Churches go less formal to make people comfortable
Comfortable is a theme that's becoming common among churches taking advantage of new, non-traditional spaces. Across the country, churches are springing up in unexpected locations — movie theaters, skating rinks, strip malls and old warehouses, among others — in an effort to welcome people who may not feel comfortable in more traditional settings.
Aaron Coe, vice president for mobilization for the North America Missions Board, said there are several factors contributing to these new churches, including a move away from traditionalism and the economic advantages of leasing space instead of building a church.
"We've seen everything from art galleries to schools," he said. "Schools and movie theaters are probably the most common. There is definitely a trend, and I think it's one that's here to stay."...
Baptists looked at their Bibles, couldn't tell which way was up so, via schism, they created a "southern" Baptist "denomination" (division) with the charter to keep darker-skinned folks chained down.
This legalism hurts and, in many cases, kills.
Legalism Kills wrote: Ditto for the drinking of alcohol. They annually lie (via a 5 part sermon series) to their people that drinking and/or dancing are sins. Then they spare no expense or shame with their variety C&E shows. All shock and no awe, with zero reverence for our Lord. Also, when the Baptist pastor was too high and mighty to even schedule a talk for 30 minutes, you saw my friends and me kick the dust off our sandals as we headed for loving pastures in orthodox Presbyterian circles. "Less formal" is the trajectory to Ichabod.
Ditto for the drinking of alcohol. They annually lie (via a 5 part sermon series) to their people that drinking and/or dancing are sins.
Then they spare no expense or shame with their variety C&E shows. All shock and no awe, with zero reverence for our Lord.
Also, when the Baptist pastor was too high and mighty to even schedule a talk for 30 minutes, you saw my friends and me kick the dust off our sandals as we headed for loving pastures in orthodox Presbyterian circles.
"Less formal" is the trajectory to Ichabod.
Beth Neufer wrote: This is why we left the Baptist Church. It took us years to overcome the damage of a judgemental, self rightous spirit. I also disagree with the tatoo parlor. The bible is clear on that subject. I disagree with the church building and perfect dress. The church is the people and not the building. You can teach accurate doctrine in any setting. As far as dress? Dress modestly. Cover up that is it! Leagalism is killing the church and is unaffective for winning souls. No different than the Pharisees.
This is why we left the Baptist Church. It took us years to overcome the damage of a judgemental, self rightous spirit. I also disagree with the tatoo parlor. The bible is clear on that subject. I disagree with the church building and perfect dress. The church is the people and not the building. You can teach accurate doctrine in any setting. As far as dress? Dress modestly. Cover up that is it! Leagalism is killing the church and is unaffective for winning souls. No different than the Pharisees.
I.M. Wright wrote: Just think about it--don't older men look better in suits than in jeans and T-shirts? Formal wear hides defects, so it is a benefit that we wear it.
According to who and based on what?
Where is the sanity and comfort in tying a piece of garment around your neck? To me, it's just stupid.
New Testament gives many guidelines--older women to teach the younger women (about all things, including dress at worship services), older men to teach older men. Also, don't even the govt. schools use uniforms to avoid dress problems? And many restaurants require coat and tie for ment? Just think about it--don't older men look better in suits than in jeans and T-shirts? Formal wear hides defects, so it is a benefit that we wear it.
I would like to know how you would address women that don't dress modestly in the church...since it seems to be something elders and pastors are uncomfortable doing. Thanks.
Who decides what is formal and what is not formal and where does the Bible speak of each?
And what is considered clean apparel and who decides?
OP wrote: When worshipping for GOD, we are to dress modest. We are to dress with respect to God. We are not getting together for a picnic to eat or swim. We are coming together to honor Christ! This is a more sober and dignified atmosphere. Wear decent clothes! No excuses please. There are thrift stores that have dresses and slacks. Stop talking about wearing those old faded dirty jeans. If I touch a nerve, then that is a good thing.!
When worshipping for GOD, we are to dress modest. We are to dress with respect to God. We are not getting together for a picnic to eat or swim. We are coming together to honor Christ! This is a more sober and dignified atmosphere. Wear decent clothes! No excuses please. There are thrift stores that have dresses and slacks. Stop talking about wearing those old faded dirty jeans. If I touch a nerve, then that is a good thing.!
Socrates wrote: Who decides what is formal and what is not formal and where does the Bible speak of each?
Ah, here, I was looking for a way to agree with you, and only partially since you somewhat answered, Neil's comments. But,
1 Timothy 2 8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.---NASB
The above does speak to the issue of clothing. I know that IHCC does not make an issue of clothing. However, all the pastors and ushers do wear suits. So, Neil, and those hypothetical circumstances that you pointed out, I would say I would also wear a hypothetical suit. For the President or Queen, I think I can dig up a sports coat and a pair of slacks however. By the way, I'm certainly not criticizing any fellow who wants to wear a suit to church. I do expect everyone to wear something. It would also be nice that what they wear is clean--God would expect it and man demands it.
It is not for God's benefit that we should wear clothes, either for worship or service, but for mans'. Before the Fall, the perfect man and woman worshipped God naked, which is how God designed it.
We are to be separate, holy. Not causing another to stumble. As a father, and husband, it is my responsibility to address modesty in and out of the home. But it is especially true, with regard to corporate worship.I see many husbands and fathers, in church, that allow there wife or daughter to dress seductive and immodest. They are totally oblivious to it also... Sorry. But I want the people focused on the sermon, not some immodest women flaunting her body. I understand, someone Coming to visit that is unregenerate, that lives like the world, dressing immodest. but the body of believers, should be set apart. The lost should see something different,when coming in to a corperate service. It might actually convict them a little, to examine themselves.Sadly, even Many pastors in Conservative Churches, don't like to bring this up.
kenny wrote: ... Now I often see women at so-called 'worship' services dressed like whores and men often look like they've been surfing. Personally, I believe it's the rock & roll culture's influence. I doubt if God cares one way or the other how one dresses when believers gather for corporate worship as long as they dress MODESTLY. Sadly, modest dress is rare at churches or anywhere else these days. I've known a lot of people thru the years who wouldn't attend church because they felt like they didn't have clothes that were nice enough or didn't own a suit. That shouldn't be.
I find it amusing how even as recently as 50 years ago men wore suits & ties to big league baseball games in America. Folks used to dress up for everything. Now I often see women at so-called 'worship' services dressed like whores and men often look like they've been surfing. Personally, I believe it's the rock & roll culture's influence.
I doubt if God cares one way or the other how one dresses when believers gather for corporate worship as long as they dress MODESTLY. Sadly, modest dress is rare at churches or anywhere else these days.
I've known a lot of people thru the years who wouldn't attend church because they felt like they didn't have clothes that were nice enough or didn't own a suit. That shouldn't be.
Think about when people in the OT approached God.. there was not a hint of casualness in their demeanor.
At Mt. Sinai God commanded the people to wash their clothes before He met with them and gave them the Law. They probably only had one set of clothes each, but seriously, would it befit the holiness and majesty of God to approach Him in dusty, sweaty traveling clothes? (But isn't it the heart that counts? Apparently God was concerned about the outward!)
What about when Moses stood before the Lord in the burning bush encounter? God told him to take his shoes off because he was standing on holy ground.
Or think about Isaiah in Is. 6... casual? I think not!
Even the saints in heaven are attired in white robes, and I kind of doubt these robes are anything less than the very best heaven has to offer!
If we really got a hold of who God is - His majesty, His holiness, His greatness, His power, His honor - we'd be a lot more careful about how we approach Him!
Study worship in the Bible. God didn't accept things done just any old way. He has a very particular way He wants to be worshiped.
A casual approach to God? Look in your Bibles... I don't think you'll find it!
God will reach people by whatever means he wants to, we all know that people are the church, I myself along with others are casual for wednesday services but may choose to wear a suite on sunday. As far as buildings are concerned, it is the power of the Holy Spirit that draws man unto God so it really doesn't matter where the service is held. My church is streamed live into a local movie theatre & hundreds have been saved by the foolishness of preaching (1 corinth.1:21) Gods grace to save men is all thats needed, and a willing heart of course. People in third world counteries don't have suites to wear & I'm sure the last thing they're concerned about is attire, also sevices are held in shacks or wherever is available. These concerns are an American cultural thing and in my opinion.
Neil wrote: When someone invents a working time machine, then I'll worry about this scenario. But I would be happy to wear a robe instead, where required.
That would be more comfortable, though perhaps a bit chilly on the legs here.
There doesn't seem to be much comparison of dress at my meetings. Some wear suits, others blue jeans. I go dress casual, sometimes jeans and sweater. Fortunately, I haven't had to sit in the back rows yet.
COMMENTS | 
For the President or Queen, I think I can dig up a sports coat and a pair of slacks however. 
By the way, I'm certainly not criticizing any fellow who wants to wear a suit to church. I do expect everyone to wear something. 
It would also be nice that what they wear is clean--God would expect it and man demands it.
john uk from wales: "
christopher000
uh-oh...here we go, making fun of the..."
