Q:  It is becoming commonplace in some churches that, at the conclusion of singing or a speech or such performance, someone says, "Let's give them a hand," and everyone applauds. Is this proper conduct in worship?

A:   Undoubtedly, one will go to the words of the psalmist:

First, the reader must bear in mind that the Old Testament is not our source of authority today in the church. David also played musical instruments, offered animal sacrifices, and practiced circumcision as religious rites. However, we do not thereby have authority to practice those things today, because the cross of Christ has taken away the former decrees (Colossians 2:14).

Second, the word "noise" in the King James text does not necessarily indicate unintelligible sounds. The original word meaning includes "to shout, to cry out." In fact, reputable modern translations render this simply, "Shout joyfully," which can just as easily be a part of orderly worship forms, such as singing or preaching. Moreover, the hand-clapping of the floods is clearly figurative language.

Third, it is important to remember the object of our praise in worship should be the Lord. There's certainly nothing wrong with telling a brother he did a good job leading the singing or giving a talk. The scriptures are full of commendations for the hard work of individuals, but applause puts an undue proportion of emphasis upon the messenger. Paul warns a man "not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment," (Romans 12:3). For example, when Cornelius fell at Peter's feet, Peter replied, "Stand up; I myself am also a man," (Acts 10:26). Also, upon hearing Paul's words, the people of Antioch of Pisidia "glorified the word of the Lord," not Paul himself (Acts 13:48). The glory of the word is in the message, not the messenger. The Corinthians were mixed up about this, and strife and division was the result (1 Corinthians 1 - 4).

Now, suppose it is suggested that we direct this form of expression to God in worship rather than to a man. Suppose at a worship service, someone says, "Let's all give Jesus a big round of applause." What should be the Christian's response to this?

The answer for this is found in a study of authority, like in every other issue. If applause is acceptable in worship today, we should be able to find a New Testament command, necessary inference, or approved example for it. Furthermore, those who would practice this are the ones under obligation to demonstrate such authority for it. They who might say this is a form of praise to God, for which we have generic authority, have too broad a definition of praise. This is the same way modernists today suggest the musical instrument is lawful in worship. The word "praise" has to have some sort of specificity to it's definition, or it becomes nonsensical; it can't include everything. With this reasoning, we can authorize jumping on a trampoline, telling jokes, performing magic tricks, or doing anything else God has given us a gift for, if we say it is done to praise God. This would mean that virtually anything that is not intrinsically sinful, like fornication, would be authorized in worship, but Paul said, "not all things are expedient". That which authorizes too much authorizes nothing.

It seems odd to give applause to Jesus in response to what he has done for us. If we had been at Golgotha the day He was nailed to the cross, would our custom of giving applause have been an appropriate response to the work Jesus was performing there? If it would have been out of place there, then perhaps we need to be showing the same kind of sobriety and seriousness in our worship services. Applause trivializes the cross. We need to be thinking about what we're doing and why we're doing it. Worship should be cross-centered (1 Corinthians 2:2); without the cross, our worship is vanity. Worship time is not the time to be "whooping it up." Next, we'll hear, "Give me a 'J,' give me an 'E'..." and our service will take on all the dignity of a high school pep rally. The call to decency and orderliness in worship (1 Corinthians 14:40) demands that we act appropriately for the solemn occasion.

For what reasons would we want to applaud in worship assemblies? More than likely, the desire among brethren today to clap in worship is from wanting to increase emotionalism or to imitate denominations as much as possible without actually becoming one. Better they should want to make themselves as distinguishable as possible from denominations. Blurring the lines of distinction only leads to further departures. After applauding is accepted, acceptance of musical instruments in worship is probably just a matter of time.

Applauding in worship is questionable at best, and advocates of the practice will be the first to suggest it is just a matter of opinion. They will further concede it is also okay not to applaud. If it is truly a matter of opinion, then it should not become a stumbling block or a dividing point in the church. If it causes some to feel uncomfortable, then, if for no other reason, we must leave it out. Matters of opinion, judgement, or indifference (if that is truly what this is) should never violate a brother's conscience (1 Corinthians 10:19-33). If we can all agree it's okay not to applaud, then we can stand there together in unity.

If applause is what our Lord wants in worship, then it is not optional; we are sinning to not do it. We might even suggest to our elders that we hold a special "applauding service" the same way we may have a special prayer service or a singing service. Without doubt, if New Testament authority for applauding in worship can be demonstrated the same way we find authority for singing, preaching, giving, praying, and communion, then we better be doing it. Until then, perhaps it's best to please hold your applause.