I think the question needs to be, are all actions equal? Most of us would argue not all cultures are equal, so how about this practice of yelling out in church? Is it just as good as the person who quietly takes in the words of the pastor? Is it better? Is it worse?
Here are some thoughts to consider:
- If it is personality to call out, what is it saying about the personality? On the other hand, if it is a welling up of the Spirit of God, then it can't be controlled and therefore would not be personality driven. This would be sporadic at most I would suggest, and not from the same person. Emotionally driven outbursts would be something that can be controlled, i.e. personality driven; do we think it is ok to be driven by emotions during a sermon? What if someone's emotions lead them to wail loudly or dance in the aisle? Is it therefore a good personality trait to do what we feel when we're inclined during a sermon?
- Does everyone benefit from an interruption to what the pastor is saying? Is there not a chance the yelling out breaks a moment of conviction in the mind of someone else or a moment of learning? If it can, then can we truly say it is just a different but equal way of worshiping? (is an emotionally driven response actual worship, is there a place for it?)
- What about the pastor's motivation to enjoy or seek out affirmation from his hearers? Can a pastor seek God's approval and man's simultaneously? Should there not be sermons that rub the congregation wrong? Where then would be the proper place for seeking positive shouting out?
- Is there pressure to a 'caller out' to do so often because he feels when he is quiet he is then seen as not approving? I'm not intending to say it is easy to speak to a non-responsive crowd. Anyone who has done that knows it is terribly difficult, but a pastor has a special calling, entertainment and the praise of men are not a part of that. To be whimsical at times to impart a biblical truth, sure, but too much jocularity or purposefully using verbal intonation to stir up the crowd seems opposite of the sacredness of handling the Word of Truth. "Can I get an, 'Amen?'". What about waiting to see changed lives or for private thanks?
- What about those who are thinkers and quiet in personality? Introverts are more the thinkers of our world than extroverts, and there is a place for both, but we must all realize most pastors today are extroverts. It is a wise pastor who understands this reality and protects the introverts in his flock. An introvert is not one that feels moved to call out, which also follows the truth they can be completely thrown off by others yelling out. Is consideration not to be a place in worship? We are not all the same, and I dare say an extrovert exercising self-control and thus denying his urge to yell out is not going to be harmed in the way an introvert, subjected to calling out during every sermon, will be. It may take work for an extrovert to refrain from yelling out when it has become his habit, but we all grow when we deny our fleshly urges.
- The main point that I'd like people to think about is this: who did God call to preach? So what is it those who yell out are actually doing? They are saying, "YES, listen to that point, I agree with it!" This begs the question to the one calling out, "Who are you?" Is the caller-out God's chosen man to teach and preach? Honestly, does God give congregants any position of authority in the worship service? I go to church hear God's man, and my feeling is that he does not need anyone's help in making his point. He listened to God and studied, and is delivering what God laid on his heart to bring to us. It is the same as a parent correcting a child when another child chimes in. Does/should any mother need that or want that help?
- Pride is an unfortunate trait we all struggle with. Could it be that a congregant calling out is seeking his own attention or that a pastor is seeking praise wrongly? I'm hesitant to criticize a man of God, but I think the question is worth considering.
To God be the Glory~
