Like most people, my weekdays are filled from morning to evening with appointments, engagements, lunches and work.

I find it a constant whirlwind of activity, and because my work is in the mission field, I am often talking about God or spirituality, which makes it even more rewarding. However, more and more over the last couple years, I grow less and less interested in my former desire to “dress-up” for church.

I actually never made a conscience decision to dress up for church; it is just something that happened. I cannot recall a time in my life where I did not have a suit and tie in my closet. I wonder how many hours I have lost in the last 20 years putting a tie with a suit and a shirt.

As I reflect on what the faith community on a global scale looks like, and who we still have not reached, I find I connect better when I talk about Jesus in my cargo shorts and T-shirt. Neither Hickey Freeman nor Brioni called me to preach; Jesus did… and he never made the fashion list!

I wonder how much more full our sanctuaries could be if women did not have to go to the stylist on Saturday in order to go to church (think I’m kidding?). I wonder how many more men would sit for a sermon if they did not feel they were the only ones dressed down.

I was in Central America and Haiti a couple weeks ago on a missions development project, and it occurred to me that in the two poorest countries in the western hemisphere, they still are finding their way to the church… with the rags they have on. Their churches are full because they understand that, within the confines of their worship, an intimate relationship is being developed between master and servant.

They worship in these types of countries despite having nothing -- no options, none of the small blessings we have. Yet, as Americans, we go to church to thank God for our blessings, and if we do not look the part, we can’t come.

Since when did we let our wardrobe define our worship? The better dressed the congregation, the quieter the praise. Does God prefer a 150’s wool over denim? Does the devil rejoice if she wears Rack Room instead of Prada? I think we all know the answers.

I am going to keep a few suits for some formal occasions, but check out eBay… you should be able to get a great deal on the rest of my wardrobe. I will trade it for authentic worship any day!
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John Hicks is President of Synergy Farms International, an organization created to extend the walls of the Church to the world.
 

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