I don't mind people dressing casually, but when I'm preaching I don't feel right if I'm not wearing my best, doing my best, giving my best to the one who gave all for me.
Amen, Pastor Lawson, i agree with you 100 percent. My mom would also lay out my clothes as a poor kid, and even though it was poor clothing, she made sure that i was clean and pressed. And then my mom would give me 10 cents to put in the offering plate so as a small child i knew how to give to the Lord's work. My dad was a pastor and always wore a suit and tie. My mom would make our shirts from flour sacks when we bought our flour, we would go with her to the store and pickout the colors that we wanted for a shirt. My mom would also make and sell bars of soap in the neighborhood so that we could give our offerings on Sunday, and eventhough i lost my mom when i was 7, all of her lessons are still with me today. We would not wear drab clothes to visit the President of the United States, so why would we go into the presence of our Holly God and worship Him like we just fell out of bed? Thank you for your kind words and keep the dress code alive.
@@marcusburnett7225 How would you dress if you got a call from the Governor's office from the state you live in, and the governor wanted you to appear before him for "some" reason in his office............
I wear a suit and tie every time I preach. When I was in the army, I remember in basic training being told by drill sergeants that if I didn’t even at least try to look squared away, chances are the important things definitely aren’t squared away. Since that very day I have always made sure I always look professional and on Sunday morning I wear a full suit. I’d dress my best if I were going to meet the governor, how much more should I dress my best when addressing the children of the King in His house.
I agree. And he did say that it''s just his preference. As soon as I saw the title of the video I started trying to think of a "chapter and verse" that applies. I don't think it matters because the power is in the word. If we speak God's word, it will not return void. (Isaiah 55:10-11)
I do agree with Dr. Lawson. My great uncle was a pastor and he would wear a coat and tie when preaching from the pulpit. Also, even when he was not preaching, he always wore a white shirt and tie. I never saw my uncle without a tie. Even when he came to visit us, he would wear a white shirt and tie. And now I understand why. My uncle saw himself being on behalf of our heavenly Father; he always in the present of God. Even though many pastors no longer wear a tie but coat only (any many do not even do that), I still wear a tie to worship (summer only) or a coat and tie to worship. On a Caribbean cruise, at one of the stops, we went a tour of the various churches on the island. I wore dress pants, not shorts, in respect to my heavenly Father. I know people have changed in their outlook to this, but presenting my best in everything, including how I dress, is for me the way I glorify and honor God.
People will go out of their way to buy special clothes to meet an important statesman, but to meet the Creator of the universe its quite a different story.
Could not agree more Mr Lawson, no there is no chapter and verse but it is an attitude of heart. If you were summoned to appear before the king or the president to receive an honour you would not go dressed in jeans and Tshirt and your new trainers, you would go in respect of the person you were to meet, and yet as Mr. Lawson says some folks go to worship the ultimate authority dressed like they just fell out of bed. Dad who had been in the army during WW2 would not let us go off to school without polishing our shoes and even now as a semi-retired Bricklayer, I still wear a tie and clean shirt, indeed last year a dumpster truck pulled up where I was working and the driver shouted "I have never seen a Bricklayer with a tie on" I replied well, you have now! Train a child up in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 KJV
It’s an honor thing and you’re right about it. Going into the presence of God is not a light thing. He deserves all the glory, HONOR, and praise and honor is shown and seen.
We need more pastors like him the United States and around the world. He is a good example. If a Man does not care about his wardrobe? How can he care about his family? This is one of the Reasons. Why the churches have so many Broken families. From Rocky martin.
Great answer! One of my most influential Pastor. My family love you Mr Steve Lawson. I’m talking about teenage children and young adults. We listen to your men Bible study and your sermon. We also love John MacArthur, rip RC Sproul
Everything you said! The preacher is the worship leader. Think about how you look when you stand before the people of God to expound the word of God. I love this.
I'm just amazed at the Hornets Nest you stirred up with your video..... people want to justify their sloppiness by just saying they want to be comfortable.
Point made. A suit and tie are not practical for all, especially church planters of small churches who might need to assist with prepping for setup/practical needs of Sunday worship. The key is to think of your context and then dress so your appearance is not distracting or the focus.
Dr. Lawson, maybe not chapter and verse. However, God took great length in describing what His priest were to wear. As R.C. Sproul said faithfully, who would go to the White House or Buckingham Palace in T-shirt and jeans. A pastor dressed up shows the congregation the importance of worship. We move from the secular to the sacred to worship God. Thank you for being one of my examples in dressing for pulpit ministry.
I am in my 57th year of pastoral ministry. I have pastor 5 churches from sizes of 200 to 2,000. I appreciate his "preference" and admittance of not having a chapter and verse. I do not have a verse and chapter on dress. I dress casual, not sloppy, but casual. We live in a lake community and a suit would be out of place... Sunday is important, but it is not the most important day. Each day is important. Worship is daily. We meet in small groups that are just as sacred as Sunday. I want to give God my best heart not my best appearance. I think Jesus dressed as the common man. I appreciate his thoughts.....but do not necessarily agree and do not feel his wrong or right and I am not wrong or right. It is "preference".
You live and minister and dress like people in a lake community where the vast majority of us would never hope to be able to live but that your calling "common man" and saying Jesus dressed like people who lived in what would've been comparable to people who could've afforded to live in the more wealthy places of his day. Think about that a minute, Pastor.
Amen! Amen! Amen!!!! Pastor please preach more about dress code for our most highest king! Most peoples are dress up suits and tie to wedding but they don’t want to wear them for our Lord Jesus Christ he is our King amen 🙏
I applaud the choices Pastor Lawson makes for himself plus the fact that he doesn’t appear to necessarily condemn those pastors or church people who don’t follow his personal preference. What CAN happen is some people in suit and tie churches think it makes them better but I don’t really see that in Pastor Lawton’s explanation. However, not everyone that DOESN’T wear a suit or dresses more casual as a parishioner looks like a bum or like they’re cleaning out the garage, coming from a pajama party, or just got out of bed. I think that needs to be said. I was born in 1954 and went through the whole Kiwi shoe shine/clothes layout routine Saturday night-and when in church-of course-no “monkeyshines”. I remember it well. In many ways, I long for those good ole days but not the attitude that said back in the day “if it was good enough for me and my parents, it’s good enough for you”. Honestly, unless it’s a wedding, funeral, or another suit required event, I’m just not doing it these days. I try and wear nice non-faded jeans and a good western shirt or nice pullover sport shirt-especially if I play bass guitar in our worship.
Here is what a good friend, and Bible study teacher told me, and he is a Born Again Jew by the way, he said on Sunday morning I'm going be with the King, so if you are going to be with the King, shouldn't you wear your best? He said, and I had to agree, even though I don't wear suit and tie , don't wear one very often anyway, but I thought that was a good answer.
I preach out of the NKJV. I study out of the KJV and NKJV. And I go to the ESV to compare and see, especially if I get caught up on a verse or phrase. But I have been convicted to use the NKJV, but that's me.
I agree. There is of course a number of reasons why "men" should wear suit & tie: 1. Being, it keeps you in good shape. You ought to maintain same structure and size otherwise you will have to replace suits often. 2. It keeps you composed and well presented. 3. You maintain a sturdy look which add value to professionalism. 4. It is an internationally recognised leadership attire. 5. It keeps you humble... etc..
How would you dress if you were going to stand before a king? Or, how would you dress if you were an ambassador, or government representative on a mission? Surely clothing doesn't make a person however, he sees himself as an ambassador of the Kingdom of God. I personally don't see anything wrong with the way he represents God, In fact it seems like the church has gotten progressively casual when it comes to representing Christ.
Dress is a non-verbal indicator of attitude. Todays preachers dress casual, and their messages match. I still wear a suit and hopefully my congregation believes my messages match. At one time I thought about dressing a little more down, but had two experiences. One was Ronald Reagan documentary in which his Chief of Staff said that he wore his coat and tie in the oval office all the time, even when no one else was around, due to the reverence for the office. I asked myself if I was as reverent for the office God gave me? Some years later I was interviewing for a secular job, a kind of blue collar yet semi-office type. I asked a mentor if I should wear a suit to the interview. My mentor answered, "Do you want to interview or get the position?" Answer: you better wear the suit if for no other reason that you are showing your interviewers you respect them.
@@markrademaker5875 Matthew 9:20 the woman touched the hem of his garment. This is a Tallit, or prayer shawl, which is a common item of the rabbi for normal wear.
@@dougdoesit3013 Doug, have you used the Septuagint to get a good grasp on the words being used? In other words, have you seen how the greek word in Matthew 9:20 is used in the LXX? Are you saying Jesus' garment had the tassels, is that the right word, that the Old Testament priests had on there garments?
The casualness of our dress reflects our casualness toward God. If Jesus were to walk in during worship services and sit in a pew I would expect some people would faint, others would cry and some may leave out of fear or embarrassment. The next Sunday everyone would be dressed in their finest in case he showed up again. We have lost our fear and reverence of God. The direction our nation is going shows it.
Thank you. I’m not any leader in our church. I wear a Coat and tie every Sunday in Honer to our Lord and father and the assembly of his people (part of how I worship and respect). I agree I don’t like the grunge look that some leaders wear that appear they just came in from a 3 day drunk. I don’t understand why the lack of respect for the kingdom of our Saviors house. If they were invite to the governors (of their respected state) house for a dinner banquet, I’m sure they would wear their very best or run out and buy a really snazzy fine outfit to were to that.
People did not dress up for church until the middle class was born and they dressed up to show off their clothes at church because they didn’t make enough money to make it to rich parties. In fact, churches would often speak out against dressing up over a matter of pride. It’s not like that today. Also, pastors and preachers did not dress up until Rome financially assisted them and wanted them to look distinct. It all comes down to tradition.
I just love people that tell me, "We can't afford clothing that is nicer!" all the while telling me this while they are holding their $1000.00 IPhone..........................
I was raised like Dr. Lawson was when it comes to dress for church. And I certainly have no problem with men of God that dress in a suit and tie. As a pastor of over 27 years I dressed in a suit and tie most of my ministry. Then I was convicted it seemed and the question on my heart was why should I dress like a business man to do God’s work? The Lord Jesus dressed like the people of His day. “He had no form nor comeliness that men should desire Him.” It was the religious zealots and Pharisees of Jesus’ day that dressed above the laity. There are actually many verses in the NT that talk about dress and hair. My opinion is if the pastor is to dress up in a way representing his leading of the church in worship then why not remove the thought that he could be just a businessman dressed nice to wearing a clerical collar or robe where everyone then knows him as a religious leader of some kind? Just my thoughts. I love Dr. Lawson’s preaching.
You should lead the laity up to God. He’s not doing it to look like a businessman, he’s doing it out of reverence for God and his most holy presence. He is doing it out of humility towards God. You wouldn’t show up looking like an unmade bed when you go to visit the President at the White House, but you would for God, who is infinitely higher in stature?
Thank you so much for saying this! People put way too much stock into clothing. Yes, if I have, I will dress nice. But I’m not making it my whole purpose. That is idolatry. That’s what’s wrong with a lot of people. If they would worry more about their spiritual state with the Lord and less about a suit and tie, we might see some difference
I hate how people who have a conviction about wearing a suit and tie for church always mix up what is the proper dress code (business professional/suit and tie) with dressing neatly. (shoes shined, shirt ironed, no loose threads, etc.) In the military there are different uniforms with different degrees of formality, but the soldier is always required to look squared away whether in combat fatigues, coat and tie, or dress uniform. I find it erroneous of him to assume that looking like a slob means dressing casually; I've seen plenty of guys that look sloppy in a suit and tie because they don't pay attention to details and I've seen guys dressed casually like slacks and collared shirt looking sharp because they know how to use an iron and shine their shoes or even just brush their boots. I also find it faulty to say that we need to "wear our best". Am I supposed to wear my tuxedo? Is this a fashion show? I think what the speaker is trying to say is that the proper dress code for church should be like going to court and his personal conviction is that ministers should dress formally like lawyers. Church carries a weight, somberness, and formality to it like the courtroom and a coat and tie is proper. Clothes should be conservative and not draw attention to yourself, but your appearance should be well put together with your shirt ironed, shoes shined, tie knotted correctly, etc. Honestly this is the more traditional view of service, when ministers used to wear robes and people came to hear the word of the Lord from a pulpit.
DavidKlein8608 Well said!! I also picked up on his narrative that casual is always being a bum. I feel those in suit churches want to have everyone in lockstep to one type of preference. Then when they allude to it being the best they can do for God, they’re kind of saying those that don’t are not making the requirements of The Lord or at least not as good as what they’re doing.
Amen. Our dumbed-down culture needs to listen to this, and men of God should be the last to follow the pagan culture into slovenliness. I'm glad and honoured to wear a tie (and suit jacket weather permitting) to show God's Word is the most important message we'll ever hear. We have better news to declare than any politician, lawyer or newsreader ever had, and we should show that our message is worthy of no less respect that theirs is!
The verse means, "Man does look on the outward appearance, and God has the ability to see the heart......................" I get so tired of people using this verse (out of context) to look and live any old way................................
Presentation of the Gospel is serious business. It demands a decorum that sets the table as if it were for a special meal for a dignitary and to be taken most seriously. In addition- why should men not present themselves as ready to learn and be taught as well. My stomach flips when I see standing members- boys ( ages 26 upwards) wearing tee shirts, cargo shorts and flip flops with a open cup of coffee with ear buds running or sauntering into church as the preaching begins.
I haven't worn a suit in 40 years. I find them hot, uncomfortable and restrictive...almost claustrophobic. For church, I wear a nice polo shirt and khakis. It is possible to look presentable and respectful without a suit...and no, I wouldn't put one on to go the Whitehouse or to Buckingham palace either. If it was required, I wouldn't be going. Just because I dress more comfortably, it doesn't make me less respectful or mean that I love the Lord any less.
No I didn't mean that. I wear a tie in the same manner a priest wears a collar to show submission to Christ & the Word of God. That's my manner. As for Christ, He most likely wore the best He had into the Synagogue. We do know the priest had an acceptable manner of dress. That's all I'm saying.😀😀@@markrademaker5875
I preach at a church of about 35 people. Do you think a suit and tie would be okay for that size of a group? Thank you for these videos. This is great material.
It is acceptable because if you are preaching your are called to a noble position before God. Care about what you you do. A man will get on tv for 60 seconds to tell you it will be sunny downtown as an anchor and yet he wears a suit that says what he’s doing is important. How much more the expositor of Gods word? It is also a witness to any non believer that you take what you do seriously. How would you dress to meet the president? What if I told you that Jesus would visit your church tomorrow wouldn’t you dress in the best you can? So I think it’s not only acceptable but encouraged
@@bubbulove12 All valid points. Thanks for sharing. I did dress a little nicer today and wore a tie when I preached this morning, but hopefully adding a jacket soon. Thanks for your thoughts.
That's how our churches are today. People don't consider that they are entering into the presence of a thrice holy God. Just come as you are, worship is no big deal. Where should we go for lunch after the service?
“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.” Genesis 3:7 KJV The origin of dressing ourselves up.
It always seemed to me that if men dress for the office why then would they dress down for church where we come before the God of Universe ? I want to show reverence to my God by the way I present myself.
It's good that he said, its just a preference...If I were to use coat and tie in normal Indian village service, it would be really awkward..... Just wondering what would Jesus say?
What did first century Christians wear to church? Whatever they had - and as modestly as they could. Dont buy the 17th century Western idea that we need to wear a tie - how does that translate to Africa and India? Its tradition - not dogma.
You entirely missed his point. The Jews always wore a prayer shawl. Even today Jewish men wear a yamaka. The idea is to take worship seriously and dress in an appropriate manner. Dr. Lawson was addressing what he prefers to do in the pulpit here in the United States not what pastors in other countries with different traditions would do.
Where does it say that to enter My presence you need to be dressed up? If it doesn’t then it’s a man made rule. It saying it’s bad but don’t ascribe something to the bible that is not there.
For a season, my previous congregation needed someone to lead our Wednesday evening services. For whatever reason, not a single deacon stepped up so I did. One night I made the comment that we can dress in coat and tie if we choose to, but that we should not expect that of anyone else. That is precisely what I SAID, but what people HEARD was that we should should stop wearing a coat and tie. One of the people in attendance even stated that "the Bible says" that we should "wear our best" to church (which somehow applies to Sunday mornings only). The person has a high profile position at that church, and they have a seminary degree. Not wanting to escalate an already tense situation, I just said OK and then we moved on. When I got home, I was bothered by the reaction I got and I wanted to make certain that i was on sound scriptural footing when I stated that we should not impose a dress code on visitors or others who choose to dress more casually. As it turns out, scripture never says anything about how we should dress when we gather. The only thing scripture actually mentions about how we dress is this: "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble'.” (1 Peter 5:5). Wear whatever clothing you want, but don't pretend that a coat and tie is somehow holier than shorts and a golf shirt. And vice versa. A casual out fit isn't holier than a coat and tie. My main point I guess is that if you are judging people's clothing choices when you're worshipping, you're probably not worshipping.
Can we go back to black robes & a clerical cravat? It may look Papist but if its good enough for the Charles Hodge, Jonathan Edwards & the Puritans I think it should make a comeback. As well as fixed raised pulpits.
I think one should wear their very best to go to visit the Lord, if your very best is blue jeans a sweatshirt, then that's fine. If I was invited to the White House I would wear my best, is my Lord and savior not worth as much.
Jesus also was the "worship leader" and he "had the word of God", yet not one time...Not once did he ever place any emphasis on the external appearance. Wearing a coat and tie in religious service is strictly a relatively modern tradition. We do have passages that regulate the necessity of being "modest" (in the sense of not overdoing the outward clothing 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 1 Peter 3:3-4), but nothing is ever advised or commanded as to the so-called "worship leader" dressing "above" his hearers in a suit and tie or anything else that shows a clergy-laity distinction, or that indicates leadership through attire. The key is to wear clothing that is not suggestive, not sexually explicit, but to "dress the inner person" in a cloak of righteousness that will endure time and be prepared for eternity.
The power is in God's word (Romans 1:16) and it will not return void (Isaiah 55:10-11). Regardless of how we dress, let's remember those scriptures. Some sow and some water, but God gives the increase. He does it.
The principle of dress is are you presenting yourself in a modest and humble way? Are you dressing sensual or in a slovenly manner? Is your dress meant to draw attention to yourself? We can follow gospel principles to guide us. And women are most definitely commanded to be modest in their dress especially in regard to sensually loose and potentially revealing clothing common in today's sex crazed selfish world. Any woman who has no care or concern about being a stumbling block for a single or married man is not walking in a manner pleasing to Christ. The same goes for men with manly gimmicks as well. We all have a general understanding of what it means to be circumspect and modest in our dress. Sensuality is far more tempting for women in this slovenly, vulgar and sex crazed age we live in. God will give us wisdom and discernment in order to counter the fashions of the wicked and ungodly if we ask. Be NOT conformed to this age means something. Let's not pretend that it does not. Love NOT the world also means something. Let's act accordingly and distinguish ourselves from the world as we are commanded. In dress and language! For any professing Christian thinking about getting a PAGAN ungodly tattoo? In the name of Jesus Christ DONT DO IT! You will defile yourself and your body which is the Temple of the Triune God who is holy and demands holiness of His people! What can be more foolish, ungodly and idiotic than a tattoo? It is pure paganism through and through. This is a great evil in this age and is most certainly conforming to the ways of the unsaved wicked outside of Christ.
Why not a tuxedo then? If Jesus wore robes......then...... Yes, I jest, a tidge. However, God does look at the heart, not the outside (1 Sam 16:7). A seemingly interesting application, perhaps. Other cultures have different customs. No problem with him wearing a suit. He has his values and reasonings. It could well be sin for him to do less. Whatever is not of faith.... However, no one can say that others dressing otherwise are any less spiritually minded or any less interested in God's glory. Cowboy dress ain't my cup of joe but it fits in at Cowboy churches. Barongs are worn in the P.I. I could go on. And on. And those who wear less than a tuxedo who truly know and love the Lord also have OnePassion.....unless that's copyrighted trait.
But the Pastor is the one who preaches the word and is God's representative during the worship service. Dr. Lawson takes his role as Pastor very seriously.
Coats and ties have nothing to do with the Bible. It's a social norm. Nothing else. You are conflating social norms with religious worship. Sure have your personal preferences but don't judge others who don't. It's a bit 'worksy' don't you think?
