Women in Worship by Debbi Barnett Worship Leader September 10, 2008

For most of us, the legality of what is proper attire for a woman in ministry does not rack our brains whenever we are called upon to serve. For some of us, we are told what to wear and what not to wear. Should we wear make-up or not, fingernail polish…the list goes on (sounds like a song huh) etc…

I have already written an A-Z approach on what we should be aware of when dressing for ministry. If you have a more liberal church setting, refer to my article entitled “Platform Apparel” tips. In this article I will be addressing the opposite end of the spectrum. Should a woman wear pants when ministering? Here’s the scripture for discussion.

Deut. 22:5

· (NIV) “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this”

· (Good ole’ -KJV)- 5The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

· (Amplified)”A woman must not wear men’s clothing, and a man must not women’s clothing’s this is abhorrent (look this word up) to the Lord you God

· (Darby’s New Translation) – “there shall not be a man’s apparel on a woman, neither shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever doeth so is an abomination to Jehovah they God

What do we do with this information? It’s so plain to see that we cannot wear anything that even looks like it belongs to a man and vice-versa. Does this mean that I need to throw away my leather pants or my other pant suits, slacks and jeans? Some of my “stuff” is cute and very feminine. I thought God likes glittery stuff you know- streets of gold and all those jewels and precious stones listed in the Bible. It’s not like I wear these things on the platform all the time. It’s true they may cause a distraction but “none-the-less” – I got a few “tight”(referring to “sharp” or “good-looking”) pantsuits that look cute on me. Let’s get back to the subject and look at this scripture more closely.

As I looked at this passage, I thought there had to be more than just wearing men’s clothing for the sake of wearing men’s clothes. How many of us have worn our Dad’s or Brother’s shirt? I’m thinking and writing at the same time so bear with me.

The book of Deuteronomy is one of the first 5 books of the Bible. Moses wrote to a people who had no boundaries when it came to living away from Egypt. These laws were written to people who had just come out of living a life of bondage. They lived in a society where anything was acceptable. These laws were written to people who did not know how to live a holy (separate) life before God. They had to be given the law to live in a new life that God had tailor-made for them. They had nothing in place …no moral or social rules, no Macy’s, Tiffany’s, Nordstrom’s, or Miss Manner’s.

I got out a few commentaries and reference materials and did a study on this. Check this out! (We are still on Deuteronomy 22:5)

The Believers Study Bible:

“This verse is not primarily a reference to principles of fashion, as one clearly notes in the final clause. Rather this refers to the practice of transvestitism, i.e., a deviant sexual behavior that is exhibited in the adoption of dress and behavior unnatural for one’s own sex. The danger, perhaps, lies in its close association with homosexuality (cf. Lev 18:22 and 20:13, where the same word “abomination” occurs; see also Rom 1:24, note) and in the fact that such practices were often associated with the worship of pagan deities. God considers sacred the distinction of the sexes, as shown in His creative design of man and woman, who, though both in the image of God, are also uniquely and differently designed (cf. Gen 1:27). Any attempt to erase that distinction is labeled an “abomination.”

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What to wear Your comments where refreshing, non judgemental and I appreciate them as a Christian. Thank you for the insight....more Submitted by: Kelliegh Location: Rockaway, NJ What I should Wear to Church- GOD Thank you for the article and the teaching. I am a minister at my church. Before I yielding to the call to preach god's Word. I wore a different uniform every Sunday. Whether I Ushered, Sang on the Choir, or sat in on Steward Board on the 1st Sunday...more Submitted by: Debra Grant Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC It seems like a case of me, me, me! If we dress for God we should wear our best. However, it seems like, now, it's about how "I feel" when I get dressed. "I want to be comfortable when I go to church," is heard around the congregations now. We are a royal priesthood who seek to dre...more Submitted by: Charles Sands Location: Halifax, VA

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