Like a lot of folks, I grew up in a church where the preacher wore a coat and tie whenever he preached, shined shoes and your “Sunday best” were the accepted dress code, and a good, old-fashioned “amen” was the only outward show of approval for what was going on in the service. Now flip flops and golf shirts are accepted, and the service reminds you of a rock-and-roll show. Another change is applause by the congregation during the service. We applaud everything from the choir special to a baptismal.
Recently, we visited a Lutheran church in rural Lexington County for the confirmation service of our grandson. I sat down and began reading the order of service when I came upon this sentence in the welcome to visitors section: “We also request that you refrain from applause after anthems (choir, hand bells, etc.), as this is an offering of the choir and the musicians for the glory of God rather than them performing for us.” I was so pleased that I almost jumped up and applauded. Instead, I offered a quiet “amen.”
Thankfully, there are still houses of worship that retain their dignity of service. Hopefully, someday we Baptists will return to our roots as well.
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