I am curious. Do clothes affect the ministry of gospel singers? Does what you wear hinder or help communicate the message you are trying to convey?
In a recent press release about First Love singing at Crabb Fest, there was a picture included of us singing on stage in “casual” clothes. There was a response to that concerning “we had lost our pride and heritage.”
I am asking for help. I hear both sides. Do you feel the clothes we wear on stage matter in the way we minister or perform? Who should decide what is appropriate? How can we please everyone? Do you think it matters to God?
Let me know. We are anxious for your response!
JP Miller First Love
 First Love performing in 'Traditional Clothes" |  Pictures at Crabb Fest in "Casual Stage Clothes" |
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Written: 08/01/2005
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Category: Monthly ArticlesJP Miller
Comments: 42
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JP,
Some people have nothing better to do than criticize no matter what you do. Follow the promoter's guidelines & don't worry about the vocal minority. May God bless you in your service to Him.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
The way one is dressed on stage only matters to the audience not God as long as you are dressed modestly. I don't think Jesus ministered in a suit and tie, or for that matter, whatever happened to be the formal dress of his day.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
It does matter to your audience, but not to God. I myself think that it should be the least of our worries.
Well, you asked several questions, so I'll try to take them in the order you asked.
It is something to think about. I feel that we should always look our best when we are before the people. I must say, that, the one thing, besides the music, that has separated Southern Gospel Music from everyone else is the profesionalism. I guess what bothers the die hard fans of this music is the fact that, not only are we changing our dress now, but that has also led to changing our music. A lot of what you hear from artist today is so closely related to country that they now play a lot of Southern Gospel on country radio. It's not that it is bad in itself, it's the fact they play it because it is no different than the artist in country, and now we are dressing like them. This industry has only gotten this way in the last 3 or 4 years, at least to the extreme that it is now, so if it isn't broke, why try to fix it? It has worked for almost 100 years now, why then, do young artist feel like they have the right to change all of that? Our most succesful groups, that paved they way for us today didn't have to do it, really, our industry music didn't change all that much until thwe 1990's. Everyone had their own style, but everyone honored the professionalism. It is a matter of being lazy, and half way doing it. Let's step up and be different, instead of blending in. Is this not contrary to scripture? Feel free to let me know.....,
Ps read the scriptures. It does matter to God how we dress. He says to come out and be separate... How do we do this by still blending in??? Anyone know?
JP- Ya'll are flat out awesome
I think your attire was very appropriate for the atmosphere of CrabbFest and even if for some reason it wouldn't have been, the music and more importantly the message in the music would have still been there. People get so caught up and distracted in watching artists to make sure they do everything acording to the rulebook.. you just keep going out there and presenting the message of Jesus Christ- you are doing just fine 
I love ya'll!
Coming out and being seperate has nothing to do with dress. It has everything to do with if your heart has been changed by the Holy Spirit. I would prefer to listen to a singer who dresses in jeans and a t-shirt whose heart has been changed by the Holy Spirit, than to someone dressed in a three-piece suit who has the heart of the devil.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
re: how to dress when you sing...I used to work in a call center and we were required to wear professional dress even though we couldn't be seen by the public. The manager said that our voices reflect the level of professionalism we FEEL while wearing certain clothes. As proof, she recorded me during a professional dress day and again during a business casual day. I was shocked when those tapes were played back because I could truly hear a tremendous difference. Since then I've tested myself during a concert performance and find the same to be true. From the fan's perspective, casual dress = casual in their performance/service to the Lord. Outdoor events do tend to be more casual and you don't want to ruin your $300 suit, but I'd suggest you still look "put together", kind of like "business casual". Let's face it, we're never going to make everyone happy so my suggestion is to pray and ask God how he'd like you to dress. Whatever makes Him happy should be fine with us.
Heard First Love for the first time while we were over in Pigeon Forge - you guys were played on praise 96.3 - I really liked your sound! Tell ole Troy Peach hi...
The above comments are typical of the differences in attitudes of SG music today. I believe if you look good, you feel good, and sing better. Suits for churches, casual quality wear for summer outdoor activities. I am not in favor of just trying to "test the waters" to see if anyone is offended. Look at the old Statesmen pictures, and the present Doves and PSQ. That is what a professional should look like.
I really don't look to the Statesmen, the Doves or PSQ to show me how to look, or, for that matter, how to sing. How they dress is immaterial to me. How I should dress when I sing in public is wholly a matter between Jesus and I. If the audience, fans and singers are caught up in the way the singers are dressed to the point of distraction, they have more important things to concern themselves with than the clothes the singers are wearing.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Well, I HAVE to put my two cents in....
Keep doing what you are doing. This shouldn't even be an issue.
As a group, we dress according to the venue. Generally the men don't have much to worry about unless it is business or casual dress. There are times I would be more comfortable in slacks and a nice top, but I always think of how it would be perceived. Most places don't think about that - but others do. So, as the saying goes - Sometimes we are stuck between a rock and a hard place. I never wear jeans on stage, and rarely you will find me in slacks on stage. Guess maybe this comes from the "old school". If we go to a place to sing and nothing is mentioned of dress, I always will wear a dress or a top and a skirt and will dress for the business. I don't want to offend those who don't approve the slacks, but also don't want to be over-dressed. But then on the other hand, if you are singing at a rodeo event, jeans is the dress of the day. So I think it is mainly up to the promoter or the hosting group to determine the guidelines. Best thing to do is ask.
I liked Rena's response. In casual circumstances, casual dress seems appropriate; however, sloppy is not appropriate. Somehow, I don't want the pilot of my airplane dressed in baggy jeans and crumpled shirt tails hanging out. In our area, the Grocery Stores are very particular about their employees--well groomed, professional clothes. It makes the store feel a cut above the rest. Generally speaking, a professional looks like and acts more like a professional when dressed like a professional. Without becoming dogmatic, what's in the inside needs to reflect on the outside.
I mostly agree. If someone came on our stage in a three piece suit - THAT would be distracting. The Bible does not speak to dress up vs. casual. It wasn't important then I should not be now.
oops...my last two sentences should have been:
I agree that we can't please everyone all the time, but as ministers, we need to look at everything we do, say, wear and examine it. I myself see nothing wrong with the way that first love was dressed. But if just one person is offended, then that affects the way you minister. We should never be a stumbling block for anyone. And while we can't please everyone all the time, I believe that we should strive to present our very best. Again, to me, nothing was wrong with the way they were dressed...but I myself make how I present myself when I go singing a very important part - because I'm there to minister, not offend. And again, you can't please everyone all the time...but if something I can have control over (as in dress) offends someone, then I feel, for myself, as a person who stands up and shares Christ, I should present myself in the best way possible. I don't mean that "casual attire" isn't appropriate, but maybe how casual is something to consider. Again, this is just my opinion. But I just feel that "giving your best" means giving your best both in song, message and dress. Not saying you have to wear a gown and tuxes, but even casual can be "your best" casual.
This discussion brings a scripture to my mind: Matthew 23:27 - "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness." The question is, why are some Christians so hung up on what the artist is wearing? Could the answer be in this scripture?
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Perhaps instead of worrying incessantly about why people are concerned with our dress, we should instead not give them cause to be concerned. Anyone ever think of that? It doesn't really matter to me what anyone thinks of my dress on stage, I just don't want anything to distract them from the message I'm attempting to give them through song. That's all. I'm not trying to make any kind of fashion statement (whether old-fashioned or not), I'm simply trying to minister and entertain the crowd.
Did Jesus dress different than the people he was trying to reach? I dont think he did. I agree with Keith, it's all about your heart not your clothes, get over it!
Frankly, i'm sick of the so-called "Crabb" look, with the messy hair and the untucked button shirts. The past couple of years i've observed the "industy" at NQC, its all Monkey See, Monkey Do! Fad and fashion has taken over to the point im not attending the convention this present year! Its not about the messenger but the message! If you're going to assume the part,,Look the part! By the way, Did we need another Trio?!!!!
OH Shawn,Shawn,Shawn,
Terry, I will definately agree on the latter part about the bright red suits, I actually have a group in mind I saw last NQC! But, to relevate, I disagree its been copy cat in the industy for 50 years with suits. In general reply, suits in my opinion, are the "norm" or industy standard to promote professionalism. "Sunday Best" if you will! This is basic from Sunday School to mandatory corporate business attire. Leave us keep it professional (or at least looking that way)and not dressed down slouchy! One thing is for certain, "There is nothing constant, but change". Just call me ol' Fashion!
I guess I would say that I agree that the way you look doesn't always mean your heart is not with or for God. I have a family member who is very critical of Guy Penrod from GVB because of his long hair. Well, as someone who knows Guy I must say he is one of most-Godly men I have met.
The whole idea of "Sunday Best" is so amusing and ironic. While Jesus is about the business of revealing that which is covered and making known that which is hidden (Matthew 10:26), we are hiding all our flaws and warts under our "Sunday Best" clothes. And if you are offended if I wear a golf shirt and slacks when I sing at your church instead of a suit, just wait until you hear my song!
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
I think it does matter to the Lord and to people what is worn when you are presenting and representing the gospel. We are ambassadors for Christ. When someone from a country goes to another country representing their country, they always dress their best. We are representing the highest institution in the world, the church. We are the church of the living God and we should represent the highest institution on earth with the highest of quality. Dressing your best honors the Lord, the gospel and the church. The gospel is about honor, integrity, quality and honesty. It should show in the life we live and in the clothes we wear. Man looks on the outward appearance, that's all he can see. God looks on the heart. Because we are a witness for the gospel to man, we need to look our best when representing the gospel because that's all man can see. Man in most cases does not know the heart. You don't know how someone's heart is. Leave the heart thing up to God, and let those that present and represent the gospel in music and/or song do it in a way that honors the Lord and is a good witness to man. Our dress should honor the Lord and not rock stars, with sloppy dress, spiked hair, holes in jeans, wrinkled shirts, and other things that brings disgrace to the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God deserves much better than that. It deserves the highest of quality. God said, "if I be a Father where is my honor?" How we dress does matter to God, who is worthy and well deserved of our greatest honor which includes the way we dress for Him, and how we represent His kingdom.
Joel - you are right when you said man looks on the outward appearance. That's right and that is my point to all this. But just because someone chooses to wear sloppy dress, spiked hair, holes in jeans, wrinkled shirts, and other things does not mean they are a disgrace and it does not bring disgrace to the kingdom of God! I do agree that The gospel is about honor, integrity, quality and honesty. However, I do not agree that by the clothes we wear do we dishonor God. You yourself said that we should leave the heart thing to God. True - but all I am saying is that we as Christians worry to much about what everyone else looks like and we get so worried that we might offend someone that we don't see the big picture.
Jesus risked his life condemning the Pharisees' religion that emphasized the outward appearance. It just seems a shame to me if we make his boldness vain by suggesting the He cares about those things now.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
When you read the biographies of the Blackwoods and the Stamps you'll see where the matching suits/outfits came from...and there is nothing wrong with 'em. Our senior pastor's father preached a couple weeks ago on Jesus fishing with a net and not a pole. And he weepingly apologized for having preached for the salvation of people who pretty muched looked like him - for his 50+ years of ministry and not seeking the other lost because they didn't look like they belonged in church. -With a pole you catch one at a time and choose to keep it or toss it. With a net you catch pretty much everything- (And he stills wears a suit btw)... Folks, people who are open to the moving of God for salvation are NOT likely to be coming to church with suits on and judging the minister(s)or music personnel by their suits. People in the church are those critics. Jesus ministry was with the people and likely he didn't dress 'above' those he was ministering to. The disciples - do you think the invitation was "Come, dress up, and I'll make you fisher of ...?
Since I was zinged by commenting on the referenced first article, I'm hesitant to opininate here but can't help myself. If it doesn't matter how one looks if they sing well, would it be ok if the singers wore shorts and halter tops if singing in the hot south in the summer? I mean, it's the message that's important right and not the attire. And it's legalistic to think Christians should draw any line against current fads and stopping at just casual polo shirts, right? Sure, some may spend the whole time distracted with the scantily clad, but look at all the "fish" being reached! TV has proven that sensationalism sells the shows; think of how many more will hear about Christ if we cloak the message and messengers in things that really attract the unsaved. Sorry, but this justification grieves me as a Christian.
Ducky -
Keith - We are not emphasizing the outward appearance to the point where it doesn't matter what the inside is like. Jesus was condemning the Pharisees because they emphasized the outward appearance when inwardly they were not right. But if you notice He told them to clean up the inside so the outward would be clean also. They made the outward clean, but their inward extortion and excess made it not matter. Jesus knows the heart, we don't. Therefore its best to represent the gospel with our best of dress.
Just food for thought: the Pharisees condemned John the Baptist because he lived in the wilderness and didn't dress up. But when Jesus came in dressed with his new purple overcoat (the one the soldiers cast lots for rather than separating like his robe) they condemned Him for not being humble.
We are ambassadors for Christ even when we are not ministering in public. Am I supposed to wear my suit when I am at home relaxing? Am I supposed to wear my suit when I go to Wal-Mart? Even in this example, these are man-made expectations, not God's. If you say that I must wear a suit when I sing in church because that's what the audience expects or requires, that's okay. But if you say I must do this because it honors God...well...how does that honor God? God is not honored by our outward appearance, but by our inner righteousness. It seems to me that you are transposing man's expectation onto God.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Keith - I think ministering in public is the main thing here. Because we are going to minister in a public setting in front of tens, hundreds and maybe thousands of people, we should represent the gospel with our best as ambassadors for Christ. The ambassador for the U.S. does not dress up all the time, only when he/she is representing the country in another country in a public setting.
I'm smiling as I read the comments about this. EVERYONE always has an opinion about EVERYTHING, and this subject is obviously no different. I've already expressed my thoughts on this but I read someone saying that he should be able to wear anything he wants and "should I wear my suit to WalMart?" My answer to that is, "Of course not! But would you wouldn't wear your PJs either, would you?" Ah, now, don't get mad. I'm just askin'.
Diane hit the nail on the head with The venue and crowd determine the appropriateness of your attire. As I said in my last post - that's where discretion on the individual comes in.
I will say two last things on this.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Keith - Worship to God is a lifestyle. We worship God in everything we do, including the way we dress. We offer praises to the Lord in church, gatherings, prayer, concerts, singings. Praise is a part of our worship. The word truth there means in sincerity and honesty. I believe the outward appearance can speak of sincerity and honesty too. The outward appearance does speak, and it is a representation. So of course it honors and glorifies God.
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