The Musical and Visual Arts in Worship

The Arts in Messianic Synagogues

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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.

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The Arts in Mennonite Churches

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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.

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The Arts in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod

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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.

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The Arts in Independent Fundamentalist and Evangelical Churches

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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.

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The Arts in International Foursquare Gospel Churches

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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.

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The Arts in Friends (Quaker) Churches

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Quaker or Friends meetings inherit a tradition of silent worship, which allows no room for congregational music or the arts. In some churches, however, particularly in the Evangelical Friends branch, many aspects of free-church worship are finding their way into Friends services.

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The Arts in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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Music and the arts have always played an important role in the worship services of the ELCA, which has reflected Martin Luther’s appreciation of the arts. In most churches, the entire liturgy is sung. Musical styles range from plainsong and the rich tradition of Lutheran chorales to varieties of contemporary folk music. Considerable thought has also been given to the shape of the worship space and to the use of the visual arts.

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The Arts in Evangelical Free Churches

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Worship in the Evangelical Free Church of America is based on the evangelical revivalist tradition, but in recent years some congregations have shown a remarkable inclination for innovation. Praise singing is now used in addition to traditional gospel hymnody. Some congregations also make use of technological advances in lighting, computers, and sound system design.

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The Arts in Evangelical Covenant Churches

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The Evangelical Covenant Church eschewed traditional church architecture and use of the arts in its beginning. But in the twentieth century, it has produced church buildings built in a variety of architectural styles. Denominational leaders have been influential in the literary and visual arts.

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The Arts in Eastern Orthodox Churches

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The trend among Eastern Orthodox churches in America is to return to the customs of the ancient church in architecture, icons, and music. However, some churches are writing new music in an American idiom, but always with the ancient tradition in mind. In every case, music, iconography, and architecture are used as servants to the liturgy.

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