Church Etiquette is Still Etiquette

I’ve talked about etiquette in many spaces—workplaces, emails, WhatsApp groups—but allow me today to talk about church etiquette.

Because yes, even in the House of God, there is a way to carry ourselves. And sometimes, it’s not that the church hurt us—it’s just that we’ve forgotten how to behave in sacred spaces.

Let’s talk about a few things we often overlook:

🔹 Microphone Discipline
If you’re holding the microphone—whether as a singer, usher, MC or preacher—you’re holding a platform. Don’t cough, clear your throat, or blow your nose into it. Step aside if you need to. That sound goes into the ears of hundreds. Let’s respect the people we’re ministering to and preserve the dignity of our worship atmosphere.

🔹 Time is Sacred
Church is not a wedding where you arrive 2 hours late because you know there’s a photo shoot beforehand. It’s a place of spiritual discipline. Let’s get there on time. Let’s allow the tech team to set up early, the intercessors to pray in peace, the praise team to settle before they lead. Spiritual chaos often starts with physical disorganization.

🔹 Children Are Welcome, But…
We love babies. We do. But when your little one starts to cry—or shows signs that they’re about to—it’s wise to step outside. This doesn’t make you a bad parent. It makes you aware of your environment. You’re protecting the focus of others while still loving your child.

🔹 Phones in Church
Let’s normalize not recording everything. Not every worship moment is for Instagram. Let’s also silence our phones. The Holy Spirit shouldn’t be competing with a ringtone. Put it away, take notes, and be present. Spiritual depth needs your full attention.

🔹 Dress for the Presence
Modesty will always be a conversation—so let’s not make it one of shame, but of reverence. No, church isn’t a fashion show. But it’s also not just another errand run. If we can dress for work, interviews, and dates, surely we can dress with care for the House of God. It’s not legalism—it’s intentional honour.

🔹 Mind Your Questions
Sometimes people stay away from church because of questions asked with no wisdom, no grace.
“Why are you gaining weight?”
“Why do you always come alone?”
Church is not a place to corner people with personal inquiries. Ask with permission. Or don’t ask at all. Some of the deepest wounds in church were inflicted at the hands of unfiltered curiosity.

Church is not just a sanctuary for the soul. It’s a community space. A place where the spirit meets structure. And etiquette is simply a way to honour both God and each other.

Let’s not worship loudly while living carelessly.
Let’s not sing beautifully but behave thoughtlessly.
Let’s not shout “Amen!” while stepping on other people’s boundaries.

Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do—is be considerate.

Let’s bring etiquette into the temple too