Wearing jeans in church

[jsimms615]

I was a pastor a little over a year ago in another state that I am living in at the present time. Our congregational song leader would always start the service with announcements and then some singing. He would always dress very casually with usually either jeans or something very casual (never shorts, though some in the congregation did). It always bugged me that the first person the congregation saw in the pulpit was a man wearing jeans or looking like he just got done mowing the lawn. He owns a car garage and I don't think he owned but maybe one or two ties at best.
I never did say anything to him about this though our relationship lasted 2 years and 3 months. But, it always bugged me. I thought we weren't making the best first impression to guests that we could. I guess my question to you is:
1. Did I have the right to request him to dress up more?
2. Is it important at all to dress up or to (if your a man) wear a coat and tie if your the song leader? (I am speaking about a rural church that is fairly traditional).

I will say that recently it has come to my attention that I avoid conflict at all costs and this has often caused more problems that solved. I am trying to change my behavior and taking a look back at past mistakes and times when I think perhaps I should have spoke up and didn't. I normally always wore a coat and tie on Sunday mornings, but dressed more casually myself on Sunday nights and Wednesdays.

 

[malckiah]

No. I personally think it is worse to dress up in church than to dress normal........
Think about it for a moment. If you dress up in church....who are you dressing up for? You might say God. But then i ask.........Do you dress up all the time, everyday, everywhere?..........because God is everywhere all the time, so if you are truly dressing up for God, then you should dress up all the time!

Otherwise i ask again.....who are you really dressing up for?

 

[Infinite777]

No. I personally think it is worse to dress up in church than to dress normal........
Think about it for a moment. If you dress up in church....who are you dressing up for? You might say God. But then i ask.........Do you dress up all the time, everyday, everywhere?..........because God is everywhere all the time, so if you are truly dressing up for God, then you should dress up all the time!

Otherwise i ask again.....who are you really dressing up for?

I once read a great example on why it is appropriate to dress up in church. While God is everywhere, Church is definately a special place where God's presence is stronger and where you go to specifically worship and learn about Him. I read that it is much like going on a date. When you go on a date, you want to look nice because that sort of event calls for dressier clothing. It said it was the same way with church. I thought that made sense. That being said, I don't dress up too snazzy for church, but I do usually wear a nice polo shirt and khakis. Certainly God doesn't care what we look like, but it's a nice way to show respect.

 

[alphacheese]

A guest came to church one day. He was a cowboy looking type with blue jeans, boots, and the hat. When he sat down many of the members didn't sit close to him. They left many spaces between him and themselves. During the service the pastor could not but notice him. Afterwards he confronted the man about his dress. He told the cowboy that he should be dressed more appropriately to attend their church. The cowboy nodded and returned to his home

The next week the man returned to the church dressed in the same attire, same jeans, same dress shirt, same boots. Once again, when the service was over, the pastor confronted the man. He said, “Sir, I don’t think your clothes are entirely appropriate. Why don’t you go home and ask God what would be more acceptable to wear?” The cowboy nodded and went home.

The following Sabbath the cowboy returned once more. This time before the service the pastor went up to the cowboy and said, “I thought I told you to go home and ask the Lord what would be appropriate to wear to this church.” To this the cowboy responded, “I did, and he told me he wouldn’t know because had never been here before.”

Pardon the little bit of humor, but it seems very true. Dressing for the Lord is exactly that. What you feel you can worship him in is the correct attire. I can’t stand the saying “The clothes make the man.” I concur with Malckiah, be sure you know who you are dressing up for.

 

[AvgJoe]

I agree with Malckiah.

Dress up? Dress casual? Its the individual's choice. If a church actually has a dress code, that is legalism. To the best of my knowledge, no where in the Bible, does it say, "Thou shalt dress up to come to church."

 

[sinneD]

Many churches today have a more causal dress code for the pastor and music leader.. not jeans, but "business casual".. I see nothing wrong with that.

I do think jeans up on the pulpit / altar might be a little "too casual", but it wouldn't bother me.

Look at the bright side.. at least everyone knew who the pastor was ..

 

[jsimms615]

You all really aren't answering my question. I asked first, if you thought I had the right as the pastor to ask this leader to dress up a bit and also if it mattered for those leading the service.
I haven't heard a single comment yet on whether or not anyone thinks I would have to right to ask this fellow to dress up or not.

 

[JPPT1974]

I only wear a dress to church in the mornings
And jeans or slacks in the evenings.

 

[fushiarose]

If we all dressed casually, it would take away the fashion show aspect of church. I mean it seems like the only reason some are there is to be seen. It just seems like church goers sometimes get too carried away-every outfit is perfect. It makes me self conscious sometimes. I can't really afford perfect outfits. I can afford a nice skirt or dress but not to the extent they do. I hope I am just not babbling on.
I sometimes wish I could just put on an old pair of pants or shorts and go like that. I think the formal attire sometimes takes awayfrom learing about God and makes new comers that don't own nice clothes self conscious.
As for the minister or song leader, I think what they say or do is more important than how they dress.

 

[sinneD]

You all really aren't answering my question. I asked first, if you thought I had the right as the pastor to ask this leader to dress up a bit and also if it mattered for those leading the service.
I haven't heard a single comment yet on whether or not anyone thinks I would have to right to ask this fellow to dress up or not.

If he was a paid employee by the Church, and if he worked for you, then you have the right to set the dress code..

If he was an un-paid volunteer, or if he did not work for you, then you still have the right to set the dress code, but he is under no obligation to comply..

 

[asianchexmix]

Me personally I don't care whether or not they are wearing jeans or such and such. As long as its something that you would wear in public and not have a lot of skin hanging out, I'm alright with it. My main concern is the fact that they are there and seeds are being planted or at least the opportunity for it to happen is there. If it were up to me, I'd wear shorts (but then again, I'm a youth group teacher and that might be somewhat acceptable) but I at least wear jeans. I care more about the hearts and the souls in the chair than the clothing that the vessels carry. As long as they are comfortable worshiping God in the clothes they are in, I am fine with that. Dressing up for special occasions is one thing but dressing up regularly is highly overrated.

 

[Sketcher]

You are concerned about first impressions. I really think that the dress code takes a back seat to how people are treated as far as first impressions are concerned. Truth and love are far more important than style. Dressing up isn't even a matter of truth! I know of no Biblical command that states we must dress up for church. I know of plenty that command that we love and be gracious to one another, and that we are to rejoice together. That's what newcomers are going to notice more than the clothes you wear if they give you a chance.

 

[jacquidube]

I was a pastor a little over a year ago in another state that I am living in at the present time. Our congregational song leader would always start the service with announcements and then some singing. He would always dress very casually with usually either jeans or something very casual (never shorts, though some in the congregation did). It always bugged me that the first person the congregation saw in the pulpit was a man wearing jeans or looking like he just got done mowing the lawn. He owns a car garage and I don't think he owned but maybe one or two ties at best.
I never did say anything to him about this though our relationship lasted 2 years and 3 months. But, it always bugged me. I thought we weren't making the best first impression to guests that we could. I guess my question to you is:
1. Did I have the right to request him to dress up more?
2. Is it important at all to dress up or to (if your a man) wear a coat and tie if your the song leader? (I am speaking about a rural church that is fairly traditional).

I will say that recently it has come to my attention that I avoid conflict at all costs and this has often caused more problems that solved. I am trying to change my behavior and taking a look back at past mistakes and times when I think perhaps I should have spoke up and didn't. I normally always wore a coat and tie on Sunday mornings, but dressed more casually myself on Sunday nights and Wednesdays.

Yes you did have the right to ask him to dress up more. I think we all have the right if you are uncomfortable with what they are doing or how they dress. I once pulled my vicar up because he was walking around the church grounds (we were having an open day) with a beer in his hand. I was really shocked and I approached him and asked if he thought it was right that he did that. I told him he wasn't setting a good example to the non-christians who were there that day. He thanked me for pointing this out to him. I have never seen him with a drink since, in the church grounds.

I think dressing down within the church is disrespectful. We always need to set an example. Would you greet the Lord wearing your jeans. I wear my jeans for church but thats because they are smart jeans and not tatty and then I dress up around my jeans.
God is not just in the church though, he is everywhere. We should set an example daily as you never know who God wants you to speak to.
I do believe also that God isn't really concerned about what we wear but we as followers of Christ should have respect for Our Leader and that Leader being God.
My vicar never dresses down and he is smartly dressed during the week also. I am sure we would have many comments if the vicar turned up in a pair of jeans. I have a good relationship with him so I would probably tell him immediately to go and change.

 

[jacquidube]

You are concerned about first impressions. I really think that the dress code takes a back seat to how people are treated as far as first impressions are concerned. Truth and love are far more important than style. Dressing up isn't even a matter of truth! I know of no Biblical command that states we must dress up for church. I know of plenty that command that we love and be gracious to one another, and that we are to rejoice together. That's what newcomers are going to notice more than the clothes you wear if they give you a chance.

I think newcomers to the church are very observant. I know I was and I know it would affect me if the pastor/vicar was wearing a pair of jeans. I think it is very important.
Would you go to a job interview wearing your jeans and t-shirt and if you did, would you get the job?

 

[jacquidube]

Many businesses have a strict dress code and employees know they must conform or be fired. Elders should not have to instigate a dress code but we obviously need to be reminded that our appearance does matter. Can you visualize the uproar that would be caused if elders announced a dress code for worship? It is odd we would honor regulations set by a business and be offended when asked to dress properly on the street and in worship.

 

[Sketcher]

I think newcomers to the church are very observant. I know I was and I know it would affect me if the pastor/vicar was wearing a pair of jeans. I think it is very important.
Would you go to a job interview wearing your jeans and t-shirt and if you did, would you get the job?

Church isn't a job interview.

I personally dress up, but when people get into a tizzy over this stuff, they inadvertently work for the devil instead of against him. People need to feel welcomed if they are new, period. They need to hear the uncompromised truth. They need to see the collective joy we all are supposed to have. This stuff is paramount, and no wonder since it is all Biblical. However, I said it before and I will say it again, there is no Biblical requirement that people dress professionally for church. People could have church in shabby clothes if they had to. I don't advocate people coming to church in shabby clothes, but if a sinner off the street comes into church, whether he is dressed appropriately or not I'm just glad he's there. He doesn't need to be scared off by Christians who don't like his dress. Did you know that until very recently, being the right race was as much a part of church culture as dressing the right way? This is why Ghandi went down as a great Hindu instead of a great Christian. Someone at church didn't like the way he looked when he was seeking, turned him back, and for that he rejected Christianity.

Some Biblical principles:

Luke 18:9-14
Matthew 15:1-9
Matthew 23:23-28

Would Jesus honestly care about their dress?

If we are the Body, why aren't His arms reaching?

 

[jacquidube]

In Matt 5:13, Jesus Christ taught that if we lose our "savour," our saving influence, we are good for nothing--and our
clothing can kill our influence. If my uncle works for Jack Daniels distillery and gives me one of those black T-shirts
you've seen around, why don't I wear it? I don't drink alcohol, so why not? Because I'd kill my influence--by my
clothing. On the other hand, Jesus taught in Matt 5:14-16 that your good influence shining like a light before men, will
glorify God. How many of our ladies have been approached in public and asked what church they were a member of
because of their dresses and long hair? "Test what is best." And remember, you have no greater influence anywhere
than in the home, before your children and husband. Why wear things in their presence that you would not wear in
public? There is no one you have a greater influence upon than your own children--dress appropriately

by George vegara.

he goes on to say:

we serve God in body as well as in spirit (I Cor 6:20); this would include our dress. The Bible does not
contain a formal dress code, but gives principles of dress that let us make judgments and "test what is best" (Phil 1:
9,10). We want to please God, not ourselves (II Cor 5:15), so we want to clothe our bodies in a way that pleases God.
The four principles of dress are:

(1) maintain the male-female distinction; (2) consider the effect our clothing has on our influence; (3) make sure our
clothing does not "offend" anyone, and; (4) be sure our clothing is modest in God's sight. I believe these principles
can be used for any article of clothing whether you are a man or woman or whether you are young or old

 

[jacquidube]

I guess its all about how we serve God individually and what we feel comfortable with. I don't care to conform to the worlds standards.

 

[Sketcher]

In Matt 5:13, Jesus Christ taught that if we lose our "savour," our saving influence, we are good for nothing--and our
clothing can kill our influence. If my uncle works for Jack Daniels distillery and gives me one of those black T-shirts
you've seen around, why don't I wear it? I don't drink alcohol, so why not? Because I'd kill my influence--by my
clothing.

I never said that we should wear Jack Daniels t-shirts to church or at all. There's a big difference between wearing jeans to church and wearing a Jack Daniels shirt. There's also a big difference between the sinner off of the street who comes into church in a JD shirt out of ignorance and the Christian who wears it out of rebellion. Not everyone who you see on Sunday morning knows better.

On the other hand, Jesus taught in Matt 5:14-16 that your good influence shining like a light before men, will
glorify God. How many of our ladies have been approached in public and asked what church they were a member of
because of their dresses and long hair? "Test what is best."

Yes, and I am saying that this influence needs to be in the grace we have towards others. If you dress all nice and are cold to seekers, you are doing the devil's work for him. If you want to dress this way, great. Just make darned sure that you are glorifying God with the way you ACT and treat others. This is far more important.

And remember, you have no greater influence anywhere
than in the home, before your children and husband. Why wear things in their presence that you would not wear in
public? There is no one you have a greater influence upon than your own children--dress appropriately

That's nice, but this isn't the Bible. BTW, at home, there is always dirty work that requires "grubbies."

we serve God in body as well as in spirit (I Cor 6:20); this would include our dress.

The context is sexual morality. It affects dress, but mainly when it comes to sexual modesty. Women have additional instruction elsewhere on modesty and pride.

The Bible does not contain a formal dress code, but gives principles of dress that let us make judgments and "test what is best" (Phil 1:9,10). We want to please God, not ourselves (II Cor 5:15), so we want to clothe our bodies in a way that pleases God.
The four principles of dress are:

(1) maintain the male-female distinction; (2) consider the effect our clothing has on our influence; (3) make sure our
clothing does not "offend" anyone, and; (4) be sure our clothing is modest in God's sight. I believe these principles
can be used for any article of clothing whether you are a man or woman or whether you are young or old

True enough, but that leaves a lot of room. Wearing jeans to church does not run afoul of these, since "offending" directly refers to creating a stumbling block - ie, eating clean food in an idol's temple in front of a new Christian. If it just meant "offending" in the general sense, Peter was wrong to "offend" the Jews by following the Spirit to eat at Cornelius's house (Acts 10;11:1-18)!

 

[TrustingmyLord]

How very interesting, I had a conversation about "jeans in church" just yesterday!

First off, yes, you had the right to say something, to explain your reasons, etc.

Now, this conversation I had, it was with a woman who sings alot in church. She has been asked to wear a dress when she sings, no more jeans. I have told her this is legalism, and its not right! Keep in mind this woman is not in a leadership position, and the outfits she wears are very dressy and appropriate, jeans with a dreddy blouse, etc.

Now that I read this, its awesome to see another perspective. I do believe you are right, if it is someone in leadership, they should dress up, just a bit.

While it is true that God does NOT care how you dress, (as long as we arent talking about wearing a bikini to church, thats a different story!) and it is also true that we should not be concerned too much about what other people will think, I do believe first impressions are good.

At my church, we have people in jeans, people in suits, doctors, bikers, tattoos, rich people, poor people,we are a very ecclectic bunch. It is a wonderful church where people feel at home, not judged.

Some people really want a church that isnt so formal, where they can wear what they want, not feel obligated to participate in a fashion show. I, personally, dress up, this is due to my own reasoning.... 1, out of respect, 2, I simply like to. However my 14 yr old daughter wears jeans and a t-shirt, and I have no problem with this.

While it truly does seem proper for the church leadership to dress up some, and you would have been right to ask this man to, its also important not to dwell too much on these things, as God does not.

One question I do have, have you considered the possibility that this man was financially unable to afford dressier clothes?