayer Movement, Souls A' Fire, etc.
WHAT DO I BRING TO TEAM NIGHT?
We recommend you bring a notebook so you can better remember the valuable nuggets of wisdom from each session, but your presence is the only thing required. If we ever have a session that will require you to have your instrument, we will tell you in advance.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
ADMIN EXCUSES
WHO CAN GET AN ADMIN EXCUSE?
If class was missed for an important department reason that has been authorized by our directors, an admin excuse may be requested. Some valid examples: chapel special soundcheck, campus worship soundcheck, van training, etc.
HOW DO I GET AN ADMIN EXCUSE?
Email as soon as you know that class will be missed including the reason for the absence, date and time of the event, full name and class missed. we will then notify you when the excuse is ready for you to pick up, and we will also send you a scan you can print out if you prefer that.
PLANNING CENTER
I AM NOT GETTING PLANNING CENTER EMAILS, WHAT CAN I DO?
Email with your correct email, name and phone number and we will fix that for you.
HOW DO I LOG INTO PLANNING CENTER FOR THE FIRST TIME?
You will receive a welcome email through planning center from our department. click on the link "set password" and create your profile. That will be your log in information. To sign in after that, go to: planningcenteronline.com and use the email you gave us as your username and the password you created.
HOW DO I GET CHORD CHARTS FROM PLANNING CENTER?
Open planningcenteronline.com and select the second option in the top menu that says "songs." On the left there is a search bar where you can type in the song title in to find what you are looking for. Under the sing title you will find a pdf and audio file, plus the song information.
WHEN AM I SCHEDULED?
You will receive an email from planning center that tells you the date you are scheduled. to access the plan and find the songs, log in to planning center or click on the "see plan" link on the email.
HOW CAN I SERVE ON THE MEDIA OR THE BEHIND THE SCENES SIDE OF THE WORSHIP CENTER?
Go to vip.oruworshipcenter.com and leave your information so we can get you plugged in!
LOWERS AND EQUIPMENT
WHAT IS LOWERS?
Lowers is the name of the Worship Center practice space located out the double doors on the stage left side of the chapel stage.
WHO CAN USE LOWERS?
Music Missions, Prayer Movement, Campus Worship, Souls A' Fire, Team Night, and ORU Live teams can all rehearse in Lowers. Any other event or activity that is not specifically under the department cannot use it. Examples: Battle of the Bands, personal practice time, etc.
HOW DO I RESERVE LOWERS?
Email lowers@oruworshipcenter.com with the specific time you would like to reserve and we will get back to you!
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS AVAILABLE FOR ME TO USE?
Both lowers and the prayer tower auditorium have the equipment necessary for our different programs. That equipment must remain there at all time and used only by members of the department who are authorized to do so. Ex: if you rehearse in lowers, you must be trained before you use the soundboard, etc. In general, we do not lend our equipment unless it is directly requested by the university or authorized by our directors.
CAN I BORROW EQUIPMENT FOR AN EVENT?
Unfortunately, we do not allow students to use our equipment unless it is specifically for a Worship Center event. If you are in need of equipment or instruments, we suggest yelling down your dorm hallway. We can almost guarantee someone on your floor has a guitar or djembe you can use.
MERCH
HOW CAN I BUY A T-SHIRT OR CD?
The best way to buy our merch is by coming to campus worship and stopping by our merch booth. We take both cash and card. You can also email us at worship@oru.edu to buy one!
DO YOU SELL MERCH ONLINE?
We currently sell CDs online on our Resources page. If you would like a t-shirt, email us at worship@oru.edu to buy one!
BOOKING
HOW DO I GET A WORSHIP CENTER TEAM TO MY CHURCH/EVENT?
To book a Worship Center team, go to the Booking tab and fill out the contact form requesting a team and we will get back to you! You can select the type of team you want so we can better address your needs! Ex: Music Missions, Souls A' Fire, ORU Live.
HOW DO I GET WORSHIP CENTER STUDENTS INVOLVED AT MY CHURCH?
If you are looking for Worship Center students to get involved at your church, we do our best to point both churches and students to the ORU Hiring website. You can set up a free account as an "employer" and post your position there. You can post both paid and volunteer positions from the site. Click here to be directed to the site.
DIDN'T ANSWER YOUR QUESTION?
We would love to answer whatever questions you may have. You can send us those at