You’ve Got the Look!!!!
That makes me think…. hum? What does a pastor look like, or for that matter, what does a Christian look like? Does he/she even have a look? Traditionally in the United States, quite possibly still the majority belief, a pastor looks like a businessman. A businessman wears a suit and tie. He wears nice shinny shoes and maybe a tie pin. I am a church planter who does not like to wear suits, ties, and tie pins. Does that make me less of a church planter/pastor or Christian?
One might say, ‘if you truly desire the things of God and desire to fully respect God’s Word as you teach it to others, you will dress appropriately– like a businessman. Well, what about missionaries (church planters) among various people groups around the world, such as pastors in Africa or Arab nations? Are they any less a pastor, or any less respectful of God’s Word if they do not dress businesslike?
Here in the US, I have heard that only 25% of the men in the US even have a suit parked in their closet, let alone take it out for a spin. Are pastors/believers less respectful, less Christian if they do not look “the part”? Should pastors/believers be forced to conform to a church culture that demands business attire in worship? I say church culture, because the unchurched culture does not wear business attire most, if not all the time.
Regardless of what your beliefs on the subject – suit, or no suit, there is nothing wrong with wearing a suit. They are sharp and they do promote a serious, businesslike, no messing around aura. There is nothing wrong with that. I have a suit, but I doubt it fits anymore and I can’t afford to buy another. (That is not a plea for a free suit.)
What does this appropriate attire debate tell people? What does it tell people who can’t afford a suit – like me? Does it say, ‘aaaah how cute you want to be a church planter/pastor, come back when you can afford a suit,’ or ‘new Christian the first thing you need to do is buy appropriate clothing (a suit)’? Is true Christianity symbolized by the “clean cut” man wearing a suit? Are non-suit wearers not welcome? Are they any less a minister, or any less a sincere believer in Jesus Christ, as perfect all sufficient sacrifice for salvation, if you do not wear a suit?
So what is the answer? Suit or no suit? I think it is up to you. If you want to wear a suit to church, go for it. If you do not want to wear one, go for it. But please, wear something. The one thing to remember though is salvation is not contingent upon what we wear, which makes me very glad, because if it were we would all be wearing robes. I don’t look good in robes. The big and tall store just stocks fluffy robes. Yuck!!! Harley Davidson does not make a robe…i think.
Thank you Jesus that it is not anything I can do to gain or earn your favor for salvation, but what you have done for me (despite me). Thank you LORD that it is all you and not me.
God Bless, kennyb
Tags: christianity, discipleship
January 29th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
My home church back in Bakersfield,Californian Valley Baptist just started a new service. Pastor Rogers one of the most solid biblical preachers I have heard and learned from co pastors this church along with Pastor Neighbors another great preacher of the word. Well during this new service they both shed their jackets and ties to preach the same sermons they are preaching in the other services. Now I don’t believe the message is lost by them sheding those things. I believe they are still sharing the Word of God with passion and truth in both services.
It is what is in a person’s heart that the Lord looks at. Men look at the outward and judge.
January 29th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
To me it’s a non-issue. Who cares? I have noticed that those who follow the no tie, no suit trend are more concerned about dress than those who wear suits and ties. I regularly wear a suit on Sunday morning, but I’ve never said to anyone, “Why are you not wearing a tie?” “Why don’t you wear a suit to church?” I have had many people, on the other hand say to me, “Why are you wearing that tie?” “Why don’t you get rid of that suit?” Why are they so hung up on how people dress? Why can’t we wear what we feel comfortable wearing without being criticized?
January 29th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Awesome. That is what I think Russ. Wear what you want, but glorify God in all you do.
Great to hear from you
April 21st, 2010 at 1:41 pm
It depends on who you are trying to reach. I prefer jeans, sandals, a short sleeve pull over shirt or t-shirt for just me, but I’m with Paul, “For although I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, in order to win more people. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law. To those who are outside the law, like one outside the law—not being outside God’s law, but under the law of Christ—to win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, that I may become a partner in its benefits.”
1 Corinthians 9:19-23(HCSB)
In today’s world, many would say this is hypocritical. As a believer, this is simply meeting the people where they are. It is less about what is comfortable to the believer, and more about what is expedient for the Gospel’s sake.