Books on the relationship between music and worship are published annually. Authors such as Robert E. Webber, John M. Frame and Paul Westermeyer are considered leaders of a pack of scholars, clergy and musicians who actively engage in research, teaching and writing on the intersections of music, theology and worship. Yet, these authors and most of their peers rarely include the African American experience or the worship experience of the Black Church within their prose. The music and worship of the Black Church has a rich heritage and is the product of a resilient legacy built on hope, faith and survival. The African American worship experience with all of its diversity and variety needs to be researched, taught and written about!
The four resources mentioned below are models of intellectual treatment of the music and worship experience that we know and love, authored by scholars, clergy and musicians who are fully invested in making sure we not only “know the God we sing about,” but that we better understand how God has blessed us with a powerful sacred music tradition birthed on the continent of Africa and nurtured on the soil of the United States. These books are not only “must haves” in the libraries of pastors, ministers, music ministry leaders, musicians and laypersons but for anyone interested in studying the power of music and worship from a Black perspective.
“Somebody’s Calling My Name:” Black Sacred Music and Social Change by Wyatt Tee Walker. (Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1979)
Written by one of the most distinguished civil rights and human rights activists (former Executive Director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Chief of Staff) and pastor emeritus of the historic Canaan Baptist Church (Harlem, NY), this text offers one of the first studies of Black Sacred Music from a socio-historical perspective by a scholar from within the fold. From this first of fourteen books, Dr. Walker offers readers poignant quotes such as “… if you listen to what Black people are singing religiously, it will provide a clue as to what is happening to them sociologically,” and “The Black Church is the American fruit of an African root.” Inclusive of musical and lyrical examples from various periods as well as the now classic pictorial “Music Tree,” Dr. Walker’s treatment of the Black Sacred Music Tradition remains as timely and provocative as it did when it was first published 30 years ago.
The Ministry of Music in the Black Church by J. Wendell Mapson, Jr. (Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1984)
Composed by a veteran musician and dynamic pastor (Monumental Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA), this book offers an important treatise on the role and function of music ministry within the Black Church. With dedicated chapters focused on “The Pastor,” “The Church Musician” and “The Choir,” Dr. Mapson wrestles with longstanding problems faced by numerous congregations of all sizes and denominations in clear, concise and effective prose. Taking a note from Dr. Walker, Dr. Mapson undergirds his study with a clear understanding of the Africa - African American Cultural Continuum and the unique cultural context of the Black experience in the United States. In addition to offering a wealth of experience and expertise as both a musician and pastor through the well scripted text, Dr. Mapson’s very applicable strategies and suggestions for effective music ministry remain current and fundamental to success in ministry.
Let Mt. Zion Rejoice! Music in the African American Church by James Abbington. (Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 2001)
This text is required reading by anyone interested in music ministry. Written by the widely regarded musician, educator and worship leader extraordinaire known for his riveting lectures and dynamic presentations on Music of the African American Church, Dr. Abbington takes the sociological work of Dr. Walker and the foundational study by Dr. Mapson to the next level. From critically analyzing the “Current State of Music in the African American Church,” to offering thought-provoking chapters on “Essentials for Church Musicians” and “The Relationship between Pastors and Musicians,” this text breaks the silence on some of the major issues, challenges and problems facing many houses of faith across the country. Chapters on “Planning Worship” and “The African American Christian Year” give insight into methods and approaches to dynamic worship, while other chapters reclaim the use of spirituals, hymnody and anthems within 21st century worship.
In Spirit and In Truth: The Music of African American Worship by Melva Wilson Costen. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004)
Written by a skilled musician and esteemed scholar, Dr. Melva Wilson Costen, this comprehensive treatment of the music of African American Worship stands as the leading resource on the subject. Grounded in the African to African American cultural continuum and groomed with musical, liturgical, theological and biblical analysis, Dr. Costen clearly challenges the church to worship both “in spirit and in truth,” by aiding us to understand the roots and diversity of our worship using music as a fulcrum. This is a well-researched and extremely well-written volume that will encourage new found passion for the power of music within African American Worship. Chapters such as “Music as a Liturgical Element in African American Worship” and “Music Ministry in Theological Perspective” are essential reading for any pastor, minister, seminarian, music ministry leader and/ or musician interested in actively appreciating the rich heritage and legacy of African American Worship.
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Emmett G. Price III, Ph.D. is president and founder of the Black Church Music Ministry Project. BCMMP aims to “serve, nurture and develop spiritual leaders within music ministry.” For additional information please visit http://www.BCMMP.org or contact us via email at info@BCMMP.org.
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