Church Etiquette??

I think it has something to do with the belief that the aisle is reserved for the priest who holds the host. The host, which represents God, is given the honor to be walked or paraded down the aisle. Members should act with humility and not walk where God would be brought or paraded, since they might obstruct His way and disturb the mass or procession. Religion has lots of rules and members are expected to follow those rules if they truly are sincere in their faith.

Okay if I walked in to a church and read that. I would turn around and leave. No way would I stay at a church who had so many stupid rules. People go church to worship God and get to know his ways better. Not to be told to walk in the shadows and not be seen entering church. A church should accept anyone and the way they dress. Some people have no control and don't have nice clothing.

I have not heard of this rule about walking up the centre aisle. How will a large congregation be seated if this is the case? I have attended church weddings and the ushers walked people up the centre aisle. Did you ever find out why this particular church has this rule? I have seen a rule posted on the outside of a Russian Orthodox Church that states in English:" Ladies wearing pants will not be permitted in this church." Do you really think God is so small minded that he cares how you enter a pew or what you are wearing? I don't think most respectful people wear totally inappropriate attire when they plan to visit a church.

no I have never heard of that either, I wonder why

i have never had about it probably the reason is to prevent distraction of members and the man of God. Most people will walk lacadasically from the back through the centre to the fron just to show that new dress and shoes thereby causing the whole church to be distracted. That is why most church have ushers that do the work of receiving members and guest and putting in proper locations. cheers

I'm reminded of a story in which during a service somebody walked in wearing shabby clothes, had unkempt hair, and maybe even didn't smell quite right. As this guy sauntered down the center aisle there were whispers, and pointing, and shifting in the pews such that the man didn't find any place near the aisle to sit. Finally he reached the front and plunked down on the floor with his legs crossed. A few audible gasps were heard from members of the congregation, and more whispering. Then people noticed somebody else walking down the center aisle, and they looked to see who it was. It was their senior deacon, an elderly gentleman, and as usually was dressed in a suit, and walked at a gingerly pace with the aid of his cane. People smiled. Just the right person to reprimand that insolent young man daring to sit on the floor at the front of the sanctuary. It took a few minutes for the elderly deacon to reach the young man, and as he came alongside the man everybody in the church became as quite as they could, straining to hear the correction the deacon would give to that man. But all they heard was the sound of the deacon's can dropping as he bent his knees and plopped himself down on the floor right beside the visiting stranger. The deacon smiled at the man and shook his hand, and they continued to sit where they were as the service continued. I'm glad that our church has no formal dress code or where to walk guidelines. Greeters are always on hand to say hi and answer any questions, but not to tell people what to wear or where to walk or sit (unless it's really crowded and the person needs help in finding an empty spot on a pew. For special services, like weddings, it is of course reasonable for ushers to help people sit in appropriate locations. But for a basic worship service people, especially newcomers, should be made to feel welcomed and encouraged to sit wherever they would like.

Wow, I've never heard anything published like that. I guess I think there are some common courtesies. Like, not to walk around while a pastor or someone is praying. And, of course, not to be disruptive, or rude to the speaker. My church (Pastor) loves having kids in the church. If they make a little noise, it's OK. Children mean a church is growing. We do have a nursery, and age appropriate groups for children. But, if the parents want them in, it's up to them. On another note, we brought my sis-in-law, and her 2 daughters to church multiple times when they're in for visits. And, they're not "church-going" people, but I was so surprised and their lack of discipline. My 13 year old niece, laid down in the pew. I even, later, commented to her, that I did that when I was like 3! But, I would think she should know, at her adolescent age, that others, ESPECIALLY the pastor, could see her. I think people should know that a church building/sanctuary is a symbol of God's house and there should be some respect to come along with that. As far as dressing, I think people should look nice and presentable. As a child, I always had to wear dresses. But, if you have nice jeans, pants, and somewhat modest clothing on, I think God's happy that you're there!

moonlitmagikchild, I do not think this etiquette is being observed by all the churches. Nowadays, if the congregation is large there will be ushers present. While it is good to know about the general etiquette but we should not let it mar our very purpose of attending church. I am for one who will raise questions whenever I am in doubt and I am sure if the church is warm and sincere, it will never be difficult to get the answers. Remember you are attending church not because of these principalities but to have a relationship with God. Take care and compliments of the season.

we dress-out properly like skirt and blouses for girls...formal polo and slacks for boys...skirt below the knee is prohibited...we are all formal and corporate when seeing God in the church..we will not bring kids during church service as much as possible for us not to distruct the whole church service ....kids have their own schedule..