Platform Standards

[Pragmatist]

Originally Posted by Sweet Pea

"encourage are girls to wear dresses" - as opposed to slacks/pants - or do you mean dresses as opposed to skirts/blouses or skirts/jackets?

I believe women wearing pants is NOT an area addressed in the manual. It is strictly an unwritten rule.

[Pragmatist]

Originally Posted by philjones

While I understand that in many churches the platform standards are not viewed as affecting salvation, only one's opportunity to lead, what do you think about a platform standard forbidding rings where the folks coming down from the platform are easily visible putting on their wedding diamonds and bands?

Do you find that strange or inconsistent?

I would go for odd, especially as seen by visitors. Even if platform standards are just for the platform, wait until you get home to put the ring back on.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by philjones

While I understand that in many churches the platform standards are not viewed as affecting salvation, only one's opportunity to lead, what do you think about a platform standard forbidding rings where the folks coming down from the platform are easily visible putting on their wedding diamonds and bands?

Do you find that strange or inconsistent?

Without naming any names, have you ever heard of this as a platform standard? I never have before.

[seguidordejesus]

Originally Posted by philjones

While I understand that in many churches the platform standards are not viewed as affecting salvation, only one's opportunity to lead, what do you think about a platform standard forbidding rings where the folks coming down from the platform are easily visible putting on their wedding diamonds and bands?

Do you find that strange or inconsistent?

This happened in a former church of mine several years ago. VERY inconsistent. If that's going to be a platform standard, those that wear them shouldn't wear them at church at all (and really, shouldn't wear them at all, b/c it's going to be obvious to anyone who has contact with them in both places.)

Originally Posted by Rico

Without naming any names, have you ever heard of this as a platform standard? I never have before.

Oh, it definitely goes on. As SeguidordeJesus indicated it has happened at a church where he attended. I have seen it as well. It is very puzzling to me what the pastor feels is being accomplished by these folks removing the rings for 30 minutes every service.

I am not the pastor of that church so I have no input or responsibility but I was just curious if I was alone if feeling it was inconsistent and confusing to vistor or sinner.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by philjones

Oh, it definitely goes on. As SeguidordeJesus indicated it has happened at a church where he attended. I have seen it as well. It is very puzzling to me what the pastor feels is being accomplished by these folks removing the rings for 30 minutes every service.

I am not the pastor of that church so I have no input or responsibility but I was just curious if I was alone if feeling it was inconsistent and confusing to vistor or sinner.

Honestly, I can't see the benefit making people take off their wedding rings for church service will provide. Maybe it is a bit inconsistent to have dress standards just for those up front, but I can see the benefit having that sort of standard can bring. Keep in mind that I don't believe in wearing jewelry, but it is an all the time thing with me, so maybe that is clouding my judgement a bit.

Originally Posted by Rico

Honestly, I can't see the benefit making people take off their wedding rings for church service will provide. Maybe it is a bit inconsistent to have dress standards just for those up front, but I can see the benefit having that sort of standard can bring. Keep in mind that I don't believe in wearing jewelry, but it is an all the time thing with me, so maybe that is clouding my judgement a bit.

Rico,

I have no problem with making no jewelry a platform standard... I just think if you are opposed to wedding rings ONLY on the platform it is a bit confusing... I think it should be a teaching that if you are in leadership you don't wear one period!

[Rico]

Originally Posted by philjones

Rico,

I have no problem with making no jewelry a platform standard... I just think if you are opposed to wedding rings ONLY on the platform it is a bit confusing... I think it should be a teaching that if you are in leadership you don't wear one period!

I would say we are in agreement. It doesn't make sense to me to be in favor of a wedding ring except on the platform.

I know how things work around here, so I am sure someone will come along and say it is inconsistent to only require certain dress standards on the platform. Personally, I am growing weary of the "consistency" argument. It's kind of like the fact that I don't celebrate Christmas but have no problem with birthdays. Where is it written that someone has to have a conviction in one area because they have it in another area?

[Old Paths]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Thank you Brother Scott, I was thinking along the same lines when I saw this thread. In addition to good overall construction standards for the platform - we should not neglect the electrical and plumbing needs either.

Is it too far out of bounds to install a small sink? In our dry climate out of town preachers would find it handy to be able the simply refill their water glasses without interrupting themselves.

This subject of course brings up my own nemesis: the roll of toilet paper. Even though we always had a box of facial tissue available, there was one sister several years ago who wasn't ever satisfied with the Puffs. Invariably, before service, sometimes during the altar call, she would go to one of the bathrooms and fetch a roll of toilet paper and place it prominently on the pulpit.

For years the pulpit always had a roll of toilet paper or two on it. It struck me as being somewhat strange. I once offered to install a toilet paper dispenser onto the side of the old wooden pulpit; my wife just glared at me when I said that.

Finally I just launched a roll out - streamer style over the congregation while I was preaching. Most people were worshipping with their eyes closed, but the young people thought it was cool. The toilet paper rolls stopped appearing on the pulpit some time soon after that. Maybe there was a better way that I could have handled it.

[Old Paths]

Originally Posted by Rico

Honestly, I can't see the benefit making people take off their wedding rings for church service will provide. Maybe it is a bit inconsistent to have dress standards just for those up front, but I can see the benefit having that sort of standard can bring. Keep in mind that I don't believe in wearing jewelry, but it is an all the time thing with me, so maybe that is clouding my judgement a bit.

The "benefit" is the pastor can go off to meetings or get on a forum and he can toot his own horn about being conservative by pointing out how he "preaches against rings".

Can anyone say smoke screen.