Sorry, but I can't resist this ... I don't think a pastor should dress in the pulpit, he should dress at home.

I am a mid-life guy who grew up under the philosophy that church is the "best place" you ever go. My parents taught me that dressing nice for church was a sign of respect and reverence for the One we go to worship.My Mom used to tell me that we shouldn't have a lesser standard of attire for going to worship God than going to visit the President in the White House. So, for most of my ministry as a pastor I lived out that expression by preaching in a business suit. I felt comfortable in that garb and liked the image of being a professional in my job. I have friends who are executives ...and I tried to adopt the image of being a good "executive" as a minister.I have had to change my thinking, however.  The culture has shifted into the belief that wearing a business suit to church is kind of phony. Now the belief seems to be that it is inauthentic to "dress up" in church. I guess it is thought of as pretentious.Well, as a fifty something guy it is a big stretch for me to wear worn jeans and a t-shirt for preaching. (I grew up on a farm ...and I guess I look in the mirror and look like a farmer in that outfit).  So I have reduced it down to some golf slacks and a polo shirt ...or in the winter an open collar dress shirt and a vest.  I am okay with that.  "I am willing to become all things to all people that I may win some." --Apostle Paul

Most pastors in my denomination wear robes or albs in the pulpit. The robe identifies the pastor and hides his clothes so as not to draw attention to himself. I prefer to robe for our formal Sunday service but wear a Roman collar and sport coat for our informal Wednesday service.

I grew up in the day when pastors wore suits to church (I'm 53 this year).  We can look with nostalgia at the past & remember the "good old days" but I remember my pastor taking off his coat due to the heat (no A/C in our little church) & even take his tie off at times.  That was considered to be when "the anointing" came on him.  Why is that now if a pastor goes into the pulpit without a coat & tie some consider it "dressing down"?

I still wear a suit & tie to Sunday morning services, mostly due to being in a more traditional church, but I never wear one on Sunday evenings, midweek or even extra "revival" services or such.  I wear slacks & a polo/golf shirt.  I have had zero feedback in a negative way & seems to make people feel more at home & comfortable knowing I'm not uncomfortable with a suit.

At some point I will move to wearing the same on Sunday mornings.  The "argument" that we are to dress equal to professional businessmen doesn't hold water in that many of them are starting to "dress down" also.  By the way, when did we begin taking our signals on how to dress, act, or anything else by the business world, entertainment world, financial world instead of God's Word?

The Word doesn't give that sort of directions.  It seems the early church wore to "church" what they wore every other day.  I don't believe they had separate "church" clothes.

I am not to look like the world, act like the world nor conform to the world.  Churches and Christians trying to "be cool or look cool" is one of the things, there are many others, that have weakened the church.  Attire represents the lifestyle of people.  "Busting a sag" represents a drug culture, numerous body piercings represent the "alternative" types, then there is gothic representing dark mysticism.  The way a person dresses speaks volumes about their lifestyle, period.
I wear a suit and tie when preaching and at a minium, a tie when at the church during the day.  Why you ask?  Because God has called me into the highest office a man can be called to, to help shepherd His children and lead the lost to His Son Jesus.  I want people to look and know that I am a pastor, not for my pride, but for access.  Many times opportunities were opened because someone knew that I was a pastor by the way I was dressed.
Most pastors who do not wear a suit in the pulpit would never thing about not wearing one when performing a wedding or funeral.  They would not want to offend the famlies.  It would appear then that they show more respect toward men than God.
A person should wear their best at church.  If their best is a white shirt and overalls, great!  Wearing your best is a sign of respect, to man and to God.
P.S. I am 46 and have been a police officer in high crime areas of a city.  I know what I am talking about when I say that your attire tells your lifestyle.

TwinsFan1 threw out the "scripture" card saying there's no scriptural precedence for dressing up. We gotta be careful going that route ...cause "scriptural precedence" will lead us down the path of head coverings, no worldly adornments, etc.  There is no scriptural precedence for pews or shiny gold colored offering plates, either.I guess pastors should try to serve the people they minister to by striking a good balance between what garb doesn't become a distraction for either the Christian or the non-Christian sitting in the service.Thankfully, this is becoming more and more of a non-issue as long as the pastor conveys warmth and authenticity ...no matter how formal or informal the attire.

Gadgetdad,

Believe me, I agree with you.  My point is that oftentimes, unScriptural requirements are placed on people, and dress is one of them.  By throwing out the "Scripture card" I'm simply wanting to help people see that we need to not put a yoke on people that is not in Scripture.  The Pharisees were experts at that, and Jesus got all over them for that.

BTW, I am not calling anyone who disagrees with me on this issue a Pharisee! !i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif|src=i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif|border=0!

As for the adornments, head coverings, etc., those are still issues in the church today, and as long as people are following a conviction based on their understanding of Scripture about these non-essential items (as is this issue we're talking about), then I'm cool with that, and would respect that in their presence and context.


One thing I personally need to be careful about is not letting my <b>preference</b> for what some consider to be casual to become legalisticin its own right.  If I were to have the privilege of preaching at BroMark's, church, you can bet that I would dress in a suit and tie - because that's his context.  It would be rude and sinful of me to come that church and say, "I don't need to dress up so get over it!"  Also, I wouldn't ask BroMark to discard his suit if he were to come to my pulpit.

I also like your thoughts on the distraction.  I don't believe we are to call attention to ourselves by how we dress.  Again, Jesus mentions this on the Sermon on the Mount where He chastised the religious leaders for wearing long tassles and big phylacteries just to show off.

I appreciate all the responses to this.  We're obviously not going to agree on this, but I'm grateful to be able to interact with fellow servants for the Kingdom!

Brian

PS - BroMark, I hope my previous comment did not come across as disrespectful.  That was certainly not my intention and I ask your forgiveness if it came across that way.