Traditional Black Church Choirs Give Way to Smaller Praise Teams Across Denominations

Large traditional choirs are disappearing from many Black churches, replaced by smaller praise teams that fit the contemporary worship style favored by non-denominational congregations. The Root reported in June 2026 that the shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is reshaping the sound and culture of Black church worship.

During the pandemic, churches were forced to limit the number of people on stage. Many congregations that had maintained choirs of 30, 50, or even 100 voices found that smaller groups of five to ten singers worked just as well for streaming services. When in-person worship resumed, many churches kept the smaller format.

The trend also reflects broader changes in how Black Americans worship. Non-denominational churches, which tend to favor a more contemporary sound influenced by Christian Contemporary Music, have grown significantly over the past two decades. Their praise team model has become the default for many newer congregations and has influenced older, more traditional churches as well.

Industry observers note that the shift is not simply about size. Praise teams tend to use more modern production, including in-ear monitors, click tracks, and stage lighting, creating a concert-like atmosphere that appeals to younger churchgoers.

Critics of the trend argue that the traditional choir represented something irreplaceable: a communal, participatory form of worship rooted in the history of the Black church. Gospel music historians point out that the choir tradition stretches back to the earliest African American congregations and served as a vehicle for both spiritual expression and social solidarity.

Experts who study Black church worship say the fundamental purpose of music in worship has not changed, even as the format has. What matters, they argue, is the sincerity of the participants, not the size of the ensemble.