Church Etiquette: A camouflage controversy

TO do an excellent job in anything requires organisation. Truly, what we know of our faith we have ultimately received from the Church, as well as, the church in the home. Those of us who have received and cherished this heritage have an obligation anda duty to pass it on to future generations. It takes this organisation.

The Church is a living organism, a treasury, a storehouse of accumulated wisdom in humanity’s efforts to relate to God and all people. We call “Church” to give religious knowledge to those who will follow.This is why we need to be “active” and “concerned” members of Christ’s Body.

It is a blessing to present this writing regarding “Church Etiquette” and as you read, do remember that-this column is an opinion!

There are a lot of customs and traditions that are important parts of our worship. Some are cultural customs, some are essential, some are not. From time-to-time, we need to address some of these various etiquette issues to inform our communities how we can best understand each other and work together to worship.

Reverence and good manners are required at all times.

There was a time when people referred to times when they wore their “Sunday best.” In the past, dress clothes were often referred to as “Sunday clothes” because people wore their very best to church. When we dress up for church it is a reflection of the importance we place on church attendance.

We should dress modestly, not in a flashy way that would call attention to us. We must also realise that, manyof the styles that are popular today especially among young people are not appropriate for Church. Controversial voices and eyebrows have been raised towards these examples; exposed midriffs, pants or skirts worn very low, t-shirts with any kind of writing or slogans, shorts and mini-skirts, along with any kind of extreme hairstyles, or body-piercing and exposed tattoos, tank-tops and sleeveless shirts, or tops that are low cut in either the front or back.

I attended a youth convention sometime last year, and one of the keynote speakers said, “Coming to church requires preparation of oneself for a serious encounter, it is not a casual experience!”God created us “male and female” for a reason and the distinctions between the sexes are important. In the Book of Deuteronomy we read that “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord” (Deut. 22:5).

The length of a women’s dress has always been on the chopping board for many Churches. I strongly second the version that reads, “Women’s dresses and skirts should be at or below the knee in length.”

For this reason, and to reinforce our teachings in relation to the distinction between the sexes, the Church continues to ask men and women to dress in a manner appropriate to their sex. It is true that styles change and, certainly, we must acknowledge that it is more of an issue for women than men since men’s styles have not really changed much over time. As a result, it has become common in many places for women to wear pants to Church. However, we must realise that it is still the commonly accepted practice of the Church that women wear dresses or skirts when attending Services.

Putting a lid to the argument of church attire, we should not focus on what other people are wearing but, instead, focus on ourselves and our own spiritual life. Remember, judging others is a far darker camouflage and sin than dressing inappropriately. Look within yourself and evaluate where your priorities are and make sure that your own attire reflects your faith as a believer.

There are vast behaviours that our fellow brothers and sisters do in church, they vary with congregations.

Don’t be a “pew blocker” or “pew squatter”– Sitting directly next to the aisle and not allowing anyone else to get in is a rude behaviour. If you insist on sitting next to the aisle, be prepared to stand up and step out so others can move to the middle. Desist from semi- standing or moving your knees thinking you are leaving other guests enough room to get through. However, it is most heavenly to just stand up and move to the middle. It is not polite to “save” an entire pew for your family when they are late while others are standing at the back. Once the service has started, all bets are off.

The birth rate of new churches is rising at a paraffin speed making the upholding of etiquette values and principles a cause for concern. I don’t know which church you go to, but I am sure you want it to be organised and civilised. Church etiquette is unquestionable, from the basics of, Thy shall not chew gum in church, Thy shall not arrive late, Thy shall not text or talk on the phone, Thy shall not sleep in church, do not remove your shoes, do not make noise, do not cut your nails or apply makeup, do not wear heavy cologne,don’t leave until the service is completely over, don’t cross your legs and always control your children, These make up the long list of the etiquette commandments.

A Final Thought, much of church etiquette is based on common sense and showing respect for God and others. Always remember that you are in church to worship God.

Be an angel and use your best manners. Remember… someone “up there” is always watching!

Justice Simango is a Business Etiquette and Grooming Consultant who writes in his own capacity. He is a member of Toastmasters International. Feedback: justicesimango4@gmail. com WhatsApp: +263717566382