'A Cappella'

Some churches focus their attention on two passages of the Bible when we talk about singing.(Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16).

However, the New Testament is actually full of references to singing. There are undoubtedly more reasons than the ones we outline but here are some of them as to why we choose to sing acapella as a church.

In the gospel accounts of Matthew and Mark, both of them recount that on the night He was betrayed Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn before they went out to the Mount of Olives.(Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26).

What words were sung and how it sounded we can only speculate. Being present as a believer during that moment hearing the words of the Saviour as He sang for the last time with His disciples who were His closest friends at that time.  When we sing acapella we are reminded of a Saviour who gave praise to God and then walked to His death. 

The Apostle Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi for acts they had not committed and without a trial they deserved. They had wounds to their backs and their feet were in stocks. Yet in spite of all of this, they sang hymns praising God late into the night. (Acts 16). When we sing acapella we are trying to imitate the practice of first century Christians who sang victoriously despite the victory being unseen.

Christian music is the result of us being happy in Christ and singing acapella is a demonstration of this. Even in difficult times, God helps us through with songs of hope, joy and faith. The brother of Jesus, James wrote, “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise” (James 5:13). The Good News about Jesus the Christ lifts our hearts to sing. The words of the hymns and songs we sing remind us and teach us about our Faith. They encourage us and from them, we learn important biblical truths. When we sing it pleases the Lord. (Heb.13:15;).

Paul encouraged the church in Ephesus telling them….” let God fill you with the Holy Spirit.  When you are filled with the Spirit, you are empowered to speak to each other in the soulful words of pious songs, hymns, and spiritual songs; to sing and make music with your hearts attuned to God;  and to give thanks to God the Father every day through the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed for all He has done.Ephesians 5:18-20 (Voice). Singing is an important part of our worship to God.