Congregational meetinghouses of the traditional kind express the early character of Congregationalism, especially in the central location of the pulpit. Subsequent renovations have attempted to embody a variety of theological commitments. Careful consideration has also been given to the appointments of Congregationalist meetinghouses. Also, several Congregationalist artists have been at the forefront of the liturgical dance movement.
Worship services of the Churches of Christ are marked by the complete absence of musical instruments. All of the music is unaccompanied singing. The music heard most frequently is, nevertheless, quite diverse and includes a wide range of classic hymns and gospel songs. While congregational singing is the foundation of worship music, choirs and special singing groups are sometimes included. Many congregations now use modern songs that speak more directly to younger people in place of older texts, with their agricultural and seafaring metaphors. The visual arts are not emphasized, although increased attention is being given to the worship setting. Drama is slowly being introduced in some churches.
Worship services in Church of the Nazarene congregations feature an extensive amount of music, most of which consists of nineteenth-century gospel songs and contemporary praise choruses. Choral and vocal solo selections are as important as congregational singing. Many congregations are currently eagerly seeking worship renewal, often borrowing practices from either liturgical or charismatic traditions.
Singing has always been a central aspect of Church of the Brethren worship. A recently published hymnal promises to sustain this tradition while expanding the repertoire, musical styles, and instruments used by most congregations. In recent years, the use of the visual arts in worship have increased, and the variety of banners and symbols is now more widespread in Church of the Brethren worship than ever before.
Congregations of the Church of God in Christ have a vibrant tradition of praise-singing and free-flowing worship. Music styles range from traditional call-and-response songs to contemporary gospel music made famous by a variety of recording artists. Both congregational singing and gospel choir music has strong roots in the Church of God in Christ. Church leaders are concerned about keeping music focused on the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Praise choruses with accompanying instrumental support give emotional impact to the proclaimed message in these Church of God congregations. While the decorative arts are used minimally, drama is often featured. Dance, however, remains controversial.
A diverse collection of hymns and increasing interest in instruments, graded-choir programs, and new architectural designs mark these Church of God congregations. The visual arts and drama are also more frequently being used in worship. The use of the arts is often determined by the size, location, and leadership of individual congregations.
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.
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.
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.