The WOW (Women of Wisdom) members of Saint Paul Baptist Church, Oxnard, are seasoned women committed to being examples of compassion and teachers of “good things” to young women and their children. WOW members show motherly love, participate in the fellowship and worship, and tell others about God’s goodness.
The following Etiquette Moments are an initiative of the WOW Ministry, presented monthly during the 10:00 a.m. morning service—not as rules, but as “do’s and don’ts” guides for church and social graces in modern times.
CHURCH ETIQUETTE
Church Protocol
In the Baptist tradition, the pulpit represents the authority of Scripture and the central place for the preaching God’s Word. So, treating it with appropriate respect honors that symbolism.
- Don’t cross behind the pulpit during service as a shortcut to the other side. Unnecessary movement behind the pulpit during the sermon can be distracting. Use the aisles.
- Don’t play in or disrespect the pulpit at any time or hour. It is not an area for play, walking or entertainment.
- The pulpit area is reserved for clergy. Others speak from the stand. Guest ministers doing weddings, christenings, eulogies, etc. should speak with Pastor before event.
- Don’t sit on the edge of the pulpit or use it in ways that diminish its symbolic dignity
This is all part of respecting God’s House.
SOCIAL GRACES FOR MODERN EVERYDAY LIVING
With the holidays approaching there will be invites to dinners and events where dinner will be served. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for the occasion:
- Wait for others at your table to be seated or served before you start eating or ask if you may start.
- Don’t season your food before tasting.
- Avoid reaching. If what you want is not in front of you or within arm’s length, ask for things to be passed.
- Pass counterclockwise (to your right)
- Use serving utensils rather than your own fork or spoon for shared dishes.
- Don’t leave the table without excusing yourself. “Please excuse me.” No need to say for what reason. If you can’t speak, raise your finger in a “wait just a moment” gesture, then leave. When you return, say “Sorry about that, I had a dry spot in my throat and had to cough.”
- Don’t take the last serving of something without asking if anyone else would like it
- Engage quieter guests in conversation so everyone feels included.
- Compliment the host, and offer to help with cleanup.
It’s all about being considerate and making an effort to be a good guest.
October
CHURCH ETIQUETTE
Church Protocol
Observe proper Protocol when speaking at the podium. Begin with recognizing God, the Pastor, all other clergy, officers, members, and Christian friends. If this has already been stated, it’s okay to state that “protocol has been established” before continuing your remarks.
Women Clergy
They are to be given the same respect as male clergy when addressing them. Use their preferred titles: Pastor, Rev., Prophetess, Minister, Evangelist.
SOCIAL GRACES FOR MODERN EVERYDAY LIVING
Cell Phone Do’s and Don’t’s
The ones we all know…or should know:
- Avoid using your phone in settings where it can disturb others, like theaters, restaurants, libraries, and especially church services.
- Put phone in silent mode/ Use soft tone if you must use it./Move away to another area.
- Don’t talk on the phone with the phone to your ear when driving.
- Don’t text and drive.
Others equally important and not always practiced:
Always remove your earbuds when interacting with someone in person, even for a brief moment. If a conversation begins unexpectedly, remove them immediately to show respect.
- Never keep earbuds in your ears during events like a funeral, dinner, or date, as it is highly disrespectful.
- Avoid using speaker phone mode in public places.
- Avoid FaceTime in public places. (Exceptions-emergencies, outdoor spaces, secluded areas, brief moments)
- Although it may be tempting, avoid texting during face-to-face conversations
- Try not to look things up (“fact check”) during a conversation, unless you are asked to.
- Avoid accepting calls when you are in the middle of a face-to-face conversation.
- Avoid discussing personal topics in an area where others may hear you.
- Avoid using inappropriate pictures for a person’s contact photo.
- Ask Before Posting: If you take a photo with others, get their permission before posting it to social media.
September
CHURCH ETIQUETTE
When Not to Walk in Church during Service
- During the reading of the scripture.
- During prayers.
- During Baptism or the Lord’s Supper.
- During the message, walking should be kept to a minimum. If there is an emergency and you MUST walk, do not pass in front of the pulpit. Use side aisles.
- During the Invitation to Discipleship.
- During the Benediction.
*Emergencies are always the exception.
Passing the Plate
- Don’t make your own change from the offering plate.
- Don’t wave currency in the air to signify the need for change or assistance. Raise your finger to eye level to get the attention of an usher or officer on duty.
The Communion Table
- Do not place anything on the table.
- Do not lean or sit on the table.
EVERYDAY SOCIAL GRACES
Respecting The Elderly
- Stand (if sitting) when being introduced to elderly people. This also goes for handicapped and pregnant women.
- Offer to pull up a chair or help put on a coat.
- Offer a seat when on public transportation, or in a doctor’s office.
- Offer to serve as an extra pair of arms and legs: “Let me tell you what’s on the buffet table.”
- Set up a system that will allow you to know if the neighbor has not been heard from for more than a day. Don’t assume they’re away visiting or on vacation. Take a moment to call or knock on their door or leave a note to call you. If you don’t hear from them within a reasonable amount of time, notify authorities and ask for a welfare check.
- If they are homebound, offer to run errands, tend to their plants, drop off food or other staples, or GIVE THEM A RIDE TO CHURCH
We invite you to visit this area for updates each month.
