Southern Baptists use a wide range of music from the rich tradition of ancient hymnody to the praise chorus tradition. There is an equally wide range in the use of the arts, from relatively unadorned worship services to services that incorporate banners, dance, and drama frequently.
The Salvation Army, whose long-time commitment to music is particularly well-known given the visibility of its performers, is not restricting itself to its traditional musical repertoire. Rather, for the past ten years, it has been introducing new music in its services and its public appearances, including nearly every style of contemporary music.
Before Vatican II, the rubrics (ceremonial directions) for Roman Catholic rituals were very specific. Documents clearly indicated what was permissible in liturgy and clearly separated the sacred from the secular. During the period when Vatican II council documents were emerging (1963–1975), the nature of liturgical music and visual elements reflected assumptions of a new celebrative spirit. Rubrics were put aside, some of them forever (e.g., the ruling that women could play no role in the ritual in the sanctuary). The influence of life, rather than law, laid the groundwork for renewal.
The churches of the Reformed Episcopal Church stress their connection with the ancient church, fostering psalm-singing and hymns that clearly reflect great historical doctrinal truths. In addition, there is a dependence on music associated with the earliest years of the Anglican churches of the Reformation. More modern musical styles and even dance, however, are finding their way into the practice of Reformed Episcopal worship.
The RCA originally sang from the Genevan Psalter but in subsequent years adopted music and hymn resources from other denominations. More recently it has published its own hymnbook and musical resources. However, some churches have adopted the praise-and-worship songs and have abandoned the hymnal.
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.