It is not a good idea to plan and organize a Church fundraising event and enlist the help of others in the Church without first getting approval from the leadership of the Church. This happened in a Church in Atlanta. The fundraising event was politely canceled for two reasons: 1) It was planned out of order; and 2) It would have violated state laws. Upset that the Pastor did not go along with her, the member who planned the out-of-order fundraiser—along with her crew—stopped coming to the Church. Choir members, never invite a first-time visitor and her 6-month old twin babies to sit with you in the choir stand during Sunday Service (without the Church Leader’s consent). They are not in the choir. They are not even members of the Church. Your visitor is among friends and should be able to sit in the congregation without fear. The idea was bad enough as it is, but to add injury to insult, the choir member then argued with the leadership of the Church to defend her actions. Yes, this actually happened in a Church in Texas. Afterwards, the choir member secretly went about trying to get the congregation to turn against the Pastor for not allowing her visitor (and infants in carriers) to sit with the choir. The out-of-order choir member, full of pride, then angrily left the Church. Sisters, never invite the pastor to dinner at your home and tell him NOT to bring the first lady, because you’re preparing a dinner for two. This is a shocker, but it actually happened, and it’s wrong on so many levels. For starters, why would she try to bring division between a husband and wife? Also, what were her intentions? While we don’t know for sure, they certainly do not appear to be wholesome. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” God is a God of order—this is out of order. Need more be said?If the pastor's wife has a baby, do not present yourself to the Pastor and offer to fulfill his intimate needs while his wife is recovering for 6 weeks. Remember, thou shalt not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14Ladies, please do not sit on the front row of the church (or anywhere else) with gaping legs and a mini skirt. Come on now! This is the oldest trick in the book. It's also very inappropriate and suggestive. Besides, a man will not respect you for that. He may use you, but it’s unlikely he’ll bring you home to meet mama.When counseling, if there is no one in the church, leave the office door open. This protects the counselor (often, this is the Pastor) from false accusations. Remember, thou shalt not bear false witness. Exodus 20:16Church leaders, if you have to make a house call or hospital visit, it would be best to have another leader with you. Jesus sent them out in twos. This is good sound wisdom.Show faithfulness. If you have the privilege to serve your leader as an assistant or armor bearer, there will be times when they will share their heart with you. Tell no one. Confidence is very important.Show up on time especially if you are in leadership, we lead by example, writes a First-Diva in Michigan.A First-Diva in Michigan writes: Pray for a while about your issue before you bring it to the leader, the Lord just might tell you what to do. Be clean and neat. Be sure to shower, bathe and wear clean, neat clothing when you are going to the house of God. Good hygiene is always appropriate.A First-Diva in Kentucky writes: Don’t talk or carry on conversation while the speaker is preaching. Church is not an AA meeting, and I can speak for myself how distracting it is when someone in the church literally interrupts to give their two cents for whatever reason. Encouragement or words of agreement are fine (amen, etc.) in church. However, it is not the time to tell your story as it relates to what the speaker is saying (unless the church is open for testimonials).Do not steal from the church. Remember, thou shalt not steal. Do not litter church grounds. It’s a matter of respect. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He demanded the Israelites to respect the temple (His house) and He still requires that of us today.A First-Diva in Kentucky writes: Offer to help, if you are able to, with work or ministries in the church. I know there is always a circle of people who do things and yes, sometimes they won’t let new people in to help. But this isn’t always the case; and a lot of times church help is shorthanded due to lack of volunteers.Turn your cell phone off! Unless you are expecting a call from Jesus, there’s no reason to leave your ringer on. If you can’t live without it (kids at home, you're on call at work, etc.), turn it on vibrate. Refrain from chewing gum during church. Most churches do not allow it, however if your church does allow it, please do not pop it aloud or stick it under the pews or on the floor.Pay your tithes and offerings in a small church just like you would in a large church. You need to give in the place where you are being fed so that church or ministry can continue grow. Don’t say in your heart, they are small and do not need my offering. Neither say, this church is large and I will not give them any more. Do what is right. Give where you are being fed and covered. (Deut. 25:4) This shows you have a heart to do right. God blesses righteousness. Do not wear tee shirts with profane language or nude images to church. Just because the Pastor allows you to come as you are (in relaxed, casual attire), don’t take it to the extreme. It is still the house of the Lord. It is not a good idea to wear a tee shirt promoting alcohol or beer, either. Even if the world doesn’t, you should maintain respect for the house of the Lord.A First-Diva in Las Vegas writes: Don’t light up a cigarette on church grounds and then leave the butts in the yard. “Offering time is not your cigarette break.” Using profane language in church is never appropriate, writes a First-Diva in California.
| ||||||
