I laugh to myself every time I hear people clapping to a song. This could be at a concert or worship venue; location doesn’t really matter. Whenever people start clapping, I think to myself, “How long will they keep it going?”  Very rarely does the clapping ever last the whole song. Usually, it starts with a loud flurry as people are caught up in the moment, then the moment fades, and so does the enthusiasm until only a couple of people are still doing it. Eventually, everyone stops even as the song continues.

Good things are hard to keep going, even when they start with great excitement.

Recently, I posted a message on social media to our Church family asking them to please sit at the front during worship. A couple of families in the first program resisted, but most understood the impact this could have on guests and gladly did it. In fact, during the second program, I was sent a picture showing that the entire back row was empty to start. 

It was a great moment for me, and an exciting step for the people I lead. But the question that plagues me is, “How long will it last?” and “Is there anything I can do to keep it going?”

Over the last few months, I have listened to numerous podcasts and webinars by so-called “Church experts.” They talk about building better systems, praying more, and repeating the Church’s vision and mission. There is a long list of possible ways to keep the excitement going, but despite my best efforts, I know it will fade over time.

Perhaps that’s the point. Our goal shouldn’t be to manufacture endless enthusiasm or to try to stretch every moment of excitement as far as it will go. What truly sustains a Church isn’t hype but habits. It’s the quiet, steady devotion of people who show up, serve faithfully, love one another in little ways, and seek Jesus even when the moment doesn’t feel electric anymore.

Clapping may fade, but commitment doesn’t have to. When we choose to keep doing the simple things like sitting in the front, engaging in worship, and welcoming guests, we create an atmosphere where God can work in ways that outlast any surge of emotion.

When obedience becomes our rhythm, not just excitement, our connection to God doesn’t depend on our hands; it rests on our hearts.