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
H. Have a laugh ready - sometimes you’ll put your clothes on backwards or inside out or you’ll miss a button.
I. Insist on putting a Department Ministry Manual in place to avoid confusion on issues like this and more in the future – Put things in black and white
J. Jewelry - too much jewelry is a distraction, Jesus is the reason that we sing and the focus is not our jewelry! I'm sorry but earrings in the nose and anywhere else except in the ear is a distraction.(I love jewelry –I personally wear a toe ring and it drawsattention)
K. Keep your eyes on Jesus and your heart pure before Him, ask Him to show you if you need to improve in any area – when people look in your eyes they will see alight and your words will lead them to the Rock of our Salvation. Point #2Keep your hair in good shape, keep it conditioned and styled nicely, - Bad Hair days are the worst!
L. Leave your tight clothing and low neck lines at home – It’s a distraction
M. Make sure you always wear a slip under your dresses and skirts. Point #2 – Make-up – little is best. (I personally love to wear it, I also cry a lot so waterproof is the best way to go. If you don’t wear make-up that’s ok too. You don’t dishonor God bywearing a little.
N. Never say this stuff does not apply to me – ask someone you trust to tell you the truth about your clothing.
O. Offer to go shopping with a young lady who doesn’t know any better. Better yet clean out your closet and give them to someone who needs them.
P. Pastors (men) find it difficult to correct women on these issues don’t make it harder for them.
Q. Quit thinking about not having enough money to re-stock your closet – God will supply your needs according to His riches in glory.
R.Rest – take a Sabbath and get your beauty sleep. Don’t’ stay up late at night your voice will take the beating, not to mention it’s hard to hear the Holy Spirit speak when you are sleepy or tired.
S. Sing to the Lord for His has been good to you!
T. Take advantage of any classes that deal with Women in Ministry – you’ll gain wisdom and insight from the sisterhood. Point #2 (If you have tattoos try yourbest to cover them up especially if they are huge – they can be a distraction. If not don’t get in bondage the deal is to not bring attention to yourself but to God)
U. U-R fearfully and wonderfully made - you may want to show it off but save it for your husband not the congregation! Always wear underwear I don’t care how hot it gets where you live.
V. Visit www.experiencingworship.com often and tell your friends it’s a good site!
W. Work at learning why we worship and then teach someone about it.
X. X (I don’t know) I could stretch it and say exercise…
Y. You are the right woman for the job – be comfortable in that.
Z. Z – get plenty of Z’s its our beauty sleep.
Experiencing Worship, The Study