Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 6/19/2010

Question
should a deacon be required to ware suites every Sunday,our pastor says if you are a deacon you have to dress like one,i don't find a dress code anywhere that says that,i ware a shirt and tie every Sunday,i  think it is more important to be committed to our work than worry about looking the part

Answer
Thomas,

This is not so much a Biblical question, but a question of submission to God's set order of authority. No, the Bible does not require a deacon to wear a suit to church. However, God did set pastors over the local church to shepherd His flock. And as long as the pastor does not teach false doctrine, or make unreasonable requirements then he (the pastor# direction should be followed. But if this is a matter that you feel is too restrictive, or in some way hinders your walk with Christ, then I would suggest that you consider the following actions.

1. Pray and ask Gods direction. He will never lead you astray.
2. Speak with your pastor about this, and tell him hwo you feel. He may be unaware of your opinion and may (or may not) change his mind.
3. If you feel that this is too much for you, and that you could not submit to these requirements, then you may want to find another church to attend.

Personal, I would not feel that this too restrictive. Our pastor asks that our ushers wear a suit and tie on Sunday mornings. He feels that this shows bot unity and respect. I myself am an Elder, and I lead the service (transition from P&W, make announcements, introduce our pastor, ect...) And though my pastor has never asked to wear a suit I do out of respect to him. I also feel that the Lord's Day (Sunday) is a time we come together to worship God with our very best (body, soul, and spirit). So for myself, I feel that if I did not wear my best (which is a suit) the I would not be giving God my best. Is this a Biblical mandate? By all means, no. Most of our church does not wear a suit or a tie. It is what is in your heart that the Lord is concerned about in the end.

Thomas, please let me know if this helps or if you have any further questions.

Elder Greg