What should you do at a Mormon church as a visitor?

Answer 1

While there are judgmental and critical people in every church, Mormon's are thrilled to have people visit their church, and visitors should not feel stressed to behave in any way other than within reason. That said, the following are mere suggestions to help a visitor get the most out of their LDS church-going experience. First and foremost, your experience will be greatly enhanced if you find a member of the church to sit with and assist you through your first time at church. Momons are generally very friendly, and if on the rare occasion one doesn't introduce themselves to you, make a point of introducing yourself. An LDS service has 3 distinct blocks that total 3 hours. If possible, visitors are encouraged to attend all three blocks to enjoy the complete LDS worship service. The most formal block is called "sacrament meeting" and is held in the main chapel. The token of this meeting is when the sacrament, or communion (bread & water), is given to the members. It is not necessary for you to take the sacrament, as it is a renewal of the promises made and received at baptism (in the LDS church), which as a visitor, you have not performed. During the sacrament meeting, aside from singing, the congregation does not participate, and is encouraged to be reverent and quite during the meeting. The only exception is during the 1st Sunday of each month, when members, at their discretion and prompting, go up to the pulpit to "bear their testimony". Visitors generally do not bear their testimony. Questions and discussion is encouraged during the other 2 meetings. Mormons show respect for God and the worship service by dressing in their "Sunday best". Many visitors feel more comfortable by dressing likewise. Women tend to wear dresses and modest skirts, and men tend to wear slacks with collared (tucked in) dress shirts with a tie. Hymns are sung throughout the church service. While many visitors are unfamiliar with the hymns, they enjoy at least reading along in the green hymn books that are provided. During prayers, Mormons simply clasp their hands or fold their arms, bow their heads, close their eyes, and say "amen" at the end in agreeance. Visitors are encouraged to do likewise to join them in prayer. Finally, if at any time a visitor would like to learn more about the church and it's teachings, visitors are encouraged to seek out the full-time missionaries of the church, which can be identified by the black tags they wear. Additional information, including where and what time the LDS service nearest you is held, can be found by visiting mormon.org.