Pants Vs. Dress

[GreenEyedLady]

Oh ya, I am in THAT mood again.
I am just wondering what your church preaches on this.
I know that each church is differant.
I am going to post a poll on this just for fun.
I will tell you all, my church preaches that women should wear dresses only. If they are workers of the church, the pastor expects the women to wear dresses in public at all times. If it is a layman at the church, then they are not "under" this rule. He would never come up to a woman in the church wearing pants and say.......Hey lady, get a dress on. He allows each woman to be fully convicted by God, not by him, on this matter of modesty and I respect him for that. He states that he has seen churches with signs on the front door that states NO pants allowed in church. He thinks that is a REALLY good way to NOT get people saved!

So, what is your church like on this subject. I also want to hear from the women. If your church does not preach against it, do you wear a dress to church anyway because God has convicted you of it or you like getting dressed up?

Thanks,
GEL

[eutychus]

My church preaches modesty, but says that pants are allowed. I wear skirts (at least knee length) half the time, and dress pants half the time. And, if for some reason, I don't have time to dress up, then I wear the closest appropriate thing that's clean in my closet. I feel convicted that modesty is important, and that skirts are probably the best way to go, but I think that pants can be worn without stirring a hint of impropriety--a girl just has to watch what she wears.

[CrystalBrooke]

we dont preach about clothing, but every female, except for the babies, wears dresses. i personally just think its more respectful, but i would never say that someone is wrong in wearing pants to church(slacks), as long as you're decent i really dont care either way.

[P_G]

Ahhhhhh that pants were the only problem what an easy time of it we would have!

I have personally dragged some teenage girls with their mothers up to the blessing shop (used clothing ministry) and told them to put some clothes on. And had to tell at least one young man that the back row of the church was not to be used as a cheap hotel room. (Hanging on his girlfriend and kissing whilest mom was 5 rows up)

I did have to tell one of the sisters yesterday (grown up type) that she could not go into the mens prison dressed the way she was. Not that she was immodest or provocotive just that it was too much so for a female going into a mens prison wearing pants or anything other than a big baggy dress.


OK thats my 2 sheckles

Pastor George :wave:

[P_G]

Oh one other thing

I am a dork too GEL

Modestly Dorky




PG :wave:

[the Colonel]

Unfortunately, my church has not preached on this subject matter since I've been there.

In my opinion, the modesty of women in the church is a BIG problem. I've seen up to the 40-somethings wearing clothing they should not be --revealing, tight, etc. Clothing that excentuates the body and is designed to reveal the female figure. However enjoyable I may find such a thing, it is exactly the opposite of how women should dress in the church.


--CK

[Iosias]

My church does not preach on clothing...I wish it did though...black suits for men and black dress and white blouse (no jewelry or make up) and a headscarf for the women.

[Lynn73]

Both men and women wear shorts, pants, jeans. I think the church's stand is that God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance. So as long as people are decently covered, as far as I know they don't say anything.

[ksen]

My church does not preach on clothing...I wish it did though...black suits for men and black dress and white blouse (no jewelry or make up) and a headscarf for the women.Sheesh, I just agreed with you elsewhere and know I have to ask you where you find a New Testament command for men to wear black suits and women to wear black skirts with a white blouse?

If you're not careful people will think you're a Presbyterian. ;)

[FreeinChrist]

Both men and women wear shorts, pants, jeans. I think the church's stand is that God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance. So as long as people are decently covered, as far as I know they don't say anything.That sounds like my church. It gets so hot here (Phoenix), many men wear real nice shorts and polos. Too hot for a suit. Some summers we had to have bottles in ice water for after the service to hand out ( $ donations accepted for them) because it is so hot and dry.

We pretty much just want to get people into church and learnig about Christ. Modesty is privately addressed and mostly involves teens. But it is rarely needed Occasional visitors are sometimes dressed like they are at a cocktail party, but we don't say anything to them. We have found that the focus needs to be on the message of salvtion, and the Holy Spirit does a great job of guidance. :clap:

We once had a new Christian who was a former drug addict, and was just off the street a few weeks, and in a small group prayed, "Lord, we don't know what the *#*@ (as in heck) we are doing...but we come to you and ask for help." :eek: Though we cringed at this, I believe that God understood the true intent of this person's heart and did work in his life - no drugs, no street life anymore...and better at prayer, too! :clap:

[ksen]

I've heard the story told of a missionary who went to a certain tribe in Africa. When he arrived there he discovered that this particular tribe did not wear clothes. So here he was in the middle of a tribe of naked men and women.

He started his ministry by teaching them the appropriateness of wearing clothes. Eventually he got to the point wear the tribe was dressing and not walking around naked.

Then he started preaching the Gospel. Guess what happened? No one wanted the Gospel. They were of the mind that they had been doing something wrong (walking around naked) but that had been fixed (they now wore clothes). Therefore to their minds they were not sinners because they had corrected the perceived wrong.

[the Colonel]

I don't think anyone's saying we should make sure the sinners are dressed correctly first, and then talk to them about salvation. Good grief! The idea here is that those who profess Christianity are exhorted to be modest and not be a stumbling block to weaker Christians. This includes sexual temptation and lust of the eyes! Look, I would dare any of you to say that we, as Christians (especially in the church), should NOT dress modestly. Give me a break.

[Cright]

I haven't heard this preached on in church yet, but have only been there since Dec/Jan. I have had it come up in several conversations w/ church members.

At church many wear skirts, but many others wear pants.

I personally only wear a dress or skirt once in awhile. There are several reasons. The first being that I have big ugly short legs and don't want to expose them. If I wear a really long skirt I look like I"m in a potato sack and if I wear a knee legnth I'm showing big ugly leg! LOL

When I lose more weight (I'm down 35lbs as of today! Woohoo, and have about 50 to go) I'll wear skirts MUCH more often. I really did enjoy wearing them at one time... but it's been a long tome too.

For now I'll stick to the occasional time when I wear them. I only have a couple that I like to wear.. as I get smaller and feel better I'll acquire more and more.. as long as I'm covered and modest I'm happy.

What would a woman do when running/ jogging/ cayaking/ caveing/ biking if she were only supposed to be in skirts? My active life would totally take a dive! :(

:hug:
Carina

[tateziwin]

My Pastor says he doesn't care what you wear when you come to Church, just as long as you come.

[SumTinWong]

Our church does not care in anyway what you wear when you enter the church. There is a stroy about a young man that some of you may have heard.

A little girl came home from Sunday school one day and she was beeming. Now the house she lived in was a very poor one and the family unit itself was not very God minded to say the least. The father of this group, looked around the table at his son and then his daughter and noticed that she had an unusual glow about her. "What is your problem?" he said. "Nothing daddy," she gushed "today I accepted Jesus into my heart!".

"Hurumph, that stuff is garbage, I don't want that kind of talk in this house." "But daddy, " She whined "they invited all of us to go to an open house next week, and I really want you and mama to come!" "Don't back talk me your mama aint goin and niether am I" he growled at her.

A little voice chimmed in, "I'll go with you sis" the little voice said "I aint never been churchin' " " Thanks Johnny, " she beemed again "mama can he really go with me?" "Whatever, just don't be spending all day over there, I got chores for you all to do."

So anyway all that week the little boy asked her question after question about what churchin' was like, and on Sunday they headed off to the church service. Johnny was fascinated by all the kids who were wearing suits and ties, and he felt a little ashamed that his shoes and jeans had so many holes in them. Maybe he should have tried to get mama to sew them up, but she has so much to do already, and he never seemed to be able to keep from ripping them again anyway which made her mad.

All of his concerns vanished though as he sat in the front row of the church and listened to the preacher speak about how blessed the meek were, and he said that Jesus judged people by thier hearts and not by what they looked like. It seemed to Johnny that the preacher man was talking just to him, and he was overjoyed that someone could love him, no matter how dirty or poor.

After the service, sitting outside waiting for his sister he reflected on all he learned that day, and he too beemed. Just then a little boy all dressed up came out and sat next to him. They didn't speak. A woman with a high pitched voice, came out with a group of other people and screamed, "Billy get away from that...that...excuse for a boy!!!" She walked over to Johnny, and told him in the most scornful voice, "You ought to have more respect for God's house than to come here looking like that. It is disgraceful!!!"

Johnny was so embarrassed that he ran all the way home crying. He vowed never to go into a church again, and from I understand the boy, John Dillinger never did.

Who knows if the story is true or not, I don't claim it to be, it is just something I heard once. I can imagine it being done though, and if my church ever developed a "dress code" they would be without at least one member.

[SumTinWong]

When I lose more weight (I'm down 35lbs as of today! Woohoo, and have about 50 to go) I'll wear skirts MUCH more often. I really did enjoy wearing them at one time... but it's been a long tome too. Hey great news! Praise God and continued success on your quest to lose weight!

[the Colonel]

I think some of you are confusing the issue. Or, at least we're talking about two different topics. There's a difference between thinking you should get dressed up/wear designer clothes (personal preference/personal conviction) and dressing modestly in general. In light of this, it would seem that pastors can speak on this issue in a completely wrong way or come from a completely biblical view.

If all you can afford to wear are old, worn out clothes --oh well. If, however, you're a Christian (especially a woman/young lady), and you wear designer mini-skirts versus conservative slacks/dresses, then perhaps the issue of modesty can press upon your heart. We are called to be modest in our speech and appearance and not to be a stumbling block to others. This has nothing to do with: well, I once heard a story about some poor boy who was made to feel aweful about his worn out jeans he wore to church.

Yes, it is traditional to wear nice clothes to church. This IS tradition and personal conviction and many of you are right to question some people's crusade against casual clothes at church. Is it disrespectful to wear jeans and sandles and a t-shirt to church? I don't know. Personally, it grinds my wife and I, but we are not going to "preach" against it because we know it is not biblical. It is merely a personal conviction and preferance.

However, are my wife and I going to say something about a regular church member/Christain who wears jeans and top so tight, we don't know how she can breathe? YES! This goes to modesty of Christians.

Just trying to straighten out the issues here.

Thanks,

CK

[TwinCrier]

The problem comes with trying to FIND modest clothes anymore. There were some girls who started a petition to encourage the clothing industry to design clothes for teens who don't want to show off their navels. http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/teenclothing021117.html
There are many Christian clothing retailers who specialize in modest apparel though. http://www.stanosheck.com/Modesty.html

[SumTinWong]

If all you can afford to wear are old, worn out clothes --oh well. If, however, you're a Christian (especially a woman/young lady), and you wear designer mini-skirts versus conservative slacks/dresses, then perhaps the issue of modesty can press upon your heart. We are called to be modest in our speech and appearance and not to be a stumbling block to others. This has nothing to do with: well, I once heard a story about some poor boy who was made to feel aweful about his worn out jeans he wore to church.
But the story is an example of over pretentious pious people that worry about the outside appearance of a child rather than the inside appearance of themselves. Obviously if the lady were sensitive witht eh Spirit of God, she wouldn't have denegrated the child, and yet she thought she was doing the Lord's work by trying to get him to dress properly. I go to church to worship God, not be a fashion cop.

[P_G]

I want to chime in here and add this that I am not impressed with your suit
or if a lady wears a dress or blue jeans. We live in farm country and blue jeans, flannel shirt and John Deere suspenders are considered high fashion.

The only thing that I would ask of a regular attender is that you are indeed dressed. This is a problem wiht especially some of the young ladies as I had mentioned before. Who come in with jeans cut so low that well they are below the pevlic bone and their undergarments such as they are are hanging out.

This becomes a real stumbling block for the men. But I don't preach it from the pulpit I preach it one on one. Because it is not a pervasive problem. Usually a 5 minute talk in the library and with mom and dad if that is appropriate fixes the problem. Usually to these young ladies I ask them if they would prefer if the old men in the back row concentrate on the sermon or concentrate on what it would be like to have relations with them? This is always met with a "eeeeww thats gross!" And I let them know that dressing provocitivly has one purpouse and that is to get males interested in them - and that I suppose that it pays to advertise, but when you put a billboard out on the side of the road, EVERYONE reads it and considers if they want to buy what you are selling.

You know they always seem to dress more modestly after that. I dunno why.


Blessings

Pastor George (Purveyor of fine potatoe sack dresses for over 5 years ;) )

[the Colonel]

Usually to these young ladies I ask them if they would prefer if the old men in the back row concentrate on the sermon or concentrate on what it would be like to have relations with them? This is always met with a "eeeeww thats gross!" And I let them know that dressing provocitivly has one purpouse and that is to get males interested in them - and that I suppose that it pays to advertise, but when you put a billboard out on the side of the road, EVERYONE reads it and considers if they want to buy what you are selling.

You know they always seem to dress more modestly after that. I dunno why.




http://forums.civfanatics.com/images/smilies/lol.gif Right on!

The problem comes with trying to FIND modest clothes anymore.

An extremely unfortunate problem today.

[P_G]

Actually to be fair I do once in a blue moon have to talk to the young men. Problem with them is the baggy pants that ride half way down their butt with the underware covering the rest of things.

I simply let them know as a brother in Christ I so want them to have a proper trouser to underware ratio. As an older man in the Lord that it is my duty to help them in their walk. And that I have a pneumatic staple gun that will ensure that their trousers never again ride in a place too low for the their underpants. Sort of a permanent correction.

(they always come back wearing those John Deere suspenders you know it?)


hehehehehe

PG :wave:

[lucypevensie]

Our church does not really preach on this topic. Then again, there aren't many provocatively dressed members in our church either. If there were our pastor would probably not preach a sermon to the whole congregation, but someone would take the individual aside and speak privately. Our church get a lot of visitors, and to have a "dress code" I think would be intimidating to someone who walks in unprepared.

[Palatka44]

1 Timothy 2:9,10
9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Modesty is the key when it come to clothing. But who has modesty any more? So why should the people of God dress modestly? I ask facetiously of course.

[Carrye]

A related thread is taking place here (http://www.christianforums.com/t713453).

And I just posted this in that thread, but it's appropriate for this one too:

Has anyone read A Return to Modesty by Wendy Schalit? I highly recommend it, if you haven't. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/bo...vVV&cds2Pid=946 (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=A+Return+to+Modesty&userid=mHu1Dn1vVV&cds2Pid=946)

[RED that's ME]

This is a subject that I deal with on a regular basis in the Teen Forum. There's a good many girls who say they dress modestly. There are also a good many who says they should be able to wear whatever and the it's the guys problem if they look or lust over it. We have also had some threads where they guys tell the girls how it effects them I know this has help some of the girls change their minds towards modesty.
I attend a very large church/youth group and we do have every once in while special classes on dress which is a good thing. Girls do need to be taught why and how to be modest not just in dress but in actions also. Guys also need to be taught the same and also not to give attention to a girl when she is not modest.

Teaching modesty is not a lesson from the outside inward but from the inside outward. :angel: There's gotta be a heart change.

There's a lot of good websites that talk about modesty.

[Andyman_1970]

1 Timothy 2:9,10
9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Modesty is the key when it come to clothing. But who has modesty any more? So why should the people of God dress modestly? I ask facetiously of course.

And how does this say women should wear a dress in lieu of pant (if this is in fact the verse used to "encourage" women wearing a dress)?

[TwinCrier]

The simplest argument I heard on this was that when they use symbols on restrooms, around the globe it is an image of a woman wearing a dress on the ladies room. That is how small children draw ladies as well. It is a standard.

[jenptcfan]

A related thread is taking place here (http://www.christianforums.com/t713453).

And I just posted this in that thread, but it's appropriate for this one too:

Has anyone read A Return to Modesty by Wendy Schalit? I highly recommend it, if you haven't. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/bo...vVV&cds2Pid=946
That book has been on my "to buy" list since my pastor read an excerpt from it during one of his sermons. It really sounded interesting.

[Carrye]

That book has been on my "to buy" list since my pastor read an excerpt from it during one of his sermons. It really sounded interesting.
She makes some very interesting points. The book comes from her undergraduate thesis, if I remember right. It was pretty controversial on her campus at the time. She cites some old sources on modesty too.

Take it off your "to buy" list, and buy it! You won't regret it. And you know, my local library actually had a copy, so that's always an option.

[jenptcfan]

She makes some very interesting points. The book comes from her undergraduate thesis, if I remember right. It was pretty controversial on her campus at the time. She cites some old sources on modesty too.

Take it off your "to buy" list, and buy it! You won't regret it. And you know, my local library actually had a copy, so that's always an option.
I'll check out the church library...I bet they have a copy of it!

[GreenEyedLady]

OK,
Someone voted I was a dork.
HA
I am stunned that more of you did not vote for me being a dork.
GEL

[Carrye]

I am stunned that more of you did not vote for me being a dork.
GEL
Out of charity we decided not to. :D

[TwinCrier]

You are SO not a dork GEL. :kiss:

[@@Paul@@]

OK, i only voted "you are a dork" because everytime i tried to look at the poll results (prior to voting), i got the "database error" screen. :P

Now the results just show up by default. :D

[BronxBriar]

GEL,

I love you but I couldn't resist picking the last option!

[Carrye]

Time to close the poll?

[PaladinGirl]

My church doesn't preach on clothing at alll! But then again, my home is my church... lol. I don't go to church. I study the Bible on my own.

[PaladinGirl]

My church does not preach on clothing...I wish it did though...black suits for men and black dress and white blouse (no jewelry or make up) and a headscarf for the women.
Um, no offense, but isn't that just a bit legalistic?

[GreenEyedLady]

One preacher said the other night........
If you were going to meet the president of the United States, what you would you wear?
Would you go out and buy a nice suit? Would you pick out a new dress or outfit?
Shouldn't you do the same for the Lord?
I have been taught all my life to wear dresses at church. I look my best in them. And the Lord deserves that!
GEL