National Baptist Convention Of The Usa

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. William Black is quoted as saying,"A Poet, A Painter, A Musician, An Architect, the man or woman who is not one of these is not a Christian. " According to Scripture, these art forms are not determining factors of who or what we are, but they are a medium through which we can acknowledge who God is. Within the black Baptist community music, drama, and artistic expression are commonly used to declare devotion to God and are central in the worship experience. Real worship is our response to God's revelation of himself. Musically we respond through spirituals, gospel, hymns, and contemporary music forms. Spiri…