In the churches of Christ, we deeply cherish our tradition of a cappella worship. This style of worship is not merely a preference but a reflection of our commitment to follow the practices of the early church, striving to be the church that Jesus established on the day of Pentecost—an Acts 2 church.
We value the simplicity and purity of worshiping God with our voices alone, as exemplified by the early Christians. Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 highlight the importance of singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord, which we interpret as a call to vocal, heartfelt worship.
As a preacher within the churches of Christ, I personally find that nothing compares to the beauty and unity of a cappella worship. It fosters a unique sense of community and allows our collective voices to rise as one in praise to our Creator.
However, it is also important to acknowledge that the New Testament emphasizes the spirit and truth of worship over specific methods. In John 4:23-24, Jesus states that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. This principle guides us to focus on the heart and sincerity of our worship rather than the external forms.
While I love and remain committed to a cappella worship, I believe it is neither wrong nor sinful for others to use instrumental music in their worship if they do so with sincere and glad hearts. Romans 14:5-6 teaches us about the diversity of practices among believers and the importance of not passing judgment on disputable matters, but rather honoring each other’s sincere devotion to God.
Therefore, just as I do not expect to be condemned for our tradition of a cappella worship, I extend the same grace to those who choose to worship with instruments. Our unity in Christ is far more significant than the differences in our worship practices. We are all striving to honor God and follow Christ, and it is this shared goal that unites us.
So, let us focus on worshiping God in spirit and in truth, loving one another as Christ loves us, and extending grace to our fellow believers.
Preacher Chad
Appendix: Scripture References
Ephesians 5:19 (NIV)
“speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”
Colossians 3:16 (NIV)
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
John 4:23-24 (NIV)
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
Romans 14:5-6 (NIV)
“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.”
chaddonley 