Church Etiquette for Youth

Middle District Missionary Baptist Association Rev. Dr. Rachel Stephens Facilitator [email protected]

910-259-1708 Rev. Harvey Robinson District Moderator February 8, 2013

Items of Discussion  Purpose of Church  Church Etiquette  Order of Service  Time to Stand/Walk  Honoring the Sanctuary/Church  Sacred Times  Protocol  Respect  What not to wear to Worship Service

What Is The Purpose Of Church?

Purpose of Church 

Fellowship (not during service)



To learn and instruct about Jesus



Gain and give strength for the next week



To give and get guidance for issues of life



Tell of God’s goodness

What Is Church Etiquette?

Church Etiquette

 The

customary rules for conduct and behavior in the church of God

ONCE YOU HAVE ENTERED THE SANCTUARY: 

You should not:

Talk Walk

Chew

Gum Text Message Write notes during the worship experience

ORDER OF SERVICE 

  

   

Prelude Doxology Call to Worship Opening Hymn Prayer Scripture Reading Responsive Reading Decalogue

  

  

Acknowledgement of Visitors Offertory Sermon Invitation to Discipleship Benediction Recessional

Name at least four times we stand for worship service

We stand for:



1. Doxology-The Doxology is our hymn of praise to God. The Doxology is sung in some churches at the beginning and the end of the worship service. We should always stand in reverence to God when the Doxology is played.

We stand for:



2. Call to Worship: This is the opening of the worship experience. We are participating in a call and response activity. It allows us to participate in the purpose of our coming together.

We stand for:



3. Responsive Reading: We are participating in the reading of the Scriptures or Litany.

We stand for:



4. Offertory: Not only do we stand, but we also participate in giving.

(OFFERING CONTINUED) 

You only sit if the church you are attending is passing a tray to collect the offering, but if you are asked to bring your offering, you should get up and take it to the table.



If you don’t have anything to give, still get up and walk around. This allows for the flow of the offering to move quickly, so you don’t have to walk over people.

Offering Preparation 

Prepare your offering (get money from your parents) BEFORE ENTERING THE SANCTUARY.



Once you enter the sanctuary you should regard it as time spent with God.

Point of Information: 

Many churches (not all) sing:

 

Words: All things come of thee O Lord, and of Thine own have we given thee…”



I Chronicles 29:14



It reminds us that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, but His goodness is what gave us what we have.”



Music: Edward Hopkins



More Times To Stand: 

The Invitation to Christian Discipleship- When the Pastor extends an invitation to come and be a part of the church. (God’s Family)



Accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour

IF YOU MUST WALK DURING SERVICE:

NEVER WALK: 

In front or across the front of the altar and or the pulpit area during worship



When Individuals are reading the Scriptures or during Prayer



If you are walking and someone begins to read the scripture or begins to pray, STOP AND STAND UNTIL THEY ARE FINISHED!

If you must walk:

Walk during:

 The

singing of the choir  During offering  During announcements

Reminder: if you must move during service: Do not pass in front of the pulpit  Use the side aisles and the side doors  Do not run, but walk  No Talking 

Remember:

Sacred times  Prayer  Scripture

 Communion  Preaching

THINGS NEVER DONE IN THE SANCTUARY

NEVER… •

EAT

•

USE YOUR CELL PHONE (OR ANSWER IT) •

WE CAN HEAR YOU!

What is PROTOCOL?



RESPECT



RECOGNITION

RESPECT AND RECOGNIZE   

    

The Pastor The First Lady (or First Gentleman) Ushers Deacons Deaconess Members Friends Each Other

What Not To Wear To Worship Service

Inappropriate Attire 

Male pants which hang below the buttock



Female clothing that expose the breast, very low cleavage, upper thigh, and midriff



T-Shirts with inappropriate slogans and symbols

Respect God’s House 

  



Follow instructions of the ushers Do not remove the Church Bibles or Hymnals from the church Do not cross in front of the pulpit while service is in progress Only Ministers and others who are in charge of the service are the only persons permitted to be in the pulpit Children should know this is a sacred area and never be used as a play area

Respect God’s House (Continued) 

Never play around or disrespect the Communion Table



Only Ministers and others who are in charge of the Communion service are the only persons permitted to use it. Honor the Lord’s Supper



Personal items should never be placed on the Communion Table



Pews are the benches we sit in on Sundays and for other church services. We should treat them respectfully

Respect God’s House (Continued) 

Never use language that does not honor God. 

Swearing in the sanctuary or any other part of the church is forbidden…EVER!



Cleanliness is next to Godliness-Keep the church clean as a way to honor God



Keep the outside of the church building neat and clean



Treat Christian Symbols with respect 

(crosses and other Christian symbols)

BENEDICTION

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO STAY IN THE WORSHIP SERVICE UNTIL THE BENEDICTION IS GIVEN?

ANSWER:



The Benediction is the final “good word” of the service, the last blessing of the hour. Do not leave God’s house without your blessing.



The Benediction is a prayer that God may bestow certain blessing on His People.

Think About It:   

 

Lead by example Showing respect is never wrong Doing right never goes out of style You are showing respect to God You are responsible for your actions