Biblically, we choose to be a cappella because singing is the only kind of music used in the New Testament worship in the church (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; James 5:16).  The Scriptures are silent about the use of instruments.  Musicologists and church historians are certain they were not used until hundreds of years after the death of the apostles.  Even though instruments were widely available, there is nothing to indicate apostolic churches ever used instruments in worship to God.

   Historically, we choose to be a cappella because vocal music only was the practice of the ancient church.  For five hundred years the church fathers opposed instruments.  Instruments have been divisive in Catholicism and Protestantism, and in our own Restoration Movement. 

   Doctrinally, we choose to be a cappella because God wants our hearts and our voices praising him.  Instruments do not worship; only humans worship.  God is glorified by what he has redeemed and filled with his spirit.  He is not glorified by the sounds of inanimate objects like sounding brass, clanging cymbals, banging pipes, or blowing reeds.  We do not need machinery to enhance the meaning or elevate the value of our praying, singing, communing, or preaching.  We glorify god with a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that praise his name (Hebrews 13:15).

   Practically, we choose to be a cappella because we are edified by others praising God in intelligible words.  Instruments often drown out the human voices and many do not sing when they are used.  Worship benefits the worshipers as they are edified by others ( I Corinthians 14:16-17, 19, 26).

   The Churches of Christ stand on solid, non-divisive ground by calling for the biblical tradition of a cappella music in Christian worship.  While we recognize that the practice of a cappella music only is not a salvation issue on the levels of the cross, the resurrection, or forgiveness of sins, it is an important tradition that is justified by biblical, historical, doctrinal, and practical reasons.

What Is The Church of Christ ?

What Is The Southern Maine Church of Christ ?

What Does Your Church Believe ?

What Is Distinctive About The Church of Christ ?

Why Does The Church of Christ Sing A Capella Only ?

A Brief History of Instruments in
Christian Worship

Why Do Churches of Christ Baptize
by Immersion Only ?

Why Do We Teach That Every Believer
Should Be Baptized ?

Why Do We Celebrate Communion
Every Sunday and Only on Sunday ?

How May I Become A Member at
Southern Maine Church of Christ ?

How May I Become a Christian ?