In the churches of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, the transmission of theology rests heavily upon the sermon and the songs which support it. Worship services feature both European-American and African-American music. More progressive congregations use a wide variety of musical instruments, a popular style of music, and even dance and drama. New publications offer a wide variety of traditional music and folk songs.
A renewed interest in psalmody, one of the foundations of Presbyterian worship, and a new hymnal that includes the best of the past as well as appropriate ethnic materials mark contemporary services in the Presbyterian Church USA. Although Presbyterians have been cautious in introducing the visual and dramatic arts, given their historically conservative use of representational art, there is now widespread use of the visual arts and increasing use of dance and drama in worship.
Worship in the Presbyterian Church of America is marked by an accent on what are regarded as timeless principles first articulated in the earliest years of the denomination. These principles, however, are most often seen as reflecting the need for maintaining doctrinal standards rather than dictating a need for only traditional artistic expression. Thus, while psalm-singing is fostered and traditional hymns are heard, there is, especially in newer congregations, an acceptance of less formal orders of worship and newer musical styles. Most churches observe the passing liturgical year only minimally, and the use of the visual arts is sparing but on the increase.
Churches of the National Baptist Convention of the USA make extensive use of traditional black music such as spirituals and hymns as well as contemporary music that features modern harmonies and rhythms. The perceived secularity of some varieties of contemporary music presents one challenge to member churches. The dramatic and visual arts are also significant to member churches.
While music has always been among the most important elements in black Baptist churches, there has been little uniformity in practice, largely because local congregations depended mostly on pastoral leadership and lacked professional directors of music. Recent years have seen the introduction of instruments other than the piano and organ and the prevalence of popular music styles. There is a new emphasis on the other arts as well, as reflected in colorful clergy and choir vestments and in the introduction of drama.
The Messianic Synagogue, true to its direct connection to Judaism, often incorporates musical materials with Israeli motifs. Congregations may have a worship leader called a “cantor,” but the art of solo cantorial singing, common in Jewish temples, is rarely encountered. Accompaniment for singing is most often supplied by the guitar, strings, tambourine, and—more recently—electronic equipment such as synthesizers. Drama, the visual arts, and carpentry for such important features as the ark do find ready use in Messianic Synagogue worship.
Congregational singing is an especially important aspect of worship in the Mennonite tradition, the most unique aspect of which is unaccompanied four-part congregational singing. A new congregational hymnal and the contributions of many Mennonites in various artistic arenas are important signs of renewed vitality in the Mennonite churches.
Although the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is deeply rooted in the Lutheran tradition and continues to use the music and arts from its heritage, it is increasingly affected by the contemporary developments in the various arts. This innovation, however, is most often proposed in order to recapture traditional practice and to complement the historic Lutheran liturgy.
Churches of the Independent Fundamentalist and Evangelical denomination use a wide variety of elements in worship renewal, reflecting the differing backgrounds of the individuals who make up its congregations. Music continues to be an important contribution to worship, and environmental art, dance, and drama are used increasingly. Leadership is often assigned to a minister of fine arts.
Music and the other arts are essential components of worship in Foursquare Gospel churches. A limitless variety of musical styles, including both traditional and contemporary examples, are included in worship services. Drama and dance also play a very significant role. The following article focuses on music and the arts at The Church on the Way, Van Nuys, California, as an example of Foursquare Gospel worship.