ORANGE PARK, Fla- In the October 2011 issue of Worship Leader Magazine, the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies (IWS) was featured as one of the top educational programs that influenced Christian worship in the past calendar year. Yearly, Worship Leader surveys worship leaders and media teams around the world, sifting through myriad suggestions from the leaders in worship and worship technology to come up with 7 groupings, 38 categories with 5 -15 items in each list.
Worship Leader’s eagerly awaited guide to the best of the best in the world of worship was released October 7, 2011 by subscription, at newsstands, and for downloadable purchase. The “Best of the Best” is a vital directory of everything from the best music resources to the ultimate software, visual and presentation technology, worship training, musical instruments, apps, sound and recording equipment, books and devotionals to the leading products in lighting, screens and projectors-from In-Ear monitors, to stage risers, room dividers to digital page turners and more.
This is the second year that the institute has earned a slot in Worship Leader’s “Best of the Best” directory of worship resources. The publication cited IWS as “the industry standard for excellence and theological foundation.”
IWS President James R. Hart commented, “The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies is honored to receive the Worship Leader Magazine 2011 Editor’s Pick designation. This award honors the hard work, dedication and impact of the students, alumni, faculty, board and staff of IWS, as well as Bob Webber’s rich legacy in worship education.”
The annual October collection of the top recommended worship essentials has become an indispensable tool for pastors, worship leaders, media teams, worship teams and the sound tech saving both time and money as they process and make key decisions about resource allocation. “With the abundance of worship-related products now available, knowing how to make the best choices for your church, based on size, budget and church orientation can leave those ‘in charge’ overwhelmed,” explains Jeremy Armstrong, Worship Leader’s managing editor. Detailing the issue’s history, he says, “It has evolved from a general buyer’s guide and bonus issue to one of the year’s central issues for Worship Leader and most back-ordered.” Daniele Kimes, VP of Sales and Marketing, adds, “It is always my goal to connect our readers with the resources and tools that best equip them to do their job and serve their congregation. The Best of the Best issue provides them with a comprehensive overview of those tools and has become an issue they continue to rely on to make key purchase decisions.”
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies offers the Doctor of Worship Studies and the Masters of Worship Studies degree programs, using a unique mix of in-class instruction on its Florida campus near Jacksonville and distance learning. More than 500 students from over 50 denominations in the U.S., Canada and 15 other countries have matriculated at IWS since its founding in 1999. IWS holds accredited status with the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education.