Pastor Larry, can you show us a place in the Bible where it does tell us exactly what forms of worship is acceptible and/or 'corporate' that specifically deny the raising of hands. (I realize that you are not 'against' it per-se, but you are not 'for it' either as it seems that you consider it an individual abberration which you feel is disruptive of corporate service, and out of place.)
The congregational song service is already interactive. I do not see where the raising or not raising of the hands becomes so disturbing. There are things much more disturbing to me that I've seen happen in church.... like people talking during the message, folks passing notes, kids attending adult worship and allowed to scream out without removal by their parents........ and fortunately I seldom witness such at the church I attend.
The preaching portion of the service is not interactive unless the pastor carries it in that direction. I would presume that he is guided by the Holy Spirit. I would hope also that the participation of the congregation is also guided by the Holy Spirit. Isn't there something about worship which is responsive?
No, it is not a correct analogy to equate a ballgame with a worship service: But to have more enthusiasm and 'heart' into attending a ball game then going to church seems like it could be a form of idolatry: Where we're more eager to meet with our friends in a social and entertainment experience than to meet together to worship God. Why not 'clap your hands, all you people, shout unto God with the voice of triumph/praise' occassionally. If we did a little more of bending the knee or raising the hands, perhaps we might be more physically and spiritually fit to have our feet take us into all the world with the good news rather than content to sit in a pew warming the cushions with our hineys.
I suppose there are some services which are conducted and unruly...... but that may be the fault of the leadership including the pastor/shepherd. If I attend your church and realize by the temperment of the body that some things aren't done i.e. raising the hands in praise to God during the music, then I will refrain; except if and only if I have a compulsion within my spirit that raising my hands would be a worshipful obediance to God ....with or with out pastorial permission. Then, if rebuked, I would accept that humbly and take it under careful and prayerful advisement that the shepherd of the flock is not only over me in authority, but is also bears responsibility before God for the direction and training which I receive and others also, and therefore I would submit to his authority or go elsewhere.
I would agree that some expressions, during the preaching, may actually be a distraction from the message. On the other hand, if someone in the congregation feels the necessity to go forward early 'to the bar' to pray quietly through the remainder of your preaching, what is that to you if the spirit of God led them? Does it mean you must stop what your doing to minister individually to their need? I don't think so. I would imagine that it might provoke some action on the part of a deacon or counselor to approach such a person and inquire, and perhaps direct them to a course of action more in keeping with the order of the service, while that persons needs would be addressed in a Christ like compassionate way.
My SBC pastor has preached on conduct during the services. Though we don't have but maybe 3 or 4 people in the whole church which will say 'amen' sometimes ....and they are not disruptive as it occurs immediately after a good point in the message, much as an punctuation mark: regarding saying 'amen'
he pointed out that it was not to discourage folks from saying it, but to alert them to the importance of its meaning 'so be it'. If the pastor has just made a statement regarding the lack of moral leadership in the community.....just because one may feel it is true doesn't mean one wishes to endorse it with an 'amen'.
Of the 5 ministers at my church, their is one who sings in the choir. Ocassionally a particlular hymn seems to touch him especially and his small gestures of his hand to his heart or his hand directed upward are not intrusive but seems to direct the attention of others listening that it is not the melody or the harmony that gives meaning to the worship, but the message in the words, which have meaning and provoke feelings.
Congregate worship is identification with others in shared fellowship to worship (interact) in focus and praise to God. Is there unity? Is there individual participation required? Maybe worship needs to be defined. Doesn't the pastor have the right to direct it as God leads him? Doesn't he have the power to give instruction to his flock regarding the offense and offering of 'strange fire'? Is not this more appropriate (to give proper instruction) than restricting the services to the most solemn and formal expression? If too much emphasis is placed on formality, are we there to worship God or go through the motions of ritual and attendance? When we come before the Lord with thanksgiving and joy, what expresses this and is it limited if contained too much within formality? Is worship strictly defined by what the pastor does? Doesn't the congregate worship also contribute and 'feed' to the pastor the spiritual reflection of his congregation before he gives back in the message?
Unity in purpose doesn't negate the possiblity of individual expression, but it does refine it within boundaries of responsibility to the body to contribute and not hinder, to be orderly in submission to the spirit and not create confusion; which also means submission to leadership; love for the brethern also means submitting oneself to be discerning of the sensitivities of others to not create offense or distraction, or an atmosphere so rigid that they cannot feel welcomed to worship God.
Oh, I am reminded of the mother of Samuel, who appeared troubled during the worship in the Temple and how God lead Eli to minister. I am reminded of Jesus taking the children in his arms when they and their mother's had been rebuked by his disciples; of the blind man crying over the message being delivered to the crowd. I am not offering these antedotes to persuade anyone to do these things, but as a reminder that sometimes God moves in unexpected ways. Worship is an extension of our faith, individually and collectivelly. One cannot have a collective without individuals. Individuals do not form a collective without some unity and purpose in identification with others.
Peace.
