How do I Show Respect for Church Buildings or Chapels?

Following rules of respect and etiquette in church buildings is important.

Churches often rent their facilities to outside groups, classes or film production companies for purposes other than worship. Many churches have large meeting rooms, sanctuaries with projection screens, classrooms, prayer rooms and chapels available for community use. Many rooms and areas of a church are considered sacred and must be treated as such. You should follow proper etiquette when using or visiting a church's facilities, even if you're not a member of the church.

Instructions

1. Enter a sanctuary reverently---appreciate that is it a sacred house of prayer and keep in mind that for those who have built the church, it may have come at great sacrifice, faith, cost, labor and love.

2. Keep the altar of the church unobstructed or uncovered. Do not drape, block or cover a cross or crucifix, lectern or baptismal font.

3. Avoid entering or leaving a sanctuary during prayers, the reading of scriptures or the sermon. Do not walk in front of the pulpit if you must leave. Slip through a side exit to avoid disturbing others in worship.

4. Show concern for the appearance and treatment of the sanctuary or chapel. Repair or replace deteriorating furniture and pay attention to wear and tear of equipment or rooms. Realize that visitors may form opinions about the church's reverence for God by the care---or lack thereof---of the facilities.

5. Keep out of church offices and pastors' rooms. Do not use church supplies or phones, copies, computers or equipment without express written permission from the facilities manager or person in charge.

6. Leave the room or facilities in as good or better condition than you found them. Return tables and chairs to their original arrangement. Do not place equipment, liquid or other material that can damage the finish or fabric on wooden pews or other furniture. Bag and remove all trash you brought in.

7. Leave food and drinks outside a sanctuary or chapel, unless expressly allowed, such as baby formula or water. Do not bring in alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or other inappropriate substances. Do not bring firearms, weapons or flammables onto the grounds.

8. Leave t-shirts with obscene language or inappropriate graphics at home. Dress so that your clothing covers your body properly. Avoid using obscenities, and do not yell in a sanctuary or chapel. Speak in hushed or normal tones.

9. Remove a crying baby from a sanctuary during worship. Turn off cell phones or other electronic devices prior to a service. Avoid idle or loud chatter or laughter.

References

• Assemblies of God USA: Reverence and Respect
• The Baptist.org: Reverence and Respect
• First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond: Church Usage Policy and Forms