Readings In African American Church Music And Worship

This second volume of Readings in African American Church Music and Worship makes available the most recent scholarship on 21st-century developments and trends, through a representative number of articles, essays, and chapters written by brilliant musicians, authors, and theologians of our time. The list of contributors includes some of the finest emerging scholars, as well as offerings from seasoned authors whose research and writings are well regarded by peers and the worshiping community at large. The significant contributions--from names new and familiar--greatly broaden the field of study. The 43 chapters of this volume are divided into 7 categories: Worship and Liturgical Practices, Liturgical Theologies, Proclamation of the Word, Hymnody: Sound and Sense, Perspectives on Praise and Worship, Hip Hop and/in the Church, and Perspectives on Women and Gender. Insightful, thought-provoking, challenging, and hopeful--this volume will be a source of knowledge, a stimulus for discussion, and a call to reconsider the many and varied viewpoints of the African American church.

This fully updated second edition is a selective annotated bibliography of all relevant published resources relating to church and worship music in the United States. Over the past decade, there has been a growth of literature covering everything from traditional subject matter such as the organ works of J.S. Bach to newer areas of inquiry including folk hymnology, women and African-American composers, music as a spiritual healer, to the music of Mormon, Shaker, Moravian, and other smaller sects. With multiple indices, this book will serve as an excellent tool for librarians, researchers, and scholars sorting through the massive amount of material in the field.

First Published in 2005. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First Published in 2005. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

"Resourceful and easy-to-use, Going to Wait! is a ground-breaking book designed to assist worship leaders and musicians of the Black church in their ministries. Authors Rev. Dr. Linda H. Hollies and Dr. James Abbington have created an indispensable guide to Sunday worship preparation for between Pentecost and Advent, calling congregations to celebrate the cycle of the Christian year and follow the suggested scripture readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Going to Wait! is a companion volume to Waiting to Go! (GIA), which covers Advent through Pentecost. For each Sunday and other holy days, scripture references are given along with suggested altar and banner colors. Rev. Dr. Hollies includes prayers, a short focus essay with sermon ideas, suggestions for visual art, and more. Dr. Abbington brings his expertise in music to the planning. Based on seven major African-American worship hymnals, he suggests appropriate hymns, as well as anthems, spirituals, gospel songs, and organ music for each service. Sure to compliment the traditions of all types of congregations, Going to Wait! is an excellent reference for all who lead African-American Christian worship today!"--Back cover.

Hymns and the music the church sings in worship are tangible means of expressing worship. And while worship is one of, if not the central functions of the church along with mission, service, education, justice, and compassion, and occupies a prime focus of our churches, a renewed sense of awareness to our theological presuppositions and cultural cues must be maintained to ensure a proper focus in worship. Hymns and Hymnody: Historical and Theological Introductions is a sixty-chapter, three-volume introductory textbook describing the most influential hymnists, liturgists, and musical movements of the church. This academically grounded resource evaluates both the historical and theological perspectives of the major hymnists and composers who have impacted the church over the course of twenty centuries. Volume 1 explores the early church and concludes with the Renaissance era hymnists. Volume 2 begins with the Reformation and extends to the eighteenth-century hymnists and liturgists. Volume 3 engages nineteenth century hymnists to the contemporary movements of the twenty-first century. Each chapter contains these five elements: historical background, theological perspectives communicated in their hymns/compositions, contribution to liturgy and worship, notable hymns, and bibliography. The mission of Hymns and Hymnody is (1) to provide biographical data on influential hymn writers for students and interested laypeople, and (2) to provide a theological analysis of what these composers have communicated in the theology of their hymns. We believe it is vital for those involved in leading the worship of the church to recognize that what they communicate is in fact theology. This latter aspect, we contend, is missing—yet important—in accessible formats for the current literature.

The Black Church Studies Reader addresses the depth and breadth of Black theological studies, from Biblical studies and ethics to homiletics and pastoral care. The book examines salient themes of social and religious significance such as gender, sexuality, race, social class, health care, and public policy. While the volume centers around African American experiences and studies, it also attends to broader African continental and Diasporan religious contexts. The contributors reflect an interdisciplinary blend of Black Church Studies scholars and practitioners from across the country. The text seeks to address the following fundamental questions: What constitutes Black Church Studies as a discipline or field of study? What is the significance of Black Church Studies for theological education? What is the relationship between Black Church Studies and the broader academic study of Black religions? What is the relationship between Black Church Studies and local congregations (as well as other faith-based entities)? The book's search for the answers to these questions is compelling and illuminating.

In this update to her 1993 classic, African American Christian Worship, Melva Wilson Costen, again delights her reader with a lively history and theology of the African American worship experience. Drawing upon careful scholarship and engaging stories, Dr. Costen details the global impact on African American worship by media, technology, and new musical styles. She expands her discussion of ritual practices in African communities and clarifies some of the ritual use of music in worship. In keeping with recent congregational practices, Dr. Costen will also provide general orders of worship suitable for a variety of denominational settings.