Dress for praise and worship service

[Golden_Griff]

I was just in a conversation with my parents about this topic. I don't know if it's our denomination or what but they really have a problem with people not "dressing up" for church. They really think that it's "disrespectful to the church" that one of our members wears polo shirts and jeans on Sunday morning. He's too grown to dress that way they say. They don't like for women to wear pants of any sort either. Personally, I don't have a problem with the way he and others prefer to dress, just as long as it's decent.

So what do you all think? Is there a certain way people should dress for church services?

[Bobtheduck]

No... Unless we all plan on wearing biblical robes. God certianly doesn't have a dress code...

[lonelyone]

No... Unless we all plan on wearing biblical robes. God certianly doesn't have a dress code...

You go to church because you want to, or to hear GOD'S words, church is not a beauty contest, but i been to churches who do wear as they feel according to the Bible i mean, and that is fine, not a problem, just don't looked down on people who don't dress like that way, i wear whatever, and if people have a problem with it, so be it, i don't go there to hear the lastest fashion, or feel down because i am not in like whatever....... i know people who cover their heads, women and girls i mean, if that is their thing so be it, like i said earlier, you go to church because to improve your life with God, or get things taken care of in your/.mine life. All that matter is that you are COVER, and i don't mean head to toe, i just plain mean cover your body, without showing things, that others should never ever SEE!!!!!!!!!!

[Mr_Anderson]

i don't have a porblem, lots of people wear everyday clothes like my friends who i invite! man, if they had a dress code at my church, almost nobody whould be able to come in.

[Vash is a plant]

Like everyone else has said, it doesn't really matter how you dress, as long as it isn't something that isn't approiate, like short-shorts and bikini top. It really depends on why they're doing it.

[Golden_Griff]

You go to church because you want to, or to hear GOD'S words, church is not a beauty contest, but i been to churches who do wear as they feel according to the Bible i mean, and that is fine, not a problem, just don't looked down on people who don't dress like that way

I wish people would understand that! >:(

[EireWolf]

Huh... That's kinda' sad. I think if Jesus came back today, he wouldn't be allowed into some churches.

At my church, it really doesn't matter what you wear (within decency, of course). My husband and I are on the worship team, and he even wears a hat on stage sometimes. I frequently wear jeans. Most people don't bat an eye.

Honestly, I think some people might feel more comfortable in the church because we're not all dressed up. If you have put your best clothes on to go to a certain church, I'd feel like I have to put my best face on, too... and not who I REALLY am.

We should be able to be ourselves at church above all else, with fellow believers -- we should not have to pretend to be something we're not.

[LorentzForce]

It's the attitude that matters, not what you are or how you live. You don't go to heaven by wearing fancier clothes anyway.

[Vash is a plant]

It's the attitude that matters, not what you are or how you live. You don't go to heaven by wearing fancier clothes anyway.

exactly!

[Shao Feng-Li]

i think its important to give your best in church. wearing your tux would be to much though. wearing your torn working clothes maybe woudnt be the best idea, but if you dont got a choice...

[antefurem]

Dress your best for God! That's my rule of thumb!

(I'm a slacks girl all the way... no way anyone's getting me into a dress just yet!)

[Golden_Griff]

i think its important to give your best in church. wearing your tux would be to much though. wearing your torn working clothes maybe woudnt be the best idea, but if you dont got a choice...

Yes, now I do agree that you shouldn't go to church looking like the Rag Man!

[Ducky]

I pretty much agree with what everybody else has said. Attitude is what really matters... I've been to churches where it's all about what you wear and the like and then the focus isn't on God. By the same note if you wear something way out there or really skimpy that takes the focus away from God too. but if the elders or what not at the church set a dress code then ya gotta bow to their authority... and I guess I'll stop raving now other than to say that one time some friends and I had to play in gameband right before the saturday night service and we had to go to church in our band uniforms... mens kakis and convict-esque striped polo shirts...

[GracefulRocker]

I don't know if it's our denomination or what but they really have a problem with people not "dressing up" for church. They really think that it's "disrespectful to the church" that one of our members wears polo shirts and jeans on Sunday morning. He's too grown to dress that way they say. They don't like for women to wear pants of any sort either. Personally, I don't have a problem with the way he and others prefer to dress, just as long as it's decent.

So what do you all think? Is there a certain way people should dress for church services?

I'm with you, but my parents aren't. My dad would never let me dress even the slightest bit casual. He says that if we fear, respect, and love God, then we should show our reverence. I have some friends that wear JnCos to church, and THAT'S disresectful, but a nice pair of jeans and a clean shirt, in my opinion, is alright. I don't think God cares what we wear, just as long as we worship and give ourselves up completely to Him.

[Golden_Griff]

I'm with you, but my parents aren't. My dad would never let me dress even the slightest bit casual.

My mom is the same way. Don't even bother with taking a pair of khakis out of the closet. She doesn't even like for me to wear my hair in a fancy ponytail.

[Zedian]

I actually am more in favor of attitude then what you have on. I mean, a few times I saw homeless people in church service because they wanted to rededicate their life's to Christ and start anew. And besides in Heaven, everyone will be equal and God doesn't care on what you wear. I mean a long time ago, the apostles were close to Jesus, were poor and wore robes and sandals. They didn't have fancy suits to go along with a Mercedes.

[Mithrandir]

Well, let me say this. I sometimes do the offeratory for our service. I almost always play on the worship team. I wear the same clothes for that service that I do for for work. Although... I was told that my wearing a hat caused some of the people in our service to be distracted. Now I'm in a quandry:
1. I don't think God cares what I wear. Heck, he doesn't hold how rotten a sinner I really am against me, why the heck would he care what I WEAR when I worship him!?!
2. I'm on the worship team to help other people worship God.

Do you see the problem here? That's my only real issue. I regularly wore a hat, but I don't as often now. Mainly out of respect for my brothers and sisters in Christ, not for God. I don't want to be a stumbling block for them. Perhaps that's something that is their problem but I feel (now anyway) that I should make a difference in my appearance for their sake.

I think I didn't say this clearly, though...

[Golden_Griff]

No, no, I completely understand what you're saying. You're there to help other people to worship God to the fullest. So now you don't wear your hat as much because some people may be too distracted by your head gear and not focused on praising God. You feel that you do yourself and others a favor when you don't take the focus off God with what you wear.

Okay, now I think I wasn't clear enough on that response...

[Zedian]

Thanks a lot for giving me a headache on what you guys were trying to say......geesh I tell you. Hehehe just kidding!

I do get what you are saying though, but what if they don't say anything about it. I don't wear hats because one time during a Sunday morning service I was told to take it off. And from this point on, I don't wear it. But I do have my hair kinda long and sometimes I have the audacity to wear shirts and jeans. And of my favorite bands too......I do dress formal half the time. But hey, I just try to tell those who are lost that the 'normal' look of the Chrisitian is long gone or at least in my eyes.

[The_Marauding_Maniac]

I think if it's simple, it would be Ok because clothes are just artificial. I think it's your choice, just so long as it's not nasty.

[Hitokiri]

I dress like everyday though I limit my pants from bieng all raggidy and torn to jeans I set aside from church. That's how most of this kids and adults dress at my church. A very laid back church. My parents don't care what I wear unless 1) doesn't have holes 2) dirty 3) might embrass them and 4) my hair is nice

[Momus]

I think the purpose is that, you show respect by setting aside certain clothing for God's special day of worship, and that you take the time to dress specially for the occasio, like a wedding. But, if you go and dont have the heart, then its pointless. I just know so many people who go to church because they are "supposed" to, and not to go for God. Theyt also wear nice clothing because they're "supposed" to, and dont think or care about the reason

[uc pseudonym]

Regarding the subject of dress in general, the only people I would draw issue with are those who insist that you must dress extremely nicely. My general thought is to ask: why?

It isn't like I want to show my best in God's presence, for I live my entire life in His presence. He sees me every moment of every day, and that one day of the week is more or less the same as any other (save that I use it for worship). As for bringing honor to Him, I imagine He would far prefer that I give my clothes to one without any than wear them.

[Hitokiri]

tis is a old subject and topic

I dont see anything wrong in dressing casual unless you go to a church that is more formal.

But if you're wearing short skirts, tube tops, muscle man t-shirts with blood on it, jeans that have so much holes and tears in them that they hang off your butt liek rags. Then that s amatter for concernment. But just dressing up in a t-shirt and nice jeans isnt bad.

[ShiroiHikari]

Regarding the subject of dress in general, the only people I would draw issue with are those who insist that you must dress extremely nicely. My general thought is to ask: why?

It isn't like I want to show my best in God's presence, for I live my entire life in His presence. He sees me every moment of every day, and that one day of the week is more or less the same as any other (save that I use it for worship). As for bringing honor to Him, I imagine He would far prefer that I give my clothes to one without any than wear them.

very well stated. I agree.

[EireWolf]

It isn't like I want to show my best in God's presence, for I live my entire life in His presence. He sees me every moment of every day, and that one day of the week is more or less the same as any other (save that I use it for worship). As for bringing honor to Him, I imagine He would far prefer that I give my clothes to one without any than wear them.

I agree; well said.

The biggest thing that bothers me about the idea of dressing up for church is the inherent symbolism. It's almost like we feel we have to set aside church for looking our best, being on our best behavior, etc... and God forbid that we should let our fellow believers know that we actually "get dirty" sometimes, both literally and figuratively.

We should be able to be ourselves more than anything with our fellow believers, and with God. Of course that doesn't mean that we should flaunt our sins and our faults, but that we should be honest about them. Likewise, I don't feel I should have to dress any differently than I normally do.

[Lightbringer]

The only thing i'll really add is "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy" its a special day set aside by God, people should be respectful of it.

Does that mean that people who come in off the street or are drawn to Gods house on that day need to race home and get some dress clothes on? of coarse not. But I think that if you are planning on going to church you should wear what you look good in, that doesn't mean you have to wear a suit, not everybody looks great in a suit, but I do think everyone looks good in dressish clothes of some sort. Weather thats adding an over shirt over your t-shirt when wearing Jeans or a blouse for a girl (spelling? sorry)

It really bothers me when people who can take the time dont for the only perpose of being different or indipendant. Like i said, its a Holy day since the begining, it should be respected.

[cbwing0]

I think some of you are are missing the point. The point is that heart and appearance matter. It is not a question of having a good heart, or being respectful by wearing nice clothes to church; rather, both should be present in the life of the believer. Would any one of you consider wearing jeans to a wedding, or to any special event? In the same way, church is a special time during the week when we gather with other believers to worship God. Although we should seek God at all times, going to church is still special, and we should dress accordingly.

Of course if you either don't own or can't afford dress clothes, that is fine. If this is the case, then the church should probably already be providing financial assistance. If you do have dress clothes, then it would not hurt to wear them; and if for some reason you can't, then don't stress over it. That is the difference between reverence and legalism.

Here is an analogy that may help to clarify my point: in our lives, we strive for righteousness, acting as good and faithful servants to God. Although we can never be completely perfect until the resurrection, that does not mean that we should not make an effort now to reach that state. In the same way, we should seek to honor God by putting forth our best on Sunday by dressing in a respectful manner.

I attend a church where almost everyone dresses up, usually going so far as to wear a suit and tie (for the men), or a nice dress (the women). They are not doing it to show off; on the contrary, many of them wear the same suit every week. It does not interfere with worship, and no one seems to have a problem with it. Most of the kids don't dress up much, and no one makes a big deal about it. Your church may have a different tradition, but I like this one.

To summarize, it is not a matter of faith vs. legalism and facades. Church attire is a matter of showing faith by one's deeds, even in the smallest things (i.e. clothing, language, etc.).

[Gypsy]

When I was younger, I was made to dress up for church. Skirt, blouse - the works. I still remember the first day that I walked down the stairs to go to church - in jeans. My parents and I had a good talk about it, and while they didn't agree with me 100%, they respected my reasons:

I think if everyone insists on dressing up for church, it almost ends up being a show. It can make visitors feel badly about their attire, and I get so upset when I hear "I can't go to church, I don't have any nice clothes!"

Lightbringer and I go to the same church and obviously we have very different opinions on the matter. 90% of the congregation is dressed up, so sometimes I stand out like a sore thumb. It was strange at first but now very few of the members look down on me for it. I guess my point is this: if you feel like you have to dress a certain way to go to church, then something is wrong. Wear what you want, be it a suit or jeans and don't worry about the rest. I don't want people looking down on me or thinking I'm just trying to be different because I'm in jeans and a hoodie, because I'm not - I'm being myself. And if someone else is being themselves in a 3 piece suit, more power to them.

[bakura_fan]

I hafta wear a dress or skirt with a silky blouse and Highheels. *glares at shoes* They're a curse I tell you! A CURSE!!!!!! They really hurt my feet. But (according to parents) I must look nice for church. If I could...I'd wear a t-shirt and jeans and tennis shoes.....*sigh* Oh, well. I don't hafta wear it for long. Church starts at 9:45 and goes to Noon. Oh, by the way....I tend to be one of the only girls that wears a dress to Sunday School. On occassion other girls will wear em but not too much.