Churches and Dress Codes
Minister says women worst offenders of wearing inappropriate attire
By ARIANA HUNT from The Indianapolis Recorder
For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7
The term Sunday best means different things for different people. For some it means a three-piece suit with matching shoes and hat, but for others it means rewearing the Coogi outfit they wore to the club the night before.
“We should wear to church clothing as if you were meeting royalty, a king or queen,” explained Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin Jr., pastor of Light of the World Christian Church. “After all, when we go to church we are going to the royal house of the Lord Jesus, where the King of Kings awaits our worship and praise. The key is that man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. It is God to whom we should look to for direction when it comes to dress. It is a matter of listening to the Spirit of God in light of the Word of God.”
There are many scriptural references to appropriate church attire (see 1 Peter 3:3-4 and 1 Timothy 2:8-10) and although one is instructed to dress modestly that does not mean boring. Christians should be in the world, not of the world therefore standards of the world shouldn’t be standards of the church.
Beverly Barney, senior pastor of It is Well Church Ministries, speaks to her congregation about dressing in a modest fashion. But more importantly she leads by example.
“I dress decent and modestly to be an example of righteous living and good morals,” said Barney. “If I was to wear a plunging neckline, my congregation may say ‘Pastor has a plunging neckline, so I can wear one too.’ I lead by example.”
For many churches, appearance is discussed in the church bylaws. The bylaws may state nothing lewd, seductive or in poor taste will be worn to church. These laws are normally explained during a new member class or new member entrance interview. Other churches choose to just have a dress code.
“We have always had a dress code,” said Benjamin. “It is simply to wear the best that God has given you. Our ministers and officers set the standard for the rest of the congregation. In the summer we relax our clothing with men wearing slacks and collared sport shirts and our ladies wear lighter summer dresses and suits.”
Barney suggests if the specific stipulations of a dress code bother one and they know they will be unable to conform, take a second look. If fashion is important and one will be uncomfortable, consider other options.
It is important to obey the church pastor and follow church rules in regard to church dress. If one is unsure of what constitutes acceptable clothing at a specific church, follow the example of church leadership. For example if the pastor’s wife wears pants or no stockings it is probably acceptable for members of the congregation to follow suit.
Some churches on a mission to attract lost souls to Christ implore one to simply “come as you are."
“It is a dangerous policy because today ‘come as you are’ can be the way you dress for bed,” explained Benjamin. “The idea here is that you do not have to dress to impress, but you do need to dress to bless God and others. We never exclude someone from church because of what they wear.”
Barney adds, “I will not put people out. I’d rather have them in church, converting and teaching them. If we are to reach people we must allow them to come as they are. Once they come and learn, they will adapt to the church culture.”
When Barney has a problem with women showing up to service with bare shoulders and too tight clothing, she has purchased alternative attire for them. In addition she counsels them with an “in love” discussion.
“I explain we are there to worship and exemplify Christ, not display flesh,” Barney said. “Church is not a social club but it is OK to socialize. Church is not a house of fashion, but a house of God.”
In her 22 years in the ministry, Barney has found women ages 18 to 40 seem to be the most prevalent offenders of church dress standards. The most common offenses are tattoos exposed (please cover the heart on the breast), cleavage showing, knee length skirts (skirts at least two inches below the knee are encouraged), excessive makeup (makeup should enhance and not be to the extreme) and jewelry, and too tight clothing that looks painted on.
For men, Barney finds herself questioning, “What’s behind that suit?” because a suit doesn’t make a man. According to Barney, a pair of clean (holiness is cleanliness), decent and modest pair of pants and shirt is appropriate. A three-piece suit shouldn’t be the standard in men’s church attire.
Barney recommends dressing according to one’s ability because commitments to God such as tithes and offering should be met first. Name brands aren’t required but instead one should live within their means and purchase attire with a modest budget.
The mother of two stresses that one asks a few simple questions before leaving the house dressed certain ways. If Christ showed up would you be ashamed to be in his presence due to one’s appearance? What do your clothes say about you? Did you get dressed to worship God, for self, to be seductive, to get a man, to put on a show, to impress someone, etc.? What message are you trying to convey?
“The way we dress should convey an attitude of reference to God,” expressed Barney. “Of course God wants us to look good. He’s that kind of God. He just doesn’t want any distractions.”
Loud clothes that shout "look at me" are a distraction and are not desirable, according to Benjamin. Also, one should not wear clothes that divert our attention away from the Lord Jesus such as soiled clothes, tennis shoes, halter-tops, shorts, and T-shirts. In addition, all clothing should be clean and pressed.
“We all wear clothes in this society,” stated Benjamin. “Clothes have purpose. Church fashion should not be flamboyant drawing more attention to you than to the Lord. The blessed should look blessed and that starts on the inside and works its way to the outside. Who you are to God is more important than what you wear. I conclude that what you wear does not compare to who you are in Christ.”
