Is it true that....

[Servant's <3]

Michael does have a point, even if it is not what is being talked about at the moment.

Having a "respect of persons" is a big problem in the church. It is NOT mostly found in who wears clothing in the style of the church as much as it is found in who is wealthy and who is not.

Everybody wants to be friends with and make sure their children are friends with the wealthy. They make plans with the wealthy etc etc. Few if any show any care toward those with less.

I cannot speak for all churches but at the 5-6 I have either visited or attend in my area none of them have ever made mention of someone's lack of "proper attire" for coming into the church building. I am not talking about for myself either. I have had friends come to church in blue jeans/t-shirts. I know of several people who only wear blue jeans and/or flannel shirts to church. They have been coming for years. If someone has said something to them, they either ignored those people or it was never made mention.

Now, as to platform standards (which is what I think you really have a problem with), if a pastor desires those that preach from the pulpit or lead others in singing to dress a certain way, that is their choice. If you desire to sing/preach at that church then you should conform to the desires of the pastor concerning dress. If you don't want to conform because of (probably pride but I can't say definitively) whatever reason you wish to present, that is your choice, you should find somewhere else to preach/sing. If you can't find somewhere else to preach/sing then I suggest you think about what is really important.

Is "I shouldn't have to wear a suit to preach/sing" more important than "God desires me to minister" ?