How to Dress for Church

Topics: Church Trends

So how should we dress for church on Sunday morning? When I was growing up, the answer was easy.

Women wore dresses.
Men wore suits and ties.
Children dressed neatly.

Pretty simple. And it worked for a long time because the church reflected the norms of the surrounding culture. 

Now we have “business casual” and “dress-down Friday” and “wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.” If you work from home, you can wear your bathrobe while checking your email. My impression is that most churches have moved to fairly casual apparel. From my travels around the country, I’ve observed that younger congregations almost always favor casual dress. And the further the west you go, especially west of the Mississippi River, people tend to wear whatever they want to church.

Some churches make casual dress almost an article of faith. “Come as you are. God doesn’t care what you wear.” I’m sure that appeals to a certain segment of the population. I say that without irony because I’ve learned to always ask when I am speaking at a new church, “What should I wear?” I never like it if they say, “Wear whatever you want.” It’s hard enough preparing to preach without worrying about your appearance. As a guest speaker, I prefer to fit in as much as possible. I appreciated the pastor of a large church in Michigan who said, “Our speakers wear suits on Sunday morning.” Fine with me. And I’m fine with a church that says, “We prefer our ministers to dress casually,” as long as they explain what that means. 

I started thinking about this after reading two different articles on the subject:

Going to Church? Leave Flip-Flops at Home 
Wearing Your Sunday Best  

Like it or not, every church has a “dress code.” That is, every church has unwritten rules about what they expect from members and visitors. And sometimes that code varies between services—traditional more formal, contemporary more casual.

In general I disagree with people who say it doesn’t matter how you dress when you go to church. It matters because your dress says something about who you are, and how you dress impacts others around you. “Dressing down” to go to church may say something about your own expectations, and it may convey something to others as well.

Obviously there is no way to define appropriate dress for every church in every culture. But modesty (however defined) never goes out of style. I love this little vignette about Tony Campolo:

Sitting on a couch in the tabernacle’s modern vestibule, Campolo recalled the time a group of visiting teenagers from Canada showed up in T-shirts and jeans at the predominantly African-American Mount Carmel Baptist Church in West Philadelphia, where he worships.

“Well, the ushers turned them away,” Campolo continued, “and the kids got all mad. They said, ‘What, you don’t let poor people in your church?’

“And the ushers said, ‘Oh, we let poor people in. But you’re not poor. We’ll let you in when you come dressed with respect.’ “

Dress with respect. That’s a good rule to follow on Sunday morning. Respect for yourself. Respect for others. Respect for God.

My final thought is that churches could help people by addressing this more openly. I think there is value in occasionally saying, “This is what we expect.” There are social rules and there are moral rules. Since every church already has unwritten rules about what they expect, you might as well spell it out so that people aren’t mystified. It’s not a bad thing if you occasionally urge people to “dress with respect” when they come to church. What that means varies widely, and that’s why it would help everyone if we knew what to expect—and what was expected—when we decide what to wear on Sunday morning.

What do you think? Your comments are always welcome.

Visitor Comments:

September 21, 2008, 2:57 PM Vinh Nguyen says:
	When I ask some young adults in the English congregation if this is the way they would wear if they were on the dates and the answer has always been “no, I wear nicer outfits”. I was told by the afternoon service clergy that I should not wear suit and tie to the afternoon service because no one does. However, I teach the 13 years old in Sunday School class to dress as if they were going to meet the Prime Minister, when they go to church on Sundays. The culture has a lot to do with the way people dress for churches these days.
September 21, 2008, 4:06 PM Jo-ann Bouclair says:
	Uhrr!! I just wish those teenagers dressed in jeans and t-shirts hadn’t been from Canada!!!! (Just had to get that out of my system ..........thnks... Anyways, I think dressing with respect is exactly how we should dress for church. Back in the ‘50’s when we used to spend summer vacations in Ontario’s cottage country....(and I was a pre-teen) vacationers went to church in their summer vacation garb.....people were accepted in vacation clothes over the summer....but even then v vacation clothes did not ’include shorts or jeans....summer dresses, cotton pants and short sleeved shirts..without a tie!!! That was casual dress!!! I also agree that it is good to know how a church expects people to dress. I also think there is such a thing as ‘common sense’ maybe teenagers without adult supervision (those mentioned at least ...lacked common sense) but most of us know what we would wear to a special dinner, an office function, a funeral....etc. We should have that same respect for God’s house .....yes Pastor Ray....you’ve hit it on the head ‘respect.’.. and the expectations of each particular church.. In summer I wear summer dresses with a jacket....or pants with a small jacket blouse... and in winter if I wear pants or pant suits they are appropriate clothing to go out in ....
September 21, 2008, 9:53 PM lay leader says:
	I don’t think it matters what you wear as long as you come with the love of the Lord in your heart and a mind seeking a deeper understanding of the Word. I have tried it both ways in different churches, and find the casual atmosphere more inviting. Our church has a choice of two services.
September 21, 2008, 11:36 PM Cliff Raad says:
	Amen Ray - I was taught as a six year old that you went to the house of God showing respect. In my mind this has not changed and I don’t plan to change now that I’m in my 80’s.
September 22, 2008, 7:16 AM CycleDisciple says:
	Fantastic! This is the answer I’ve been looking for - dress with respect. It covers everything, which is what “dressing” is all about anyhow!! Even if my cowboy friends down here in Texas brush the dust off their boots and wear pressed Levis, I’ll know they did it out of respect.
September 22, 2008, 7:43 AM Ray Pritchard says:
	One reason I like the idea that you should “dress with respect” is that it’s a principle that applies everywhere, in all cultures, and in every situation—from a village church in Argentina to a church that meets in a crowded apartment building in Hong Kong, from a cathedral in Paris to a church in suburban Cleveland. Dressing with respect is always appropriate. Standards and expectations will always vary so there is no rule that will fit every church everywhere. But dressing with respect means that I don’t just say, “I wear whatever I want to wear,” but rather, “What should I wear that shows the respect I have for myself, for others, and for God"? Just asking the question helps focus our minds in the right place. And I do think it’s wise for church leaders to address this point in various ways from the pulpit. I am not in favor of calling people out publicly or making a fuss over what people wear. But it is good if a church offers some positive instruction in this area. Ray
September 22, 2008, 9:02 AM MikeM says:
	The church I attend has a wide range of dress. Some choose to wear suits, ties, and dresses. Some of the ladies choose to wear hats some do not. Some choose to wear jeans and T-Shirts. As for myself I generally dress casual. I typically wear jeans and button down shirt or a collered polo shirt, although I will wear a T-Shirt at times as well, usually with a Christian theme on it. To me the matter of respect is in one’s heart more than it is on their body. I have seen in my own church some of the best dressed people act the least Christian when leaving the parking lot. I have of course seen that in those who dress casually too. I have also seen some of the kindest most wonderful acts of worship, respect and love out of both groups. I guess what I am trying to say is that judging one’s “respect” for God by what they wear is kind of shallow and I really don’t think God’s will for us is to act in that manner. To quote from the Casting Crowns song “What this world needs"..."What this world needs is for us to care more about the inside than the outside. Have we become so blind that we can’t see God’s gotta change your heart before he changes your shirt” and later in the same song “This world doesn’t need my tie, my hoodie, my denomination or my translation of the Bible, what they need is Jesus...Jesus is GOING to save the world but maybe the best thing we can do is just get out of the way" In the articles referenced it talked about teens being turned away from a chuich because they were not dressed “respectfully”. Were those ushers serving Jesus at that point? Maybe they should have just gotten out of the way and let Jesus work how he wanted to. What if that was the one and only chance those teens had to be introduced to Jesus and they were turned away? Would any of those ushers like to respectfully stand before our Lord and savior and explain why those teens were condemend to hell because they missed the chance to meet Jesus because they were not dressed properly?
September 22, 2008, 10:45 AM Marilyn Ellis says:
	Those who get so uptight about dress codes are into leagalism. People have to remember that when the scriptures were writen the men were wearing dresses. We are not pass off as the opposite sex. Also, did the pilgrim get the waters parted or does he/she still have to wait for a boat or swim? From a participant in MEF
September 22, 2008, 11:13 AM Taffylynn says:
	Do you not think that we need to dress appropriately every day? If we dress inappropriately during the week and someone from the church sees us or others see us, we could be a stumbling block to others. I also believe that if we are too stuffy we aren’t welcoming others from the outside in by looking stuffy also. I wear jeans to our church and I am at the front of the church serving. We want to make others to feel comfortable when they come in and feel they are in a modern church of today. Times and the cultures have changed. Some of our church people are on a “modesty” kick and they have taken the wrong view point regarding this. There is a teenage girl that is really turned off at this subject. It has become a hurting subject and worn-out. My opinion only. thanks.
September 22, 2008, 11:28 AM Sarra says:
	I don’t wear dresses to church anymore for a couple of reasons. Most importantly is that I am a diabetic who has problems with my feet. I can’t wear dress shoes with the pointy toes or the skinny straps. So if I do wear a dress, it has to be one I can wear my clunky clogs with! Another reason is that it is very cold where I live for 7-8 months out of the year, and I drive 30 minutes or more to church. I’ve had a flat tire before, and was glad I dressed warmly. Having said all that, I do dress with respect, because I don’t wear anything to church that I wouldn’t wear to work (I teach school), and I have plenty of pantsuits that are much dressier than some of the dresses I own. Even my mother now wears pants to church, and there were no lightening strikes!
September 22, 2008, 12:21 PM Derek says:
KBM Website Administrator	Marilyn, I’m not sure you can say that any and all concern about this topic can be dismissed as “legalism”. After all, if this were the case, a person could simply walk into a service with sexually provocative clothing or maybe even a t-shirt with offensive or profane language on it (if you haven’t seen it at church yet, you will soon) and this would simply have to be tolerated under the mistaken notion that these things don’t distract fellow believers and worshipers, not to mention non-Christians.
September 22, 2008, 12:29 PM Ray Pritchard says:
	A few further comments: 1) I agree that we ought to dress appropriately every day. 2) Caring about how you look is not legalism. 3) The trend in most places in the US is toward more casual apparel in church and that’s fine with me. 4) Modesty starts in the heart but it doesn’t end there. 5) Churches ought to be more forthright in addressing these issues. 6) Anyone who says, “I ought to be able to wear whatever I want to church and it doesn’t matter what others think,” hasn’t grasped that the church is a body of believers where we owe something to each other. 7) The whole point of saying, “Man looks on the outward but God looks on the heart” means that we ought to think about what we wear because we are judged by our appearance, like it or not. 8) Dress with respect remains an excellent standard.
September 22, 2008, 2:52 PM justme67 says:
	What do i think? I think if a church turns someone away for what they wear they risk turning that person away for good. What if the day they were turned away was the day the message was going to speak to them in such a way that they gave their life to Christ? I understand dressing respectfully and I agree we should. But i don’t agree with turning visitors or first time guests away simply because they don’t dress the way we think they should. but that’s just what i think.
September 22, 2008, 3:02 PM Ray Pritchard says:
	The truth is, we would all turn away some people in some extreme circumstances. Churches are not obligated to seat anyone who comes, especially if they believe the purpose is to create a scene or if their presence in the service would be disruptive to others. I do agree that extra leniency ought to be extended to those first-time attenders who truly don’t know what to expect. Attitude makes a difference also. The ushers are well within their rights (indeed, it is their duty) to turn anyone away if they judge that person’s intent is disruptive in some sense. By the way, this is not hypothetical at all. Churches in metropolitan areas receive a steady stream of visitors, some of whom may come for purposes other than worship.
September 22, 2008, 6:20 PM Dan J says:
	Wow - this topic has changed over the years. I grew up wearing dress shirts and ties, while my sisters wore dresses or skirts. Forty plus years later, I doubt that any of us wear the same attire. Two of my sisters wear dressier clothes (which includes slacks) while one of my sisters and I were casual clothes. Actually, most Sundays I wear jeans and a T-shirt. The church my wife and I attend is 4 years old and growing all the time. We are up over 1,000 people per week and are meeting in a school. Since ours is a portable church with 2 services that meets in a local high school, we have setup crews for each area that arrive at 7:00 am and are finally done putting everything away by 2:00 pm. Many of our attenders are probably from 3 different groups - previously attended more traditional churches as adults, possibly attended church as a child, or never attended church until they were adults. The church is a relatively affluent area, but we also have people who have homeless who attend. A person would be hard pressed to guess what the social/economic/employment status is of many of the attendees. They typically wear the same thing they were to the mall, resturants, and school functions. While I understand the respect thing, I thought the point of church was having God talk to you through the service. In general, attendees wear modest and clean clothing - not drawing attention to themselves. Looking back on it, I am trying to figure out if my parents respected Sears & Roebuck, the other shoppers, or enjoyed a chance to wear something different than their work clothes they usually wore?
September 22, 2008, 8:23 PM Wanbee says:
	James 2:1-4 1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. 2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Need I say more?
September 23, 2008, 8:08 AM Bill Harris says:
	Your clothes, no matter how modest, are provided by God. The safest way to dress is to wear the very best He has given you. He did His best for us, and when we worship, we should wear the best He has provided us, No matter who we are or think we are. If you want to dress for the beach, go to the beach. If you want to worship God, dress like you are going before a KIng, your King. Amen
September 23, 2008, 8:43 AM chuck mcginty says:
God has blessed me.	I think that this article hits the nail on the head. We dress nice to go out to eat, we dress nice to go to company banquets. Why would we not dress nice to go to the Lord’s house?
September 23, 2008, 12:11 PM mccoyart says:
	If we look at Scripture, we find that God cares about what we wear, too. In Scripture, it symbolizes what we think of God, just as the ushers said. In Matthew 22, the parable of the wedding banquet ends with a guest who was improperly dressed, being thrown outside into the dark, with the statement, “...many are called, but few are chosen.” The Revelation to John uses garment descriptions freely, with white robes being indicative of the dress of God’s chosen people. The letter to the church in Sardis in chapter 3 indicates this. After some rebukes in the first part of the letter, Jesus makes this statement: “Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled thier clothes. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.” Elsewhere, through Revelation, are other descriptions of the saints dressed in white robes (7:9-10), and particularly interesting, in 22:14-15, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” The lesson of course, is not specifically about dress, but about the character of those who are dressed in white robes; they are possessors of the character of Jesus, their Lord, and out of respect for Him, must reflect His character. Otherwise, we are emulating Esau, who had so little spiritual dimension in his life, that he despised his birthright, and sold it for a bowl of lentil soup. We are sacrificing the treasure of our salvation for the opportunity to blend in with the world’s values. A great thought provoking post.
September 23, 2008, 2:02 PM Helen says:
	I don’t understand why people care what other people wear to church. Isn’t it a Romans 14 issue that some people see casual clothes as disrespectful and others don’t? In these comments there seems to be a genuine difference of opinion about whether you have to be dressed up to be respectful. The only church rule related to dress which makes sense to me is a rule against non-emergency sights and sounds that are disruptively distracting. And if those arose I would hope they would be addressed graciously rather than rigidly. Immodest clothes, either dress up or casual, could fall into that category. I don’t see that casual clothes per se do. I wouldn’t feel comfortable in a church where I had to dress a certain way to be allowed in - whether they objected to casual clothes or enforced casual clothes. I’d feel that they had the wrong priorities and were too controlling towards each other. I’d prefer a place where people were free to dress up or not dress up as they chose. So that they were free to convey respect in a way which made sense to them personally. Is there anything in the life of Jesus which supports literal dressing up to go worship God?
September 23, 2008, 5:13 PM blinded-by-grace says:
	“Dress with respect for yourself." Maybe so many of today’s worshippers lack proper respect for themselves and that is reflected by their dress.
September 23, 2008, 6:36 PM Brian Bill says:
	Great post, Ray. And I love reading all the comments. One other thing to keep in mind that it’s way too easy for those who dress casually to judge the “suit and tie” crowd and way too easy for those who dress up to look down on those who don’t. While I’m all for people dressing casually, it does demonstrate respect when we dress carefully. A bigger concern to me is when people dress immodestly. I’ve addressed this from the pulpit on occasion and seems to help...for awhile.
September 24, 2008, 7:36 AM Mark says:
	The problem w/"dress with respect” is that it is just as vague and open to interpretation as “casual” or “comfortable”. It is no more clear or definitive and allows church members or officers to dismiss people based on their view of “dressing with respect". If a church defines “dress with respect” and hands out a dress code...it works. If, with no objective standard with which to judge what we wear by, we tell someone their not “dressed with respect” they can look right back and say yes I am. Either churches come out and say this is our dress code, this is what we expect, or they stop wasting their time looking down on people from their shoddy, over-important soapbox. Both casual and formal alike waste way too much time and energy talking about how welcoming or how respectful their environments are. The irony of it is both are taking thinly veiled jabs at the other to make sure their members know they can puff their chests out with the knowledge that they are more culturally appropriate or more respectful of God...which is always great for the unity of the body. The bottom line is, church leadership needs to define what “dress with respect” is for its congregation, let them know, and unless a woman in a bikini or a man in his bathrobe walks in, don’t waste time turning people away who are seeking God.
September 24, 2008, 9:23 AM Susie Wakeland says:
	I wish my church would address this, I think it is disrespectful to The Father to not dress up for church. I am 63, maybe that is why, but I get distracted looking at the sleazy clothes some of the kids wear. They look like streetwalkers. Thank you for this.
September 24, 2008, 11:37 AM Derek says:
KBM Website Administrator	This is such a great example of a topic where good Christians can come to different conclusions. I think there are some really good challenges in these comments for both the “informal” and “formal” camps. People in the “formal” camp should guard against a judgmental spirit towards those who dress informally, particularly those who are poor, spiritually immature or not a Christian. Dr. Michael Rydelnik shared a story of how bothered he was when a woman with pink, punk styled hair showed up at the church he pastored. Turns out she wasn’t a christian but was spiritually hungry. She later became a believer and God did many things in her heart as well as Dr. Rydelnik’s. I think this is why Ray says that it is not helpful to point people out or treat them rudely, though disruptive people do need to be addressed firmly. People in the “informal” camp also need to be careful about a judgmental spirit. Sometimes it seems to me that many in this camp perceive people in the “formal” camp to be less authentic and overly focused on the external. True story: I remember one time a man came to church without shoes. When asked about this, he indicated that he was doing this to challenge and rebuke people who judge the outward rather than the heart. Problem is, he couldn't seem to see his own judgmental attitude and deliberate provocation! As Brian Bill mentions, people who dress up or wear a suit are not likely to be doing so out of vanity. In almost all cases, people who dress up for church simply want to honor the Lord and their fellow believers. In this way, their preparation and care is a dimension of worship. Informal and formal dressers harm mostly themselves *if* they bring a chip on their shoulder through the doors of the church, into the assembly of people we will one day share the incredible wedding feast of the Lamb.
September 24, 2008, 12:24 PM Helen says:
	Great comment, Derek. I think that’s what Romans 14 is trying to say: that on many issues, becoming judgmental of those who disagree with you is a bigger problem than which side of that issue you’re on.
September 24, 2008, 1:16 PM Yoursinchirst/jc says:
	Indeed, I agree that you should come to church appropriately dressed. If you were going before the President or the Queen you would be dressed accordingly. People should also note that when the Bible speaks on “comming as you are” clothings was not what the Bible was relating too. The Bible is saying what ever you have done sinfully He will accept you as you are. He does the washing away of your sins; you can’t save yourself.!! It did not mean come in swimwear, halter top and shorts. Folks can not use this verse as an excuse to come unseeminly to church. Let me say also that 3 pcs suits should not be ordered as the only way to dress. Just use common sense and exercise good judgment in your clothing. It is really all about whorshipping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Yours in Christ JC
September 24, 2008, 4:50 PM Helen says:
	Great comment, Derek. I think that’s what Romans 14 is trying to say: that on many issues, becoming judgmental of those who disagree with you is a bigger problem than which side of that issue you’re on.
September 26, 2008, 4:05 PM Dale Caskey says:
	I just cannot believe that with all of the pain and suffering in the world that anyone would spend time discussing how we should dress for church. This smacks a little towards legalism but more important, it is not Biblical. The church should be a “hospital for sinners,” not a “haven for saints.” The author does make one good point; that being, that how we dress says something about who you are; such as broken, poor, down on our luck searching for answers. I would never belong to a church that made those types of people uncomfortable. Come as you are; Jesus is more concerned with hearts then He is hairstyles and attire. What the author says about this subject reveals more about him them the people with whom he is referring.
September 26, 2008, 4:22 PM greg says:
	being from the “hills” in my youth you went to the house of the lord dressed in your sunday go to meeting clothes. Being a minister know I wear a suit and tie not to impress anyone but out of respect for the house of God. I have ministered to to many people poor and wealthy alike and the one point I have always found is the Spirit wiill lead you in the proper path of life ,do we think This will apply to our dress in the house of God? I have alway’s felt in the spirtual sense come as you are leave changed in the newness that is Jesus Christ and us a seasoned christian’s are to guide and direct new converts in what is and is not respectful in the house of God
September 26, 2008, 7:03 PM Melanie McArthur says:
	My first reaction to the idea of turning a way visiting teens for dressing in jeans and t-shirts is disgust. Turn them away from church to go where? I sure hope they sat around in a park some where having church of there own. But maybe it just sowed seeds of discontentment. “Dress with respect” what dose that mean. Respect for who? Maybe many people like the idea of getting up and taking out there favourite just for Sunday dress. But not all like that style of clothing. So I could argue it is disrespectful to ask them to wear “dressy” cloths. Honestly if I were going to meet God I would be wearing some seriously funky threads and I think he would smile at my glorification of his creative nature as he would smile at someone else’s since of order which is also a reflection of his nature. To which generation should we conform. Did Jesus wear pants? hmmmmm think about it? So how about I respect your Sunday best and may you please respect me when I say those straight jeans are seriously my favourite pants in the world. I may even wear them to church on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. If I where invited to attend a church with a dress code I probably would wear a dress. If you came to my church and my pastors wearing jeans a t-shirt and sandals he would welcome you with out thinking twice about what you are wearing. As far as being a speaker I think it is good that you ask what to wear. How sad would it be if the god’s word wasn’t heard because you where wearing a t-shirt.
September 26, 2008, 9:15 PM Melanie McArthur says:
	When I wear jeans and a shirt I am dressed in my best. I don’t own any fancy dresses. The clothes I do wear I am the most thankful to god for providing. Same would be said for those who wear more business like attire to church. If it where to bother a congregate so much I would wear something different for them and attend a church that honours my artistic and unique way of dress. I think this topic really shows the importance of more then on body of worshipers. We can reflect God the father, God the son, and God the holy sprit in all his splendour and glory in many different ways. Ray you are touching on something very important when you bring up “respect”. Respect is the right way (which translates into being gods way). So lets flush it out. Use your bible and prayer. God sees what’s on all our hearts and I am only reading responses from people with a heart to please God! Good on you beautiful christians. I have in many ways changed my appearance since I was found by Christ. I found myself beautifying a little more. Moving away from legalism and trying to honour gods temple.
September 26, 2008, 10:27 PM paiute8 says:
	I tend to think Paul it says it we should at least dress modestly. But when yo dont have the funds for a suit then Jeans and a shirt should be fine. If its not it would definetly be the wrong Church for me. I think that the focus of this should be to not wear something thats revealing
September 27, 2008, 11:59 AM Derek says:
KBM Website Administrator	Here’s my take on the issue of legalism- legalism is when we emphasize the letter of the law and ignore the spirit of the law. To say that we should make an effort to dress with respect when we enter the house of the Lord is to emphasize the spirit, not the letter. That’s why I think it is an appropriate guide for all of us.
September 28, 2008, 8:43 AM MikeM says:
	Ray, That article made no mention at all about behavior. It simply stated that those teens were turned away because they were not dressed respectfully. Personally I would not want to make those judgments on any other persons level of respect for God based on what they are wearing, and I do not believe any human has the right to do so. I have no problem with a church having a dress code by the way. It would simply be a church I would avoid all association with. I truly think that we need to remain mindful that we are Christ’s representatives to this world and as such we are instructed to love God with all our hearts and to love on another, those are our top most priorities as given to us by Christ himself. I find it rather hard ot obey those if I can’t allow myself to get over what someone looks like. Time to get ready for church, jeans and a casual button down shirt today for me. I slept in so I won’t be shaving today, does that fall outside of a respectful dress code? I hope not since my heart is going to poor itself out in reverence and thanks giving to the wonderful God of creation for all he has done for us. Mike M
September 28, 2008, 3:38 PM Paul says:
	This is another can of worms but if we’re going to discuss what people should wear to church than we better address other things like having people stop bringing coffee to worship services. Imagine if we sold popcorn and pop(soda-for all you people outside of Chicago) and candy out in the foyer. Outrageous, right? Coffee is just another American cultural identity that has no place in the sanctuary.
September 29, 2008, 8:34 AM MikeM says:
	Paul, It is funny that you mention the selling of popcorn and pop outside of the foyer. You see my church actually holds services in a movie theatre so that is an actual reality for us. We have a table with coffee and donuts etc that anyone is welcome to, including movie goers who walk by on their way into the movie. We have a large number of members that do indeed take coffee and a donut into the “santuary” and consume it during the servcie. Mind you these are both casually dressed and those wearing suits and ties. So I am curious as to the perceived respect issue there as well. As for the dress issue I had one last thought. I am involved in Epiphany Ministries. For those who have never heard of this we do 3 day weekends in maximum security juvenile detention centers (prisons). Through this ministry I have had the priviledge of meeting many amazing people serving Christ. One of those people is a man that would almost assuredly be turned away from a number of churches, in fact it is part of his testimony. You see he used to be a biker. He has long hair, a beard, tatoos on every exposed part of skin on both arms and who knows where else, and he dresses in jeans, t-shirt, and his black leather biker vest, complete with the big black leather wallet with the long chain. If this man was to enter a church with a “dress code” he would probably be turned away for not dressing respectfully. Sadly the members of that church would have missed an enormous opportunity to meet a humble servant of God who is carrying on Christ’s work by meeting people where they are and boldy delivering the message that Christ loves them no matter what they look like, no matter what they have done and all they have to do is accept the love of Christ. Jesus’ own ministry on earth was an example to us. He did not sit in some temple with fancy robes on and make rules or dress codes. He went to the people where they were and how they were and engaged them there. I again find it hard to follow that example while looking down my nose and making judments based on clothing.
September 29, 2008, 8:35 AM MikeM says:
	Paul, It is funny that you mention the selling of popcorn and pop outside of the foyer. You see my church actually holds services in a movie theatre so that is an actual reality for us. We have a table with coffee and donuts etc that anyone is welcome to, including movie goers who walk by on their way into the movie. We have a large number of members that do indeed take coffee and a donut into the “santuary” and consume it during the servcie. Mind you these are both casually dressed and those wearing suits and ties. So I am curious as to the perceived respect issue there as well. As for the dress issue I had one last thought. I am involved in Epiphany Ministries. For those who have never heard of this we do 3 day weekends in maximum security juvenile detention centers (prisons). Through this ministry I have had the priviledge of meeting many amazing people serving Christ. One of those people is a man that would almost assuredly be turned away from a number of churches, in fact it is part of his testimony. You see he used to be a biker. He has long hair, a beard, tatoos on every exposed part of skin on both arms and who knows where else, and he dresses in jeans, t-shirt, and his black leather biker vest, complete with the big black leather wallet with the long chain. If this man was to enter a church with a “dress code” he would probably be turned away for not dressing respectfully. Sadly the members of that church would have missed an enormous opportunity to meet a humble servant of God who is carrying on Christ’s work by meeting people where they are and boldy delivering the message that Christ loves them no matter what they look like, no matter what they have done and all they have to do is accept the love of Christ. Jesus’ own ministry on earth was an example to us. He did not sit in some temple with fancy robes on and make rules or dress codes. He went to the people where they were and how they were and engaged them there. I again find it hard to follow that example while looking down my nose and making judments based on clothing.
October 1, 2008, 12:34 PM Howard says:
	Being 70, I come from a traditional background growing up R Catholic. I came to the Lord in a personal relationship around 18 years ago! Since then I have been very active in ministry to prison, jail, street, and re-hab. What I see everywhere is a dislike to tradition, and dress codes reek of tradition! For myself, I now will dress mostly in casual trousers and a pull over shirt, even when i preach or teach, preferring no coat. I worked in my lay life sometimes as a salesman for national companies who required suit and tie and even then when we went to the non-profession business’ they were ussually in casual attire. We were taken, at times, as trying to show we were better than them, and that’s wrong as it sets up a class system which most if not all Americans disagree with! My generation may still like Dress Up Sundays but if we are going to reach the younger and also the un-churched we need to look at this objectively. Even the business world of IBM and Zeox have conformed in their business approach. —— Just a few thoughts from a called late in life minister! God Bless You!
October 7, 2008, 1:50 PM adrian says:
	i agree we should dress with respect, when going to church but, i dont think we should turn people away. especially with the problems many churches have with numbers coming to church except them, especially if it might be the first time, then if they come back they can be politely told what is appropriate. this happened first time i attended my new church two years ago in shirt and tie and was later told only the person taking the sermon wears a tie. but also dont we risk the chance that we may be turning away jesus on his return for only he knows when his return will be
October 10, 2008, 11:33 PM Alan Albro says:
	I think dress with respect is the way to go . As I would not have an audience with the president or any dignitary dressed in shorts and sandles neither would I come before the king of kings in corporate worship dressed like I was going to a picnic. Even though the Lord needs nothing from us we honor Him with our tithes. Even so, though the Lord is with us even in the shower we honor him before others by dressing respectfully in church. And I think it shows an attitude of the heart. The Lord is not just one of our working buddies we dress down with on “casual Fridays”
January 5, 2009, 5:41 PM Andy A says:
missionary to youth on the West Coast of Florida	a great book addressing this issue is Pagan Christianity? So much of what we do in church is based on tradition.
January 7, 2009, 2:07 AM peter Odanga says:
	From the abundance of the heart the body dress.In African we face an interesting emerging challenge among young people. All want to dress like models from Hollywood.I have observed with a lot of keenness a foreign trend during wedding. The focus is no longer on the Bride and groom but on the maids.Who literally put on cloths that start lat and end very early.A wedding in a church is supposed to be a service since people are coming to the alter to be blessed of the lord.No so in East Africa.It is becoming a fashion parade. I think we should be very conscious on how we dress{Christians}Our dressing make a statement such that when we get in a room we are making a statement. I am a big baby, I missed my child hood.I am a gentleman.Timely topic.
January 16, 2009, 10:19 PM Ray Pritchard says:
	Peter, I really appreciate your comments because we Americans talk about this strictly through our own cultural lens when in fact this is an issue that varies from culture to culture and place to place. I do think churches could be more proactive in helping people know how to “dress with respect” for God, for themselves and for others. The exact details can and will vary. It’s the principle we need to teach. Ray
January 29, 2009, 7:11 PM Janice May says:
	I definitely agree with your blog, Pastor Pritchard. My husband and I always wear our finest for Sunday only because we are doing it out of respect for our Lord and we are in God’s home. One doesn’t need to wear anything expensive, but one should be clean,and well groomed. Although we notice that people in our age group seem to dress with respect, we notice that the younger generation wear flip flops, dirty clothes, holes in jeans, hair in disarray, and actually bring snacks and drinks into the sanctuary. Nothing is more upsetting and distracting to see young people wearing jeans with their bellies showing not to mention a jewel in the belly button. Also this baggy pants needs to be saved for another occasion. Going to communion with their pants falling down and underwear exposed is just outrageous. I blame the parents! Our church in Vermont is quite different. Our pastor tells the congregation that when they come into God’s house they are to dress accordingly. He also tells the congregation that on Saturday nights that families should wash their hair, bathe and put their clothes out so they are ready for Sunday service. Because most people have large families, it helps so they get to church in time. It sounds like something from my parent’s era, but it works. One of the largest mega churches in the San Diego church had a pastor for many years who told his congregation that men were to wear suits and ties. When he left a new pastor came in and wore cowboy clothes and told people to wear whatever was comfortable. Needless to say there were many people who were quite shocked, and they lost quite a few members. I wouldn’t leave a church because of how people dressed, but would hope that in keeping myself looking as good as possible and wearing clothes which are modest but cheerful would have an influence.
February 1, 2009, 7:44 AM Ray Pritchard says:
	Afer reading many comments, I am struck by the diversity of opinion on this topic. Obviously this is an area where we will all have to agree to disagree—hopefully agreeably. I remain convinced that my basic point is valid. Dress with respect—for the Lord, for others, for the setting, and for your own heart. I think saying, “dress any way you want” is not a good guide. Times change, cultures differ, churches differ. All the more reason for leaders to give guidance in this area.
March 11, 2009, 2:29 PM pennie says:
	Lets get one thing straight, everybody can say what they want to say about the way we should dress in church. Paul tells us we are to dress modest. God knows each of our hearts. He knows the motive for why we dress the way we dress for church, and He will deal with that. If your heart is right, it will flow to to outside.If you got any Holy Ghost in you, the Holy Ghost will teach you all things even how to dress. The next time you go to church, ask yourself will Jesus be shame to sit with me with what I am wearing.If your mother or father will be shame of what you wear. How do you think Jesus feels. It thats all you got thats ok. But some women will buy tight Jeans just to wear to church. If you can buy tight Jeans, surly you can buy something modest for God. Who are you looking for when you go to church. God or man.
June 1, 2009, 6:16 AM johnnymo34 says:
	Dressing like you were going to a ball game is no way to dress for church.The dumbing down of America and thelowering of morals have people at the church I attend dressing like slobs.I am not saying one needs to wear a suit or dress but some sort of collared shirt and appropriate clothing should be worn.
August 4, 2009, 7:34 PM AK man says:
	Call me narow minded,but I’m tired of seeing people wearing hats in church (men) young girls dressing up as prostitutes(flaunting it) all the black garb ,and body odor.And also, I’m tired of looking at everybodies tattoos.PLEASE take a bath ,cover up and show some respect for GOD fellow parishinors and yourself.
August 5, 2009, 12:05 AM butch88 says:
	COMMENT: i READ ALL OF THE COMMENTS AND MY CONCLUSION?—- SUNDAY MORNING TAKE A BATH AND WEAR WHAT I CAN AFFORD. FIRST IMPRESSION IS IMPORTANT,BUT TO GOD, I’M THERE TO BE WITH HIM. THIS TOPIC IS LIKE TALKING ABOUT POLITICS AND RACE, WE EACH HAVE AN OPINION.
August 28, 2009, 5:44 PM chucky c says:
	in my church some wear short and a nice polo shirt with those nice leather sandals not flip flops. flip flops portray the image that you just woke up and just put whatever on. You might as well be wearing pajamas. some wear suits. i would occassionally wear one if I were in the main sanctuary but when I am working with the kids I have to dress down. Surely not blue jeans and a t-shirt. Blue jeans and a polo shirt yes. But I have been to churches where dress was it. People made you feel awful just for wearing certain things. My mom wore a dress to church and the older ladies just talked and talked and tried to cover her up. it was a dress suit. a womans suit. some people let a quote on quote religious belief interfere. the reason why i say that is people distorted what a real relationship with god is. The Pharisees and Saducees were a product of mans religion, saying that you could not do certain things. They even tried to make Jesus feel bad for healing a man on the sabbath. Those ladies tried to make my mom feel bad for the way she dressed, which was very conservative. But jesus never put a boundary on anything. His only requirement is that we love Him. And if we love him, we are obedient when he tells us what we should and should not wear to meet him.
November 22, 2009, 7:25 PM Fivebelong says:
	I went to a ordination service this morning and my heart was very heavy. The canidates were dressed as if they were going to go to a casual dinner. I felt as if this was the most important day of their lives and the love and respect they felt for the Savior should have been reflected. On their wedding day I am sure ...they did not casually dress. This day was more important by far in that it told the world the the Creator of the Universe had called them out to walk beside him and be an example. To be a leader of the Bride of Christ.
January 12, 2010, 5:10 PM expressives says:
	Clothing should be comfortable and allow for movement; as a singer, and speaker, the abillity to breathe and move the body, unnoticeably, is important for me; and, I feel that this would be good for everyone. Clothing that uses natural fibres will help as well. When we wear natural fibres, the body manufactures the endorphins that keep us healthy and happy, this should mean, as well, clothing that does not draw attraction to us, but that should lead the persons around us recognize that our clothing is really the Lord Jesus Christ and the qualities of the Spirit that are a result of our relationship with the Lord. This should mean wearable, comfortable, natural fibre clothing that can be reworn and recycled naturally; let us be modest in our worldly attire, and extravagant in our service for God; this would mean, as well, that we focus on the spirit and on relationships and on activities that reveal our knowledge of God, His wonderful creation and plan for the restoration of human beings and the world that He created, in all the wonderfulness that is inherent in the infinity of God, vocals.musictheory@yahoo.com
March 14, 2010, 2:09 PM Hotchops says:
I am a cognitive behavioral therapist offering help to all in need.	Here in California everyone is liberal concerning church dress codes! I go in modest shirt and slacks with a decent pair of shoes. My wife goes and covers her head and wears a dress. Our son is taught that he should respect God in his house. That’s final for us!
October 3, 2010, 7:28 PM PastorJack says:
	I agree with your comments,and am faced as a pastor with young adult men and women who want to dress like they are going to a beach or a amusement park. All I have asked is they bare less skin and to have respect for others in the congregation. It all relies on the way they are taught at home and what the parent lets them wear. I want them to be there in church and to be in comfort, and to enjoy the blessings of God. We as the church should be different than the world.Most of the time when you say anything about the dress they say you are judgeing me, or God looks on the heart not the outward, that is the easy way to justify their deeds.
February 7, 2011, 10:36 AM deana says:
	remember the sabbath to keep it holy, a day set aside, to be different from the rest. upon going before the arc of covenant they had to be clean and dressed in fine linen this tells us that our everyday clothing is unacceptable before GOD. todays dress code came from people making the excuse about not having anything to wear to attend church, therefore people pushed the come as you are theme, which means to me broken spirited and sinful. growing up in poverty did not allow poor people to buy fine clothes but, the few dresses or suits they had were clean and ironed so that they were presentable to worship in. today if you can buy a pair of jeans or a dress suit, a dress is surely affordable. todays dress code is conforming to me and i find that unacceptable. i dont like looking at womens behinds anymore than i do mens
April 13, 2011, 4:12 PM misionero salas says:
	una vez dijo alguien en mi Iglesia “Dios lo que ve es el corazón” y le conteste: “Si pero el hombre ve lo de afuera"; el Señor nunca dijo mujeres falta y hombres pantalon y corbata solo pidio dos cosas: 1ra se diferente; traje de hombre y traje de mujer 2do la modestia, discrecion en otras palabras demuestra tu santidad en el vestir. Cuan necesario es hoy en día aprender a comportarnos como debe ser en el lugar donde estamos. buen punto Pastor “respetp a Dios” el primer mandamiento amar a Dios, esto es temer a Dios.
July 29, 2011, 8:27 AM Arn72002 says:
	Thank you so much for this article. For me, this is an encouragement. I grew up in the baptist church and my mom always tell me to be my “Best in the Church”. She didn’t allow us to wear jeans & t-shirts going to church. So I have that “culture” in me for a long time. Now that I married, & moved to the US, attending the church as my “Best” and some people thought that I was distracting, knowing that I always ask my husband if my dress is “appropriate” for the church..... And I am struggling...