When Fashion Controls the Church....

[revrandy]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

There is NO making them happy. Jean skirts like whales or a nice dress from Goodwill and shoes that actually match. It is the separation they hate not the so-called issues they fuss about.

Maybe some of them do....

But you haven't said the problem doesn't exist...

[Pressing-On]

As the Lord enlarged Abraham's tent and made him a wealthy man the only premise we can now stand on is:

If you can't worship with the fur on - take it off.

If you can't worship because your wallet is too full - lighten the load and give.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by revrandy

Maybe some of them do....

But you haven't said the problem doesn't exist...

PRIDE is the problem and no doubt some have it and those who flaunt themselves need a trip to the altar. However some folks just naturally are attractive and when they dress nice it generates jealousy. So I think both ends need regular trips to the cross to crucify the flesh. But I do not think cruxificion means homliness. You can look nice and not be filled with pride.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

PRIDE is the problem and no doubt some have it and those who flaunt themselves need a trip to the altar. However some folks just naturally are attractive and when they dress nice it generates jealousy. So I think both ends need regular trips to the cross to crucify the flesh. But I do not think cruxificion means homliness. You can look nice and not be filled with pride.

Now that will preach, Brother Epley!!!! Excellent!!!!

[revrandy]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

PRIDE is the problem and no doubt some have it and those who flaunt themselves need a trip to the altar. However some folks just naturally are attractive and when they dress nice it generates jealousy. So I think both ends need regular trips to the cross to crucify the flesh. But I do not think cruxificion means homliness. You can look nice and not be filled with pride.

Good Post...

and yes... I completely understand your "naturally attractive" comment...I live with it daily.... sometimes it's a blessing sometimes a curse.....

[CC1]

My church is far from perfect but one thing that I really like about it is how hit handles this issue of dress at church.

Every Sunday I look around me and there is the most eclectic mix of dress you can imagine. On the same pew you will see men in nice suits or sport coats, ties, etc sitting by men with jeans or Khaki pants on.

Same with the ladies. On the same pew are ones in very nice dresses and others with casual clothing on.

Dress is absolutey NOT the focus at my church so I have never seen anybody dressed up look down their nose at someone by them who is not.

I understand both the arguement for dressing up for church (showing God you care and honoring him with your best) and the one for not making church a dress up formal experience but one where you can be comfortable, not showy.

I think sometimes that divide has to do with peoples perspectives of God. Conservatives who tend to look at God in terms of judgement, rules, wrath, etc are the ones who usually dress to the nines and sometimes the result is a fashion show intimidating to visitors.

Moderates and libs tend to look at God more as a friend, father figure, etc. As a more intimate figure and thus feel more comfortable dressing casually when worshipping Him at church.

Some of those folks carry it to an extreme and you end up with preachers who think if they are not preaching in a Hawaiian shirt that doesn't tuck in you are not right.

[OGIA]

Originally Posted by revrandy

I completely understand your "naturally attractive" comment...I live with it daily.... sometimes it's a blessing sometimes a curse.....

Mosquitoes don't count................

[Pastor Keith]

Hey I liked to really dress nice, I wore very nice suits, still do on occasion. In my closet I have Armani, have had Brioni, Boss. Versace ties, Format Ties (the best ever) I have Johnston and Murphy before they became mall stores etc.

But my desire to reach the common man and relate to him became greater than fitting in among my brethren and my tradition that I was raised in.

It would be good for all to read how Hudson Taylor of the famed China Inland Mission reached the masses, but of course many on here will discount him because he wasn't saved, didn't have truth, the old mantra.

He shaved his head, grew a pony tail and learned the language, left the Western mission cites and lived with the Chinese people, the result when the Western Mission agencies with their American idealism, standards of living and conduct could only convince a few to be won to the Lord, Hudson won thousands, you should read the blistering criticism that the other missionaries said about him.

This radical incarnational mindset we must capture again if we are to make an impact in our world.

[revrandy]

Originally Posted by CC1

My church is far from perfect but one thing that I really like about it is how hit handles this issue of dress at church.

Every Sunday I look around me and there is the most eclectic mix of dress you can imagine. On the same pew you will see men in nice suits or sport coats, ties, etc sitting by men with jeans or Khaki pants on.

Same with the ladies. On the same pew are ones in very nice dresses and others with casual clothing on.

Dress is absolutey NOT the focus at my church so I have never seen anybody dressed up look down their nose at someone by them who is not.

I understand both the arguement for dressing up for church (showing God you care and honoring him with your best) and the one for not making church a dress up formal experience but one where you can be comfortable, not showy.

I think sometimes that divide has to do with peoples perspectives of God. Conservatives who tend to look at God in terms of judgement, rules, wrath, etc are the ones who usually dress to the nines and sometimes the result is a fashion show intimidating to visitors.

Moderates and libs tend to look at God more as a friend, father figure, etc. As a more intimate figure and thus feel more comfortable dressing casually when worshipping Him at church.

Some of those folks carry it to an extreme and you end up with preachers who think if they are not preaching in a Hawaiian shirt that doesn't tuck in you are not right.

Good Post...

[revrandy]

Originally Posted by keith4him

Hey I liked to really dress nice, I wore very nice suits, still do on occasion. In my closet I have Armani, have had Brioni, Boss. Versace ties, Format Ties (the best ever) I have Johnston and Murphy before the became mall stores etc. But my desire to reach the common man and relate to him became greater than fitting in among my brethren.

It would be good to read how Hudson Taylor of the famed China Inland Mission reached the masses, but of course many on here will discount him because he wasn't saved, didn't have truth, the old mantra.

He shaved his head, grew a pony tail and learned the language, left the Western mission cites and lived with the Chinese people, the result when the Western Mission agencies with their American idealism, standards of living and conduct could only convince a few to be won to the Lord, Hudson won thousands, you should read the blistering criticism that the other missionaries said about him.

This radical incarnational mindset we must capture again if we are to make an impact in our world.

If you shave your head and grow a pony tail... I will not be able to go fishing with you unless you tuck it into your Texas Longhorns Ballcap!!