Platform Standards
 

All of us selected to speak at the General Conference this year in Saint Louis have been instructed regarding the following "Platform Standards." I thought posting this might be helpful for those of you who might want to "rush the stage" as well. See you in Saint Louis!

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The people who minister on our platform and in leadership or public roles are the most visible representatives of our fellowship and should mirror the spirit and standards we teach. Ministry is not the performance of an hour; it is the example of a godly lifestyle. Our character and devotion to God must be the foundation of what we project publicly.

Should you choose not to meet these minimum requirements, integrity and ethics would require that you not participate in public ministry at national meetings.

General Guidelines

1. All participants must be actively involved in a local UPC Church and must have the endorsement of their district superintendent and pastor to participate.
2. Must have experienced the New Birth according to Acts 2:38 and must be endeavoring to live a holy life.
3. Any guest may be used with the approval of the General Superintendent or his designee, (i.e., a politician, official or other person who has a need to be on the platform.)

Dress Code for Men

1. Long sleeve shirts and a tie are to be worn. A coat is recommended. (Exception: when casual attire is allowed, ties and suit coats are optional, and sleeves should be to the elbow.)
2. No tight fitting trousers or pants that leave the leg exposed.
3. Can remove coat if necessary.
4. Modest necklines
5. No long hair below the collar or reaching over the ears or down in the eyes or outlandish styles are acceptable.
6. No jewelry of any kind allowed except wedding ring and watch.

Dress Code for Ladies

1. Sleeves to the elbows. You are to be modest even when raising your hands.
2. Modest necklines, front and back, not low cut.
3. Hem length is to be below the knees, both while standing and sitting down.
4. Splits in the skirts must end below the knee. Wrap-around skirts, should follow this same principle.
5. Slacks and pants are not acceptable. Gauchos, culottes, tights or any other garment that divides the legs may not be worn as an outer garment.
6. No attire that immodestly draws attention to the body by being too tight fitting. No sheer material that immodestly exposes the body. Sheer material should not come above elbows or knees.
7. Hair must be worn in a neat fashion. If you have cut your hair in the past and have been restored, your hair must be fixed to look uncut, if possible.
8. No jewelry of any kind except engagement and/or wedding ring and watch.
9. No make-up, no colored fingernails or toenails.

Modest apparel draws attention to the countenance. Let your countenance testify to the joy of the Lord in your heart!

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I can't help but think that last statement was directed at me in particular because I am known for my unusually "sober and grave" disposition.

Re: Platform Standards
 

7. Hair must be worn in a neat fashion. If you have cut your hair in the past and have been restored, your hair must be fixed to look uncut, if possible

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

Re: Platform Standards
 

Yeah that one bothered me. Are we inviting hypocrisy or just making a reasonable accommodation? Dunno.

Not being a lady (otherwise I would never have been asked to preach!) I did confess to having "fallen" away a bit and grew my hair over my ears and onto my collar. I have since been restored, but what do I do with General Conference coming up so soon this year?

The Platform Committee was gracious. They showed me how a good Elvis-like pompadour with a large "duck tail" would make my "long hair" appear to be within the standards as described in this document.

Re: Platform Standards
 

So what's the topic of your sermon, Pel? ;)

Re: Platform Standards
 

"7. Hair must be worn in a neat fashion. If you have cut your hair in the past and have been restored, your hair must be fixed to look uncut, if possible."



This bothers me as well. A new convert, for instance, should be instructed to wear her hair up so as to hide the (previously) cut ends? Hmmmm.

Re: Platform Standards
 

I just hate to see that those standards cannot have a short haired cancer survior woman with a musical talent on the platform without a wig that what bothers me and I am a man..

Re: Platform Standards
 

Actually you can buy wigs that look like a Pentecostal 'do', so that'd probably work. ;)

Re: Platform Standards
 

If you cannot accept someone for who they are or the way they look some are in sad shape cause god does not care what you look like or who you are..

Re: Platform Standards
 

That was the first thing that entered my mind...telling a lie or presenting a "falsehood".

Re: Platform Standards
 

Seriously if they stick by no jewelry on the men,don't some of the preachers wear cuff links to GC ?
Also ain't some of the high heels wore by the sisters a bit much in the extreme stilletho fashion ?
I'm not taking jabs,modesty is important I understand.