Platform Apparel Tips
I Timothy 2: 9-10, "I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God."
Some of our worship ministries have very strict dress codes and some of us may not have a dress code at all. The fact still remains we, as leaders, cannot really wear what we want on the platform. We must choose our clothing with wisdom and dress appropriately for the position. Every job description has a dress code, and we are no different. I have come up with a couple of tips for platform dress. Each church has its own set of rules, and I have seen very liberal and very conservative situations.
Remember this, you are a role model and when Miss ‘Just Got Saved" wants to join the team or choir and all she has in her closet is "street wear" what are you going do? Your spiritual inner man/woman tells you what to put on and what not to put on, and she's not there yet. Perhaps this list of tips can help you figure out what would be acceptable and not acceptable for platform wear. Let's get down to the basics and look at the ABC's of platform wear. Of course, this is my list and you may want to add to it. If all else fails, run your concerns by your Worship Pastor, Pastor, or pastors' wives as to what would fit your particular situation.
The last thing I want to do is mother you and tell you what you should and should not wear. However, there are a couple of things that I've had to deal with, as well as some things I have gained through personal experience and embarrassment. If you can't use this information, pass it on to someone who can. I know that there are some out there who have never been told, and I would be doing you a disservice if I did not mention it.
An older woman in the ministry told me years ago that I should wear a sackcloth dress in order that I would not bring attention to myself when I ministered. I said "no way," but I understood the humbleness of her heart. She was a woman given to dressing well, and she needed to be humbled by the Holy Spirit and she wanted to pass on some wisdom. Please note that my intention is not to offend anyone, but some things need to be talked about and this is our arena. Sooner or later you will have to deal with these issues!
A. Always wear a bra - it is a distraction for the guys because they can't worship! Why would you not want to wear one anyway? Make sure you are covered up properly. Don't embarrass others, or yourself, by wearing something transparent. Remember Geena Davis? Things look different under bright lights.
B. Bring the right shoes to worship in. You really can't dance before the Lord with high heels.
C. Hygiene - Keep a dental hygiene kit at church (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) If it's your time of the month, keep extra clothing and supplies on hand. Accidents will happen. Don't forget your deodorant - BO is worse than a bad hair day!
D. Come prepared for anything - if your dress code requires you to wear panty hose, bring an extra pair so you can lead worship and not worry about the run you just got.
E. Modesty - Don't even think about that slit up the side of your skirt or dress, it's a distraction. Every woman would be embarrassed if they knew they were exposing themselves to the congregation - It bears repeating I've been there!
F. Focus on what the Lord wants to do through you to His people.
G. Get advice from an older woman who has been active in ministry - someone you can trust to give you wisdom about things. Adopt a church Mom or Aunt
Continue >>>
Used by churches all over the world to help teach worship, the Experiencing Worship study can help your worship team too.
Your team will learn why we worship and gain a better understanding of how to worship.
One user said..."Your 5 week study course has made a tremendous impact on my life in the study of worship... I would like to express my thanks for a well written study course that leads into a higher realm of praise and worship."
This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.