The Millennial Church Dress Code

My Aunt Phyllis worked in the millinery department at the J. L. Hudson Department Store in downtown Detroit.  These days you are not going to find a millinery department in your local Kohls or Macys store, but in the fifties and sixties it was popular spot for female shoppers.  Before you reach for your dictionary; millinery is a traditional term used for covering for the head.  My aunt sold women’s hats.  Her clients were not just any shopper.  She sold expensive hats that we kept in a glass case.  Many of her regular customers were among the social elite in the city.  Hats were a big part of a woman’s wardrobe in those days.  One of the places a woman was even expected to wear a hat was to church.  Yes, there is even a reference in Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians; “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head…” (1 Corinthians 11:5)  To be fair the previous verse admonishes men to keep their heads covered as well.  As I recall it, the women took this to heart far more than the men.  All women wore hats to church.

How times have changed.  I did not see a single woman in church yesterday with her head covered, but then I did see any men wearing hats either.  I do not know too many people who are upset by this, but in some cases there is one fashion trend that does cause some people angst.   It is the idea of people wearing jeans to church.  To many older church goers who show up for worship wearing their “Sunday Best,” jeans are not acceptable.  

While I welcome their opinion, there is something inherently wrong when we judge people by what they wear.  What visiting millennials are going to return if they get “that look” when they show up for wearing jeans and tee shirts? The reality is that times and traditions do change.  When it comes to young people who want to engage in a worship community, I feel we should just be happy they want to be involved.  I recall God’s word to Samuel when he was looking to anoint the next king; “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b) 

A recent article by Thom Rainer of Lifeway Publishing offers some insights into the issue of millennials and Sunday dress.  In many cases their reason for coming to church in jeans has nothing with being comfortable.  It has everything to do with making their peers feel accepted.  What are the chances if they invite a friend to church  they will come if there is a preface, “Yes, and make sure you where a dress or suit and tie.”   Tattoos, tattered jeans, and piercings are part of the millennials lifestyle. While not all Christian millennials might follow the trend, they want their friends who do to feel welcome when they visit.  If the church is to survive over the next two decades it must seek to include millennials.  That means learning to accept their dress code as well.