CCU Names Charles Denler Director of Worship Arts
With 12 years of experience as a worship pastor, it makes sense that Colorado Christian University’s Professor Charles Denler would step into the role of director of Worship Arts. Excited for the new role, Denler doesn’t take this responsibility lightly.
“Worshipping God is the central focus of who we are as Christians,” said Denler. “Worship is not just about Sunday morning, it’s a lifestyle, and ultimately preparation for eternity.”
Denler is an Emmy award-winning composer with nearly 200 film and television scores to his credit. His winning fusion of classical and modern composition can be heard all over the world. He began his career as a worship pastor and music director, and first joined CCU as the School of Music's coordinator of composition and instructor of music in August 2014.
“The need for worship leaders and music directors is rapidly growing,” shares Denler. From Professor Denler’s experience, CCU’s School of Music consistently receives requests from local churches for trained worship leaders.
Graduates from the Worship Arts degree program often use their training to work within the church, but some go one to lead from the concert stage and also in the secular market.
As Denler explained, “A worship leader has a pastoral responsibility to gently lead God’s people into deep and meaningful worship. It’s not a stepping stone to another career, it is a sacred calling before God’s throne.” As he sees it, it doesn’t matter where people share their gifts, because “all are called to minister His presence.”
CCU’s Worship Arts program has also undergone some changes in the core requirements. Students will now be required to take two additional levels of music production and engineering. These changes will equip worship directors and pastors to both understand and be able to train in these technical areas.
Denler has composed for numerous documentaries, film and television programs, and promotional work, including music for: The United States Marines, The History Channel, Animal Planet, Honda, Coca Cola, Oprah, Dateline, PBS, NBC, NASA, and the new theme for The Colorado Rockies.
Charles' music can be found on Amazon, iTunes, and charlesdenler.com.