i was told a few times if i wore pants i would go to hell, did you know there are still people around like that, one woman had on a long dress, no makeup, she said to me dont i look holy, i have heard all kind of dress codes, but people will damn you to hell if you are different than them, i dont mean everyone will, but there are a few that just looks for things to damn you with, but i do not let it bother me, because jesus saved me when i had a pair of pants on , i think he knew what he was doing,

Who set the standard for what is and is not formal?  How more worldly can you get than adopting the worlds form for formality?  I think Jesus spoke to this issue when He condemned the religious bigots of the day of focusing on the outside rather that what is on the inside.  Dr. McArthur is just perpetuating this age old religious arrogance.

Of course, if this was 225 years ago, Dr MacArthur would start out by saying, “Some people ask me, why do I wear this powdered wig?”

I have had church members say that wearing a tie or even a suit is not important. I agree with John when he talks about respect for the pulpit. It is one thing to go visit in someone’s home wearing a suit and tie and quite another to be in the pulpit. We only have one time to back a first impression for our visitors. I think it comes back to a basic premise: is what we do as pastors and preachers of the Word of God, a calling or a job? Too many today see the later instead of the former.

1.) Kudos John MacArthur, Russell and Min. KAC.

2.) Why is it that we are all so quick to read our own hurts, wounds and personal preferences into others’ statements, principles and generalizations?

All J.M states above is an explanation of why HE wears a tie in the pulpit and, by implication, why he SUGGESTS this might be a good idea for others.  In now way, in the quote above, does he suggest it being required for anyone nor a definitive sign of actual personal righteousness or holiness.  And, yet, most of the anti- responses here are focused on rejecting this idea and J.M. personally with an insistence of legalism, judgment, and universal application that is NOT actually there!  And, yet we feel justified in being so quick to judge J.M.’s character, intent, and ‘secret agenda’?

3.) Why is it that to so many people, it is always legalistic and pharisaical to recommend someone wear a suit and tie in the pulpit, but to suggest that someone should not wear a suit & tie is perfectly acceptable and graceful?

I have been in more churches that have specifically instructed me to have to dress casual, than ones that have asked me to be sure to have a suit and tie!

4.) I feel that we may again be focusing in too little on the real principle that is being espoused here.  As I read and re-read J.M.’s statement, it has nothing to do with clothes or dress code itself. 

The premise really is about what kind of a statement/attitude should we - as preachers - present to the people concerning a proper attitude for scheduled worship in the church!  Like it or not, intend to or not, our physical appearance DOES send a message.  What we actually wear is just the ‘garnish’ that accentuates the ‘main dish.’ First, we must define the ‘main dish.’

What should be our attitude to worship?  Is this supposed to be a ‘normal’ time or a special time?  Is planned, corporate worship of God something to be entered into casually or in seriousness and sincerity?  Should it be preceded by little or much thought and preparation?  Should we offer whatever is available, convenient or comfortable at the moment, or make an extra effort to offer something different and special?

Our answers to those questions should then be reflected in our physical dress and presentation.  There is absolutely nothing legalistic about that!

5.) In reflection to the above questions, does not the Word of God repeatedly and consistently refer to and even require that entry into His Presence, the giving of sacrifice (even the sacrifice of our lives - Ro. 12:1), offerings, and corporate presentation are all to times of great ‘specialness’ never entered into lightly or ‘less than the best’?  Does not God’s Word repeatedly tell us that the Tabernacle and the Temple are patterns of the timeless worship in the Heavens?  Were not the synagogue and then church buildings and services originally designed to continue to reflect this?  Do not the books of Hebrews & Revelation make it abundantly that even after Jesus’ “It is finished!” declaration on the cross, these timeless patterns are to be continued and honored?  Is not an intentional, worshipful gathering of God’s set-apart people and holy priesthood biblically described as a holy event that makes its venue a holy place that is to be respected differently than any other?

BTW:  I’m a 38-yr-old, GenX pastor who mostly dresses business casual in the office and for Bible Studies and regular casual for any casual functions, but chooses to always wear a suit and tie on Sunday mornings and special services.  Not because I have to (I don’t), not because people would be offended if I didn’t (they wouldn’t), but because it more accurately reflects the attitude of my heart that this is a particularly special and honored time before my Lord!

PT, I think the inference from John Mac is how he is perceived and his criticism of things that are not Fundamental in their wiring.  He is says the pulpit is a special place and honor, I do as well but I do not wear a suit and tie.  His legalistic approaches and dogmatic statements have earned him the reaction he gets here.

Again, his thinking does not hold in so many parts of the world where one pair of pants, shirt and shoes are all that is available.  The inference is strong that those who dress casual are pandering to culture.  Wear a tie, I don’t care but when you put special meaning on it, then you inadvertently or directly impugn those who are different. 

To make the connection that my polo shirt reflects less of a spirit of reverence or shows my inability to understand the special place of the pulpit or the special place of worship is legalism at its core.  That is something Dr MacArthur has been known for.

If you took them out believing it impact your witness for Christ, then I would suggest you were usually sharing with the already convinced.

Seriously, since when does a non-follower who is becoming a friend with a follower give credence to a story of faith based on one’s appearance?  I have seen it happen frequently with “Christians” who chose to reject or accept a message based on appearance.  Good grief, even Samuel couldn’t believe David was the chosen king because of his “appearance” and God had to remind him it wasn’t about the “outside” that was important to God.

I fear your changing of your appearance was based NOT on the perceptions of non-followers of Jesus, but probably on an unspoken perception received from “Christians”.

The reality is that Scripture speaks exactly the opposite of what we should do compared to the story of why you changed.

I have no problem with the suit and tie.  In fact, if you want to find the “deeper” problem with MacArthur’s view read “Pagan Christianity by Viola” and you will find his “high view of the pulpit and office of pastor” is actually NOT in the Scriptures either.

Lee

Let’s see, started a church from scratch (i.e. no existing Christians besides wife and myself), didn’t grow up in church at all, and 80% of NewChurch wasn’t attending church prior to coming to our church.  Yea, probably right, probably shouldn’t have spoken on a topic I know nothing about.

Since you say it is Scriptural at least banty some proof texts.

@PT

I get your point.  I just disagree with the point you are making.  Don’t take it personal.

Concerning JM...I have made no comments about him as a person....I just feel his comments we arrogant and misplaced.  I’m certain I’ve made many arrogant and misplaced statements myself.

You are absolutely correct in the FACT that the world will make judgements concerning what you wear.  That is my point! 

In Jesus time, people made the same sort of pre-judgements about rich people, Gentiles, lepers, Samaritans, etc. 

That is precisely why Jesus passionately taught what is the most important - the person.

Of all people, we, the leaders of the church should place the same emphasis on the person on not on the shell.

Wear what you WANT.  People will talk no matter what.  Lead people in what is weightier.....do you love God and love people?

My definition of legalism would be, in addition to that which you have superbly defined, is to in any way try to improve ones standing with God by what we do.

You have not answered my most pointed questions though.  Who determines what is respectful dress?  What standard do we use?  Who does our dress honor or dishonor?  How?  What is our best that God desires?

Is it not our heart?  Is it not our very soul?  Is it not our devotion to Him and our fellow man?  Honestly I don’t think God gives a flip about what we wear.  And you will find people who both like or dislike what you wear.  My point is simply this....It is a non issue for those whose focus is on what God cares about.

Be free.  Wear what you want!

I think if you go down this road you have to put yourself in earlier cultures to see if the belief/comment still works for you. For example, if we were back in the times where only robes could be worn in the pulpit, would the same argument be held for those “disrespecting” the pulpit by wearing only a coat and tie?

MikeyA, I was really diggin what you were saying in your first paragraph.  Could you hear me saying Amen, preach it bro?

Then you threw me when you made the traditional argument (and might I add, legalistic - no offense) of equating “best” with what you might wear. 

No one has defined to me what is “best” when it comes to dress.  Who defines that?  Is it suit and tie?  Is it jeans and t shirt?  Is it clean clothes, as we all know cleanliness is next to Godlness.  Is it JC Penny or Elderbeermens? 

Is there a bible passage that directs us as to what is “best” when it comes to dress. 

Could one not make an argument that our so called “best” has kept those who don’t have the same standard of “best” from coming to church?

Please, please teach me more perfectly the way.

Tom ... I like your response to my blog.  Dress IS legalistic when it’s not designated in the Bible what that “dress” should be.  I stand corrected.

But my issue with many (not all) of today’s preachers is that their true desire is to fill their churches with people to get “big.” It’s all about the megachurch philosophy and competition.  And their casual dress is part of their “hook” because people (especially young people) may or will not show up if they wear a tie.

A preacher can dress any way he wants if his motives are pure.  But I see “ego” in too many preachers.  That’s what angers me.

If in my heart I believe the way I dress contributes to the growth of the church, then I’M growing the church and not the Holy Spirit.  I remove myself from those fleshly things and just preach the Word.  I leave the growing to God.

But I still prefer to wear a tie.  That’s just me.