ACTIVE AND LOUD WORSHIP RESPONSES: IS IT A BIBLICAL PRACTICE?

Abstract

The central role of church worship cannot be gainsaid. The fact that worship determines the

responses of church members means that to a significant extent, worship underscores

significant psychological nuances among members and as such, their preferences always come

into consideration. This is the reason why worship services and experiences vary from

congregation to congregation. However, this variance often creates conflict between the various

forms of worship responses and the biblical validity of each. On one hand are the contemporary

active and loud worship responses and on the other are the traditional mute or silent worship

responses. Consequently, this study sought to ask; which practice between active loud and

muted worship responses is biblical? And which practice between active loud and muted

worship responses leads to effective and meaningful worship experiences? The Old Testament

before and during the patriarchal era is largely silent on the biblical fidelity of active and loud

worship responses. However, the Davidic Era appears to endorse it as it does not necessarily

denounce it. But nonetheless, also looking at the New Testament, an accumulation of the

precepts of true worship shows that true worship that creates effective and meaningful worship

experiences is one that is both Theocentric and Christocentric. Such a Theocentric and

Christocentric is thus devoid of selfishness, personal gratification, androcentrism and negative

multiculturalism and multi-generationalism. Considering however that God created man with

intellect and emotions, our worship must cater to the emotions and to the intellect. Thus, there

should not be tension between those who focus on emotions (active loud worship responses)

and mind (traditional mute worship responses). What should be avoided is extremes from both

sides and what should be sought is a hybrid of the Theocentric and Christocentric elements

from each response that edifies Christ. Also, moderate active and loud worship responses can

be coupled with silence and muted postures depending on the circumstances. It would be a

dereliction of effective and meaningful worship experiences if the worshippers were too

emotional as to deny the place of mind, order and decency but on the other hand, too cold as to

deny the place of cheerfulness, contemplation, cultural inclinations and foundations and joy in

their worship experiences.