Listen to gospel music. Even within this genre are several styles. From songs that came from the slave period to those from the Jazz Age to the precursors of rock 'n' roll, listen and discover your favorite type as you decide which to learn. Although the spiritual influenced gospel music, the styles are somewhat different. Spirituals were often unaccompanied, but gospel music is usually played on instruments and audience feedback during the song is encouraged as a type of community interaction. Although the style is replicated in pop music, most traditional gospel music is based on Christian themes and is used in churches of all kinds, from traditional to charismatic. Gospel music is often performed with a soloist and choir, although it can easily be sung or played by soloists or small ensembles.
Learn to play chord progressions. Find a chord chart (see references) and follow the steps outlined, practicing moving from one chord to another in an easy-flowing manner. Become very familiar with chords in all keys and in all positions, known as inversions, For example the C-Major chord moves from C to F-Major and then to G-Major in several ways or inversions. The C may be in the bottom (root) position or in the center of the chord or at the top. Practice all these inversions and moving from chord to chord until they can be played without looking at the charts. Unlike traditional hymns and songs that usually feature a melody line, gospel music often simply uses the chord progressions, with soloists--either instrumental or vocal presenting the melody.
Play your gospel music on a Hammond B3 organ,if possible. While it may be performed without any musical accompaniment (a cappella), gospel is often played on the piano, and preferably, on the B3 organ,which gives it the colorful gospel sound made popular in the mid-20th century. Keyboards often feature this sound. Piano accompaniment is also acceptable, but needs a different flair. Knowing your chord progressions is imperative for either organ or piano, but the piano often requires florid improvisational skills with arpeggios (broken chords played quickly up and down the keys) to add an authentic gospel sound.
Accompany a soloist, ensemble, choir or band and enjoy experimenting with your chords in various placements on the keyboard, and with a good strong rhythm. Be flexible and ready to repeat musical segments at will.