The absence of instrumental music in Church of Christ worship services is a defining characteristic stemming from a specific interpretation of New Testament scripture. Adherents believe the New Testament provides the sole authoritative guide for church practices, and since the texts describing early church worship do not explicitly mention the use of instruments, they are omitted. The practice of a cappella singing is thus viewed as a faithful continuation of the worship style established by the apostles.
This approach is not merely a preference, but a conviction rooted in the principle of scriptural authority. Proponents argue that introducing elements not expressly authorized in the New Testament constitutes an addition to God’s revealed will. Furthermore, they believe that a cappella singing fosters a deeper sense of community and unity as voices blend together in praise, without the potential for reliance on or distraction from external instruments. The historical context involves a return to what was perceived as simpler, more biblically pure forms of worship during the Restoration Movement of the 19th century.
