It was an interesting “town hall meeting” that we had at Joy yesterday. As I expected, most of the comments had to do with the worship service. One particularly stands out, because it was expressed to me beforehand and in this meeting. It is the subject of applauding after the choir or soloist sings. I confess that I fall on the side of those who find this objectionable in a worship service.

I say this as one who has been a musical performer for most of my life. Whether on stage, in the concert hall, or at a county fair you want, you crave that applause. To not get it makes you feel like you really stunk. All that rehearsal for naught. Or maybe it’s one of those occasions where the size of the band is bigger than the audience. I remember in my Navy Band days, there was one such concert. After one song we did, our front man said, “Thank you for that applaud.”

What about in church? We must all be reminded that our purpose of coming to church is to WORSHIP GOD. As gratifying and ego-stroking as it may be for a choir to get applause after its anthem, it takes the emphasis off what GOD is doing, and makes church service into a performance. What if the choir “struck out”, or sang a selection that was iffy at best, and didn’t get applause? I think you see where I am going here. Our worship of God must be the focus of our gathering.

Everything we do in worship – every note, word, thought – is about Jesus, the Living Word, in whom we live, move, and have our being. Those in positions of worship leadership strive for an attitude of reverence as they move about the sanctuary. As flawed human creatures trying to do divine, holy things rightly, we do best when we remember that in all things we are worshipping our God.

As much as I cherish and enjoy worship, I understand that I (we) sometimes go amiss. I give glory and thanks to God for inspiring me to swallow my fear and finally speak out about this matter.

When all is said and done, whether a parishioner can’t help but spontaneously applaud, I believe that Jesus still speaks to us in worship, and that our Heavenly father never ceases to love us unconditionally.

Pastor Art