To Clap or Not to Clap

Re:Verse passage – Joshua 5:13-15; 6:1-5 (day two) and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city will fall down flat vs 6:5b

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth;
Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises. Psalm 98:4

Let’s be honest, we need to do more shouting. One of the questions I get in regards to worship is ‘how do I feel about clapping in service?’ I think I understand the heart of the question.  It speaks to who is receiving glory and recognition. Let me be clear, it is not us. We do not approach worship hoping to be recognized or honored for their performance.

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
But to Your name give glory Psalm 115:1

Our prayer each week is to use the gifts, given on loan from the Lord, to present an offering of praise that we may glorify the Lord, and in so doing help others to see his goodness. It is a beautiful circle. We take from the Lord and use what he has given us to give back.

There are times when worship is so alive and profound that you can’t help but react. Scripture is on your side. Clap, shout, and respond. Not for our benefit, but to give praise to the Lord. This doesn’t always happen. Some times we need to sit and reflect, and just be still in the Lord.

My hope is that I will encourage more people to respond to the Lord in a way that directs praise to him. My prayer is also that our congregation knows we don’t need applause. We simply want to use our worship to see Jesus more clearly, and to help others to do the same. However you respond, please do so for the glory and honor of our savior.

Author: Aaron Hufty

Aaron Hufty is the Associate Pastor for Worship and Music at FBCSA.

5 thoughts on “To Clap or Not to Clap”

  1. Sometimes I sort of cringe when the congregation claps. Our music is an offering of worship not a performance. And yet I clap for the orchestra or Seth or Jen because I love the music they make and it’s uppermost in my mind they are using their God-given talents to honor God.

  2. Aaron, I praise our God for the wisdom and guidance He has given you as you lead us in worship of Him every week!

  3. When you say “ we simply want to use our worship to see Jesus more clearly, and to help others to do the same” this is purest worship to me. Praise the Lord!!!

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