And unto the Jews I became as a Jew… that I might gain them that are under the law. To them that are without law, as without law… that I might gain them that are without law… I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. I Corinthians 9:20-22 (selected portions)

I grew up attending a little Methodist church way out in the country. Most times we didn't have a piano player, and we sang the hymns at one-quarter speed. We were usually a quiet bunch, but when we gathered for prayer at the altar, everyone prayed aloud at the same time. During sermons, some of the old people would call out "Amen" from time to time, but the idea of clapping during church, or of raising hands to praise God, was unthinkable. I concluded that worship was always a serious affair, and that restraint was the rule, not to be broken or challenged. Only after moving to Pikeville, Kentucky, did I discover that it was OK to express exuberance and joy during worship. I did it frequently. Now, I'm attending a church that, while very loving and dedicated to the Gospel, also does not believe, apparently, that worship ever could, or should, be fun. Saying "Amen" and "Yes, Lord," is encouraged, but clapping just isn't done.

The Apostle Paul said he tailored his actions to the group he was with, though never to the point of compromising his witness. He was a Greek among Greeks, a Jew among Jews, and a Roman among Romans. I've learned the same lesson over the years. I know the Lord wants me to be in this congregation right now, and it's my role to emphasize our shared beliefs, and our fellowship in Christ, rather than dwelling on differences. While it's difficult for me to worship sometimes without outward manifestations, it's certainly not impossible. The important thing is what is happening inside between the Lord and I.

I think that the reluctance of some congregations, even denominations, to allow more open expression during worship is grounded in fear. They associate noisy worship with Pentecostal and Charismatic groups, or with modernist churches more concerned with entertainment than with worship. Adopting a different mode of worship, they believe, would also mean surrendering their doctrinal purity. One of the real delights of my life these past few years has been being a part of a conservative Baptist church that enjoys more freedom in worship and praise than any other church I've ever attended. It thrills the heart to see several hundred Baptists raising their hands toward Heaven, or jumping to their feet to shout and clap like they would in a UK basketball game.

Don't get me wrong; I love traditional hymns, and old-fashioned singing. I'm not saying, either, that Victory Baptist Church is all bound up. There is too much evidence of joy there, too much evidence of the Spirit's working, to criticize what's going on. It's just that the style of worship is different from what I would prefer. I can, and will, worship God there to the same extent I can in any other church. Those of you who attend Pikeville First Baptist now are blessed indeed; my friends tell me there is a great revival happening there right now. Some of you are not as fortunate, but that doesn't mean you can't worship God where you are.

We emphasize externals too much. Folks at Victory Baptist point out, and rightly so, that some churches offer little more than entertainment to their members. If the Holy Spirit doesn't minister through the music, it's nothing but empty sound. Generations of Christians thrived on what we now see as "old time religion," or, more accurately, "old-fashioned religion." Just as we should ask others not to judge churches based on the modern style of their music and worship alone, we can't judge those who persist in the customs and traditions of their parents and grandparents. Just as with a beautiful car, what's important is what goes on under the hood, not what first meets the eye.

If you feel the freedom in your church to raise your hands, or clap, or shout "Praise the Lord," don't quench the Spirit. You may encourage someone else who's just dying to let loose, but who's afraid someone might notice they're the only one. I've been in places and situations where I stood out in a crowd like that, though it didn't especially bother me. Be a trendsetter. At the same time, if you know your church takes offense at such outward exhibitions, restrain yourself for their sake. When you're alone, or with likeminded Christians, you can whoop and holler to the Lord all you want. And, when we're all around the golden throne, you can be like the old fellow who could never get in the Antioch Church House Choir; you can sing as high and as loud as you want to, and clap and shout through all eternity.

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