Figuring Out What to Wear
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Over the last few years I’ve noticed that in many churches the pastor and worship leaders tend to dress very casually. I was at Saddleback Church in California about 15 years ago and was a bit surprised to see Rick Warren, pastor of a 10,000 member (at that time) megachurch, come out to preach wearing a flowered shirt and slacks. My experience prior to that was that the pastor wore a robe or at least a suit and tie. But I also knew that as worship was becoming more contemporary in order to reach younger generations, what the pastor wore made a statement about the church and what was really important. In other words, what you wore to church wasn’t nearly as important as being in church.
When I planted my first church in Surprise some dozen years ago, I made the conscious decision that I wanted to model an open and inviting church, with an informal style of worship and where people could feel free to wear whatever felt comfortable. I remember one young man (a member of our military) telling me that he appreciated the casual dress code because, in all honesty, he had never owned either a suit or a tie. So I decided to model that kind of informality by wearing slacks and flowered short sleeved shirts. Of course, looking back now, I realize that no guy under the age of 40 would be caught dead wearing flowered shirts, but I thought I was cool.
I remember in the early months of planting my first church I wore a robe one Sunday. It was World Wide Communion Sunday (the first Sunday in October) and I thought a robe might make it seem special. Boy, did I get comments (and hardly any that were positive). What most people told me (and this included people in the 70’s) is that if I wore a robe, then they wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing shorts or slacks or whatever. If this is going to be a contemporary church, they said, then you need to dress like we do. And so I did.
When it came time to begin our worship services here at Spirit Song, I gave quite a bit of thought to what I was going to wear. We had decided on a blended style of worship – contemporary worship (with a full praise band) but with “a touch of the traditional.” Also factoring into this decision was the reality of working for two hours before worship doing a lot of setup. So I decided to try my own “blended” attire – nice new jeans and white sneakers, with a dress shirt and tie (but with the collar unbuttoned and the tie loosened). When the weather cools down, I thought I might even add a sports jacket. I thought the top half would reflect my traditional roots but from the waist down I would offer a more contemporary look. By the way, I basically live in jeans and sneakers the rest of the week.
I’m open to feedback. My wife Sue wasn’t sure about this new look when I told her but she said she’s getting used to it. I read a column in the paper recently in which the writer commented on this one guy wearing the “typical college professor uniform – jacket and tie but with jeans and sneakers.” I thought, okay, that’s cool. I can live with the “college professor” look. At least my new look has an identity.
I’m looking for some feedback. Let me know what you think of my “look.”
Blessings,
Steve
09-26-08 03:49 PM
Pastor Steve,
I really enjoyed this blog on what to wear when attending church.
I know this is an issue for some of the "older" generation. God wants us to worship and hear his word first and foremost. To me that is a given and what is worn should not be the issue. We all need to be true to what we know is right. The world is becoming so casual and dispectful. Many people never leave their homes and therefore what they wear isn't of importance.
One of my concern right now is, where do I as an "elder" of Sprit Song need to fit in and what do I want to coney to the the congregants.
I am not their contempory. I feel I am an example to all who attend our church.
Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you view me, I am an outgoing personality but inside I am a disciple for Christ. I was brought up to respect my elders and to view them as examples. I thought of them in this way not only in their Christian values, but in their demeanor and behavior when in worship.
I know this might not be the place to view this thought, but have we "over 60" year olds given the impression that we are so hip and cool and can do this new start all on our own without the younger people helping?
We are not the younger people's hip friends or buddies. We have our gifts of management, teaching, praying and creating a warm and welcoming church where all can pray and have a closer walk with God.
We are physically spent by the time church service starts, especially you Pastor Steve. I know you say you don't mind, but it really isn't fair to you and God as our Spiritual Leader to spend the hour before worship "sweating with the oldies."
We set up the santuary, prepared the hospility table, the welcome table, we greet, usher and do all of these acts through our love and the Lord and our desire to share his word in our community.
My point is this.... does it really matter what I wear to church, to me yes....I love my Lord and Savior. Jesus went to great measures insuring that the Last Supper was special for his disciples.Out of respect for him, I will put my best foot forward, just as we families do for one another on holidays. We dress for the occasion out of respect, especially for our parents and Grandparents.
There is an old saying, "you get what you reap".
And Pastor, I wonder what brought this subject to your mind.
Forgive my bluntness. I have shared with you some thoughts and concerns I have for Spirit Song and our family of Christians.
Barb