Wearing jeans in church

Church Worship Leaders Should Dress Up

  • Yes, they should dress well

  • No, it really does not matter

  • It doesn't matter one way or the other


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TamiinKS

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As a worship leader, I understand that everything I do up there on the platform tells my congregation what's acceptable at our church.

If I raise my hands all the time, I communicate that this is what's expected. If I never do it, I communicate that it's not okay at all. If I do it sometimes as I feel led by the Spirit, I communicate this is okay to do whenever you feel led to do it.

If I only ever dress up, I communicate that the congregation is expected to do so. So...I don't always dress up. Sometimes, I'm dressed up to the nines. Sometimes, I'm in a very simple skirt/blouse combo with sandals (and no pantyhose!). Sometimes, I'm in capri pants and a t-shirt (with appropriate or no logo).

It's not just my job to lead the people in worship. I also communicate many things about my church. And a dress code is something I don't want to communicate!


And as far as jeans go, I have worn them. On Sunday morning. It was very cold and our parking lot was covered in three inches of ice and snow. I like to think that I communicated that it's okay to dress for the weather, too!
 
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bindy101

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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.
GOD does not care about appearances he cares what is in ones heart. I believe that is the message the lost ones of the world need to see and hear .You probably don't even know how many people stayed in that church just because the man in jeans made them feel comfortable. Like they fit in. And for all of those who wear the suit well to each his own. Besides be it jeans or suit what is in the heart is what GOD is after . A man can wear a suit and have lust in his heart. A man can wear jeans and only desire the love of GOD . So who is to say that the garment one wears has anything to do with the garment of praise which begins in the heart. I think you probably wasted some of GODs precious time consintrating on pants or suit.......
 
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Praising4eva

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I think you have a right to set the dress code for your church - although I would be careful about asking for suits and things when some people might not be able to afford a seperate church wardrobe.

I see people at our church, in the congregation, dressed in all manner of clothing. It really doesn't matter. I think it's good as it says everyone is welcome. I've had a friend who can't afford clothes easily, certainly not 'nice' clothes, and I know she found the idea of needing to dress up for church intimidating as she felt she couldn't go because of it. That is the last thing we want! People need to feel they can come as they are.

The leaders do have a dress code. Tidy casual is fine. I've never seen the senior pastor wear jeans, or his wife. I have seen the youth pastor wear jeans. They don't go to the other extreme of wearing suits all the time either. We have a dress code on the music team - musicians may wear dress jeans and shirts need to have collars ... but singers need to wear black dress pants. Not over the top though.
 
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jsimms615

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As a worship leader, I understand that everything I do up there on the platform tells my congregation what's acceptable at our church.

If I raise my hands all the time, I communicate that this is what's expected. If I never do it, I communicate that it's not okay at all. If I do it sometimes as I feel led by the Spirit, I communicate this is okay to do whenever you feel led to do it.

If I only ever dress up, I communicate that the congregation is expected to do so. So...I don't always dress up. Sometimes, I'm dressed up to the nines. Sometimes, I'm in a very simple skirt/blouse combo with sandals (and no pantyhose!). Sometimes, I'm in capri pants and a t-shirt (with appropriate or no logo).

It's not just my job to lead the people in worship. I also communicate many things about my church. And a dress code is something I don't want to communicate!


And as far as jeans go, I have worn them. On Sunday morning. It was very cold and our parking lot was covered in three inches of ice and snow. I like to think that I communicated that it's okay to dress for the weather, too!
I would think it would be okay in the situation you mentioned with ice and snow on the ground. I could understand that you have to dress for the weather.
When I was a youth minister back in 1992-93, I wore jeans to church on Sunday evenings. I worked with the youth from 6 to 7 pm and then we had our evening worship. A lot of times we were outside or running around or playing games sometimes. Many in the church actually did criticize me for wearning jeans even then. The pastor came to me and said people were complaining and after that I just kept some slacks in my office to change into before the 7 pm service.
 
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malckiah

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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.

God's presence should not get stronger just because you are in a church.....a "church in the New Testament isnt a building, but a gathering together or believers.....it could be as little as two people! And we need not go on dates with God....we need be in His presence all the time! I stand to what i said.....God is in all places at all times.....and so if you are dressing up for Him in church, then you should dress up for Him all the time!
As many have said here....God see's your heart, not your suit.........Do you think that God was dissapointed in David for wearing a shepherds outfit?
Do you think that God will love you more or less based on what you wear?
And what about those who don't have money for nice clothes?
Did you know that there are people who will not go to church because they cant dress up?

God wants our hearts, not nice clothes! :thumbsup:
 
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bindy101

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God's presence should not get stronger just because you are in a church.....a "church in the New Testament isnt a building, but a gathering together or believers.....it could be as little as two people! And we need not go on dates with God....we need be in His presence all the time! I stand to what i said.....God is in all places at all times.....and so if you are dressing up for Him in church, then you should dress up for Him all the time!
As many have said here....God see's your heart, not your suit.........Do you think that God was dissapointed in David for wearing a shepherds outfit?
Do you think that God will love you more or less based on what you wear?
And what about those who don't have money for nice clothes?
Did you know that there are people who will not go to church because they cant dress up?

God wants our hearts, not nice clothes! :thumbsup:
I totally agree with you . my father used to say church is anywhere you invite the holy spirit. You dont' need a building . some of the greatest speaches made from Christ himself were on hillsides made in tattered robes and sandles right!!!!
 
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janny108

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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..

I agree with this. I think leaders like the pastor and worship leader who are in front of the congregation should dress up a bit. It sets them apart from the congregation and they are an example.
Jan
 
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janny108

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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 .. :)

I have been in churches where everyone was casual. I think it sort of took away the reverential aspect. I have seen the pastor wear a sports shirt and jeans on superbowl sunday!^_^
Jan
 
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heron

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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.
I do think it's wrong for a pastor to demand that people answer things the way he wants them to. ^_^ Sorry.

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..
Practical answer.

I think that if a pastor chooses to do this, s/he should type up a sheet of expecations for the whole worship team, so the correction is not pinpointed to one person on a certain day.

I see the elders and the members as part of the church leadership, just as all of the church is a worship team. So I think that a WT member needs to be sensitive to what the entire church tends to wear. Provocative is obviously out, torn clothes are out, oily stains are out, spikes and chains... depend on the church. ;) But dressiness depends somewhat on the congregation.

I don't think it depends on the pastor. The pastor is shepherd, more concerned about the health of the flock than of his own agendas. S/he should have a solid reason why it hinders the spiritual growth of someone else.


The only times that I have heard congregants talk about clothes, the opposite impressed them spiritually -- they felt welcome in the church because of the casual clothes. I have heard this many times.

Gearing the standards toward well-dressed can be a subtle reflection of wanting the approval of the wealthy or respected people, but not those in need.
but singers need to wear black dress pants.
That would be one solution -- just to suggest a color scheme. But then that adds undue expense.... hm.

I have been on worship teams where the leaders set expectation for clothing. I found that everyone had a different interpretation of what was appropriate. Some people felt khakis were like manual labor work pants!! And at the same time, some felt jeans were appropriate.

The only time I have been offended by worship team attire, was in a different cultural setting -- some of the women wore layered lacy and sheer tops, or tight knits.

My own approach to WT -- I dress business casual, unless it's a very homey informal meeting. On holidays, I dress up for celebrating, and wish that others would too. Sometimes they don't, and it's not my business.

It's not just my job to lead the people in worship. I also communicate many things about my church.
So true.​
 
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malckiah

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I have been in churches where everyone was casual. I think it sort of took away the reverential aspect. I have seen the pastor wear a sports shirt and jeans on superbowl sunday!^_^
Jan

I have seen a huge issue, espescially in the US where so many people go to church and be reverent, then go home and be disgusting the rest of the week......they honor Him with there lips, but in their hearts and motives they are far from Him!

I think one reason for this is because of the difference of face people are taught to put on at church......well, let me tell ya......The True "Church" is wherever the Spirit is......it could be in a church building or an alley!

God Bless!:wave:
 
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suzie

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I read your post and some questions immediately come to mind before I believe an appropriate answer can be given.

What is the structure of your church? Does your church have shared leadership and ministry driven or is it more of the hierarchial traditional type? Do you meet with this person or team on a regular basis and pray together or share together? Is this a personal preference or style for you to be "Sunday dressed" and how is it affecting the congregation--if at all?

What is the style or drive of your church? Traditional, outreach, contemporary, fundamental....etc?

In the business world, I worked in a managment level where the "norm" was suits, dress clothing, etc. I am still in a managment job role in my current level, but the atmosphere is more casual, but I still dress business casual. In church, I dress anywhere from wearing my suits to jeans depending on the day, what we have going on after service, etc. The leaders dress in a variety of modes and I have been to several churches and seen just about all realms. I think that pretty much on the whole, I look for where their heart is and not so much what they wear. I cant think of a time where I have thought anyone was dressed inappropriately.

I think it is more a cultural "right and wrong" than a biblical point.
 
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bindy101

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I think you have no right to ask anyone to wear a suit. I just really don't understand why people worry about what clothes or garments you wear. Do you think you are going to be quicker to get to heaven if you are dressed to the nines ??? Really do you think the father is worried about the clothes your worship leaders wear or the content of their heart while leading the worship. If it is the content of his heart that was in question I would say by all means request what you want of him. Waisting time on clothing is vanity in my opion. Ps I do love to dress up but that is just something I like to do for me no one else.
 
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jsimms615

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I read your post and some questions immediately come to mind before I believe an appropriate answer can be given.

What is the structure of your church? Does your church have shared leadership and ministry driven or is it more of the hierarchial traditional type? Do you meet with this person or team on a regular basis and pray together or share together? Is this a personal preference or style for you to be "Sunday dressed" and how is it affecting the congregation--if at all?

What is the style or drive of your church? Traditional, outreach, contemporary, fundamental....etc?

In the business world, I worked in a managment level where the "norm" was suits, dress clothing, etc. I am still in a managment job role in my current level, but the atmosphere is more casual, but I still dress business casual. In church, I dress anywhere from wearing my suits to jeans depending on the day, what we have going on after service, etc. The leaders dress in a variety of modes and I have been to several churches and seen just about all realms. I think that pretty much on the whole, I look for where their heart is and not so much what they wear. I cant think of a time where I have thought anyone was dressed inappropriately.

I think it is more a cultural "right and wrong" than a biblical point.
I am not at this particular church anymore. It is a traditional Baptist church. In the summer, some members would come in shorts or nice pants, but there was also some who would dress up more. Many of the church members did not grow up in the church and were baby christians.
This music leader is also a deacon, one of several. I met with the deacons on a monthly basis, but we never talked about this issue. I am not a pastor at a church now.
One thing I did worry about is if I did ask him to wear a tie or something like that then if he said "no" and quit then who would I get to replace him? I didn't know of anyone else who was particularly willing to do this and I am sure not going to.
 
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jsimms615

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I think you have no right to ask anyone to wear a suit. I just really don't understand why people worry about what clothes or garments you wear. Do you think you are going to be quicker to get to heaven if you are dressed to the nines ??? Really do you think the father is worried about the clothes your worship leaders wear or the content of their heart while leading the worship. If it is the content of his heart that was in question I would say by all means request what you want of him. Waisting time on clothing is vanity in my opion. Ps I do love to dress up but that is just something I like to do for me no one else.
My issue was not whether or not God cared about what he was wearing or if it would get someone to heaven faster. That isn't the issue.
 
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heron

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I think it is more a cultural "right and wrong" than a biblical point.
I agree.

I picture Baptist churches fairly tidy, with a mix of dress casual and dress. I think you could have printed up a list of suggested attire thatteam members could base their decisions off of. Some people just don't know what's expected of them.

A suit jacket is very impractical for WT, if the lights are hot. You might think about something people can wear weekly and leave in a room -- like a set of vests, maybe.

3308883054


Some Baptist churches use choir robes -- that is an accepted example of the church exercising authority over clothing.

Scripturally, a priest removed one set of clothes and changed into another, taking on a feeling of purity and authority when they
moved from one role to another.

Le 6:10
Le 8:7
Ex 28:4, 40-43
You shall make for them linen breeches to cover their bare flesh; they shall reach [SIZE=-1][/SIZE]from the loins even to the thighs.

(I don't think these would go over well culturally in a Baptist church.)
 
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Glenda

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1. Did I have the right to request him to dress up more?

As Pastor & head of that church, I would say you have the right.. unless you are governed by a Board of Elders & Decons that set policy for your church.

Then the Worship leader needs to make a decision to comply.. or to seek another church.

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).

To me, it is NOT important.. I believe that God sees the heart.. not what we wear..

I suppose if you are concerned with what your members think, then you could see how they dress.. and pattern after that..
 
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Domenico

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Growing up in a Catholic family, the idea of "Sunday Best" was well drilled into me. The boys wore shorts till they were 13, and suit trousers after that, with a shirt and tie. The girls wore their best dresses.
Even though I have moved into a different city, I still dress in my Sunday best, even though I remove my jacket and tie to wear choir robes. If I were attending but not singing, I would never go in anything more casual than shirt and tie, pressed trousers and leather shoes.
 
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bindy101

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I was one of seven leading worship in a small assembly of GOD Church . I look at this issue in a different way than you, because I have been the one on the other side. The Pastor felt uncomfortable that I wore jeans and pants most of the time ,so he sent his wife to talk to me. I had a relationship with these people so it was not hard for them to come to me. I was a little taken back by them requesting that I wear a dress. I personally do not own one I told her. So sweet as she is she went and purchased three very pretty dresses for me. She Not knowing that I hate dresses (absolutely hate them!!!) I am a girly girl ,but I do not like dresses. I was so blessed that she would buy them for me that I did wear one the next sunday. I was so uncomfortable that I was unable to enter into the spirit for worship that sunday . I then had about twenty church members come up after the service and tell me how pretty I looked in my dress. I was a little sad that my wearing a dress got more attention than my true heart of worship. See I had been waiting for 5 months for someone to even notice that I had joined the music team ,and besides my husbands parents no one said a thing. So as you can see this issue is a tender one with me. Just a little story you can take it for what you want .But yes you have the right to request a person who leads your church in worship to dress up . I would just say you should know his heart first. Really that is what I meant. Also I do not lead worship any more but yes I am still very close to the pastor and his wife......
 
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suzie

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From your response, it seems like there may have been some bigger issues. Such as communication--or maybe lack of ----and set standards in place.

A couple of things may have helped you out in this situation. One of them would be meeting with leadership on a more regular basis to pray and share together. It would have then given you a better and closer relationship and also you would have more perspective on where his heart is. When this person was brought onboard it would be the time to have some standards in place before they can agree to take on a ministry. Things like what worship is for this church body, what expectations there would be as far as leadership setting as example, etc. This would have been opportunity to bring up what I would consider a detail of this role on dress and what they thought was appropriate vs what the standard was at this church.

We attended a church where one of the worship leaders had tatoos up and down both arms and wore jeans and t's. I am not a fan of tatoos and at first I was abit taken aback, however, he prayed straight from the heart, he brought many many youth to Christ, he was always prepared and played well.

I dont quite know how to respond to the comment that you feared he would quit if you spoke to him on this subject. It isnt always the subject that matters as much as how you are approaching it. If you go to someone with the right spirit, then I believe anything can be worked through. Again, the relationship you have with this person and respect for his ministry is what is important to show. I would be much more concerned that he was born again, walking his walk, able to minister to the congregation through his music, using appropriate music in service (and outside as well) and coming with prepared heart and music before I would worry about jeans or shorts.
 
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1. Did I have the right to request him to dress up more?
You may have had the authority through position but by making that request what message would you have been sending not only to that leader but to the general congregation? That is more important than whether you had the right or not.
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).
No. I think it is more important to attend church representing the real you. If you're a jeans and t-shirt kind of person show that person. If you are a shirt and tie person wear a shirt and tie. Personally, we already wear too many masks when we are at church that create barriers one less barrier to living transparently together the better. JMO so take it for what you will.
 
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