In Spirit and in Truth: The Music of African American Worship

Melva Costen explores the various genres of music used in African American worship. Moving beyond a traditional sociopolitical analysis, Costen examines music for worship in African American congregations through biblical, historical, theological, and liturgical lenses. Tracing the development of music in African American worship back to its roots in Africa, she surveys its emergence and its use in camp meeting songs, black-metered hymns, anthemized spirituals, Pentecostal music traditions, and contemporary gospel music. Costen concludes by offering models and suggestions for helping chose who plan worship to listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit and to continue listening during worship to discern how the Holy Spirit may be leading us. This important, groundbreaking work ultimately challenges music and worship leaders to reclaim and affirm traditional African American spirituality and its presence in African American music experienced in worship.