Date

11-11-2026

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Music Education (DME)

Chair

Spencer Lewis Byrd

Keywords

worship, music literacy, congregational singing, contemporary worship

Disciplines

Music

Abstract

This study seeks to examine how music literacy influences congregants’ participation and active engagement in contemporary worship at Journey Bible Church (JBC). Congregational singing is a central component of worship among Christian churches; therefore, worship leaders must identify ways to encourage congregants to continue participating in this communal practice. Guided by a praxial philosophy, which understands music as a lived and interactive practice, the research examines how the variability in music literacy among congregants shapes their interpretation of and contribution to congregational singing. This study draws on theories of desire-shaping liturgies to inform how consistent musical participation in worship over time shapes communal belonging, spiritual identity, and theological imagination. Using an applied qualitative research method, including interviews, surveys, and observations of worship practices, the study examines perceptions, challenges, and the role of familiarity in fostering confidence and supporting musical engagement. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence consistent participation in congregational singing at JBC and to discover strategies to enhance congregants’ worship experience. Four major themes emerge from the research, including Literacy Not Required, Musical Accessibility, Spiritually Formative Practices, and Worship, Not Production. These themes reveal that music literacy does not significantly influence active participation in contemporary worship at JBC. Instead, communal engagement in congregational singing is fostered through intentional worship strategies and musical repertoire designed to be accessible to all worshipers, ultimately guided by the Holy Spirit.

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