First Church Year #29: Shout
As you read this you should know that there are only twenty-five days until my Tennessee Volunteers will kickoff in their first game of the year. I will be taking that day off work, listen to pre-game shows, grilling brats and shouting for three hours of a football game.
If you Jesus Juke any of that statement in your comments, I might delete it. 
I thought of this as I reflected on yesterday’s church service. I can only describe it as the service of SHOUT!
The Isley Brothers and The Beatles probably have the most recognizable versions of the song, Twist and Shout. This song was not played during out church service, but there seems to be something primal in our desire to shout. It definitely comes out in things like our music or the aforementioned football game that I am looking forward to.
Yesterday we sang Shout To The Lord! I love that song. You have probably sung it in your church service. The song tells us that nothing compares to the Lord and implies that this is a reason to shout to Him.
We sang another song called When I Think About The Lord. In this song, the one who thinks about the Lord shouts Hallelujah. Again, the response to the Lord is shouting.
When was the last time you shouted in church?
I’m not talking about something that is for show or anything. I’m talking about a spontaneous response to what is happening in the service?
I don’t think I’ve ever done it.
Football games? Absolutely. I’m so focused on what’s happening that when something good happens it just bubbles out.
Church? Not so much. I wasn’t raised that way. I was taught to think it improper and showy if someone even yelled, “Amen!”
There is a lady in our church who gets so excited that she lets out a “Whooo!!!” in a lot of songs.
She responds like the songwriters encourage us to by shouting.
Do you shout in church services? How about football games? What do you think about it?
yeah…I was wondering if the writer of this post ever considered rooting for heaven’s team instead of the Vols; if he took time off work to donate hours to church stuff; if he grilled and offered it to the homeless; and showed as much excitement for Jesus and His church as he does for a football team/game. Jesus Juke! LOL Dude, you know I’m just kidding. You do need your head examined though for that first one: cheering for who? No, I don’t shout but do say Amen or Yes! so others can hear me.
Bill, many people think I need my head examined.