Take lessons. Vocals are still the primary form of gospel music. Keyboard instruments most commonly back-up the vocals, with the Hammond organ and piano featuring prominently. Find a teacher who specializes in the style of gospel music. If you already play an instrument or sing, you can learn gospel music by finding a local gospel choir and asking the members or director if there are any teachers who specialize in teaching the style. Other American musical forms that sprout from gospel music are jazz and the blues. If you live an area where you have no access to African American culture, you may still find music teachers who are familiar with jazz and the blues.
Attend a majority black church with a gospel choir or a commercial performance of gospel music. If you are an experienced musician, you may be able to pick up the style and use of chord progession from simply listening. You do not need to be a member of a particular church in order to attend a service and hear the choir. Some gospel groups tour the country to areas where there would otherwise be no gospel music. Some universities offer study in music ethnology and gospel groups perform at these universities on their tours. Check with a local college or university's music department to see if they have any resources.
Join a majority black gospel choir. Some choirs may require an audition before you can sing with them, and some church choirs only allow members who belong to the congregation to sing in the choir, but some choirs accept any voice willing to sing. The vocal base of gospel music is a great entrance to learning the music as a style.
Find a radio station that plays black gospel music. If there is no local radio with gospel music, try to find an online streaming radio with gospel music. If you already know music or you take lessons from someone without any knowledge of gospel music, adding regular listening sessions can help you familiarize yourself with the style.