Yes, nothing irks me more than going to the wife's church back home and the kids are in shorts or worse their PJ's, adults too. Honestly I hate it when people wear jeans to church.

 

Im not saying suit and tie, im a khaki's and polo/button up shirt person.

 

It shows disrespect in my opinion.

But if that's all that they have to wear.....

Is it possible that your thinking is one example of why churches like Vineyard have grown so much?

 

Maybe, Ive never been to one of those churches to make the comparison. I know how I was raised.

But if that's all that they have to wear.....

 

Goodwill has nice clothes too. Look presentable.

Goodwill has nice clothes too. Look presentable.

 

Does it somehow take away from your ability to worship?

I think many would have what we "prefer." However, it seems like this is a common concern among the non-church-going. I assume "church folk" must be putting off a vibe to make them uncomfortable.

 

In my experience, different churches have different tendencies and traditions. I don't criticize what anyone wears to church, regardless of what it is. Dress how you want to dress. The New Testament church certainly didn't make worship attire an issue.

 

What I don't care for is people looking down on someone else, or giving them the stink-eye, because of how they present themselves.

Does it somehow take away from your ability to worship?

 

Nope just one of my pet peeves.

In my experience, different churches have different tendencies and traditions. I don't criticize what anyone wears to church, regardless of what it is. Dress how you want to dress. The New Testament church certainly didn't make worship attire an issue.

 

What I don't care for is people looking down on someone else, or giving them the stink-eye, because of how they present themselves.

 

We're on the same page. I often see people who make me think "good gosh - what is that?" But I never think ill of them or think they shouldn't be in MY church. God bless them. There's room for all of us - from those who want to rock a suit and tie to the guy who is in t-shirt and shorts.

Nope just one of my pet peeves.

 

Gotcha.

There's room for all of us - from those who want to rock a suit and tie to the guy who is in t-shirt and shorts.

 

Exactly.

My goal is to get my kids to Mass on time, preferably in clean clothes that they normally do not wear when playing outside. It's a struggle. And by the time I have accomplished that, and I am sitting in church with my family, I am so dang pleased that I really do not notice what others are wearing.

My goal is to get my kids to Mass on time, preferably in clean clothes that they normally do not wear when playing outside. It's a struggle. And by the time I have accomplished that, and I am sitting in church with my family, I am so dang pleased that I really do not notice what others are wearing.

 

That's funny.

If a guy wearing shorts and a t-shirt is a distraction I'd argue that there are other issues. I can't imagine how I would be distracted by that.

 

And what is "his perspective?"

 

To me it is not a distraction, but you don't know how old people think. I would talk to them about the short-wearing guy's perspective and to him about their perspective. In a family, we consider one another when we do things.

 

"His perspective" is getting the guy to consider what God's perspective may be. I don't tell him what I think. I ask him to consider what worship is. Does the Lord care what he wears? I think this is an issue of discipleship. I want his decision to be principled, not to do it because, "I'll do what i want and I don't care what others may think."

To me it is not a distraction, but you don't know how old people think. I would talk to them about the short-wearing guy's perspective and to him about their perspective. In a family, we consider one another when we do things.

 

"His perspective" is getting the guy to consider what God's perspective may be. I don't tell him what I think. I ask him to consider what worship is. Does the Lord care what he wears? I think this is an issue of discipleship. I want his decision to be principled, not to do it because, "I'll do what i want and I don't care what others may think."

 

So when the new guy says "Sir, why does it matter? Is there something in the Bible that tells one how to dress for worship?" what would you say to make him realize it's not just YOUR opinion? And is it enough of an issue to risk having him not come back?

And if we're worried about distractions do we say something to the parents with the kids who make too much noise?

And if we're worried about distractions do we say something to the parents with the kids who make too much noise?

 

Yes I do that too (call me ole scrooge when it comes to Church.) Take the kid to another room/outside.

 

Gotta have respect for the church and for others in the church.