The Churches of Christ practice a cappella singing in their worship services, meaning they do not use musical instruments. This practice stems from a specific interpretation of the New Testament scriptures. Advocates for this position assert that the New Testament authorizes singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) but does not explicitly mention or command the use of instrumental music in worship. Consequently, they believe that limiting worship to a cappella singing adheres more closely to the practices of the early church.
This theological stance reflects a broader commitment to restoring the practices and beliefs of the first-century church. Proponents argue that adding elements not explicitly authorized in the New Testament introduces human innovations that deviate from God’s intended pattern for worship. This view emphasizes the importance of adhering strictly to the specific examples and commands found in scripture. Furthermore, the historical context of the Restoration Movement, from which the Churches of Christ emerged, underscores a desire to purify Christian practice by removing perceived accretions and returning to what was seen as the original, unadulterated form of worship.
