12 things to avoid doing in church
Church isn’t just a building, it’s a sanctuary, a place where silence speaks louder than words and reverence sets the tone. Even though only about 20% of Americans say they attend religious services every week, and around 30% say they go weekly or almost weekly, the people who are there still shape the whole atmosphere, according to Gallup.
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget the sacredness of the space. From scrolling through Instagram mid-sermon to slipping in ten minutes late, these seemingly small habits can subtly disrupt the collective experience. More people mean more eyes, more ears, and more chances to either uplift or distract the service.
The reality is, respecting the space isn’t just about following tradition; it’s about honoring the community around you. So, before you get comfy in your seat, let’s explore 12 things to avoid doing in church. Think of it as your friendly guide to being the most respectful (and coolest) person in the pews.
Talking Loudly or Distracting Others
Okay, first things first. Let’s talk about talking. We’ve all been there, right? You’re walking into church, and suddenly you bump into an old friend, and bam! You’re in full conversation mode. But here’s the thing, church is meant to be a sacred, reflective space. So, if you’ve got a chatty moment with your pal, make sure you take it outside before the service starts.
Why? Well, if you’re talking loudly during a prayer or the sermon, it’s like setting off fireworks in the middle of a meditation session. Not cool, right? People are there to reflect, worship, or listen to the sermon. Be mindful and save the gossip for the coffee shop afterward.
Using Your Phone During Service
On average, according to TechNews World, Americans spend around six hours and 40 minutes a day on their phones. (That’s almost a full workday! Now, imagine that time being spent scrolling through Instagram or texting while someone’s trying to share an important message during a church service. The reality is: phones are one of the top disruptors of a meaningful worship experience. So, put that phone away; it’s time to be present, both for the service and the people around you.
Sure, you might want to check your email or send a meme to your friend (I’m guilty of this), but your phone’s presence during a service is like the loudest ringing in the room. To avoid looking like a zombie, put that phone on silent or, even better, turn it off. You’ll thank me later when you actually focus on the message.
Also in MSN: 12 Interesting Facts About Christianity
Dressing Inappropriately
I get it, sometimes you want to wear your comfiest hoodie or your favorite band tee. But there’s a time and a place, my friend. Churches, regardless of denomination, are sacred spaces, and the vibe is typically a bit more “respectful” than your usual Saturday afternoon at the mall.
So, skip the ripped jeans, the flip-flops, or the mini skirts. Take the church as a place where you want to put your best foot forward. And no, your best foot doesn’t involve showing up in your PJs, even if they’re “super stylish.” Dress modestly. It’ll make you feel better, trust me!
Ignoring the Service or Sermon
I know, sometimes church services can feel like they go on for hours, and your mind starts to wander. Been there. But if you’re in there, make sure you’re actually engaged in the service. Look, it’s easy to zone out, but that’s not really the point of being there.
Ever wondered why the preacher spends hours crafting that sermon? It’s not just for background noise, people! Try to listen, reflect, and maybe even take notes if it helps. Bonus: Engaging in the service will make time fly by. You might even find that it’s more interesting than you thought!
Eating or Drinking During Service
You’re sitting in the pew, and next to you is a guy munching on chips like he’s at a movie theater. Seriously? Eating during service is, well, pretty distracting to everyone around you. Food aromas, in particular, activate brain reward pathways, making them harder to ignore than neutral smells.
We all know that hunger can strike at the worst times, but church isn’t the place for a snack attack (unless it’s communion, of course). The sound of crinkling wrappers or slurping your drink is a little disruptive to the vibe. Stick to your breakfast before you arrive, and you’ll be good to go.
Arriving Late or Leaving Early
Nothing makes an entrance like a loud door creaking open right in the middle of a sermon, right? Yeah, everyone notices. Arriving late or sneaking out early isn’t just a bit rude; it breaks the flow of the service and distracts everyone in your row. According to a Barna Group report, 17% of practising Christians admit to getting distracted.
Next time, try to be on time. I know it’s hard, life happens, and sometimes you can’t avoid the mad rush to get out the door. But if you can get there early, it helps you settle in and be present. And please, if you have to leave early, do so discreetly. Trust me, the preacher will appreciate it.
Interrupting or Distracting the Pastor/Leaders
This one might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people feel the urge to interrupt a pastor mid-sermon. I know it’s tempting if you’ve got a burning question, but church is not the place for impromptu Q&A sessions. Interrupting breaks the flow, and let’s face it: no one wants to be the person who shouts out in the middle of the prayer.
Need to ask something? Save it for after the service when people aren’t in deep concentration mode.
Disrupting Communion or Baptism Services
Communion and baptism are kind of a big deal, so let’s treat them as such. These sacred moments are for reflection, connection, and ceremony. If you’re not part of the ritual, just be quiet and respectful during those times. The last thing anyone needs is someone snapping photos, walking out, or chatting loudly when people are getting baptized or sharing the Eucharist.
Tip: If you’re unfamiliar with the practices of the church, just follow the lead of others around you. It’s a simple way to stay respectful and keep the vibe spiritual.
Talking During Prayers or Worship Songs
You’re deep into prayer, your heart is open, and you’re just focusing on that connection, when suddenly, someone’s talking next to you. Ugh, right?
During prayers or worship songs, silence is golden. If it’s a personal prayer or a collective one, let’s give everyone the space to connect with God. You can always catch up on the conversation afterward, I promise.
Letting Children Run Wild Without Any Guidance
Kids. They’re adorable, they’re full of energy, and they have the ability to turn any peaceful setting into a mini chaos zone. But, while it’s totally normal for kids to get antsy during church, there’s a difference between letting them explore and completely letting them run wild. We’ve all seen it, the child darting around the aisles, pulling at hymn books, and generally wreaking havoc while their parent is blissfully unaware. Yikes.
A Lady pastor from Edgewater Presbyterian Church reports that children running and laughing during worship left “most congregants unable to hear the sermon or participate meaningfully”. Church is a place for reflection and worship, and children’s energy needs to be channeled appropriately.
Here’s the thing: teaching kids respect for the space doesn’t have to be hard or boring. You can still encourage them to enjoy church and even participate in the service, but a little structure goes a long way.
Failing to Participate in Worship or Fellowship
Church isn’t a spectator sport. Seriously. If you’re just sitting there scrolling through your phone, what’s the point? Get involved! If it’s singing a song, saying amen, or even just giving a smile to those around you, participation makes the experience more meaningful, not just for you, but for everyone.
Think of it as contributing to the collective energy. It’s like a group chat, don’t be that person who reads and never replies.
Gossiping or Speaking Negatively About Others
There’s always that one person who can’t help but whisper about others during the service, right? Let’s agree: this is never cool. Church should be a safe, welcoming space where negativity has no place.
The Bible is pretty clear about gossip and negative speech. In Proverbs 16:28, it says, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” And in Ephesians 4:29, it instructs, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Keep it positive. If you’ve got a problem with someone or something, deal with it respectfully outside the church. Spread kindness, not gossip. It’s just good vibes all around.
Key Takeaways
So, here’s the deal: when it comes to church, respect is the key to making it a great experience for everyone. It’s not about being perfect, but about being mindful. Whether it’s avoiding distractions like phones or making sure to arrive on time, small efforts go a long way.
Remember: churches are sacred spaces, and a little common sense and respect can help everyone feel welcome and at peace.
Next time you’re in church, be present, be respectful, and maybe—just maybe—give a friendly wave to the person sitting next to you. They’ll probably appreciate it more than you think. And hey, you just might make someone’s day a little brighter.
Now, go forth and enjoy your Sunday service—hopefully, it’ll be full of good vibes, no distractions, and a whole lot of peace.
Disclosure line: This article was written with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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