Year: 2021

The Arts in the Christian Reformed Church in North America

by

Strong congregational singing has long marked common worship in the Christian Reformed Church. Psalms only were sung in the Christian Reformed Church until 1934. Since then the Psalter Hymnal has included hymns from every period of history. Today, congregations are using a greater variety of song and instrumental accompaniment in services designed with flexible liturgical forms. And once-austere buildings and liturgy are now characterized by an increasing use of visual and decorative arts.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free

The Arts in Churches of Christ (Instrumental)

by

Independent Christian Churches and instrumental Churches of Christ have historically showed a hesitant attitude toward incorporating the arts in worship, believing evangelism to be more important than corporate worship. In recent years, some congregations have moved away from this position and now actively promote the development and use of dramatic and visual components in worship services. All congregations continue to be shaped by a century of singing both traditional hymns and gospel songs.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free

The Arts in Disciples of Christ Churches

by

Since they have always adhered to the principle of freedom in those things which were considered nonessentials, it may come as no surprise that diversity marks the worship practices of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Because music and the other arts are not essential elements of belief and because there is no extensive musical heritage, the denomination has always felt free to leave the development and implementation of worship practices to local leaders. Unlike the Church of Christ, the Disciples of Christ permits the use of the organ and other instruments in congregational worship.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free

The Arts in Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches

by

A. B. Simpson, the founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches, first articulated the need for a spirit of renewal in worship, and this approach has marked its practices ever since. While avoiding extremes, some congregations, such as the one described here have been open to new music, using guitars, synthesizers, and drums along with the organ, and regularly includes drama and banners as examples of the other arts.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free

The Arts in Charismatic Churches

by

With its roots in the Pentecostal movement, which had rejected most of the fine arts as worldly, the charismatic movement has only more recently begun to explore the full range of artistic activity in worship. Although the visual and literary arts largely await development, both dance and drama have found increasing acceptance in some charismatic circles. Most importantly, charismatics have become leaders within the Christian community in the creation of contemporary worship music.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free

The Arts in Plymouth Brethren Churches

by

Plymouth Brethren worship is characterized by a commitment to austerity and simplicity. Music in worship has traditionally been limited to unaccompanied hymn singing. Musical and artistic creativity is most prevalent in Open Brethren churches in worship services other than the breaking of bread service. In some cases, instrumental accompaniment, contemporary music, and dramatic presentations of portions of Scripture are now used.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free

The Arts in Independent and Evangelical Baptist Churches

by

Music in evangelical Baptist churches derives largely from interdenominational hymnals, but also calls on a wide variety of sources ranging from choruses and pop gospel to Anglican chant. Many Baptist churches are also making use of dramatic arts and the structure of the Christian year to enhance worship, as does the congregation described here.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free

The Arts in Assemblies of God Churches

by

Assemblies of God churches have always maintained a highly pragmatic approach in their use of music, always making use of a secularized and popular style of church music. In recent years this has extended to the inclusion of Christian music derived from rock music. They believe that matters of artistic style are secondary to moral purity or doctrine.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free