In many churches today, the question of whether a pastor should enforce a dress code has sparked discussion. Should there be a standard for how church members dress when coming to worship? Should church leadership dictate or suggest specific attire for its members, especially for those serving in leadership roles or participating on stage?This article explores several reasons why some churches set a dress code, including practicality, modesty, cultural sensitivity, and, unfortunately, sometimes even control.
But what do you think? Should pastors be involved in setting a dress code for church members? Should it depend on the context of the congregation, or should people have the freedom to come as they are without concern for appearance?
You can dive deeper into the conversation by reading the full article here:
Do people want a dress code because some forms of dress are offensive, or because they want control over others?
Do pastors want a code so the congregation won’t appear shabby? Bad reason.
The whole business of women tempting men to sin by wearing anything other than Prarie dresses is hogwash.
Dress codes don’t take into consideration different ethnic forms of dress, climate (in my old church, a new pastor declared no one including kids could wear shorts to VBS. In the Deep South. In July.)
I have found that folks who dress immodestly as defined by that church- quickly catch on like we all do when we show up dressed differently than everyone else. They adjust. Or go somewhere less snooty or judgmental.
My wife came from a church in another country with what Americans would regard as an extremely strict dress code. She was aghast at what passes for “Sunday best” here. In attending her church, I must say there was an atmosphere of solemnity and seriousness - of genuine worship - lacking in other churches I’ve attended. I don’t think the dress code had anything to do with control, but simply respect for what is supposed to be the house of God.
