Happy-Clappy Churches
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
November 19, 2010 7:51am CST
Now, don't get me wrong, each to his own an' all that but this discussion is about churches that didn't used to be "happy-clappy" but are now.
Last year me and Mum went to the MAIN church in Blackpool but we were all shunted into a side room, not the church itself. This was due to the fact that it was an "open" invitation to people who didn't frequent the church, or in our case, didn't go to church at all. 
Well, that's fair enough but the so-called Carol Service reflected this and the ones that were obviously "regulars" were singled out for praise. One woman took great delight in clapping and throwing her arms into the air like she was in some Gospel Choir or something. Oh, and the words of the Carols were changed..not traditional at all.
Queen Victoria would've been mortified!
So, do you prefer the traditional approach at Christmas with the Nativity Scene, etc or do you prefer the modern, happy-clappy stuff that has no meaning at all (as I remember Church Carol Services from school, they were fabulous) or am I getting old?
Well, that's fair enough but the so-called Carol Service reflected this and the ones that were obviously "regulars" were singled out for praise. One woman took great delight in clapping and throwing her arms into the air like she was in some Gospel Choir or something. Oh, and the words of the Carols were changed..not traditional at all.
Queen Victoria would've been mortified!
So, do you prefer the traditional approach at Christmas with the Nativity Scene, etc or do you prefer the modern, happy-clappy stuff that has no meaning at all (as I remember Church Carol Services from school, they were fabulous) or am I getting old?6 responses
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
20 Nov 10
I prefer to avoid churches full stop! I like to visit some really old churches when there is no one there to check out the incredible architecture but sitting through any type of service drives me insane with boredom. Same thing for Christmas Carolly sing alongs. I always avoid them at all costs! 
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
21 Nov 10
Well, I do too but Carol Services are OK, as they can be quite atmospheric. Mum went to a candlelit version a few years ago and really liked it. She says it was "uplifting" and expected the service at St John's to be similar. I'm afraid it was totally the opposite. I may go to the candlelit version this year but I guess you're not that bothered whether I do or not lol.
I admire your honesty my friend.
I admire your honesty my friend.@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
21 Nov 10
Last Christmas while visiting my parents in the town that I grew up in, we went to the Christmas Carols at the local oval in the middle of town. I was bored out of my brain by the songs and it was a freezing cold night for someone like me who is used to the warmer climates now. 
My kids had fun though in the playground and with the battery operated candles that they had. It was kind of funny to be surrounded by all these people from my past too! 
My kids had fun though in the playground and with the battery operated candles that they had. It was kind of funny to be surrounded by all these people from my past too! 
@thedailyclick (3017)
•
19 Nov 10
This is quite amusing as I was brought up in a stuffy very traditional baptist church, then during my teens joined a pentecostal "happy clappy" church which was far more intune with modern times in what was my opinion back then. Since then I will be the first to admit that I don't go to church anymore. So that is where I am coming from to give some background to what I have to say.
Now I am going to have to disagree with you that the modern stuff has no meaning, as the words actually do have a deep meaning and can be quiet touching. And the throwing of hands in the air is purely a celebration in worship, which can be quiet off putting when you are not use to it. But when it comes to Christmas carols I am in the middle as I love many of the tradional carols, those which we learnt as children but at the same time I like them to be mixed with modern Christmas praise songs. The blend can make for an uplifting celebration but with a touching traditional feeling. Although the older I get the greater my fondness is for the traditional carols, so maybe it is just a case of with age are tastes change.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Nov 10
Thanks for that explanation and it's good to get "both sides" so to speak. I'm not against the happy-clappy churches as such; if it gets more young people going to church, that's great. It's just that I was a tad shocked when it happened at St John's church in Blackpool, the one where I'd been to a Carol Service full of schoolchildren (including me) and it was cold and dark but lit up with candles and the singing. It was basic but there was no projector projecting words onto walls..you see what I'm getting at?
Oh, and no band either. Just the organ!
What's your take on assemblies? Do you think they should come back? I do!
What's your take on assemblies? Do you think they should come back? I do!@thedailyclick (3017)
•
20 Nov 10
I tell you what I am so out of touch with going on in schools and as to whether they have assembles or not. But I am probably going to be unpopular with the masses and say that schools should have assemblies and as technically we are still a Christian country the assembly should reflect such with hymn singing and some form of Christian inspired moral message. I am sure in other countries the schools have some form of assembly that children of other religions attend so why not here.
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
20 Nov 10
Happy clappy churches are normally for Evangelical Christians, and I personally like them, and attend one; but they are not for everyone. Traditional style services are best for Christmas and other festivities; it seems strange to me to bring the Evangelical style into a more traditional setting. The important thing though as I see it is the preaching...the good news...the Gospel...
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
21 Nov 10
Exactly! If everyone is doing that it's fine but when you just get one person waving their arms it looks so out of place and..er, a bit naff to be honest.
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
19 Nov 10
Happy clappy churches are fun churches but i've never been in one. All the churches here are more traditional. Well, i'm not sure if all of them are. I've just been to some but not all.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Nov 10
I don't doubt that but churches that weren't happy clappy now are? Is that right? Christmas should be a magical time and different from the rest of the year, in my opinion, otherwise what's the point?
Like I said, I think I'm getting old!
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
19 Nov 10
I kind of prefer my traditional church. And at Christmas, I really enjoy the children's program...little angels, shepards, etc...and the "stuff" that always happens, like the wing falls off of an angel and the angel begins to cry...
Happy clappy just doesn't seem sincere to me. It's like who can put on the best show.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Nov 10
I agree. Carlisle is more traditional in the way it celebrates and people come from miles around just to see the display in the city centre. It's been the same every year for quite some time but why change something people enjoy? There is also a traditional market that is reminiscent of markets abroad..but I've never been to one in Europe so can't really comment on similarities..if there are any.
I'm going to make a point of looking out for the reindeer and Father Christmas next weekend (I don't like the word "Santa" either), wow I'm such a fuss-pot!!
Carlisle is more traditional in the way it celebrates and people come from miles around just to see the display in the city centre. It's been the same every year for quite some time but why change something people enjoy? There is also a traditional market that is reminiscent of markets abroad..but I've never been to one in Europe so can't really comment on similarities..if there are any.
I'm going to make a point of looking out for the reindeer and Father Christmas next weekend (I don't like the word "Santa" either), wow I'm such a fuss-pot!!