Ellen Gould White über: "What does Ellen White write about behavior in worship services"

Ellen White emphasizes that worship must be characterized by deep reverence, silence, and order, because the gathered are before God and His holy angels. Inappropriate behavior such as chatting, whispering, laughing, or inattentiveness during the sermon, as well as pushing when leaving, profanes the holiness of God's house. Furthermore, she calls for clean, orderly, and simple clothing and a dignified demeanor without theatrical gestures, so that thoughts are fully directed toward God.

Reverence, Silence and Avoidance of Secular Speech in the House of God

»When worshippers enter the meeting place, they should do so with decorum and walk quietly to their seats. If there is a stove in the room, it is not appropriate to linger in a lazy, careless manner around it. Ordinary talking, whispering, and laughing should not be permitted in the house of prayer either before or after the service. A sincere, lively piety should characterize the worshippers. If some have to wait a few minutes before the assembly begins, they should preserve a true spirit of devotion through silent reflection and lift their hearts in prayer to God, so that the service may be of special benefit to their own hearts and lead to the conviction and conversion of other souls. They should remember that heavenly messengers are present in the house.«

1 - Ellen Gould White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5 (5T 492.1)

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Attentive Listening to the Sermon and Dignified Conduct after the Blessing

»When the word is proclaimed, consider, brothers, that you are listening to the voice of God through His appointed servant. Listen attentively. Do not fall asleep even for a moment, for in that slumber you might miss the words you need most... God desires attentive listeners... When the blessing is spoken, everyone should remain still, as if fearing they might lose the peace of Christ. Let everyone go out without pushing or loud talking, aware that they are in the presence of God, that His eye rests upon them, and that they must act as if in His visible presence. There should be no lingering in the aisles to converse or clap, which would block the way so others cannot exit. The sanctuary should be surrounded by holy reverence.«

2 - Ellen Gould White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5 (5T 493.2)

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Reverence Through Clean, Orderly, and Unobtrusive Clothing

»Because of irreverence in posture, dress, and behavior, and a lack of a devotional spirit, God has often turned His face away from those who have gathered for His worship. All should be taught to be neat, clean, and well‑groomed in their clothing, but not indulge in external adornment that is wholly inappropriate for the sanctuary. There should be no display of clothing; for this promotes irreverence. People's attention is often drawn to this or that fine garment, and thoughts intrude that have no place in the hearts of worshippers. God should be the object of contemplation and the goal of worship; and anything that distracts the mind from the solemn, holy service is an abomination to Him.«

3 - Ellen Gould White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5 (5T 498.3)

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Dignified Attitude in Worship without Theatrical Presentation

»Everything that is in any way connected with worship should be dignified, solemn, and impressive. God does not like it when preachers who claim to be Christ's representatives portray Christ so falsely that they throw their bodies into theatrical poses and make undignified and coarse gestures, uncultivated, crude motions. All this amuses and arouses the curiosity of those who want to see strange, unusual, and exciting things, but these things will not uplift the sense and heart of those who experience them.«

4 - Ellen Gould White, Ms 5, 1874 (2LtMs, Ms 5, 1874, par. 3)

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