Freedom of Expression in Worship

It's amazing how the "face" of corporate

worship has changed over the years.

Not only in the music, but in the personal expression in worship. Back in the seventies and early eighties, the only churches that were using, what we know as praise and worship music or contemporary music were charismatic or Pentecostal churches. I remember attending a Assembly of God church with a friend in the early eighties, I was blown away. People were actually engaged in participatory worship. They were not only praying out loud, they would clap after a song, raise their hands while singing with their eyes closed.

There were even those who would kneel with their

heads and hands on the floor.

This was new to me! In the church where I grew up, if you raised your hand during the service, you'd better have a question. If you clapped...well, we didn't have any of that.

For all of the struggles that the Church at large has gone through, one of the many things that I am encouraged about is the continuing freedom of expression in worship.

I remember being so confused being at a Yankee game with members our church on a Saturday, seeing and hearing everyone's response to a great play or when they saw their favorite player. And when their team won, they smiled, shouted, high fived and rejoiced boldly. Then I'd see them in service the next morning and during worship there was little to no expression at all.

There the Guest of Honor was the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the creator of the universe! We'd hear messages and sing songs about the victory that we have in Christ, that He has defeated the enemy, about our eternal home and there were no shouts of joy, no raised hands, no outward expression at all from they same people who the night before were "raising the roof"
with expression for a sports event.

Now sports and a worship service are indeed different, but it is something to consider when we express outward excitement about our favorite pastime and remain silent about the creator of our past and the One who holds time in His hand.

At TBC, we understand that we all have different personalities and ways that we express our joy and excitement. With that said, we also give you permission, under the biblical directive of 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40, (that all should be characterized by peace and done in a decent and orderly way) to worship the Lord with your "everythingness". If that means raising your hands, do so. If that means responding with a "hallelujah, amen!" go for it.

If that means remaining silently in your seat reflecting on the majesty of God or doing business in your heart with Him, do it humbly before an audience of One.

May our worship time together so reflect biblical response so that when we get to heaven and join the eternal worship gathering, that we won't experience culture shock.

Mark W. Jones

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