When you’re locked in to one church…one place of worship, it’s almost impossible to know what other churches are doing - how they’re worshipping - and how they’re dressing. Not so long ago getting dressed for church, for me as a preacher, was simple. Put on a suit and tie and I was ready to go.
It’s just not that simple anymore. I have been out preaching in different places for the past several weeks, and after a six year absence from the traveling preacher circuit, I have noticed some changes: #1… how people dress when they come to church. I find myself asking pastors these days, “What should I wear?” So far, I have worn a tie only once on Sunday morning. If I ask about wearing a tie at the evening meetings the pastor says something like, “If you do you’ll be the only one.”
Most folks in the pew are not just dressing casual…they’re dressing very casual. This winter I’ve seen ladies dressed in everything from dresses to sweat pants/sweat shirts. Guys are wearing khakis, jeans, and shorts with polos and t-shirts.
So why this article? Good question? Does it matter what people wear to church as long as they’re dressed modestly? When did church become a “dress-up” event…and who decided it was time to dress down?
Even when I was pastoring, most men in the congregation didn’t wear ties. And, about as many ladies were wearing slacks as were wearing dresses. So…does it really matter?
My preacher friend Junior Hill says I am on the “bubble.” At 50 years old, I am twenty years away from being 70…and twenty years away from being 30. I like the music the 30 year olds like…and I like the music the 70 year olds like. I’m ok with being new and relevant…I’m also ok with being old fashioned and traditional. I like music from the Eagles…I also like Maroon 5. I like Chris Tomlin…I like Bill Gaither. ….Which brings me to my point - I can preach as good in a pair of jeans and a polo as I can a suit and tie. I’ve preached in wing-tips…and I’ve preached in Sanuks.
Does it matter what people wear to church in 2014? …No. No more than it mattered in 1914. It matters that we are dressed modestly and that we come with a heart ready to worship and hear the Word of God. Fashions may change but the Word of God never changes.
Some would say, as I have said in the past, “We should dress our best for God.” But, what is our best? Listen to Peter: Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for, “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
The “best” thing I can put on as I get ready for church is “humility.” One size fits all. See you next Sunday. What you gonna wear? MM
Great points!
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