When you visit a Church of Christ, you may notice immediately that there is no piano, organ, or worship band. Instead, you will hear the congregation singing together without instrumental accompaniment. This is commonly called a cappella singing.
If you are accustomed to instrumental music, the sound may feel unfamiliar at first. Soon, however, you will begin to hear melody and harmony rising from throughout the room. Many visitors are surprised by how full congregational singing can sound with voices alone.
For us, this is more than a musical preference. It reflects our desire to worship according to the instruction we find in the New Testament.
What Is A Cappella Singing?
A cappella means singing without instrumental accompaniment. At Memorial Church of Christ, the congregation sings together. There is no choir or musical group performing while everyone else listens.
A song leader announces the song and guides its pitch and tempo. He then sings with the congregation. His purpose is not to perform but to help everyone worship together.
The congregation often sings in harmony. Some voices carry the melody while others sing parts above or below it. The sound comes from throughout the room rather than only from the front.
It will not sound like a professionally rehearsed choir, and it is not intended to. Some voices are strong and confident. Others are quieter or occasionally miss a note. The beauty is not found in flawless performance but in God’s people joining their hearts and voices in praise.
What Will Visitors Hear?
Because no instruments accompany the singing, the words remain prominent. You can hear what the congregation is expressing about God, Jesus Christ, salvation, hope, and faithful Christian living.
You may hear older hymns, newer spiritual songs, or songs drawn closely from Scripture. The musical style may vary, but the purpose remains the same: to honor God and encourage one another through words of faith.
Some congregations use hymnbooks, some display the words on a screen, and others use both. Whatever the arrangement, visitors can follow along in the way that feels most comfortable.
Why Do Churches of Christ Sing Without Instruments?
Churches of Christ sing without instruments because singing is the form of musical worship the New Testament directs Christians to offer.
Paul wrote:
“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart” ().
He gave similar instruction to the Christians in Colossae:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” ().
These passages show that congregational singing has two directions. We sing praise to God, and we teach and encourage one another. This helps explain why the whole congregation participates rather than listening to a select group perform.
The writer of Hebrews pictures Christ praising God among His people:
“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise” ().
Paul also emphasized that worship should engage the understanding:
“I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also” ().
Singing is therefore not a preliminary activity before worship begins. It is itself an act of worship through which Christians praise God, confess truth, and strengthen one another.
The New Testament does not record churches using mechanical instruments in worship or instruct Christians to use them. Because we seek to practice what the New Testament authorizes, we sing without adding instrumental accompaniment.
We recognize that sincere Christians understand these passages differently. Our purpose is not to question their love for God. We simply want to explain why churches of Christ believe voices alone best follow the New Testament pattern.
Do Visitors Have to Sing?
No. Visitors are welcome to listen, read the words, or sing along as they feel comfortable. No one will watch to see whether you are participating, and you will not be singled out.
You also do not need a trained voice. Congregational singing is not a contest or an audition. It is offered by ordinary people, many of whom would never describe themselves as accomplished singers.
If you choose to sing, you may sing the melody, try one of the harmony parts, or quietly follow along. If you prefer to listen during your first visit, you are welcome to do that.
Will Every Church of Christ Be the Same?
Churches of Christ have no central earthly headquarters or governing body over every congregation. No local church can therefore speak officially for all congregations using the name.
Many churches of Christ worship with congregational singing and no instruments, although practices may differ among some congregations. This article describes what you can expect at Memorial Church of Christ.
Keep Examining the Scriptures
If singing without instruments has raised questions for you, begin with , , , and . Read each passage in context and consider what it teaches about the purpose and character of Christian singing.
You do not have to agree with our conclusion before visiting. Come, listen, and examine what we practice in light of God’s Word. Honest questions are welcome.
Come Worship With Us
At Memorial Church of Christ, our desire is not to produce a performance but to worship God sincerely and according to His Word. When we sing, every voice is part of the offering, and every visitor is welcome to listen or participate.
Plan your visit. Come as you are, hear the congregation sing, and bring any questions you may have.
If you would like to examine what the Bible teaches about becoming a Christian, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9:00 am, Worship 10:00 am, Worship 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7:00 pm