Featured Unacceptable behavior in church.

Unless somebody has a medical issue, no food or drink in the sanctuary. Period.

Second, if somebody has to get up to go to the restroom, that's fine. But if they have a habit of getting up and wandering around, I'd call them out from the pulpit. If they just refuse to stop, I'd say something like, "You are a valued member of this congregation and we want you to continue to be. But we can't have you constantly interrupting the service."

 

It does become my business if noise and people walking around are distracting me from hearing the sermon, learning anything, or focusing on the Lord. It does become my business if the whisperers are also trying to whisper to me while I'm trying to pay attention to what's going on. It does become my business if the food and drink gets spilled, and I'm the one cleaning it up.

So yes, there are cases where it's not always a matter of live and let live. However, I do second the motion that if it's that bad, maybe it's better to find another church.

 

Let's not get ridiculous OK? I really detest these sorts of things.

And I stand by my original statement...you worry about you. If you're doing what you should be doing, that is, paying attention to what the Lord is telling you through the sermon, you won't notice other things.

 

Very true!

 

So true TC... But I did enjoy your post #3... Brother Glen

 

BTW....you are supposed to love these people. Employ church discipline if they repeatably offending others. But do it gently & lovingly. See we are relationship building with people when they come to church....we are telling them about ultimate truths they need to hear. That truth telling of God's grace is what the church is all about & should be considered discipleship IE...Christ at work. (see Matthew 28:19-20)

 

Using extreme examples basically shoots down your entire argument...

 

see this Appeal to Extremes

I am not going to entertain such foolishness

 

That would be up to the pastor and staff. I have never, ever seen any of that behavior in church.

 

I do not know where you live that people think this behavior is acceptable. I've lived in 4 different states, a number of different cities and have NEVER EVER seen anything like what you are describing. I've lived in small towns and very large cities...I've attended a variety of churches and well...I have no idea what you're going on about here. I've got half a mind to think you're full of soup and making this stuff up.

 

His argument is not extreme. I have seen all that he mentioned. Substitute Mario Bros. For ball game and substitute McDonalds for KFC, and I have seen it. We had an old lady trip over a kids Nintendo DS cord hanginh across the walkway plugged into the wall. The mother and father got mad at the old lady for tearing the cord up. As chairman of deacons it was my job that day to handle it. Not being in a wonderful mood I told the parents they had lost their mind and that I,stead of defending their brat they should have him out back beating his tail. Gbey left and dud not come back. Honestly, I was thrilled to be rid of them.

 

It's not God's House, WE are

 

One last time, I don't know where y'all go to church but none of that has ever happened in my life. As a kid, I got the inner part of the upper arm pinch and twist along with the look of death for fidgeting. My kids got the look of death and the knowledge that if they didn't behave I'd take them out and tan their hides. My grandkids get the same treatment. Seems to me that maybe the pastor and elder body needs to come up with some rules and distribute them to the membership...but I still think y'all are joking.