In a world where self-expression often takes center stage, it’s natural for believers to ask why some churches refrain from including dancing in their Sunday worship. Isn’t dancing a joyful expression of praise? Didn’t King David dance before the Lord with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14)? While these are valid questions, our church’s decision to exclude dancing in corporate worship is rooted in a careful study of Scripture and a desire to honor God’s design for worship as reverent, orderly, and Christ-centered.
This blog isn’t about condemning those who choose differently but about explaining why we believe our approach best reflects God’s instructions for worship.
Worship Is About God, Not Us
At its heart, worship is not a stage for self-expression but a gathering where we proclaim God’s glory. The purpose of corporate worship is to focus entirely on Him, humbling ourselves before His majesty. Scripture reminds us of the sacred nature of worship:
- Hebrews 12:28-29 calls us to “offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
- Psalm 96:9 invites us to “worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.”
While joy and celebration are vital aspects of the Christian life, corporate worship requires a unique kind of reverence. It is not about showcasing our emotions but responding to God’s greatness in a manner that reflects His holiness.
Reverence and Order in Worship
The New Testament offers clear guidelines for worship within the church. Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 14:40 to “let all things be done decently and in order” reflects God’s character—He is a God of peace, not chaos. Worship is meant to be a reflection of this orderliness, drawing us away from distractions and focusing our hearts entirely on Him.
Dancing, while a legitimate expression of joy in personal or cultural celebrations, introduces a level of unpredictability that can disrupt the gathered church’s focus on God. Corporate worship is distinct from private expressions of praise, requiring unity and solemnity that align with its sacred purpose.
But Didn’t David Dance Before the Lord?
Yes, David danced before the Lord in a moment of spontaneous joy (2 Samuel 6:14). However, this event was not part of a formal worship service but a celebratory procession as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. The context of David’s dance differs significantly from the gathered worship of the New Testament church.
In the New Testament, we do not see examples of dancing as part of corporate worship. Instead, the apostles emphasize activities such as preaching, singing psalms and hymns, prayer, and the observance of the sacraments (Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:16). These elements center the congregation on Christ and the gospel, leaving little room for individualistic or culturally influenced expressions like dancing.
The Joy of Worship Beyond Dancing
Joyful worship is not limited to outward expressions. Singing, praying, and listening to the Word are all ways we express our gratitude and love for God. Colossians 3:16 reminds us to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” These practices foster unity and point the congregation collectively toward Christ.
That does not mean dancing is inherently wrong. In personal devotions or cultural celebrations, it can be a beautiful expression of joy. However, within the context of Sunday worship, we choose to prioritize practices that align with the biblical model of reverence and focus.
Practical Applications for Believers
- Channel Joy into Biblical Worship: If you’re someone who naturally expresses joy through movement, consider how you can channel that enthusiasm into singing, serving, or prayer during Sunday worship.
- Celebrate Joy in Private Devotions: Dancing in private or in community celebrations outside of corporate worship can be a wonderful way to praise God.
- Focus on Worship’s Purpose: Remember that corporate worship is a time to glorify God and edify the church, not a platform for self-expression.
Anchoring Our Worship in the Gospel
Our decision to refrain from dancing in worship is not about legalism but about honoring God’s holiness and the purpose of the gathered church. Worship is a sacred time when we proclaim Christ’s gospel, magnify His name, and prepare our hearts for eternity. In heaven, our worship will be perfect, free from distractions and entirely centered on the Lamb who was slain.
Until then, let us approach worship with reverence, awe, and a deep desire to glorify the One who redeemed us. May our gathered worship be a reflection of the gospel’s beauty, pointing our hearts and minds to Jesus, our ultimate joy.