Why Do We Clap In Church?
Maybe you read my blog the other day about special music not being special. I admit, I have an odd way of looking at things, but I have another question that goes along with it. I guess this is the sequel.
Why do we clap after the special music, which may or may not be so special, is over?
Who are we clapping for? What are we clapping for?
Listen, I understand wanting to express joy and happiness over a song. But what are we really doing when we clap for an individual performance? Are we celebrating their skill in singing the song? Are we happy that it’s over because it really wasn’t such special music? Are we clapping because the song drew us closer to God?
I don’t really want to sound like a contrarian all of the time, but when was the last time you gave your pastor a big hand after he delivered a sermon? I know that there is always someone in traditional churches that will say, “Amen!!!” at a certain point. How about at contemporary churches? Are people allowed to say, “Amen!!!” Does it happen? Do the deacons show up to escort the troublemaker out? I really want to know. How should we respond to the music and worship in our church services? David got so excited over the ark entering Jerusalem that he stripped naked and boogied in the streets. That would give a whole new connotation to bewaring of the naked preacher. Or anyone else for that matter.
How about you? Do you clap? Should we clap? If so, when? And what should our response to worship be?
I like to clap during the song if it’s peppy and I am feeling it!
I don’t have anything against clapping….I just like to examine why we do things. If it’s part of our worship, wonderful. If it’s praising man instead of the Lord, then not so much.