Date

2-13-2026

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS)

Chair

Brenda Widger

Keywords

multicultural music, predominantly white, ethnic music, diversity church music, ethnic hymns, monoethnic

Disciplines

Missions and World Christianity | Music

Abstract

It is important to acknowledge the words in Scripture honoring people of all ethnic groups as cities and therefore churches become more diverse. Baltimore, Maryland is a diverse city, with numerous ethnic communities including those of Italian, Greek, African American, African, Hispanic, and Jewish descent; many churches, however, remain predominantly White. Music is an essential element in worship, and some churches are limited to the ethnic hymns of their congregational hymnals, thus ignoring the wide body of multicultural music that is available. There are numerous challenges when integrating multicultural music, especially if the congregation is not ethnically diverse. At first impression, many may not see the need since the music is not representative of the congregation, therefore the status quo abides. It is important to see Christ through the eyes of all and truly understand God through the lens of those who are culturally different. The integration of multicultural music in worship could contribute to an acceptance and a means to honor diverse cultures. This case study presents qualitative data collected from three predominantly White churches in Baltimore, Maryland, examining the barriers associated with integrating multicultural music within these congregations and exploring how each defines successful multicultural music integration. The researcher gathered data through interviews and focus groups with pastors, music directors, and congregants from the three designated churches. The data was then analyzed to gather information related to the research questions.

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