33 Comments

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  Comment by DaveyMike — September 21, 2009 @ 12:14 pm

  Blest be the tie that binds
  Our necks in starched blouse;
  The fellowship of kindred minds
  Passed out in the Lord’s house.

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  Comment by Derek — September 21, 2009 @ 1:42 pm

  And the mask behind him worn in church clown services today.

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  Comment by emergent pillage — September 21, 2009 @ 2:37 pm

  Actually, men everywhere rejoiced that the said instrument of torture was finally considered “not necessary”.

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  Comment by Les — September 21, 2009 @ 2:42 pm

  It’s good to see that he is willing to model the clothes as well.

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  Comment by Eddie Eddings — September 21, 2009 @ 3:29 pm

  Ahhh yes, and remember when the Baptist foriegn missionaries would make their converts dress in white shirt and black tie? I guess it was to show everyone, by way of slide show, that Christianity was spreading.

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  Comment by Carol — September 21, 2009 @ 6:47 pm

  I’m sure that the early church fathers never wore a tie, such as Peter and Paul…perhaps this “tie” was created by a Catholic monk in order to recognize the ordained monks from those of the mere congregation…..as though the dreaded long robes wasn’t enough….

  Some day…there will be A Purpose Driven section of this museum complete with Hawaiian shirts and khaki shorts.

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  Comment by Drew — September 21, 2009 @ 7:07 pm

  Yes indeed, the church of today has “emerged” from loud neckties, to loud shirts instead. The next artifact to be displayed on the tour will be a bible.

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  Comment by Eddie Eddings — September 22, 2009 @ 12:12 am

  Carol…the early church fathers never wore PANTS much less a silk noose around their necks! Black toga and sandals were formal wear.

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  Comment by Ken Ernst — September 22, 2009 @ 1:24 am

  I think it is a shame that we seem to think so little of our Holy God that we can’t even show a little respect to Him by dressing accordingly. We should remember what He required of His Israelite priests. How would we like to go through all of the cleansing processes they had to go through?
  Our God is so Holy that even His Name is Holy. Please, never, never, never, forget Who it is we bow before. It is true that God is more concerned with what is in a man’s heart than what is on his back, but lets please be respectful of Who He is.
  I would never make fun of anyone who could not afford to dress in a coat and tie, and I certainly would never deny them the right to come into church to worship.
  May God bless us all when we come before Him, no matter how we dress. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord in our “Sunday best”.
  Thank you for letting me have my say.

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  Comment by dominic — September 22, 2009 @ 2:44 am

  I guess he is in the vestry asking the young assistant pastor one last time (just one last chance) to take off the jeans and T-shirt and dress with the dignity that the occasion demands…

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  Comment by Brad — September 22, 2009 @ 8:51 am

  Ken, you’ve made the false assumption that many others have, which is that type of Sunday dress = level of respect for God. You essentially make that point in your very first statement. You can’t back-peddle either, b/c if you didn’t think it, you wouldn’t have said it. Can you show me where this is, Scripturally? B/c for any place where you try to point it out, I can point out as many places that show, as you say, God is not concerned outwardly, but inwardly.

  A suit and tie is not “required” dress for Sunday. The level of dress is no more an indicator of who is more worshipful, respectful or holy than the type of car one drives. I’ve seen many sanctimonious, pompous Christians in their suits, who look down on those who don’t dress as such, and many godly, respectful people who come as casual as Saturday. It’s ALL about the state of the heart. Unfortunately, some people (and I admit, on BOTH sides of this debate) can’t seem to break free from the stereotypical Sunday best mindset. There are some who dress that way, not out of “respect”, but out of tradition or b/c they just want to show off. Conversely, there are some who DON’T dress that way b/c they have so much disdain for those who do, that they’ll never be caught dead in it. Both are wrong, b/c both are then focusing on themselves on Sunday, rather than God.

  The middle ground is when people get dressed, however they wish, and come to church to worship the Creator of the world and the Savior of our souls. Don’t lose sight of that.

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  Comment by LuLu — September 22, 2009 @ 11:04 am

  Is that a “TBN” tie tack in the middle of the tie or is it from the “PTL” club?

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  Comment by chris — September 22, 2009 @ 11:24 am

  Good stuff Brad. My 2 cents: Sometimes I feel real good about myself (in a healthy way) and want to reflect it in my visage (tie or toga-whatever)…other times I crawl out of bed wondering if I’m really forgiven and am going to make it anywhere close to the throne. Even getting the deoderant on is tough. Thankfully, the “walk” is custom built for each one of His loved children! I respect each person’s journey. God is HUGE and he loves us all… all the time!

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  Comment by Steve — September 22, 2009 @ 3:56 pm

  Regardless of all discussion in the comments, that’s a funny post!

  Regarding the comments, I’m sure we would all agree that the preparation of the heart prior to our times of Corporate worship is the central issue. How many of us spend more time preparing out bodies to be seen by others (whether in a three piece suit or jeans and Converse all-stars) on Sunday morning than preparing ourselves to worship?

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  Comment by Carol — September 22, 2009 @ 5:41 pm

  Is the “Dressing up” to please God, or is it to impress others at church? This could be a very telling motivation to why some, not all, but some dress UP for Church.

  I don’t think wearing a Tie or not is actually what determines coming to worship a Holy God with proper mindset, holiness and purity of mind. That doesn’t mean dressing to impress, because we were not created to be looked at by others, but being pleasing to God. But it does not mean dressing down, to the point when someone looks like they are going to plop on the couch to watch the football game either.

  Some people do not have a budget for suits, doesn’t make them lost souls. There needs to be a reasonable attire, but a pure heart and focus on the Lord is the reason for worship.

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  Comment by Reformed Pentecostal — September 23, 2009 @ 2:37 am

  Okay, I hear Ken, Brad, Chris and Carol…but, perhaps the issue here is how the Pastor dresses on Sunday to present the Word of God to the people? What say ye this?

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  Comment by Brad — September 23, 2009 @ 7:30 am

  Carol, you said “But it does not mean dressing down, to the point when someone looks like they are going to plop on the couch to watch the football game either.”

  Why not? I’d love to see your Biblical justification for this statement, and wonder why you think that “pleasing God” has anything at all to do with our dress. If I’m not wearing anything offensive, or physically unclean, or revealing attire that would be inappropriate in any setting, tell me where the Biblical prohibition of that is – as opposed to the “we’ve always done it that way” prohibition, that most people are talking about when they reference this subject.

  Look forward to your reply.

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  Comment by Brad — September 23, 2009 @ 7:32 am

  Reformed P,

  I see no difference. If you look at the Biblical qualifications for a pastor, “well-dressed in a suit and tie” doesn’t come up. At least not in my Bible.

  I don’t care what the pastor is wearing – I care whether he’s preaching the Word of God or not. If we’re focused on more than that, then it’s OUR focus that’s wrong, NOT the pastor.

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  Comment by Eddie Eddings — September 23, 2009 @ 11:56 am

  Chapter 6, entitled, “Sunday Morning Costumes – Covering up the Real Problem” in the book, Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna “covers” this subject very well. Here is a “brief” summary:

  Christians Wearing Their “Sunday Best” for Church – Began in the late-18th century with the Industrial Revolution and became widespread in the mid-19th century. The practice is rooted in the emerging middle class effort to become like their wealthy aristocrat contemporaries.

  The Clergy Costume – Began in A.D. 330 when Christian clergy began wearing the garb of Roman officials. By the 12th century, the clergy began wearing everyday street clothes that distinguished them from the people.

  The Evangelical Pastor’s Suit – A descendent of the black scholar’s gown worn by Reformation ministers, the black lounge suit of the 20th century became the typical costume of the modern pastor.

  The Clerical (Backwards) Collar – Invented by Rev. Dr. Donald McLeod of Glasgow in 1865.

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  Comment by Reformed Pentecostal — September 23, 2009 @ 5:38 pm

  Brad, Well then I guess Rick Warren is not the buffoon I took him out to be…oh wait a minute…he doesn’t preach the Gospel so people can be focused on that instead of the “beach clothing” he wears…okay, listen I agree in part and it has nothing to do with “costumes” or dressing to please God. I have been in the ministry for over 33 years and I have seen it all, at least I think I have, but the point is I think the man who stands to deliver the word of God to God’s people should be presentable. This does not mean he HAS to wear a suit and tie,but my point is this…the churches I have been in where the pastor and congregation dress like they are at an amusement park…tend to ACT like that in their attitude towards God. I have seen young people (20s) come to church with jeans and t-shirt where sexually offensive words were written and NOTHING WAS SAID BY THE PASTOR OR ANYONE BUT ME AND I GOT CHASTISED FOR IT!!! “God only sees the heart, brother.” I have attended services where many of the women were wearing skimpy halter tops and short shorts and the pastor was dressed for a day on the golf course(he preached all of 10 minutes and said NOTHING). I’m not saying you have to dress “to the nines” every Sunday, but you should show SOME SORT of respect for God and His Word. Humans tend to ACT in the manner they are dressed. Now before you all fly off and yell at me, I live and minister in the Philippines right now and most of the time I do wear shorts, sandles and t-shirts, but when I step up to the pulpit on Sunday, I am wearing a shirt and tie or a Barong (native shirt). I won’t change. I don’t care where the custom came from or how or why it started and I don’t do it because someone in 1800 whatever decided to do it or to impress God (Whom by the way made Adam and Eve NAKED, so why don’t we just go to church naked if you want to be “biblical?”). I just think it is appropriate for at least a man of God to look presentable to deliver the Word, Period.

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  Comment by Carol — September 23, 2009 @ 6:49 pm

  Why not just have the pastor show up for church in his pajamas…as long as “nothing is showing”…??? Hmm…Somehow the mentality of just showing up as long as one is “covered” could bring in one wearing a hefty bag with a drawstring, burlap, canvas or even some sort of faux fur…does this make one acceptable to God?

  While you don’t have to wear Armani suits or designer dresses, the Word of God says that women are to be modestly attired and not with fancy gold or jewels…

  I would think that the men would also need to be modest, and that would be neatness…not sloppy…

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  Comment by Aunt Beast — September 24, 2009 @ 1:16 am

  Our culture has lost basic notions of decency in every area of life. We can’t be bothered to learn any sense of decorum, especially when it conflicts with our laid-back lifestyles. Christians are equally guilty. In fact, unbelievers often put Christians to shame when they act and dress respectively at (for example) a funeral, while the pastor is trying to be all cool, casual and fun-loving. Meanwhile, you have pseudo-theologians shouting “The words ‘inappropriate dress’ aren’t in the Bible, so we can’t know what’s appropriate or not!”

  Not saying that suits and ties are required for guys, but just try asking a young girl if she’d wear worn-out jeans and a hoodie on her wedding day, or even to the prom, or to meet the Queen of England. We give God far less honor than we give mere mortals. Outward behavior is reflective of inner attitude. Why can’t people just be honest and admit that the kids are wearing dirty sneakers and flip-flops because they’re pragmatically looking forward to the post-service soccer game or barbecue?

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  Comment by Eddie Eddings — September 24, 2009 @ 4:18 am

  When tradition and the Bible get in a fight, sad to say, in most Christian circles, tradition wins.
  The rule of thumb (and Paul’s teaching) should be that anything that distracts from the Gospel should not be worn.
  …and by the way, going to church naked would not be Biblical because of the fall of man.
  I have no problem with someone who wears a suit to preach in. But if that becomes a rule, then you have joined with the outward appearance mentality of the pharisees. There are bigger issues at stake than “dressing for success”.

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  Comment by JSRose — September 24, 2009 @ 8:17 am

  I was in the museum last week and it is awesome! The new eight-button suit jacket display is a sight to behold. I also got a sneak-peek at the belly button ring and thong display that will be opening some time next year. It is state-of-the-art! Also, if your 18 or older, you should check out the “Future Of Church Fashion” show. It’s hot, preacher!

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  Comment by Brad — September 24, 2009 @ 9:18 am

  Ref Pent – Remember, I said that if someone (pastor or otherwise) isn’t wearing anything offensive, or physically unclean, or revealing attire that would be inappropriate in any setting, tell me where the Biblical prohibition of that is. It doesn’t exist. If you feel that you should dress a certain way to deliver God’s Word, more power to you. Where we can get in trouble is when we say someone MUST dress up to do so – there’s simply no support for that. To the people you mentioned who would wear tshirts with obscenities, or the women who dressed inappropriately, I addressed that when I said “anything offensive” or “inappropriate in any setting.”

  Carol – does burlap, canvas or faux fur make on UNacceptable to God? You seem to imply that it would – why is that? Again, it’s the state of the heart. Now, if a person is wearing a particular type of clothing to church b/c they’re trying to stand out, or for any wrong reason, then the focus has become the clothing, and not God, which is automatically wrong. However, if the focus of the other people in church is on other people’s clothing, and not God, then THEIR focus is wrong, as well. Yes, there is some dress that would not be acceptable, I’ve already said that. But not b/c it fits God’s accepted dress code for Sunday, but b/c it is indicative of a heart problem. Also, be careful when you use Paul’s prohibition of “fancy gold or jewels” in church – make sure you read what he wrote in context – whom did he write that to, and why? Should no jewelry be worn? Is some allowed? Under what situations? Be careful with your interpretation of that verse – the Corinthian women had certain issues that drove Paul to write what he did – it’s not a blatant prohibition against earrings.

  Aunt Beast – You seem to imply that giving God honor requires a certain mode of dress. Why is that? Can I not be comfortable on Sunday (not in a suit), yet still honor God? If you say “no”, then you need to show me Biblically why I can’t. If you say “yes”, then your argument is defeated. Why do I dress comfortably in church on Sundays (and yes, that can mean shorts in the summertime, if I so desire)? Because I have a dress code at work all week that I must follow, and I am much more comfortable and relaxed and able to focus on what’s around me if I’m not fretting about what I’m having to wear. Does honoring God or having a worshipful attitude mean I must be dressed up or be uncomfortable? I don’t think so.

  Eddie – excellent summation!

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  Comment by Nabal Ben-Nimrod — September 24, 2009 @ 2:19 pm

  I prefer my phylactries wide

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  Comment by Henry — September 24, 2009 @ 10:03 pm

  I am Lutheran and at our church, most of the men wear ties and sport coats. It is felt that one should dress respectively for God as He comes to us in our Divine Service. We don’t have to worry about what the pastor is wearing because he wears the appropriate vestments.

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  Comment by JSRose — September 25, 2009 @ 7:10 am

  I wouldn’t care how they dress if I could get some of Henry’s “Divine Service”(?) down at the Western Sizzlin’…after our not-so-divine church service.

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  Comment by Drew — September 25, 2009 @ 8:45 am

  Goes to show you, when you go to talking about about proper attire at church, you’ve opened up a can of ties, uh, I mean worms.
  I attended a church for years where one day my Pastor decided not to wear a tie one Sunday, and he certainly heard about that for a while. Another church, my Pastor wore nothing but “Raiders” or “Ravens” jerseys to preach in. Needless to say, I didn’t sit under the latter for long. He could preach the Word, but his skills at pastorial leadership in all other things was about as lose as his jerseys. Many great points have been said here by all sides of the issue.
  My two cents? There is no dress code, but why would anybody not want to give or wear they’re best, not for man’s appeasement (or for they’re own for that matter), but because God gave His best for our worst. Christ could have worn a royal robe to the Cross. He did not. His worst nakedness outshines our royalist clothing we could ever hope to wear.
  No I don’t have to wear a suit and tie, but it’s the King of all Kings that I lay down for, not just on Sunday alone, but daily. No, the Disciples did not get all gussied up to sit with Jesus. Most people then just had a couple of pieces of clothes to wear. If my best was just one thread of material, I’d wear it. If I had nothing to wear, I’d wear it. But doggone if I’d wear a stupid “ravens” jersey, or Rick Warrens loud shirts, just to show the freedom I have in Christ to wear such clothing.

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  Comment by Drew — September 25, 2009 @ 8:58 am

  The Priests could never enter in the Tabernacle or the Holy of Holies without the proper attire. You don’t offer up to God strange fire.

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  Comment by Brad — September 25, 2009 @ 10:26 am

  So which is it Drew, is there a dress code, or isn’t there? You make a fine argument that we DON’T have to wear anything in particular, yet you go on to say that we OUGHT to, “b/c God gave His best for our worst.”

  Again I say – what does clothing have to do with holiness? If works mattered as far as my salvation, then I’d probably dress in a tuxedo. Thankfully, they don’t, b/c there’s NOTHING we can do to merit our salvation.

  By the way, we’re not under the OT law anymore, so specific attire for priests in the Holy of Holies doesn’t hold much water to this argument.

  Let me ask you this question, it’s a simple “yes” or “no” – can a person dress casually to church, yet still have a holy and worshipful attitude?

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  Comment by Carol — September 25, 2009 @ 5:02 pm

  Brad, Please stop focusing on what specific garments and, for that matter, fabrics used in those garments, and focus on presenting oneself holy and acceptable to the Lord on the day you worship Him.

  Straining gnats at everyone’s posts that step on your point of view is not going to be fruitful.

  For some people wearing a decent suit and tie is their choice of clothing. For someone else, a decent dress shirt and pants. I don’t think t shirts with any sport team, or any lettering should be worn, and certainly jeans that are not dirty and filled with holes or that worn look as is popular with folks today. Also shorts and tank tops are not acceptable either. But I suppose that will be debated as long as they are not filled with holes, and which type of shorts and tank tops are considered “acceptable”????

  Maybe regular clothing should be banned and all church people attend church wearing white robes…that way people can’t say one is better than another by wearing fancy suits or dresses, or others who arrive in jeans and t shirts….That way you can’t tell who has money and who is on the less fortunate side of finances….but then, who would determine what type of robe is the acceptable garment????

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  Comment by Angus — September 26, 2009 @ 9:25 am

  Good discussion all, and points of view have been made. Thanks for the comments!

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