Grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!

The choir had just sung a beautiful, stirring anthem. As the last note ended there was silence. Then the holy silence was broken by the sound of clapping. The mood created by the anthem was shattered. Sound familiar?

On several different occasions the Worship Team has dialogued about this “hot potato.” There were pro’s (showing our appreciation; i.e. applause) and con’s (disruptive of the flow of the service). What to do? With summer will come a series of guest singers and musicians and our desire will be even greater to show our appreciation with applause.

Let’s think through this concern together. I was not brought up with clapping in church. There was little or no emotion displayed during worship. But that was then and this is now. Everything from dining to entertainment to worship is now an experience. Some emotion needs to be present. Oftentimes, in worship, it is applause. The point being that this is a new day and time, which means that what was once forbidden is now encouraged.

I struggle with this as do some of you. I inquired of a colleague about applause during worship and he offered this insight. “It’s the congregations way of saying thank you; to show their appreciation, to recognize all the work that had been done in preparing the music.” But, I countered, they don’t clap after my sermon. He just smiled.

Let’s think theologically for a moment. What is worship? What is it that we are doing when we participate in worship? When I teach the section on worship to the confirmation class I make this point: worship is for God. In worship, God is the congregation and we all (worship leaders and congregation) are the worship leaders. We do it all for God; not for ourselves. So it is imperative that we fully participate during the service. We are not spectators or an audience, but performers for God. Notice that it is for God and not for one another that we do what we do in worship. This is what clearly separates worship from a concert or performance. It’s not about us. It’s about God!

How then can we share our appreciation? If we find a need to do so, write a note to the singer (s)/musician (s) expressing your appreciation. Or talk to the person personally.

When we don’t offer applause, it’s not that we are unappreciative; it’s because we understand the true meaning of worship. It’s all about God.

Just something to consider. Have a great summer. Come and worship.

In His Service,
Rev. Craig