While many churches today are welcoming and flexible about their rules, there are still certain behaviors that are best avoided to respect the sanctity of the space. If you’re unsure about what might be considered inappropriate in a church setting, we’ve got you covered, as this article highlights 18 actions that are generally frowned upon in churches.
Using Mobile Devices for Calls and Texts
The Klang Church of Christ notes that mobile phones can often be a distraction to other church visitors and a sign of disrespect to God. Therefore, it’s best practice to turn your phone off or onto silent mode once church service has begun. You should also refrain from calling or texting during this time.
Arriving Late or Leaving Early
The Sacred Heart Catholic Church is one of many churches that considers late arrival to mass to be disrespectful and distracting. While it’s less of a big deal during less formal occasions, it’s still more respectful to arrive and leave on time whenever you can. If you know you’re going to be late, make sure to enter quietly to avoid disturbing others.
Eating or Drinking
While eating and drinking are sometimes welcome on certain occasions, you should refrain from doing so unless you’re explicitly told you can. However, most churches will be happy to make some exceptions, such as water for those who are young or have specific medical needs.
Wearing Inappropriate Attire
A lot of churches recommend that you wear modest dress to church in order to honor its sanctity. Therefore, overly revealing, casual, or gregarious outfits are usually frowned upon. Some churches have specific guidelines, so it’s a good idea to check on their website if you’re unsure.
Engaging in Loud Conversations
Talking loudly in church can quickly become distracting and frustrating for your fellow churchgoers. As such, it’s best to keep conversations to a minimum, especially once church service has begun. It’s better to talk to others before or after the service instead.
Bringing Pets
While many churches do allow people to bring service animals if necessary, it’s usually against the rules to bring any other pets. Animals can be unpredictable and disrupt the service, as well as potentially causing health issues for people who suffer from allergies.
Sleeping or Napping
It can be hard for some people not to nod off in certain situations. However, you should try your best to avoid sleeping or napping during service, as this can be seen as disrespectful to the speakers and other churchgoers. You get yourself into a more upright position to avoid drifting off once you start feeling tired.
Taking Photos or Videos
Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church discourages people from taking photos and videos in church, as it can be a violation of churchgoers’ privacy. Other churches often have similar rules, so it’s a good idea to be mindful of your individual institution’s guidelines before whipping out your phone or camera.
Engaging in Romantic Displays
While there aren’t always explicit rules against public displays of affection, it’s considered polite and respectful to avoid engaging in romantic activities during service. These displays are usually considered inappropriate and disrespectful in church settings, as the focus should be spiritual rather than personal or romantic.
Conducting Business Transactions
It’s important to remember that church is not the right place to exchange goods and services, or discuss any other kinds of business. Doing so would usually be seen as out of place and disrespectful, as you should be focusing on worship and community rather than personal gain.
Playing Music or Singing Loudly Off-Cue
You should refrain from playing your own music in the church unless you’re a designated musician or choir member. While it’s obviously okay to be a little out of touch with tone or rhythm, you should also do your best not to sing too loudly if this is the case.
Running or Excessive Movement
The Beulah Missionary Baptist Church discourages churchgoers from walking or moving around unnecessarily during prayer, communion, and other events, as this can distract others. This rule, whether official or not, usually also holds true for other churches. If your children are prone to being very energetic, you should make an effort to keep them occupied and under control.
Smoking or Vaping
Smoking or vaping is almost always prohibited in church settings. This helps keep the sacred space within religious institutions clean, healthy, and pure. If you’re a smoker, you should either smoke before you go to church or in designated areas around the institution, if applicable.
Wearing Hats or Head Coverings (for Men)
Some Christian denominations see it as disrespectful for men to wear head coverings such as hats within church settings. As such, it’s important to be aware of whether this is a rule in the particular church you’re going to. If so, you should simply remove your hat or head covering before entering the building.
Carrying Weapons
The church should feel like a safe space for everyone, so you should never bring weapons onto the premises unless you have an important reason for doing so, such as being a law enforcement officer. Keeping the church free from weapons helps maintain an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
Using Profane Language
A lot of Christians see profane language as unacceptable in most settings, so you should definitely refrain from using it when in church. Using it can be seen as a sign of disrespect against God and your fellow churchgoers. Instead, you should use respectful language that upholds the values of your church community.
Discussing Controversial or Political Topics Loudly
Churches typically strive for a peaceful environment free of conflict and debate. Therefore, it’s usually a good idea to avoid discussing political or other controversial topics too loudly, if at all. This can quickly create a sense of discomfort and division among church visitors.
Sitting in Reserved Areas
Often, certain areas within the church are reserved for clergy, choir members, or other individuals. When this is the case, it’s important to respect these rules by not sitting in reserved sections. Make sure to follow signage and instructions and check to make sure your sitting area isn’t reserved before taking a seat.
