17 Reasons Why We Don't Use Instrumental Music in Worship

"Why don't you use instruments in your worship?" Members of the church of Christ hear it often from friends and guests. This tract gives a clear, Bible-based answer.

17 Reasons Why We Don't Use Instrumental Music in Worship is a tract by Carl McMurray. It explains, point by point, why churches of Christ sing a cappella, and calls all believers back to the simplicity of New Testament worship.

Spanish edition: This tract is also available in Spanish as ¿Por Qué No Utilizamos Instrumentos Musicales en la Adoración?. Disponible en español.

Why Hand Out This Tract

Many people assume the church's practice is simply a matter of taste. This tract shows it's a matter of respecting the silence of Scripture. It walks through what Jesus and the apostles taught, what history records about the early church, and what the Bible says about worshiping in truth and by Christ's authority, so a reader can study the question for themselves.

What It Covers

• Jesus and the apostles: what they taught and practiced in worship
• History: how long the early church worshiped without instruments, and how reformers viewed them
• Worship in truth: John 4:24, 1 Peter 4:11, and Colossians 3:17
• Respecting God's silence: 2 John 9, Galatians 5:4, and the warning of Nadab and Abihu

Ways to Use It

Keep it in your tract rack and visitor packets for guests who notice the difference in your worship. It's also useful in classes on worship and for friends from other churches. The Spanish edition serves Spanish-speaking visitors.

Custom Imprinting

Want your congregation's information on every tract? Choose Custom Imprint ($0.95 per tract) and we'll print your church's logo, website, and address on the back.

After you place your order, email office@spiritbuilding.com with:

• Your order number
• Your congregation's name, address, and website
• Your logo as a high-resolution PNG, JPG, or PDF

We'll begin printing once we have your information.

Common Questions

How much does it cost?
$0.70 per tract, or $0.95 with a custom imprint, with no minimum order.

Is it available in Spanish?
Yes. The Spanish edition is ¿Por Qué No Utilizamos Instrumentos Musicales en la Adoración?.

Is there room for our church's name?
Yes. The back has a blank "These thoughts are presented by..." line you can stamp or label yourself, or choose Custom Imprint and we'll print your logo, website, and address for you.

About the Author

This tract was written by Carl McMurray. See more of his work in the Carl McMurray collection.

Browse all Spiritbuilding tracts or try the Tract Sampler.

Product Details

• Author: Carl McMurray
• Publisher: Spiritbuilding Publishers
• Format: Trifold tract
• Language: English
• Price: $0.70 each; $0.95 with custom imprint