Being raised to be responsible and respectful involves a holistic approach that integrates parental, church, educational, societal, and personal development. By nurturing values such as integrity, and empathy. accountability, and ethical decision-making, individuals can embody responsible behaviour in their interactions with others and their contributions to society.

We should remember that if we are not raising our children in the way of the Lord, they will not be responsible and respectful. The world will pay dearly for the negligence of our responsibility. That is why we have been able to see bad habits in our churches today. It is unfortunate! This article will discuss some bad habits displayed in the churches and the need to raise our children in the way of the Lord.

Possible bad habits of the church members

Lateness

Several church members are always late to the church even when they live close to the church. These categories of members have seen it as a habit to be in the church the time they want. This habit may be a result of one influence or the other.

Sleeping

Another feasible characteristic of many church members is sleeping. Some members are heavy sleepers. They are comfortable sleeping during worship services in the church. They always complain that the service is boring. Because of this, they will turn the church into a bedroom and sleep.

Browsing

Surfing on the Internet during the service has become a constant occurrence these days. Some teenagers also play videos and music during the service hiding under the canopy of reading the Bible or electronic hymns. While on their phone, they are engrossed and will not be able to listen again to any activities in the church.

Picking Calls

A common recurring habit these days is the picking of the calls during the service. A lot of worshippers and church members do not have respect for God anymore. They rush out and rush in calling and picking up the calls.

They do not know that God frowns at the habit and a lot of blessings are being deprived.  Even, some of the members who are not cultured will remain in the program starting a conversation on the phone. This is too ridiculous!

Holding Meetings Outside

Another bad habit that the church members display is holding extra meetings outside the church while the service is ongoing.

The meetings will not be relevant to any of the program orders of the day or the issues that can develop the church. The meetings are based on gossip and backbiting or how to sidetrack the pastor and recruit other members to conspire.

Quarrelling and Fighting

It may be surprising that the being called the holy house of God is still full of quarrelling these days because of selfishness. Some members do not see anything wrong in quarrelling during worship service.

They quarrel inwardly and even to shock you, some enter into physical combat. Such as serious shouts and blow exchanges during EC meetings and church-in-conference. Many members join them because of their influence.

Disobedience to Ushers

Several church members are found to disobey ushers. They find it difficult to follow the directions and the instructions of the ushers. When the ushers wake them up from their sleep or slumber, they will get angry. When the ushers ask them to stop making a noise to listen to the sermon, they will not listen.

Gossiping And Backbiting

Gossip and backbiting are common in our churches today. Several engage themselves in them inside or during the church. You can see them whispering to themselves, looking at themselves mockingly, and thinking of the pastor and church leaders. These habits are very rampant in our churches today.

Eating and Littering the Floor of the Church

Many church members have turned the church into a dustbin. They buy snacks and other food items and eat in the church. Even if you buy snacks for your children, you must train them to eat them outside the church, not during the service or worship.

Some members drop biscuit wraps and other trash inside the church auditorium even when there is a waste basket close to them.

Cracking Jokes

Many church members think that the church is a business and cinema centre. They dabble in politics, joke-cracking, or derision in the church. You will experience them laughing out loudly during their discussion in the meeting. The habit is very bad.

Criticizing Messages

Certain church members are destroying critics. They always criticize the preachers, choir members, ushers, and almost every member or minister in the church. Such members will not see anything good in church unless what he/she does. It is the habit all members must do away with.

Indecent Exposures/Dressings

All ladies and mature girls must learn how to sit properly. Nobody is a saint in the church. You should not sit down carelessly and loosely especially when you face the church altar. Be careful of exposing your thighs, buttocks, half-breast waist, and so on. Remember everyone fixes eyes on you.

Stubbornness

Certain church members are very stubborn and obstinate to instructions from the pulpit and co-workers in the church. These categories of members believe in their wisdom only. They do not need any external directions. This is a bad habit to do away with.

Signal the Pastor/leader

It has been the habit of the set of church members to watch over the time all the time indirectly telling the pastor or the preacher that the time is over. These members always complain that the service is too long. They stay long.

Leaving Before Closing

If the above is not taken care of. Such members will leave the church before the closing time of the church. Some members come to church only to listen to the message, choir’s rendition, etc. After this, they will disappear.

Incessant Movements

Many church members are vagabonds, roaming about the church without knowing where they are going or coming from. This habit distracts the attention of other worshippers or members of the church.

Walking Noisily to the Front Seats

You may distract the attention of other members when you walk or move with noise to the front seat if care is not taken. If you want the front seat, try to be punctual, or stay where your presence will not divert the attention of other members.

Conclusion

Every Christian must know that our service to the Lord is not for man but unto God. It is important to give God the due respect and honour in the fellowship of God. By this, we can say we are the representatives of God Almighty. Read further related posts on our church ministry page of the site.