• Welcome to Baptist Board, a friendly forum to discuss the Baptist Faith in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to all the features that our community has to offer.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

How to Dress for Church

Status
Not open for further replies.

JonC

Moderator
Moderator
This came up on another thread, and I am starting this one out of curiosity.

How do you dress for church?

I don't mean, BTW, if you put your socks on first. I mean what do you wear.

My answer - I typically wear blue jeans, a button up shirt (usually untucked type) and running shoes.
 

Dr. Bob

Administrator
Administrator
I wear dockers and button up collared shirt. May have a sports coat on for Easter.

Preaching I wear banded collar and suit. 1753935953183.png
 
Last edited:

Deacon

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Decades ago I vacationed in Bermuda and visited a church pastored by an old friend.

I envied the relaxed dress of the people, light clothing colors and short pants and decided I’d wear Bermuda shorts to church that Sunday.

It felt strange. I couldn’t worship without thinking I wasn’t dressed properly. Even though I blended into the congregation, I was uncomfortable about it.
I’ve never worn shorts to a service since - even outdoor events.

I have very few problems with how other people dress for church, but I learned something about myself that day… I’m simply most comfortable in long pants and a plain shirt.

Rob
 

Ben1445

Well-Known Member
This came up on another thread, and I am starting this one out of curiosity.

How do you dress for church?

I don't mean, BTW, if you put your socks on first. I mean what do you wear.
I wear a coat and tie as the preacher. It wouldn’t be any different if I were not. Prayer meetings just a collared shirt. I am a button up rather than polo kind of person. I have led prayer meeting in dirty work clothes because that is what I could wear and be on time. We are mostly a blue collar church and community and nobody was offended.
We also have had people who take the offering in socks. That was a matter of medical necessity. But nobody seemed to be concerned about it. We are glad to see the people and are not too excited to see what they are wearing.
 

atpollard

Well-Known Member
I wear tan slacks and a short sleeve button shirt ... same clothes that I wear to work. God deserved the same "business casual" as my employer.

Back when I was an elder (and more rebellious), we had a community "pot luck" DINNER ON THE GROUNDS on the third Thursday of every month. People needed a reminder that it was coming up THIS Thursday, so the Sunday before was proclaimed "Pajama Sunday" and I wore pajamas to church as a visual reminder that Thursday was Dinner On The Grounds. It was quite popular and people enjoyed locating modest pajamas (like adult 'onesies' with feet and a hood with bunny ears).
 

OnlyaSinner

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Jacket and tie for Sunday AM & PM. I'm not trying to impress anyone, except possibly myself due to the importance of gathering to worship God and learn more of His will. Prayer meeting I'd usually wear my "office" clothes, dark khaki pants and collared short-sleeve shirt. Sometimes I would have to attend prayer meeting in field clothes (I'm a retired forester) due to lack of time to change.
 

JonC

Moderator
Moderator
I wear dockers and button up collared shirt. May have a sports coat on for Easter.

Preaching I wear banded collar and suit.
I always liked that style of shirt and coat. Just dont get one of those white tabs for your collar :Biggrin

It has always bothered me having things around my neck (I don't know why...maybe I suspect my wife will strangle me one of these days).

But I like the look...GQ Bob.

I wear a coat and tie as the preacher. It wouldn’t be any different if I were not. Prayer meetings just a collared shirt. I am a button up rather than polo kind of person. I have led prayer meeting in dirty work clothes because that is what I could wear and be on time. We are mostly a blue collar church and community and nobody was offended.
We also have had people who take the offering in socks. That was a matter of medical necessity. But nobody seemed to be concerned about it. We are glad to see the people and are not too excited to see what they are wearing.
When I preached I would wear a coat and tie as well. I have found that this is expected with older adults and the younger ones didn't care either way, so I didn't want to distract from the message.

I get the socks thing. I now wear jeans and running shoes. The running shoes is not to run away but for medical reasons. I couldn't run if a mob of angry Presbyterians were chasing me.

Decades ago I vacationed in Bermuda and visited a church pastored by an old friend.

I envied the relaxed dress of the people, light clothing colors and short pants and decided I’d wear Bermuda shorts to church that Sunday.

It felt strange. I couldn’t worship without thinking I wasn’t dressed properly. Even though I blended into the congregation, I was uncomfortable about it.
I’ve never worn shorts to a service since - even outdoor events.

I have very few problems with how other people dress for church, but I learned something about myself that day… I’m simply most comfortable in long pants and a plain shirt.

Rob
I have started attending a church plant (a minister from my church started it in the community). This os very casual, but the members are young.

I think I'll move my membership. Not sure yet. This community church remains close with my church and other Baptist churches in the area.

At one time I was critical of these types of churches. We meet at a school and the pastor does not want a church building.

I have found that this church has gathered unchurched Christians in the community but more importantly has reached others with the gospel that would have avoided other churches. This church is a part of the community, and functions as a community of believers.

They have about 50 members so far, many newly saved. And (not sure how I feel about this one :confused:) I'm the old guy at 56 years old.

I guess what I'm saying is their idea of "church" is a community of believers called out in Christ. They gather on Sunday, but also keep in contact throughout the week. What one wears has not been an issue (it is come as you are....unless you are naked).
 

Guvnuh

Active Member
Site Supporter
Various colors of Khaki slacks, button down collar shirt, sometimes tucked, my Hokas or Asics.
 

justapewfiller

New Member
What would pass for "business casual" the last time I was working in an office.. Jeans, button up or golf shirt (shirt usually untucked) and.. and I stink at describing shoes. I honestly have no idea what to call they style. But, shoes that are nicer than sneakers but not as nice as dress shoes.
 

John of Japan

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
A sport coat and a tie. Oh, yes, and pants! :Biggrin But I love ties with a message and have some of those, including two with "Faith, Hope, Love" in Chinese and English.

If you come in our church modestly dressed, you will be warmly welcomed with no criticism. There's Scripture for that, as you all know I'm sure (James 2:1-4).
 

JonC

Moderator
Moderator
A sport coat and a tie. Oh, yes, and pants! :Biggrin But I love ties with a message and have some of those, including two with "Faith, Hope, Love" in Chinese and English.

If you come in our church modestly dressed, you will be warmly welcomed with no criticism. There's Scripture for that, as you all know I'm sure (James 2:1-4).
I agree that we should not show special attention to the one dresses well while not the poor who doesn't.

We have had people show up to worship God wearing a dingy t-shirt and dirty blue jeans. They were no less welcomed than those wearing sports coats. We have to realize that people matter, not what they wear.

In regard to those showing up to church being welcomed if modestly dressed, how are you defining "modestly dressed"?


I ask because you mentioned wearing nice clothes as an act of respect, but what one considers appropriate another may consider extravagant. For example, if a man showed up wearing a suit snd an expensive watch would he not be welcomed for not dressing moderately? Or a woman wearing gold earrings and pearls? Who decides what is too expensive to wear? Who decides wearing a Tag is moderate but a Patek too extreme to be welcomed in a church (for example)?

I've already said this in a different way.

I don't know what a "Tag" or a "Patek" are.

Discussing what modesty is would take a whole nother thread. I'm not sure I want to participate--the fall semester starts very soon. But the Greek word only occurs twice in the NT (1 Tim. 2:9 and 3:2). Here is the meaning from the Friberg, Friberg and Miller lexicon: "κόσμιος on strictly well-arranged; (1) of persons disciplined, honorable, respectable (1T 3.2); (2) of dress characterized by respectability modest, sensible ( 1T 2.9)."
Tag and Patek are watches.

I think it is simpler with "modesty" in terms of dress. Mention is not only the word but counter examples (gold rings, etc).

You said that a person not wearing a suit but dressed "modestly" would be welcomed in your church.

I am asking if a woman wearing dirty jeans, an old t-shirt and flip-flops would be welcomed in your church.

The readon I ask is that the context of a verse you mentioned was about how we treat those are poor. Our church is located in an area with a large homeless population (intentionally located there). We often have people dressed as I described above because that is what they own. They live on the streets (they can sleep at the shelter at night but have to leave each morning). They carry around what they own in bags.

Would they be welcomed in your church and thought of in the same way others who wear a suit?
 

Salty

20,000 Posts Club
Administrator
Yes, who determines!
A couple of years ago, I visited a Baptist church - and the pastor wore a T-Shirt with Bermuda shorts and he had
a dozen piercings .
How about hair color - all kinds of crazy things I have seen.
Should a local church have standards for members; higher standards for leaders?

Lets go to the extreme - suppose someone showed up at your service:
A) A man fully dressed as a female
B) A female who was wearing a bikini
C) A teen wants to bring his basketball into the sanctuary?
 

JonC

Moderator
Moderator
Yes, who determines!
A couple of years ago, I visited a Baptist church - and the pastor wore a T-Shirt with Bermuda shorts and he had
a dozen piercings .
How about hair color - all kinds of crazy things I have seen.
Should a local church have standards for members; higher standards for leaders?

Lets go to the extreme - suppose someone showed up at your service:
A) A man fully dressed as a female
B) A female who was wearing a bikini
C) A teen wants to bring his basketball into the sanctuary?
1. Not appropriate (I think an argument from Scrioture can be made here)
2. How does she look? (Just kidding...I would say overly revealing clothing is inappropriate).
3. I think the teen could bring his basketball into the sanctuary, but not use it.
 
Last edited:

John of Japan

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
I agree that we should not show special attention to the one dresses well while not the poor who doesn't.

We have had people show up to worship God wearing a dingy t-shirt and dirty blue jeans. They were no less welcomed than those wearing sports coats. We have to realize that people matter, not what they wear.
I've already said this in a different way.
In regard to those showing up to church being welcomed if modestly dressed, how are you defining "modestly dressed"?

I ask because you mentioned wearing nice clothes as an act of respect, but what one considers appropriate another may consider extravagant. For example, if a man showed up wearing a suit snd an expensive watch would he not be welcomed for not dressing moderately? Or a woman wearing gold earrings and pearls? Who decides what is too expensive to wear? Who decides wearing a Tag is moderate but a Patek too extreme to be welcomed in a church (for example)?
I don't know what a "Tag" or a "Patek" are.

Discussing what modesty is would take a whole nother thread. I'm not sure I want to participate--the fall semester starts very soon. But the Greek word only occurs twice in the NT (1 Tim. 2:9 and 3:2). Here is the meaning from the Friberg, Friberg and Miller lexicon: "κόσμιος on strictly well-arranged; (1) of persons disciplined, honorable, respectable (1T 3.2); (2) of dress characterized by respectability modest, sensible ( 1T 2.9)."

Tag and Patek are watches.

I think it is simpler with "modesty" in terms of dress. Mention is not only the word but counter examples (gold rings, etc).

You said that a person not wearing a suit but dressed "modestly" would be welcomed in your church.

I am asking if a woman wearing dirty jeans, an old t-shirt and flip-flops would be welcomed in your church.

The readon I ask is that the context of a verse you mentioned was about how we treat those are poor. Our church is located in an area with a large homeless population (intentionally located there). We often have people dressed as I described above because that is what they own. They live on the streets (they can sleep at the shelter at night but have to leave each morning). They carry around what they own in bags.

Would they be welcomed in your church and thought of in the same way others who wear a suit?
Certainly they would be welcome. But they would grow out of that as they grew spiritually. Dirty jeans? An old T? flip flops? I've seen them, talked to them. But growth is needed. I've discipled a man who didn't dress much better. Now he wears a suit--and I said not a single word to him about clothing!
 

JonC

Moderator
Moderator
Certainly they would be welcome. But they would grow out of that as they grew spiritually. Dirty jeans? An old T? flip flops? I've seen them, talked to them. But growth is needed. I've discipled a man who didn't dress much better. Now he wears a suit--and I said not a single word to him about clothing!
OK...now I have more questions :confused:


1. How does one grow out of poverty?

What I mean is, does the church simply buy them a suit or a dress and keep at the building for them to wear when they come in and make them change into their own clothes when they leave?

2. Out of curiously, if you were at my church and saw the homeless come in with dirty jeans, an old t-shirt, snd flip-flops....what would you say to them about the clothes they own?

3. Why would somebody "grow out" of a new standard for church attire and into an old one? It seems that "growing out" would be moving from the old to the newer standard. Maybe those who view wearing suits as a sign of respecting God would grow out of that when they realize God is not impressed by our clothes and their dress is interpreted by many younger people as self-piety and a lack of authenticity.


It seems that the best solution would be to have everybody wear choir robes. That would keep modesty among the congregation. Only problem is nobody uses choir robes anymore.
 

Ben1445

Well-Known Member
OK...now I have more questions :confused:
I’ve been reading along for a while now and I don’t understand why you have questions.
1. How does one grow out of poverty?

What I mean is, does the church simply buy them a suit or a dress and keep at the building for them to wear when they come in and make them change into their own clothes when they leave?
While I don’t think I have read an answer for this question particularly yet, it has an easy answer.
Mt. 6
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
2. Out of curiously, if you were at my church and saw the homeless come in with dirty jeans, an old t-shirt, snd flip-flops....what would you say to them about the clothes they own?
He already said that he doesn’t talk to people about their clothes.
Modesty and dirt are not the same things. I have been to church with lots of people who wear the same thing every week and probably don’t change their clothes to sleep. Nobody kicks them out for dirty clothes. Dirt isn’t immodest. There were some people who were very inappropriate and immodest at church and were told not to come back because they were intentionally undressing for people. This used to be called indecency and in some places is an offense subject to arrest.
Others whose clothes did not have sufficient material to be called modest were offered clothes to cover themselves and be modest. If they chose not to respect the request of the church, they were requested to not come back until they were dressed modestly.
No, anyone given clothes was not forced to give the clothes back. They were gifted. If you really need clothes that badly, the church was happy to help.
3. Why would somebody "grow out" of a new standard for church attire and into an old one? It seems that "growing out" would be moving from the old to the newer standard. Maybe those who view wearing suits as a sign of respecting God would grow out of that when they realize God is not impressed by our clothes and their dress is interpreted by many younger people as self-piety and a lack of authenticity.
Romans 14:5
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

Romans 14:14
I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

There is a principle in these verses that applies. If someone feels that they should dress a certain way for church and that to not do that is wrong, for them to not do it would be to sin against their own conscience, to willingly do wrong.
There is a moral teaching that is subject to standards but is an undeniable fact that God has given us clothes and that we need to be covered.
It seems that the best solution would be to have everybody wear choir robes. That would keep modesty among the congregation. Only problem is nobody uses choir robes anymore.
A little extravagant but it would work for church. I don’t like choir robes.
What about the rest of the week? Is it okay to cover what God gave you on Sunday and show it the rest of the week?
There is an acceptable amount of visible skin. To go beyond what is modest and wear what is suggestive and revealing is not modest and is not acceptable Christian behavior.
But if choir robes are the solution, don’t have a double standard for modesty, wear them all week.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top