Rhythm and timing are among the most significant aspects of a Black folk preacher's chanted sermon. Intonational chanting is widely used by Black preachers to indicate inspirational climax in their sermons. This chanting is usually interspersed with moans, hollers, grunts, and shouts. The talent of the Black folk preacher can be evaluated according to how he renders the metrical lines while still delivering the message. Although Rev. Jemison preaches in the traditional chanted sermon style, he seldom gets emotional feedback from his congregation.
Music is of great importance throughout Black-American religion.
At Mount Zion, however, it tends to be very rigid. The choir sings anthems, hymns, and arranged or concertized versions of the spirituals, interspersed with an occasional gospel song. Musical accompaniment is by organ and piano only. Occasionally, the minister decides, usually at the spur of the moment, that he will begin or end his sermon by lining out a song. Lining out is when the minister says one line of a song at a time for the congregation to repeat.