Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: March 8, 2009
HAND CLAPPING IN SERVICES
Ben Justice
We live in a highly emotional society. We are driven by emotion that seems to rarely look at things
objectively. This mindset has invaded the religious realm where a “thus saith the Lord” has been replaced
by feelings and “think-so’s.” Sadly, this “feel good” and “do my own thing” mentality has infiltrated the body
of Christ. In recent years in the Lord’s church, this attitude has come in the form of hand clapping. It is a
common practice in many congregations that still refer to themselves as “the church of Christ” to applaud
after one is baptized.
The word “clap” is defined as “to strike the palms of the hands together, esp. so as to applaud, summon, or
scare off.” The word “applaud” means “to show approval by clapping or cheering.” Hand clapping, therefore,
is the means by which we show approval for the speaker and the good job the speaker has done.
Unfortunately, many have allowed themselves to be shifted away from the rational and logical assessment of
truth in exchange for the substanceless emotional stimulation. For many worshippers, they would had
rather be driven by that which is “better felt than told.” Hand clapping occurs in two forms in religious
circles: (1) As applause, (2) As a rhythmical accompaniment to singing. We can automatically rule out the
later because any thing that is not vocal music (specifically “singing”) is unauthorized and is therefore sinful
(Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Those who are for applause often say, “What’s wrong with it? I like it! It’s just an
updated, modern way to say, ‘Amen’.” We want to consider several things relative to this recent
phenomenon in religious circles and even in the Lord’s church.
HAND CLAPPING IN SOCIETY
The primary reason for applause is to show approval. We applaud performers at sporting events and
musicians at concerts. We clap on such occasions because we enjoy what we see and hear.
Closely tied to a show of approval is that of recognition. When we applaud a performer, we are expressing
our appreciation for their skill and talent.
Handclapping is also expressive of excitement. When people are excited, many times they burst forth in
applause. In this way, handclapping is a means by which to achieve emotional release and express joy.
Thus, it is pretty much a purely emotional response.
Handclapping is also offered in courtesy to another. This may not be necessarily to indicate approval, but
simply to be polite and courteous.
From the above, applause is pretty much an emotional thing. Is it wrong to have our emotions stirred? Of
course not! God created our emotions as a part of the human makeup.
HANDCLAPPING IN SERVICES
The question is, “How does handclapping in American culture correlate with scriptural worship activity?”
Two additional questions are in order as well: (1) Is handclapping a legitimate replacement or alternative to
saying “amen?” and (2) Regardless of whether handclapping appears to be parallel to “amen,” does God
approve the use of handclapping in worship?
The use of “amen” in the scriptures is vital to this discussion. “Amen” in the OT served to affirm a
statement as certain, valid, and binding. It signified the individual’s acceptance of the statement (Num. 5:
22), and it connotes truthfulness (I Kings 1:36).
In the NT, “amen” is found 126 times. The word basically means “so let it be or truly.” “Amen” was a vocal
means by which an individual affirmed the certainty, truthfulness, and reliability of God’s word. To say
“amen” was to confirm the binding nature of those truths. Jesus often said, “Verily, verily” or “Truly, truly”
to preface his remarks as being true. In other words, Jesus “amened” his own preaching.
Notice that the functions of handclapping do not match the biblical function associated with saying “amen.”
Applause in our society is a response to an entertaining performance and is focused upon the performer. In
stark contrast, “amen” in the Bible focuses upon the message rather than the person presenting the
message. Here are some reasons why “hand-clapping” is wrong:
1.) It is the response to a performance. Right off, this involves subjective opinions. It is not geared toward
the preaching of God’s word, which is not subject to our judgment. Every now and then I will watch some
televangelist. It is often the case that the audience will applaud the speaker — not necessarily because of
what he has said, but the way he has said it — in a performance, emotionally charged type of way.
2.) We don’t applaud when the biting condemnations of God’s laws are preached. You don’t ever hear
people applauding when they are receiving a rebuke or reproof. However, you do hear people say “amen,”
which clearly indicates that there is a difference. Again, handclapping is geared to the performance and how
something is said and what I personally like, and “amen” is acknowledging the truth of the message that
originated with the Word of God.
3.) It turns worship service into an emotionally charged atmosphere. If handclapping is acceptable, then
where will it end, for someone just might take it upon themselves to offer some other type of emotional
response, such as a squeal, scream, or stomping their feet. Likewise, what would keep one from booing and
hissing if they were not impressed with those conducting worship or if the preacher didn’t say something
just right or what they wanted to hear? In connection with clapping at someone’s baptism, why not clap
when one confesses his faith in Christ? What about when a child of God comes forward and confesses sin?
Why not clap after a good song or a good prayer?
4.) It disrupts those who are concentrating. What if a person is headlong into the study of God’s word or is
concentrating really hard on his worship to God and then someone begins to clap? Certainly, it disrupts
those who are trying to be reverent.
5.) It is without NT authority. Col. 3:17 teaches that we must have biblical authority for all that we do in
worship. If there is authority for the practice, then let no man forbid its use. However, if there is no
authorization for the practice, then let those who are clapping repent and quit their practice. The fact is,
those who are clapping in worship services are doing so without NT authority.
It is certainly true that handclapping existed in the Roman world of the first century. Consider the effect on
Christianity that handclapping had. One writer noted,
When Christianity became fashionable the customs of the theatre were transferred to the churches. Paul of
Samosata encouraged the congregation to applaud his preaching by waving linen cloths. Applause of the
rhetoric of popular preachers became an established custom destined to disappear under the influence of a
more reverent spirit (Dave Miller, “Piloting the Strait,” Pg. 238).
Here is what we know about Paul of Samosata. He was an elder in the church in Antioch around 260 A.D.
He was eventually censured for his practice. He introduced an unbiblical, unauthorized action into
worship. It was an action which had no genuinely spiritual value but which actually promotes a secular,
fleshly, emotional approach to worship.
For sure, history is repeating itself. What Paul of Samosata did for the church in his day is what change
agents are doing in the church of our day.
Jesus spoke of those who seek honor of one another and not the honor that comes from God only (John 5:
44). Some loved the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:43). I would say that if there is
any clapping, let God do it! We can certainly say “AMEN” to that!