Dress up in church or come as you are?
Remember when everyone dressed like this for church?
Summer’s almost here, and the church-going among us know what that means.
The call for VBS teachers, and the season of sundresses. Rallying volunteers to teach Bible School is a challenge, sure, but at least it’s a pretty straightforward operation.
But how about when ladies comes to church wearing garments that, well, display a little too much of God’s creation? Or the fellows who seem ready to hit the beach or the park right after the final altar call? Do some folks take the hymn “Just As I Am” a little too literally when getting ready for worship on Sunday mornings?
For the beach, yes. But for church?
Some congregations actually tout their casual, “come as you are” dress code. (Really, can you quote a single passage in Scripture where Jesus says, “Hey, don’t let that guy in here. He’s dressed like a bum! Tell him to get some better threads and THEN we’ll talk salvation!”)
The Web site for the contemporary Buckhead Church welcomes new worshipers with a fast-paced upbeat video, set to Christian rock music, that gives you an idea what the service is like. I didn’t spot a single tie. The Web site for the Cathedral of St. Philip, on the other hand, suggests a more formal atmosphere.
Does it matter what you wear to church? Have you ever felt under-dressed or over-dressed at a worship service? Should churches post some sort of guidance on their Web sites regarding attire?
Even sexy Carrie Bradshaw goes prim on a Sunday morning.
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41 comments Add your comment
Bigger is Better
May 12th, 2009
8:38 am
PPl are always looking for a reason not to go to church, dress is another reason ppl use in why they do or don’t go. One commit was when God created Adam & Eve they where naked, while true, God did also dress them. I feel come as u would just come. But I also know once someone get right with God they are going to take on a respect for God and the house of worship, when u take on this respect u will be dressed in a modest way to show respect for God not man. We must remember u can not clean up a cup that is out in the car, u must first take it in the house! So if u get hung up on how ppl are dressed made u need to get out of the car and go inside and get cleaned up! Remember God is the dish washer not man.
Pastor for 20yrs.
Voice of Reason #1
May 12th, 2009
8:38 am
I’ve always been taught–and I do feel–that people should go to church dressed in such a manner to show at least some respect to God. You take time to dress appropriately for work; give some same thought and care to going to church. Maybe all the attire of past days is not necessary, but be appropriately covered and respectable, not sloppy or “sexy.” SHow some respect for God and His “house.”
Lawanda
May 12th, 2009
8:35 am
What a southern topic!! Religion, religion, religion.
Peadawg
May 12th, 2009
8:33 am
I don’t believe there is anything in the Bible about having to “dress up” for church. As long as you are there worshiping the Lord, does it really matter what you wear?
PW
May 12th, 2009
8:32 am
It is amazing that folks have the nerve to call themselves Christians while at the same time judging how someone dresses WHEN THEY COME TO CHURCH! Nothing in the bible says come dressed to impress. It says come as you are and judge not lest ye be judged and LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU in spite of the messes and mistakes you’ve made in your life. Just come.
Marilyn
May 12th, 2009
8:29 am
Rick, you won’t need any clothes where you are going (HELL)!
Scoutmamma
May 12th, 2009
8:26 am
I think it does matter how you dress for church. It is a reverent place to be and one should dress accordingly. I am 42 and still would not feel comfortable wearing dress pants to church. It must be a modest skirt or dress. It all boils down to respect for God. That’s how I was raised.
Nancy
May 12th, 2009
6:02 am
I have to ditto IMO. I was raised to dress to the nines for church. However our society has become more relaxed, for some way to relaxed. We only have one Judge in this world, who taught me how to respect myself, therefore for me it is paying back.
clyde
May 12th, 2009
4:18 am
The first man and woman that your God created were naked.Maybe that’s how you should go to worship.
JJ
May 12th, 2009
2:06 am
I believe that churches that have gone ‘casual’ are trying to appeal to those who would ‘never step in a church’ for various reasons…some being the formality of it, feeling they will be judged for what they wear or they may not appear to be good enough. I think the intent is to make the church more ‘approachable’. Once they get in the church, learn the God, they will gain a respect and reverence His presence. The knowledge and love of God will move them to want to dress more conservatively. covered and as one would say, appropriately. God will meet you where you are at — and your relationship with Him will transform you from the inside out. I believe that is the intent of the move to casual — to make it less a mandate and turn this situation over to God to address in His time, for that individual.