Are shouts of “Amen”, arm raising or hand clapping acceptable during worship?
Worship is supposed to be a time of solemn recollection. It is a serious occasion that is not be treated flippantly. Although we should have enthusiasm and excitement in our worship, we need to realize that our purpose is to remember the death and burial of our Savior. Hand clapping and other acts of wild enthusiasm are not appropriate for such occasions. Furthermore, Paul writes that all things are to be done properly and in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). This cannot be accomplished if everybody is worked into a frenzy of uncontrollable excitement.
