I’ve heard psychologists, MSW’s & others in the fields of mental health, social work, etc. say to me that (in their world) there is no way for people who are so different to gather in one room without conflict. Yet here they all meet in Christ.

If you are interested, feel free to contact me.
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Winsome - That’s the opposite of my church.
Sometimes a few start out clapping, then others join in.

Pauline - This is kinda funny. My pastor is also of German descent (as am I). He has told of his struggles with a deep stubborn streak. But he is a fairly passionate worshipper (aloud but not loud), & can get pretty fired up in his preaching. (Not in the stereotypical way, though.)

Most of us are reserved and respectful when singing. Sometimes the worship team tries to get us to be a little more “active.” It usually leads the congregation with clapping during some of the songs, and most of the crowd starts out by clapping, but within just a little while, everyone has stopped clapping. I prefer not to clap, so I don’t even start.

However, in my heart, I am SOARING high and passionately “above the clouds” and my whole spirit is on fire with love and joy…..

I have characterized my church family in this way, when describing our worship services to potential visitors: I tell them most of the people in our church are HUMBLE. This is not to say that people who are more exuberant are NOT humble; I am only meaning to say that our church family is the kind that does not seek attention. We enjoy it somewhat when it is given, but we do not (for the most part) need or crave individualized attention.

Thank God for differences! How much richer will the harmony of our praises be, when in heaven we shall all with one accord give Him glory and honor, and our full attention!

There are traits that are more true of some cultural/ethnic groups than others. Our pastor is of German background, and he occasionally talks about the traits that seem to go with it - pride, self-sufficiency, reserve. I don’t know how much of it is genetic and how much is learned behavior, but if there is a group of people of that background they are more likely to be that way than the general population. And in some areas, there are people of a certain background who have been there for generations, and have a church that their families have gone to for generations. (Probably more true here in the rural midwest than in CT.)

Another factor is that people who do have a choice of churches with different worship styles will pick the one that they are most comfortable with. If there’s only one in the area that seems to be sound doctrinally, you go there and adapt to how they do things. But if there are several good ones, each church is likely to have a lot of people who are most comfortable with that worship style. So it’s true that it’s the custom of that church, but because that custom attracts certain kinds of people, those people may also very well be naturally inclined to be that way.

My question was sparked by a preacher who made the point that some people will say that it is weird or whatnot to be so expressive in a church, then they’ll go & yell their throats sore at a [pick a sport] game.

I didn’t want to stir up any trouble or bad feelings, but kind of somewhat humorously (which I don’t think came across too well) & lovingly make that point a little.

It would be natural for there to be some that don’t show much outward expression in their worship, but a whole church full? I think that comes down more to the custom of the church/denomination.

Our worship leader sometimes makes comments like “I can’t hear you” or “Do you really love God” to get people to sing/clap louder. I always feel slightly indignant at that. What does how loud I sing have to do with the sincerity of my praise? I suppose with some people it does, but I have to fight the temptation to sing/clap more quietly in response. But I try to focus on praising God and not let my annoyance at the worship leader get me thinking about myself or other people instead.

Do those who are not very emotive or expressive, such as at your church, “get into” their favorite music (dancing or moving to the music), or cheer for their favorite sports teams? Or, being not very expressive or emotive, do they simply lightly tap their toes to music, or politely clap for their team (quietly, & while remaining in their seats)?

If it is respectful and worshipful toward God, then it is OK. Exuberance is not disrespectful (per se) and it is perfectly fine even if it is not my own personal style.