Make a Joyful Noise!
- Hope Gibbs
- Nov 24, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 27, 2022
The Psalmist writes, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!” (Ps 100:1-2, English Standard Version). Singing and music are integral parts of most Christian worship services. From the opening to closing hymns, they guide us through the program. But what about other spontaneous “joyful noises” that may not be in the program? This type of expression is common for those who minister to people with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues. Sometimes unexpected contributions can catch ministry leaders off guard, but when embraced, they can create a rich, vibrant worship experience.
Embracing Interactive Worship
Mary Marshall Ministry and other Volunteers of America (VOA) ministers see successful worship as motivating and inspiring the interaction with their participants. These contributions are often insightful and uplifting, bringing another dimension to the traditional liturgy. In a recent series of interviews, five seasoned VOA ministers expressed their views on this topic. Here is what they had to say:
“Being open to participation and having the opportunity to participate, I think that’s what’s essential for all worship. You know, worship should not just be about entertaining. I think that the more participation you have, the better bond there is between the giver and the receiver, so to speak. And everybody and those roles can get reversed. So, I love that.”[1]
"Well, I would say I usually interact more in Bible study. I’m into that, so it depends on where you are and the type of service you’re having. There may be more interaction at some than others. I came from a large family of ten, so interaction is just a part of life for me. It’s what I’m used to [and] it doesn’t bother me in the least. Interaction is great.”[2]
"You know, I love the interaction. You can then read the people you’re speaking with and talking to. You [sometimes] wonder, are they getting anything out of this? If you just rattle off a bunch of stuff, you don’t know what people are picking up or aren’t. When you provide an interactive service, you get questions you never thought you would get. I love the unexpected interaction in any service because it gets you [more deeply] involved in it. I think the Spirit works within you a lot more when you can have a give-and-take. At Mary Marshall, we have a lot of that!”[3}
“There’s such [beautiful] simplicity in the lives of people [with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues]. They often don’t see anything very complicated, so as they view the world—and as you view the world through them—it seems to drop off all of that complex thinking and keeps things real. Simple is always easier if we really give it our attention. So, for instance, if you’re delivering a homily at a worship service, and a person stands up and says, ‘I know that Scripture!’ and you can roll with it, you can be present to that interaction. It doesn’t have to get complicated or thinking, ‘I have to do this [worship service] in the right way,’ or ‘I have to follow this script.’ If you can be versatile and flexible, understanding that people have different ways of responding, [just] go with it.”[4]
“It’s not just about me standing [up front and] reading off a program. It’s all about interacting, having this conversation about God with residents, and being very open to what they say. We don’t criticize anyone’s beliefs or answers but allow people to express themselves spiritually, talking about something other than their medications or physical pain. It gets their minds off that to focus on and talk about God and His love for all of us. I love our ministry.”[5]
It Happens! Go With It!
Reading these remarks sheds a different light on how effective worship transpires among those with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues. There is beauty in witnessing the Holy Spirit’s presence in those moved to contribute their thoughts, views, ideas, and questions during the service. The experience affords moments of spiritual growth that can propel participants forward on their journey to Christian maturity. Faith is an essential component in the lives of this demographic, as noted by the interviewees. Alston says, “It’s very significant to have a faith presence in our community, especially with our population. Because everyone, not just our population, wants to feel like they belong to something and that they are special, they’re loved. There’s more to life than the kind they’ve experienced and want to look forward to the future.”[6]
Mary Marshall Ministry is a powerful program. It is not only focused on glorifying God but also on the residents who come to hear His Word. As Griffith notes, there is “no more important task than giving someone your full and undivided attention.”[7] Reflecting on this unique ministry, Bonhoeffer’s words on fellowship come to mind, “Let nothing be done by force; let everything be done in freedom and love.”[8] This minister believes the Psalmist’s “joyful noise” extends to those spontaneous, impromptu, innermost sharings that worshipping God inspires.
Senette shares two personal experiences that capture the spontaneity and importance of these “joyful noises” during worship services, paraphrased below:
I have to tell you this funny story. It is too precious! I was doing a monthly worship service at our day program in Lake Charles before hurricanes, freezes, floods, and many other tragic weather events destroyed it. There was a gentleman who was new to the program that I had been going to for quite a while. I wasn’t sure anyone had ever done this before, so I was simultaneously delighted and surprised. As I was delivering the sermon, which was going to be less than five minutes, this big, tall man stood up and said, ‘Are you a televangelist?’ And I said, ‘No, I am an ordained minister with Volunteers of America, and I’m here for you.’ And he said, ‘Cool, that sounds about right.’ Another time, I read a shortened gospel passage at one of the other programs. You don’t [always] need a big, long piece. So, I’m reading an abbreviated version, and this young man finishes the Scripture. He starts reciting the rest of the verse! One of the caregivers was very upset by this. She wanted him to hush, but I had to train her, saying, ‘Absolutely not! This young man knows his Bible, and don’t ever think his speaking up is wrong.’ I know she was worried about him interrupting me, but it happened. This type of random thing happens [all the time]. If you can’t flow with it…well, you don’t belong in that population if you are too rigid.[9]
The Gift of Attention
Senette's stories demonstrate how delivering worship to people with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues requires patience and flexibility. Most pastors standing behind a pulpit delivering their well-structured sermon on Sunday morning may never encounter these surprisingly vocalized and untimely interruptions. Still, a seasoned minister will graciously respond.
Griffith writes, “We all have it in us to give the gift of attention to others. We just don’t do it much.”[10] If Jesus had not made time for those who interrupted His life, many of the Bible’s narratives would have turned out quite differently. Maybe Jesus would not have healed as many people physically and spiritually. He wouldn’t have responded to the many questions His disciples interjected throughout His ministry, leaving His purpose behind actions and deeds in the dark. But He did. Jesus responded to interruptions to make a point.
In Luke 12, while in a crowd of thousands, Jesus is talking with His disciples about having no fear in this earthly life but spending their time focusing on God (vv. 4-7); and acknowledging Christ before men (vv. 8-12), when a man suddenly shouts at Him from the crowd. He yells, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me” (v. 13). Jesus does not ignore the man. He takes this opportunity to share the Parable of the Rich Fool for all to hear. Interruptions can be an invitation to a deeper walk with God, and Jesus uses interruptions to demonstrate everyone’s voice should be heard and that what they say or do can be used to move someone closer to God. At Mary Marshall, ministering to people with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues offer those same opportunities. Griffith writes, “If we insist on running some program, let it be the program called: I AM NOW GOING TO GIVE YOU MY FULL AND UNDIVIDED ATTENTION. This is a pretty good program. It gets results.”[11] Mary Marshall Ministry has found this to be true!
Worship comes in many forms: corporate exclusive, corporate inclusive, personal, praise, joyful songs and dancing, feast days and religious observances, serving others, using our spiritual gifts, strict liturgical, open and free-flowing, and the list goes on. Still, the key ingredient is people glorifying God. God knows this, so like Jesus, let us stop and listen. Embrace it. Give that person moved by the Holy Spirit to make a “joyful noise” your undivided attention. It will deepen your walk with God and enrich your worship experience.
Mary Marshall Ministry invites you to come and experience the joy of sharing your faith with adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues. Visit or call us today. Learn how to become a part of your community’s ministry serving Jesus’ “least of these.”
_____________________ [1] Angela King, “Interviews and Transcripts,” September 2022, https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2vzd5uyyypq1ete8j6tev/h?dl=0&rlkey=6lmn6nw93r1i9v341j1bwc8xm. [2] James Jones, “Interviews and Transcripts,” September 2022, https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cfmtx88s99h0x7c9wz8i3/h?dl=0&rlkey=lupx6uiyl2t9wpus1qd1tusop. [3] Kay Halverson, “Interviews and Transcripts,” September 2022, https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0qb79uys201rwx1rig8lk/h?dl=0&rlkey=nf4zcwe1pyutaju40f8mz05uj. [4] Bessie Senette, “Interviews and Transcripts,” September 2022, https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/pw2cfaxj46aw8z7k1sxs5/h?dl=0&rlkey=9v5rvk2m1tlzpvz22nvwxahqi. [5] Divina Alston, “Interviews and Transcripts,” September 2022, https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ehhplvj9uv1g58uo33gy2/h?dl=0&rlkey=gkuy6pzvbg9l40gsnb3w6ljfs. [6] Ibid.
[7] Mac Griffith, Developmental Disabilities: A Simple Guide for Service Providers (independently published, 2018), ASIN: B009VK3RJQ, 113, Kindle. [8] Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together (London, UK: SCM Press Ltd., 1949), 48, Kindle. [9] Senette, “Interviews and Transcripts,” https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/pw2cfaxj46aw8z7k1sxs5/h?dl= 0&rlkey=9v5rvk2m1tlzpvz22nvwxahqi. [10] Griffith, Developmental Disabilities, 108. [11] Ibid.
Thank you again and again, Angela, James, Bessie, Kay, and Divina, for your wonderful insights and contributions to this post. You are blessings to VOA and to me!
As someone passionate about recovery ministries, I am often asked, what's the key to recovery. My answer is always the same, worship. The addictive mindset is a disabled mindset. Celebrating the God of Recovery is a crucial part of our healing process. This post explains that worship nullifies the 'dis' freeing the shackles that hinder our 'ability' to be in the pure presence of a living God. @ekenharmon #stoplivingwounded
Great and insightful, Spirit led comments! Just like all of us, the developmentally disabled and the mentally ill are children of God, and He loves and care for them and wants to be in fellowship with them as He does with us. I think too often we allow our desire for structure to negatively impact genuine heartfelt worship. Jesus repeatedly showed us the importance of grace and mercy, and we need to hold closely to His example. To practice the fruits of the Spirit and be patient and kind when sharing our faith with others. To allow God to meet people where they are in life, even with all the interruptions. He is more than capable of reaching the h…
Many times at the Volunteers of America Mission in Denver during Worship Services, worshipers would jump in or even jump up to share a thought or a question about the message topic. I always considered that involvement a blessing to me and to their fellow worshipers. It was not an interruption but the purpose of the service. Otherwise I could have given the message at home alone in the mirror. I did always say “preaching at the mission was not for the faint at heart.” Welcoming and even expecting interruptions was the norm.