DressSome may feel this page is not necessary, but after much prayer and consideration we have decided to go ahead and include it. It has, however, been difficult to write because we do not want to offend or appear legalistic. We feel it is important because this type of worship is new to many people, and also new to many churches. We present this information in the hope that it will help you avoid problems before they occur.
Care needs to be taken in the area of dress. We have to become aware of how we appear to others. We are endeavoring to bring praise to our Saviour, and to lift up and glorify the Lord; not to call attention to ourselves because of improper attire. We do not want to offend others, or cause our brother to fall.
Romans 14:12-13 says, "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way".
Webster's dictionary defines a stumblingblock as "any cause of stumbling; that which forms a difficulty in one's way or which causes offense". Modesty is the key here. Modesty is "being restrained by a sense of propriety; not forward, unpretending, free from anything suggestive of sexual impurity; moderate; not excessive, extreme, or extravagant".
With this in mind let's look at a few specific areas:
Undergarments -
make sure your undergarments fit properly
if necessary consider buying a sports bra
Blouses/Shirts -
make sure necklines are not too low and revealing
make sure sleeve lengths or openings are not too revealing
length not too short when stretching or bending
Dresses/Skirts -
not too constrictive
modest length
slits should not be cut too high
not too short when bending over
garment should not creep or ride up
if you spin; do not wear full skirts
Slacks -
should fit properly but not be too tight
Tight fitting clothes -
these are not modest or appropraite
If you are unsure about whether or not your clothing is suitable; try it on in front of the mirror and move around. Check to see how you look while bending over, raising your arms, and etcetera. We have both done this and found it to be quite helpful.
Lastly, relax and enjoy praising and worshiping the Lord. By taking the time to check your attire beforehand you will have freed your mind from needless distractions.
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