Just like each one of us, each local church is unique. Every church has its own style, culture and habits. Things that you may consider “normal” in your local church may seem very abnormal for someone else in a different church. Many years ago, I visited a church out west. During the sermon time, a man with a very deep and loud voice would say “Amen” or “Preach it, brother” after virtually every phrase the Pastor would speak. He verbally was announcing his appreciation for what the Pastor was saying. Being a visitor, I didn’t want to turn around and see who was being so vocal but in looking around at the rest of the congregation it was clear that they were unphased by the constant outbursts by this man. They considered this normal. Perhaps the preacher may have found it to be an encouragement to him. But for me, it was a distraction. I had a hard time focusing on the Bible or what the preacher had to say because the man in the back kept calling attention to himself.

With many modern churches today, there is a concert-like atmosphere. Special lighting, high-tech sound and video, performances from worship bands and spiritualized “Ted Talk” sermons from the Pastor all contribute to this. The people that worship in this environment naturally express their appreciation through clapping – just like they would for a singer or speaker on stage at a public event. Just like the old man yelling “Amen”, I don’t think there is a Bible reason to say clapping is a sin. Either of these may be culturally acceptable practices within your local church. My concern is that we look at why we have chosen these (and other) practices in our worship services.

Worship in our church should have only one object – God himself. There is no other who is worthy of praise. We are told to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Sometimes the Holy Spirit does move us to respond with an expression of praise. As long as we aren’t trying to induce a response through an emotionally-charged, experience based worship service – we should be open to this. However, in many cases we find ourselves settled into a worship service like spectators at a sporting event or concert. Instead of responding with praise to God, our responses are conditioned to show appreciation for the people up front. When someone does a “good job” with their special music, we naturally (and with good motives) want to encourage them and tell them through our clapping or other response that we appreciated THEM. As a Pastor, I must admit it is refreshing and sometimes invigorating during a message to hear an “amen” from someone from time to time. It lets me know that people are listening and that the word I’m sharing is hitting home in some way. However, we must be always wary to differentiate an expression of appreciation for the person and their talents from an expression of praise to God. Our purpose in every worship service is to give God all the praise.

I’m not saying that it is never appropriate to say “Amen” in church or to clap your hands. In some times and places and occasions it may be appropriate. Within the culture and style of your local church, it may not be a distraction and may even be encouraged. But we need to be careful that our response is not one of appreciation for the person, a distraction to those around us or a way to bring attention to ourselves. There is a time and place for expressing our appreciation to people (and we need to actively be doing it). It is wonderful to be an encouragement to that musician that worked hard on their special music. Let them know after church just how much you appreciate their hard work and their willingness to use their talents for the Lord. Tell them how their music spoke to your heart in some specific way.

Be aware that your response within a worship service affects other worshippers around you. They may follow your lead or they may be distracted by your response. Your response can draw attention to yourself instead of God. Only within the context of your local church, your family of believers, and your worship environment can you determine what is a proper expression of praise to God. We all need to express our appreciation to those who are a blessing to us in the service but we must not forget that our praise must always be directed to God alone.