How to Use Church Etiquette

Using church etiquette shows that you respect God, other worshipers and the person conducting the service. It is also a way to ensure that everyone present at the service gets to enjoy the service and learn the message that is being presented. Everyone, including children, can use proper church etiquette.

Instructions

1. Sit in an appropriate place. If you have young children or if you may have to leave the service early, you should sit toward the back and close to the aisle. This will allow you to leave if you have to without interrupting other worshipers.

2. Focus on the message presented. You should be quiet in church. One exception to this is when you are praising the Lord. Conversations with other worshipers, including passing notes, should take place before or after the service.

3. Turn off your cell phone and any other electronics. It is disrespectful to others if an electronic device begins to make noise during the service. Proper church etiquette stipulates that if you have a situation that requires you to keep your electronic device on, turn it on silent or vibrate and answer it outside if needed. One example of this would be a doctor who is on call.

4. Have children remain quiet. Most churches have rooms set aside a quiet room for parents to take young children who may interrupt the service. Some churches have a day care or nursery. If you allow your child to participate in the main service and she starts to cry or becomes vocal, you should promptly take her to the quiet room or day care.

5. Dress appropriately for the service. This will depend upon your church's practices. Some churches are more formal while others are more casual. Tight clothes and revealing clothes are better left away from the church.

6. Save eating, drinking and gum chewing for other events. All of these activities can be distracting to other worshipers because they all can make noise. Refraining from these activities shows that you respect the service.

7. Follow the rules of the church. This includes respecting the items in the church and following the proper protocol for standing, sitting and kneeling. If you are unsure of what you should do at any given time, take your cue from the people in the first row.