This is a new season for the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies (IWS). Over the past twenty-seven years, it has become recognized worldwide as a premiere graduate school dedicated exclusively to worship studies. IWS is among the many Christian seminaries and universities that have faced declining student enrollment and resources over an extended period of years. Challenges always lead to changes of some sort; either by overwhelming circumstances or unintentional neglect that move a ministry backward, or by an intentional focus upon its future leading it forward. Our Board of Trustees has prayerfully accepted to choose forward. 

An exciting relationship of mutual missional benefit has developed and solidified over the past fourteen months. The Institute for Worship Studies and Fuller Theological Seminary (FTS) have entered into partnership to expand upon and deepen the God-given priority of worship for believers in local churches through training effective worship leaders. These two respected, accredited institutions of higher learning share common purposes: Christian worship is the priority of local churches, is centered in the person and work of Jesus Christ, is relevant in its context while grounded in non-negotiable biblical principles, and is global in its mutual exchange of learning.

On June 30, 2026, IWS will close as an independent institution, having extended to Fuller the “active legacy” of Robert Webber and IWS. The Boards of Trustees of both institutions have adopted a “Transfer of Programs Agreement” to begin July 1, 2026. I use the term, “active legacy” because our agreement secures Fuller as a most trustworthy partner to advance the mission of IWS and the legacy of Bob Webber into the future. The unique IWS ancient-future approach to worship that is the inheritance IWS received from Bob Webber will not only be sustained, but advanced through the creative work, technological capabilities, and global reach of Fuller Seminary primarily through its curriculum but also through other means. The IWS footprint carries forward. Thanks be to God!

Faithful. Forward.

Constance Cherry
IWS President

The IWS website is being deconstructed little by little. Much of the information on it is no longer pertinent and is being removed. The website will be closed on or before June 30, 2026. Current students and graduates were previously informed.