If you wear shorts or a tee shirt to church

[bp1999]

My problem is that most people truly aren't donning that suit or dress for Gods eyes but to be more impressive to others in church. It's materialistic. It's vain. And it is a barrier to others "not in the club".

Jesus said to be in the world, but not if the world. Many churches function more like country clubs than the hands and feet of Christ.

While I enjoy seeing my friends and families Easter photos today, I seriously doubt those mamas thought about making sure they were respecting God by fussing over little johnnies cowlick or starched shirt. Or their husband's vineyard vines blazer (God really digs the southern hipster labels). If you really think you are showing God greater respect by your exterior clothing, then I think you have a different picture of God than I do. And I would ask you to really reflect on that image of God.

He's a good dad that is after us with a passion and a seal that we can't comprehend. He doesn't ask is to clean up (physically or spiritually) before we enter into an intimate relationship with him. If we only focus on the skin deep, we are leaving too much on the table; sadly.

And while Christians are called to hold each other accountable (Ephesians) that standard doesn't apply to a non believer. Even when holding one another accountable, judge only in the way that you are prepared to be judged yourself.

But most importantly love one another. Why all the bashing WITHIN the church? People, there is a hurting world that needs the live and compassion that can only be brought by Christ and some of you are fixated on clothes?

“"Think about how the lilies grow. They don't work or make clothing. But here is what I tell you. Not even Solomon in all of his glory was dressed like one of those flowers.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:27‬ ‭NIRV‬‬
http://bible.com/110/luk.12.27.nirv

You really think God even notices, much less cares?

 

[tigerjl]

Would any of you wear a T-shirt and shorts to a wedding or a funeral? Unless your answer is yes you need to ask yourself why said clothes are not good enough for those events but are somehow good enough to wear when going to worship the most powerful being in the universe.

8/10

 

[Howard's Jock]

Would any of you wear a T-shirt and shorts to a wedding or a funeral? Unless your answer is yes you need to ask yourself why said clothes are not good enough for those events but are somehow good enough to wear when going to worship the most powerful being in the universe.

Let's leave Deshaun out of this.

 

[amynhop]

8/10

I understand the point you are trying to make but there is a difference. It's not commonplace to wear shorts and tee shirts to weddings and funerals. Today's contemporary churches have a dress code that make it totally acceptable to "come as you are" and wear whatever you're comfortable in. And if it gets more people to church on Sunday, then who are we to judge? Because I firmly believe if you come with an open heart and a desire to nurture a better relationship with Christ, God doesn't care what you wear.

 

[Bubbachuck Gonchar]

This church has it figured out, though if they only allow White Tail then they've got other problems

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/nude-church-white-tail-virginia_n_4763199.html

 

[letsgocu]

It is dying, but that is not the reason.

Just wondering. IYO, why is it dying?

 

[letsgocu]

You know this how? Man, you must be good to die and come back.

This is scripture based.

 

[The Mixed Mamba]

One of the more narrow-minded posts I've seen. Thinking it's sarcasm to get a long thread going since that's common place. If not sarcasm, It's 2016. OP and friends are stuck in the past big time. Do you still have dial up as well? Are you wearing a pager and a fanny pack too? Wake up!

 

[acwill07]

I agree with OP. I realize God doesn't care what you wear to church, but have some respect. ...not only for Him and His place of worship, but yourself.

This x 1000.

All the folks ITT acting like wearing your Sunday best to church has something to do with money or status are out of their minds. I go to Prince George Episcopal Church in Georgetown and have since I was a little kid. My father and pretty much every grown man wears a suit and tie or at least khakis and a button down. It has nothing to do with status.....it has to do with respect towards the Lord our God. I wore a suit and tie this morning. It wouldn't offend me for someone to wear a t shirt and shorts because I couldn't really care less what other do, but I believe that you dress up to go worship.

I agree with the person that asked ITT why you would dress nicer to a job interview than to worship our Lord?

 

[CUinSD]

I wore shorts to church for the first time today in my life. Mostly just because of this thread.

Jesus came to Earth, died for our sins, and rose so that we could join him in Heaven. If you don't believe that, I pity the meaningless existence you have here on Earth for such a limited time. If you do believe that and still worry about what type of clothes someone wears to church... SMH.

I wouldn't make fashion decisions based on TI, unless it's a @Ron Munson thread.

 

[CUinSD]

The thing, why is it so hard to dress up ONE time a week?! Our FB team wears suits to every game and you guys are bvtching about trying to look presentable for 3 hours a week?! It's the same in the service industry. Even way before I got any Somm Certifications, one of the main reasons I switched careers was, how sloppy/informal/bad manners are being used and accepted these days. I mean where is the dignity/self-respect around here? It's the same type of idealism that is raising obesity and unenployment in America. If you're lazy in the facets of your life, when you should be presentable, how in the hell are you going to act when it doesn't matter?

 

[CUinSD]

Would any of you wear a T-shirt and shorts to a wedding or a funeral? Unless your answer is yes you need to ask yourself why said clothes are not good enough for those events but are somehow good enough to wear when going to worship the most powerful being in the universe.

THIS.

 

[Howard's Jock]

The thing, why is it so hard to dress up ONE time a week?! Our FB team wears suits to every game and you guys are bvtching about trying to look presentable for 3 hours a week?! It's the same in the service industry. Even way before I got any Somm Certifications, one of the main reasons I switched careers was, how sloppy/informal/bad manners are being used and accepted these days. I mean where is the dignity/self-respect around here? It's the same type of idealism that is raising obesity and unenployment in America. If you're lazy in the facets of your life, when you should be presentable, how in the hell are you going to act when it doesn't matter?

Fair point. If our football team dresses up for a game, then why shouldn't we expect the same in church.

 

[CUinSD]

"Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Do you really need to go further than this? Humility is scattered all over the bible.

Some of the most humble beings on this earth wear a suit everyday. Most of the @ssholes, are actually the ones wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and flip-flops.

 

[CUinSD]

Just wondering. IYO, why is it dying?

Baby Boomer generation began phasing it out long ago, when they decided going to Woodstock, taking boatloads of LSD, and sleeping with every cooz known to man was more important than morals or properly raising a family. Divorce rates reached 75% during that period.

 

[The Mixed Mamba]

The thing, why is it so hard to dress up ONE time a week?! Our FB team wears suits to every game and you guys are bvtching about trying to look presentable for 3 hours a week?! It's the same in the service industry. Even way before I got any Somm Certifications, one of the main reasons I switched careers was, how sloppy/informal/bad manners are being used and accepted these days. I mean where is the dignity/self-respect around here? It's the same type of idealism that is raising obesity and unenployment in America. If you're lazy in the facets of your life, when you should be presentable, how in the hell are you going to act when it doesn't matter?

I grew up in a Southern Baptist church where my ex-military father did not allow me to step foot in the church without a suit and tie. I'm a professional man now that works in business casual or business attire the majority of the time. I'm in the gym 5-6 days a week, so laziness/obesity is not part of the equation. The church I take my wife and kids to now has a relaxed dress code. And guess what, the message is even better than it was in the church I was raised in. There are professional athletes, CEOs, etc who are part of the congregation. They dress down as well. We are no longer in in the 50s. Times are changing and things are more progressive. To compare dressing down in church to obesity and laziness is irresponsible.

 

[tigerjl]

I understand the point you are trying to make but there is a difference. It's not commonplace to wear shorts and tee shirts to weddings and funerals. Today's contemporary churches have a dress code that make it totally acceptable to "come as you are" and wear whatever you're comfortable in. And if it gets more people to church on Sunday, then who are we to judge? Because I firmly believe if you come with an open heart and a desire to nurture a better relationship with Christ, God doesn't care what you wear.

Why did you quote me? I was making fun of the dude. I agree 100%.

 

[Clemblack]

Just wondering. IYO, why is it dying?

Reason.

 

[jimbob1019]

I grew up in a Southern Baptist church where my ex-military father did not allow me to step foot in the church without a suit and tie. I'm a professional man now that works in business casual or business attire the majority of the time. I'm in the gym 5-6 days a week, so laziness/obesity is not part of the equation. The church I take my wife and kids to now has a relaxed dress code. And guess what, the message is even better than it was in the church I was raised in. There are professional athletes, CEOs, etc who are part of the congregation. They dress down as well. We are no longer in in the 50s. Times are changing and things are more progressive. To compare dressing down in church to obesity and laziness is irresponsible.

Just don't understand why it's so difficult to make an effort to dress decently to enter God's house but an effort can be made to dress appropriately for every other situation you're presented with the rest of the week.

 

[SDTiger9]

Some of the most humble beings on this earth wear a suit everyday. Most of the @ssholes, are actually the ones wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and flip-flops.

I wore professional dress every day for a religious high school I selected to go to. I loved it. It was purposely instilling a behavior for competitive men. The dress was serving a purpose. At the same time, every single time I went to my own Catholic church, a Lutheran service, a church in the South, all I saw was a competitive clothing pissing contest for SOME of the people. It irritated me as a teen and it bothers me today. If people gain benefit going to church, go and be respectful. That means don't wear a bikini top and a short skirt on one end and don't feel you need to represent like the entire Jones family who looks like they burn $100 on dry cleaning every Sunday. Dress code is wear what doesn't draw attention to yourself. That's what God is looking for. Be humble.

People can't have this sh** both ways. You either respect the bible or you don't. Cherry picking is not an option. Dressing professional at church is a norm generated over time. Like many well intended habits, it's falls short of what's important. For the high dress crowd it became a litmus test to check if the other people take God or this Sunday service seriously.

Tom Landry, Vince Lombardi, Gene Stallings feel it necessary to represent one way. Dabo, Parcells, Belichick feel another. I don't see this ultimately as any different as there is no dress code for the profession.

Do I want slobs? No. Do I want people emulating what God intends? Yes. Do I really care about this topic? No. But hypocrisy rooted in religion does.

 

[PawPride]

I grew up in a Southern Baptist church where my ex-military father did not allow me to step foot in the church without a suit and tie. I'm a professional man now that works in business casual or business attire the majority of the time. I'm in the gym 5-6 days a week, so laziness/obesity is not part of the equation. The church I take my wife and kids to now has a relaxed dress code. And guess what, the message is even better than it was in the church I was raised in. There are professional athletes, CEOs, etc who are part of the congregation. They dress down as well. We are no longer in in the 50s. Times are changing and things are more progressive. To compare dressing down in church to obesity and laziness is irresponsible.

Wow sorry to hear that

 

[nseverett]

It's bush league to start this thread, of all days, on Easter. It doesn't matter what you wear to church--it matters where your heart is. You aren't going to hell if you wear shorts and a tee shirt to church and you aren't getting in the express lane to Heaven if you wear a suit and tie. I go to Newspring and most of the time I wear shorts or jeans and a tee shirt. I'll occasionally wear a polo. Today, I wore a suit and tie. My worship experience wasn't different today because of what I wore to church. God wants a relationship with us. He doesn't care what we wear. There are people that won't go to traditional churches because they don't want to be judged for what they're wearing, but they'll go to a church where they can come as they are. As a result, they hear the Gospel and many give their lives to Christ. Are you willing to turn people off from hearing the Gospel over something as arbitrary as what they're wearing to church? Churches like Newspring aren't for everyone and that's fine. If you spent more time reaching lost people and less time worrying about what people wear to church, the world would be a much better place.

 

[The Mixed Mamba]

Wow sorry to hear that

No need to feel sorry for me. We're good.

 

[orangelvis]

Just don't understand why it's so difficult to make an effort to dress decently to enter God's house but an effort can be made to dress appropriately for every other situation you're presented with the rest of the week.

You are trying to equate the Temple, when God's presence actually did appear on the Mercy Seat, with the brick and mortar church buildings of today. Not going to give a Sunday School lesson here, but Paul said he would become " all things to all people" in order to tell them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is research that proves one of the main reasons people don't attend church is because they feel uncomfortable about their clothes, and how well they would fit in because of their clothing. These newer churches are just taking away the barriers, so as to get the message to as many as possible. (apparently it works based on the sheer number of people that show up)
The idea that a building is "God's House" is not New Testament.

 

[tigerreed2]

You more than likely go to newspring.

They called it respect for God house. U

 

[BHSRebels89]

I grew up in a Southern Baptist church where my ex-military father did not allow me to step foot in the church without a suit and tie. I'm a professional man now that works in business casual or business attire the majority of the time. I'm in the gym 5-6 days a week, so laziness/obesity is not part of the equation. The church I take my wife and kids to now has a relaxed dress code. And guess what, the message is even better than it was in the church I was raised in. There are professional athletes, CEOs, etc who are part of the congregation. They dress down as well. We are no longer in in the 50s. Times are changing and things are more progressive. To compare dressing down in church to obesity and laziness is irresponsible.

I believe you are the exception and not "the rule". Just my opinion. I dont know if its as much lazy as it is an overall decreasing in respect for certain things; church being one of them. The list is long-teachers, parents, employers, law enforcement, etc.

 

[rabooze]

So now you are a good christian if you simply attend church, regardless of dress? Got it. I always thought you had to put in some effort. Now that I know I can just snooze away in the back row, church here i come!!!!

 

[ClemsonGuy99]

Admittedly, I'm not a regular church attendee. I would assume that most weekends would call for at least business casual and a tie would be needed for Easter Sunday. Is that not correct?

Not anymore. It's unfortunate seeing dad's walk in with jean shorts and flip flops.

 

[amynhop]

Why did you quote me? I was making fun of the dude. I agree 100%.

Messed up ! Sorry ! Meant to quote Matt9679! My bad-

 

[jimbob1019]

You are trying to equate the Temple, when God's presence actually did appear on the Mercy Seat, with the brick and mortar church buildings of today. Not going to give a Sunday School lesson here, but Paul said he would become " all things to all people" in order to tell them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is research that proves one of the main reasons people don't attend church is because they feel uncomfortable about their clothes, and how well they would fit in because of their clothing. These newer churches are just taking away the barriers, so as to get the message to as many as possible. (apparently it works based on the sheer number of people that show up)
The idea that a building is "God's House" is not New Testament.

Hey, I completely understand that not everyone can afford "nice" clothes so if jeans & T-shirt is the nicest things someone can afford, by all means, go to church in that...

But the Lord has blessed me & b/c of these blessings, I do have a few "nicer" things in my closet. I feel like I should wear such clothing to church since it is thru His blessings that I was able to afford it in the first place.

 

[CU Alumnus]

We have one guy at my church that normally wears shorts, but he runs the "Children's Church" (basically a separate service for 1st through 5th grade I think) so that's understandable. They do a lot of games and stuff.

But in the end nobody really cares what you wear. We get everything from jeans to suits. We don't care - we're just glad people are there.

The pastor is usually in a suit with no tie, or a sports shirt.

I can see both sides (sign of respect vs don't be pretentious) but the Church (big C) has enough problems.

BTW - happened to go by the Anderson Newspring building Saturday. MAN that thing is huge.

 

[Ron Munson]

So now you are a good christian if you simply attend church, regardless of dress? Got it. I always thought you had to put in some effort. Now that I know I can just snooze away in the back row, church here i come!!!!

No such thing as a "good" Christian or "bad" Christian or "medicore" Christian. A Christian is a Christian. There are no levels. If people read the Bible they would know this. Going to church ha nothing to do with being a Christian.

 

[Ron Munson]

We have one guy at my church that normally wears shorts, but he runs the "Children's Church" (basically a separate service for 1st through 5th grade I think) so that's understandable. But in the end nobody really cares.

BTW - happened to go by the Anderson Newspring building Saturday. MAN that thing is huge.

Well, when you extort money out of everyone, you can build what you want.

 

[Jokes On You]

it isnt about the tshirt and shorts. Most of the time when i see tshirts and shorts, they arent even remotely clean or free from stain. I know that may be all some people have, but not in the proportion seen at church.

 

[TAINT_PAINT]

We have one guy at my church that normally wears shorts, but he runs the "Children's Church" (basically a separate service for 1st through 5th grade I think) so that's understandable. They do a lot of games and stuff.

 

[Tiger Guru]

I understand the point you are trying to make but there is a difference. It's not commonplace to wear shorts and tee shirts to weddings and funerals. Today's contemporary churches have a dress code that make it totally acceptable to "come as you are" and wear whatever you're comfortable in. And if it gets more people to church on Sunday, then who are we to judge? Because I firmly believe if you come with an open heart and a desire to nurture a better relationship with Christ, God doesn't care what you wear.

I guess this is how I feel about it. It's not for me, I was raised to wear your "sunday best". I go to a traditional Church, so we dress up. But I don't understand for the life of me why anyone cares what people wear to church. I mean, they are in Church. I would think that's what you would you want. But this whole topic seems a little lame, IMO. I think you know what to wear, based on the church your going to. I have no problem whatsoever with people going to church. That should be the biggest statement. I don't care what they wear, even if I don't attend that type of church. They are going. Everyone says we need more god in our lives, well embrace it. Regardless what people wear. It's hard for me to believe grown men talk about this. I thought woman talked about "what people wear".

A short story..

Our preacher once told a story that another pastor had shared with him, at a very big church. One Sunday a homeless man sat outside the steps of the church as everyone walked in. Everyone looking at him and talking, and starring. But nobody every really approached the man to tell him to leave or stay. They just went about their way and walked inside, kind of disgusted. Well as everyone filed in and got ready for the service, the preacher had not showed up yet. Five minutes, 10 minutes pass. People wondering where the preacher is. after 15 minutes, the doors open and in walks the homeless man. He walks up the Alter and talks off his "homesless attire". Underneath was the preacher. He was ashamed that nobody invited the homeless man into the church. His message that day, per our preacher, was one of the best messages he had ever heard. Bring people to god, don't push them away. That's happening enough already. Quit worrying about what people look like. Life will be a lot easier for you.

 

[1234 1234]

Monday:
-dress for work, whatever the standard is for the job.

-dress for the gym, whatever the standard is for the gym.

-dinner out with wife, dress for whatever the standard is at the restaurant.

-etc etc etc.

So church, like every other scenario during the week, I dress to the expected standard of the place. If your church rocks flip flops cargos and dirty T shirts, then rock on. If your church rocks dress shirts and/or ties and coats, rock on. No one will be turned away from a church, just like the vast majority of people won't be turned away from any other establishment with an unofficial dress code. Like everything else, it is all relative and you can go up or down from the standard and likely be fine.

FYI I wear a coat and tie to church. It has absolutely nothing to do with my net worth or others opinions of me I assure you. It's how I was raised, and it meets the standard of the establishment I am in at the time. I've never thought twice about it.

 

[Tiger Guru]

Monday:
-dress for work, whatever the standard is for the job.

-dress for the gym, whatever the standard is for the gym.

-dinner out with wife, dress for whatever the standard is at the restaurant.

-etc etc etc.

So church, like every other scenario during the week, I dress to the expected standard of the place. If your church rocks flip flops cargos and dirty T shirts, then rock on. If your church rocks dress shirts and/or ties and coats, rock on. No one will be turned away from a church, just like the vast majority of people won't be turned away from any other establishment with an unofficial dress code. Like everything else, it is all relative and you can go up or down from the standard and likely be fine.

FYI I wear a coat and tie to church. It has absolutely nothing to do with my net worth or others opinions of me I assure you. It's how I was raised, and it meets the standard of the establishment I am in at the time. I've never thought twice about it.

This. It's really not hard to understand.

 

[rabooze]

I wear a suit to church and expect everyone to discuss how good i look after the service. I also go to church for Easter and Xmas eve, in part because I have two small kids who can make it through about 15 mins on the service. And going to church on the regular neither makes you better or worse than anyone who doesn't. If you believe that, then you are the problem.

 

[Clemblack]

No such thing as a "good" Christian or "bad" Christian or "medicore" Christian. A Christian is a Christian. There are no levels. If people read the Bible they would know this. Going to church ha nothing to do with being a Christian.

This isn't really correct, per the Bible and per Jesus specifically.