---
title: "Why We Sing Without Instruments"
description: "An introduction to Christ the King’s practice of unaccompanied congregational Psalm singing, with Scripture and further reading."
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/worship/unaccompanied-singing/"
---

WORSHIP & CHRISTIAN LIFE

# Why We Sing Without Instruments

At Christ the King, the congregation sings the Psalms together without instrumental accompaniment.

On this page[The conviction behind the practice](https://ctkrp.org/worship/unaccompanied-singing/#conviction)[Passages to consider together](https://ctkrp.org/worship/unaccompanied-singing/#study)[What this means for a visitor](https://ctkrp.org/worship/unaccompanied-singing/#sing)

## The conviction behind the practice

Instrumental music in the Old Testament sanctuary was part of its ceremonial worship. We believe Christian congregations are called to sing praise to God without instruments.

Pastor Anderson’s study explores the biblical basis for this conviction in greater depth.

## Passages to consider together

Read [2 Chronicles 29:25–30](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2-chronicles/29/25-30) in its temple setting. Then read [Colossians 3:16](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/colossians/3/16). What does each passage explicitly describe or command? Distinguish those statements from the conclusions drawn when relating the passages.

These questions provide a starting point for discussing worship with our elders.

## What this means for a visitor

You do not need musical training to join us. Listen to the congregation, follow the words, and begin singing as you become familiar with the tune. If you need help learning, please ask.

[Ask a question about worship](https://ctkrp.org/contact/)

## Read the pastoral study

Pastor Owen Anderson’s Worship in Spirit and in Truth presents the fuller case for congregational, unaccompanied Psalm singing. The explanations on these pages are companion material, not his verbatim writing.

[Read Pastor Anderson’s complete study](https://ctkrp.org/worship/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth/)

## Keep exploring

[What to expect in worship](https://ctkrp.org/worship/)[Why we worship this way](https://ctkrp.org/worship/scripture/)[Why we sing the Psalms](https://ctkrp.org/worship/psalms/)[Why we sing without instruments](https://ctkrp.org/worship/unaccompanied-singing/)[Family worship at home](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/)

## Related reading

- [Keeping the Lord’s Day](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/)
- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-21-religious-worship-and-the-sabbath-day/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1: What is the chief end of man?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-1-what-is-the-chief-end-of-man/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-1-what-is-the-chief-and-highest-end-of-man/)
- [Find teaching on worship](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=worship)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/worship/unaccompanied-singing/