Should we applaud during worship services?
Shall We Clap? “If we applaud a musician in the same way that the world applauds entertainers, don’t we, at best, run the risk of communicating that what they have done, rather than worship, is merely a performance, an act of entertainment?”
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In 1994 I read an article by Miss Manners (Judith Martin) on this subject. Among the things she said were these:
“Having forgotten church manners, people are substituting those that would be proper for a performance…Hard as it may be to imagine, musicians in church are supposed to play or sing for the glory of God, not the pleasure of the congregation (which people interestingly slip and call ‘the audience’). That is why there should be no applause in church. Not even for small children, who particularly need to have the purpose of the performance explained to them.”
In response to the protest that the Bible authorizes clapping (as is Psalm 47:1), Miss Manners proves herself a better theologian than many evangelical worship leaders. “Where,” she asks, “is the Biblical reference by which God commands applause to honor musicians…?”
“Having forgotten church manners, people are substituting those that would be proper for a performance…Hard as it may be to imagine, musicians in church are supposed to play or sing for the glory of God, not the pleasure of the congregation (which people interestingly slip and call ‘the audience’). That is why there should be no applause in church. Not even for small children, who particularly need to have the purpose of the performance explained to them.”
In response to the protest that the Bible authorizes clapping (as is Psalm 47:1), Miss Manners proves herself a better theologian than many evangelical worship leaders. “Where,” she asks, “is the Biblical reference by which God commands applause to honor musicians…?”
"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan
May I share an anecdote? A number of years ago when I was pastoring a church in St. Petersburg, FL I became acquainted with Frank Boggs, the greatest bass vocalist of our generation (imho). He came to town to do a big Saturday evening concert and consented to come to our church the next morning. As the concert progressed our people would express appreciation in the typical Baptist way by saying, “Amen” after each song. Somewhere during the course of the concert he sang “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” in such a way as to show off his deep range. It was intended to be a fun song. At the end our people applauded! Boggs stopped the concert, stood up (he had been accompanying himself on the piano), and thanked the audience. “I appreciate so much singing for an audience that knows when to applaud,” he said. “You understand when I am seeking to honor Christ and when I am merely performing.”
Donn R Arms
if you’re Deaf you wave your hands over your head and stomp your feet…
Isn’t there a difference between ‘clapping’ and ‘applause’? I think we instinctively clap our hands sometimes when we are excited- kids clap all the time. I often clap and laugh when I think something is particularly funny. I’m not ‘applauding’…
Isn’t there a difference between ‘clapping’ and ‘applause’? I think we instinctively clap our hands sometimes when we are excited- kids clap all the time. I often clap and laugh when I think something is particularly funny. I’m not ‘applauding’…
My heroine? Whatever. :) Thanks for that, Ron. If Miss Manners agrees with me, I must be right, though she probably would disapprove of me using smiley faces.
Susan, I don’t know whether to clap in glee, applaud you for your perspicuity in raising that point, or clap my hands at you in the OT sense for muddying the water ;). I hope it was clear that the post was primarily about applause, despite the title. I don’t think God calls us to be killjoys. If someone got up and gave a testimony that they got saved yesterday, and people clapped their hands out of sheer joy, I might clap right along with them. Sometimes, the two (clapping for joy, clapping to applaud) can be mixed, too. You might have some people doing one while others are doing the other. I’m not too worried about that kind of situation — but entertainment is one of the worst idols of our age, and I don’t want to do things that feed that mindset.
Donn, interesting story, thanks for that. I’ve got another. When I was in seminary at BJU, they brought in the New Sousa Band for a concert. The pattern of their performance quickly became clear. A narrator would introduce a song, they would play it, we would applaud, and then they would go directly into an encore song, followed by more applause. Lather, rinse, repeat :) — the songs came in pairs.
The narrator introduced, after many marching numbers, “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” and mentioned that it was whispered by President McKinley on his deathbed, and played at his funeral by the original Sousa band. They played the hymn, and there was no sound, not the least applause. After a pause, they went into their encore, and received a very appreciative round of applause.
The narrator, before introducing the next piece, thanked the audience for not applauding. He said that had never happened to them before. It was an interesting moment. It can be difficult to tell, but I had the impression that he, and perhaps some others, were touched. Perhaps they gave more thought about what that hymn meant than they had in the past.
Susan, I don’t know whether to clap in glee, applaud you for your perspicuity in raising that point, or clap my hands at you in the OT sense for muddying the water ;). I hope it was clear that the post was primarily about applause, despite the title. I don’t think God calls us to be killjoys. If someone got up and gave a testimony that they got saved yesterday, and people clapped their hands out of sheer joy, I might clap right along with them. Sometimes, the two (clapping for joy, clapping to applaud) can be mixed, too. You might have some people doing one while others are doing the other. I’m not too worried about that kind of situation — but entertainment is one of the worst idols of our age, and I don’t want to do things that feed that mindset.
Donn, interesting story, thanks for that. I’ve got another. When I was in seminary at BJU, they brought in the New Sousa Band for a concert. The pattern of their performance quickly became clear. A narrator would introduce a song, they would play it, we would applaud, and then they would go directly into an encore song, followed by more applause. Lather, rinse, repeat :) — the songs came in pairs.
The narrator introduced, after many marching numbers, “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” and mentioned that it was whispered by President McKinley on his deathbed, and played at his funeral by the original Sousa band. They played the hymn, and there was no sound, not the least applause. After a pause, they went into their encore, and received a very appreciative round of applause.
The narrator, before introducing the next piece, thanked the audience for not applauding. He said that had never happened to them before. It was an interesting moment. It can be difficult to tell, but I had the impression that he, and perhaps some others, were touched. Perhaps they gave more thought about what that hymn meant than they had in the past.
The blog article said, “In general, in our church we don’t do much in the way of solos or other music that could drift into the “performance” category.”
Is it really the case that solos, or even choir music, are so close to “performance” that they should rarely be done in church? Does the intention of the “performer” to actually direct their song to God make a difference? I think it does.
I also think the the direction of the applause can be focused to God rather than to the person doing the singing. Is it wrong to appluad God for what God has done? Does God look down upon a culturally practiced method of praise if we direct that culturally practiced method to God Himself?
Is it really the case that solos, or even choir music, are so close to “performance” that they should rarely be done in church? Does the intention of the “performer” to actually direct their song to God make a difference? I think it does.
I also think the the direction of the applause can be focused to God rather than to the person doing the singing. Is it wrong to appluad God for what God has done? Does God look down upon a culturally practiced method of praise if we direct that culturally practiced method to God Himself?
and generally care on like a complete idiot when your Holy Spirit moves me into your joy. Remove from me any awareness of the condemnation of those around me. Make me forget the grave admonitions of my youth by those who love form more than You. Lord, I want to worship You in Your house and before Your Throne with the utter self abandonment of King David. Let me please you with my worship. Let me find that freedom here before I go to You there.
by those who love form more than You. LordQuite a strong accusation there.
Why is it that my voice always seems to be loudest when I am saying the dumbest things?
[Jeffrey Dean] Make me forget the grave admonitions of my youth by those who love form more than You.Because you either behave any way “the spirit moves you to” or you are an idolator of form. :~
EDIT: Or, what Chip said.
Kevin, thanks for the comment. Several thoughts on it, first on solos.
1. This wasn’t an anti-solo post, it was about applause. I think I said pretty clearly that the Scriptures don’t forbid solos.
2. The reason I gave that we “don’t do much in the way of solos” is because Scripture on singing to one another seems to fit better with congregational singing, not because solos are wrong. I’ll add that we don’t see any indications of anything like it in the New Testament, and the case for it in the OT is far from ironclad. But this is not a hill I want to die on, or spend a lot of time on.
3. The very fact that I said these things could “drift into” performance would, I hope, be indication that they are not inherently problematic.
4. Yes, the intention of the “performer” matters greatly, but so does the response of the hearers. If everyone in your church is spiritually mature enough to not be tempted to drift into an entertainer/audience mindset, you’ve got less of a concern.
On “applauding God”:
1. Yes, I think this is possible.
2. In our culture, those who applaud are the patrons who are expressing their approval of a performance. The performer effectively is working for them. This is one of several cultural messages that applause carries. Is that a message we wish to convey to others, or to our own hearts?
3. When something is ingrained in our culture (and closely connected with an entertainment aspect of our culture that has been a significant vehicle for corruption), how sure can we be that we really understand everything going on in our hearts when we take part in it?
4. How sure can we be that the spiritually less mature among us will be “safe” in this, rather than being drawn into wrong thought patterns?
Final thought: pretty much the entire focus of your comment was where it belongs, on matters of the heart. I appreciate the emphasis. My emphasis was not so much on where one person’s heart is, but on the problem of where the heart might go. I think if you read again you’ll see that my main focus is that with our cultural background, applause can take our hearts (or that of others) in directions they shouldn’t go.
***
Jeffrey, be assured, I’m not condemning you, though you apparently condemn me by suggesting that I love form more than the Lord. Perhaps you yourself love some forms, and maybe that is why you are so unhappy when someone suggests consideration as to whether it is problematic. As for me, I have no great personal opposition to clapping or applause. I just want to do what most pleases the Lord.
In any event, may the Lord help us all to always be open to the possibility that we have not fully understood the ways in which He does, and does not, want us to worship Him when we meet together. Lord bless.
Edit: I wouldn’t have piled on if I had seen what Chip and David wrote in response to Jeffrey.
1. This wasn’t an anti-solo post, it was about applause. I think I said pretty clearly that the Scriptures don’t forbid solos.
2. The reason I gave that we “don’t do much in the way of solos” is because Scripture on singing to one another seems to fit better with congregational singing, not because solos are wrong. I’ll add that we don’t see any indications of anything like it in the New Testament, and the case for it in the OT is far from ironclad. But this is not a hill I want to die on, or spend a lot of time on.
3. The very fact that I said these things could “drift into” performance would, I hope, be indication that they are not inherently problematic.
4. Yes, the intention of the “performer” matters greatly, but so does the response of the hearers. If everyone in your church is spiritually mature enough to not be tempted to drift into an entertainer/audience mindset, you’ve got less of a concern.
On “applauding God”:
1. Yes, I think this is possible.
2. In our culture, those who applaud are the patrons who are expressing their approval of a performance. The performer effectively is working for them. This is one of several cultural messages that applause carries. Is that a message we wish to convey to others, or to our own hearts?
3. When something is ingrained in our culture (and closely connected with an entertainment aspect of our culture that has been a significant vehicle for corruption), how sure can we be that we really understand everything going on in our hearts when we take part in it?
4. How sure can we be that the spiritually less mature among us will be “safe” in this, rather than being drawn into wrong thought patterns?
Final thought: pretty much the entire focus of your comment was where it belongs, on matters of the heart. I appreciate the emphasis. My emphasis was not so much on where one person’s heart is, but on the problem of where the heart might go. I think if you read again you’ll see that my main focus is that with our cultural background, applause can take our hearts (or that of others) in directions they shouldn’t go.
***
Jeffrey, be assured, I’m not condemning you, though you apparently condemn me by suggesting that I love form more than the Lord. Perhaps you yourself love some forms, and maybe that is why you are so unhappy when someone suggests consideration as to whether it is problematic. As for me, I have no great personal opposition to clapping or applause. I just want to do what most pleases the Lord.
In any event, may the Lord help us all to always be open to the possibility that we have not fully understood the ways in which He does, and does not, want us to worship Him when we meet together. Lord bless.
Edit: I wouldn’t have piled on if I had seen what Chip and David wrote in response to Jeffrey.
Our church has had a few awkward moments when a member sings a solo, and a visitor (not understanding our hesitancy to applaud) will start clapping, a couple of others who aren’t certain of the situation, join in, but then it all dies in a kind of embarrassing faux pas for the visitor. My wife and I have decided to join in the applause so that visitors are not left embarrassed.
Sean, in that situation I would clap, too. It’s the charitable thing to do, and I’m convinced God loves charity more than He loves carefulness about clapping. Thanks for mentioning that aspect of it.
You might discuss it with your pastor — he might encourage others to clap in that situation, too.
You might discuss it with your pastor — he might encourage others to clap in that situation, too.
people clap sometimes, like a collective “thank you, God.” Like 2 Sundays ago when a woman came up front with her son whom we’d been praying for for years. It was just a spontaneous way we collectively said, “thank you, God!”
I thought it was interesting at first that clapping could also show disapproval, but then come to think of it, I’ve clapped my hands at the kids (and the dog) to get their attention when they were into getting into something they shouldn’t.
I agree that our entertainment-driven culture may require us to be more careful about elements like clapping, because misguided expectations and focus have veered its use from original intentions. I suppose it’s spiritual entropy. Unless acted upon by the Holy Spirit and the Word, all our actions will devolve in something fleshly.
We’ve had discussions here before about giving honor where honor is due and recognizing someone’s efforts, but IMO extreme carefulness in this area is important. I always cringe when my kids are rewarded for memorizing verses or bringing their Bibles to church. I don’t want them to make wrong connections between earthly and heavenly treasures. I received many rewards when I was a kid, and as an adult it took a long time before I didn’t feel a sense of disappointment when my efforts or accomplishments weren’t acknowledged. I had to deprogram myself from looking to others for approval and learn to do things simply for the love of God and in order to bring honor and glory to Him.
I said that to say I completely understand why we should be thoughtful about what we are communicating with something as seemingly innocuous as clapping.
And you need to add hanky-waving as another kind of ‘sanctified’ clapping.
I agree that our entertainment-driven culture may require us to be more careful about elements like clapping, because misguided expectations and focus have veered its use from original intentions. I suppose it’s spiritual entropy. Unless acted upon by the Holy Spirit and the Word, all our actions will devolve in something fleshly.
We’ve had discussions here before about giving honor where honor is due and recognizing someone’s efforts, but IMO extreme carefulness in this area is important. I always cringe when my kids are rewarded for memorizing verses or bringing their Bibles to church. I don’t want them to make wrong connections between earthly and heavenly treasures. I received many rewards when I was a kid, and as an adult it took a long time before I didn’t feel a sense of disappointment when my efforts or accomplishments weren’t acknowledged. I had to deprogram myself from looking to others for approval and learn to do things simply for the love of God and in order to bring honor and glory to Him.
I said that to say I completely understand why we should be thoughtful about what we are communicating with something as seemingly innocuous as clapping.
And you need to add hanky-waving as another kind of ‘sanctified’ clapping.
AMENOMETER: a theoretical instrument used to measure the adapted response to the collision of a cultural norm with a spiritual tradition.
Ashamed of Jesus! of that Friend On whom for heaven my hopes depend! It must not be! be this my shame, That I no more revere His name. -Joseph Grigg (1720-1768)
My family does not respond with clapping in any worship situation. These are spiritual ministries meant for people to respond to God, not to the one ministering. Now there are places to applaud our brothers and sisters and demonstrate appreciation for their ministering to us but not in this setting.
Discussion