Why Pentecostals Have a Standard of Dress

by Poellnitz Anthony on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 12:09pm

This question was asked of me by a friend, and I have had many people ask me this over the years. I figure that if they asked, many more people have probably wondered in their minds or asked someone else without receiving a proper response. So, even though I began writing this as a response to that person, I decided to make it a note (after Tiffany Wilson told me to).

First, I would like to say that this is not written to condemn anyone else or put anyone down who views this issue differently and neither is it written to proselytize or make you agree with me, but rather it is written simply to explain why we do what we do. Some may agree and some may disagree; that is your prerogative. Hopefully, this will shed some light on the subject for you.

(Hope there aren't any mistakes, my proofreader never got back to me.)
 
A Question: Why Don’t Pentecostal Women Wear Pants?

An Answer:

An Explanation of Holiness

First and foremost, we are a holiness/sanctified church. Most Pentecostal churches started off as holiness churches, and I’d still say that the majority is, but things change over time.  However, there are other groups of holiness people such as, Church of the Nazarene, many Wesleyan/Methodists groups, and some Baptist and Non-Denominational groups, etc.  We vary from other denominations by our special emphasis on holiness: sanctification (separation) and dedication.  We believe that once we are saved we are required by God to live holy lives. This is not a suggestion or a good idea, but a mandate. It is the purpose for our salvation for before the foundation of the world, God chose us to be holy and without blame before him in love (Ephesians 1:4). We believe that holiness/right living is essential to enhancing our relationship with God, and that if we are led by the spirit of God we will continuously lead holy lives, shunning things that are evil. As Pentecostals, we realize that we cannot do this of ourselves, but we must be empowered by the baptism of the Holy Ghost in order to live the way that God wants us to live.  We do not believe our living right saves us but rather being saved causes us to live right. The more we grow in God and in the knowledge of the truth, the more we are willing to do and forsake in order to bring us in closer fellowship with the Lord. As holiness people, we believe in standards. We believe that God has standards, which we must uphold in order to be good representatives of his will. “And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness;   it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it (Isaiah 35:8 NIV). Some things that may not even be completely wrong in and of themselves, you will find us abstaining from them for the purpose of not being carried away with the cares of this world.  God told his people to “put a difference between what was clean and unclean and what was holy and unholy (Leviticus 10:10).”  Therefore,  through our relationship with God and desire to be holy, we tend to take a definite stance on what many people may consider gray areas, because we want to be unified “walking by the same rules, and minding the same things (Philippians 3:16” so that we may be light to others.  
 
We believe in accordance with I John 3:7-10 “He that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning... Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin… In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God.”  Doctrinally, we take God very serious when he commands us to do and not do, and we stand against the world and in some cases other “churches” in their “I can do whatever I want and still be right with God” attitude. We do not believe that we are saved sinners, but rather we were sinners and now have been saved from sin to do it no more. When we are born again, we are given power over sin so that we do not have to yield to it. Sin’s power and authority over our lives is broken for Jesus has come to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The word repent itself means to think differently afterward, change your mind about, turn away from. By definition, when we repent of sin, we turn from it.  Is it possible to sin? Yes. Do people sin? Yes. Is there a way out if you do? Yes.  However, the commandment is to not sin, and we are given power over sin to not sin, and that is our daily endeavor: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not”  (I John 2:1) . There’s no laying your religion down and picking it back up, no taking the night off from doing right.  “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (I Corinthians 6:1-2).  We believe rather when one is truly saved, his/her whole life is dedicated to God, and Jesus becomes their Lord and Savior not by confession of faith alone, but by application of faith, i.e. “Faith, if it hath not  works, is dead being alone. (James 2:17)” Jesus is our Lord because he rules over our life, not just because we said he’s Lord but because he actually is Lord. The teaching that you can live however you want and still be a Christian is incorrect but that is another topic.
 
We just want to know what God’s will is and what the best way for us to implement it is. It is from this point that we develop a standard of dress from the scriptures.  I will discuss what I believe to be 3 major points.
 
1. Gender distinction:

Deuteronomy 22:5 says "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
 
While this is an Old Testament scripture, we do not discount any scripture.  We are not under the law, but as the New Testament gives us to know “the law was not sin” but it is our schoolmaster.  It teaches us principles. Even the principle of sacrifice is yet legitimate, and the only reason we don’t do it is because Jesus became that sacrifice for us. Circuмcision is yet legitimate, but it is now our hearts that are circuмcised and not the foreskin. The food is still unclean unless it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.
 
"""""Theologically, we believe in complementarianism. The view teaches that God created men and women as equals with distinctive gender- defined roles. God created men and women equally in His image so that they are fully equal in personhood, dignity, and worth, and all baptized believers are full members of the body of Christ. God designed the man to the husband, father, provider, protector, and leader. He is to be the loving head of the home and provide godly leadership in the church. God designed the woman to be the wife, mother, nurturer, and helper. She is to submit to the man’s leadership in church and home.
 
In the Genesis account of creation, everything revolved around the man. Adam was the central character and the woman played the supporting role. Man was spoken to by God and given divine revelation and instruction and was given dominion (Genesis 2).  The woman was made from the man, and the woman was made for the man and brought to him, not vice versa: “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’ (Genesis 2:18)” We are different and have distinct roles and purposes.""""  (Excerpts from a docuмent on Complimentarianism)
 
God meant for there to be a clear and distinct difference in gender, naturally so by our bodily design, and also in our demeanors, in our dress, and in our roles in the home, in the church, and in society. Men should not attempt to dress in a feminine way, and women should not attempt to dress in a masculine way because it obscures the principle of distinction. This principle is even shown in I Corinthians 11 where it tells us a woman should have long hair; it is her glory and a disgrace for her to cut it off. Likewise it is disrespect to Christ (the head of the man) for man to have long hair. The passage teaches that the man is glory of God and he should therefore not put a covering on his head for prayer and worship because his head/covering is the all powerful Christ and it is disrespectful to do otherwise. It then says that the woman is the glory of the man and should place a covering on her head during prayer as a token or symbol of her submission to the authority of man.
 
In the U.S., it has been clear for quite some time that ladies wear dresses and men wear pants. Even on our signs and pictures, a woman is shown in a skirt. This was the norm until pretty much the last 50-60 years as our country has become demoralized partly due to the feminist movement and the sɛҳuąƖ revolution. It stems from women’s desire to be considered equal to or the same as men in every way, which is not scripture.
 
God placed a distinction in the roles of women in the home and church. The role as the head of the home is given to the man. While this does not make the woman a doormat in any way because she is man’s glory and should be treated as such, she is yet to be subject to man: “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man” (I Corinthians 11:3). Man is to give honor to woman as the weaker vessel (I Peter 3:7). The woman is “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:5).
 
There is also a distinction in church. The priesthood was all male. The apostles were all males. While certainly women followed Christ as well and were important in worship, the leadership position is given to men.  There is one case where the scripture shows a woman as a judge, but this is the exception rather than the rule. It shows women helping in ministry and being used in prayer and prophesy, but not in the office of deacons, elders, pastors, bishops, or apostles.  Paul often admonished everyone to “help those women who labored with me in the gospel” (Philippians 4:3), but never are they mentioned as the leaders of the church. Some try to say that there may be some evidence for a woman deacon and an apostle, but there is nothing concrete scripturally, only speculations and inferences: “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.  For Adam was first formed, then Eve” (I Timothy 2:12-13).
 
One of the dangers of the lack of distinction is ɧoɱosɛҳųαƖity, the effeminizing of men and the masculinizing of women.  A reversal of gender roles in this country is also a part of the devil’s desire to blur gender lines and tear apart the family and God’s established way of life. The change in dress is a product of this, as well as a fuel to the fire. The time has come where the men desire to wear skirts and dresses. Without the principle of gender distinction, we have no leg to stand on to say that men shouldn’t wear them. It will be called cross-dressing and an abomination for a time (just as women wearing trousers was called in the beginning), but over time it will become okay and acceptable. It will be politically correct. It is very evident that a woman looks more womanly and feminine in a skirt/dress. When many non-pentecostal women go to balls, weddings, churches, they will not wear pants. Men who desire to dress like women almost always put on a skirt, because it represents femininity and takes away the masculine look and aura. While it is definitely not all about looks, we must still “abstain from all appearance of evil” (I Thessalonians 5:22).
 
Some say, well, there was a time when everyone wore robes, this is true, but even in those times there were distinct differences between men and women’s attire.  Some say there is a difference between men and women’s pants. In most cases, this is true, which leads to my next point.
 
2. Lasciviousness – Arousing sɛҳuąƖ Desire

It is very true that some people are going to be sɛҳuąƖ predators regardless to what the circuмstance may be simply because they are mentally disturbed.  However, for the rest of us, we are responsible for not doing things to incite lewd and illicit behavior from others. As Christians, we are to help our brothers and sisters in this fight against sɛҳuąƖ immorality by our dress and conduct.  Therefore, we don’t engage in sɛҳuąƖly illicit dance, which includes dances where a person is shaking their behind and grinding on people. Many don’t dance at all for this reason as well as others, but that’s another subject.  We shy away from sɛҳuąƖly illicit television, magazines, and books such as pornography (hardcore or softcore) and some romance novels, especially if you are weak in that area. We also shun music that deals with sɛҳuąƖ material. However, there are some secular love songs that are not inappropriate and some songs that are appropriate only for married couples: “For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret” (Ephesians 5:12).
 
Most women jeans and other pants are cut in a way that does make them different from men’s pants. However, this same cut is usually in a way that shows so much of the posterior, thighs, etc. that one might as well not have them on, especially the new style skinny jeans. Most of them crimp under a woman’s buttocks as she walks, reflecting everything. Some are entirely too thin and/or clingy, showing every dimple and crease in the behind.  Inappropriate clothing also includes tight tops, tight bottoms, miniskirts, short shorts, low necklines, halter tops, sports bras and bikinis as outer garments, sleeveless outfits/spaghetti straps, attire showing cleavage and/or midriff, or gowns with all the back and chest out. Some of the aforementioned may be worn in conjunction with other items and be okay. Generally, in light of the way clothing is made, a woman is more discrete when wearing a decent skirt/dress of proper length, usually considered below the knee. As for the ladies pants, most of them would need to be worn with a top/jacket that comes down below the derriere in order to not commit lasciviousness, , maybe something similar to those worn by Indian women, a Shalwar kameez. You also need to dress according to your body type and body SIZE. Certain things that some of a different size and build can wear may fit fine on them but not appropriately on you.
 
New Testament teaches that women are to be chaste, shamefaced (modest and bashful in their appearance), and adorn themselves in modest apparel (I Timothy 2). It even goes on to teach against ostentatious hairstyles and excessive Jєωelry, which is why many of us do not wear ornamental Jєωelry, but simply a wedding band and a watch (which I personally don’t consider Jєωelry because it’s a functional device unless it is purposefully adorned). While you definitely need not try to hide the fact that you are a woman, an attitude of moderation and limitation should be so prevalent that it takes priority over styles and fashions. A person should be very conscious of whether or not their outfits are reflecting the shape of their body too much. As a man, I can tell you that it is scandalous the way that most women dress. The attire is meant to portray sexiness, promiscuity, and style rather than moderation and shamefacedness. You can be attractive while being thoroughly covered and leaving things to only be seen by your husband. If a woman was to be as exposed during Jesus' time as many are today (even church women), the people would be trying to stone her rather than the woman who was caught in the act of adultery.
 
You should not attempt to arouse sɛҳuąƖ desire in someone that is not your spouse.  This applies to men as well. In the presence of women, our bodies should be covered and our clothing should fit appropriately; no sagging to show your rear, or tight jeans and shirts to excessively show off your figure.
 
When exercising and swimming, it is probably best not to do it in mixed company, but if you are, you should still be adequately dressed. Many people go to gyms, pools, and beaches just to check people out. Therefore, that is definitely not the place where we want to drop our standard. Some women may be required to wear pants for their job. For example, I know a woman who when in the surgery room has to wear scrubs but otherwise she wears a skirt bottom. Some may work in a factory where skirts are not allowed. Most of these women will either change before leaving work or change before going somewhere else besides home. However, if your job requires you to wear something that is inappropriate, it is not okay to forsake your standards for money. We must remember not to make the mistake the Pharisees made about following the letter of the law, but we want to obey the spirit of the law and heed the principles that it teaches us.
 
Even in your own home, you should be mindful of how you are dressed in the presence of others, especially visitors. Your spouse may desire that you wear a certain amount of clothing at times, and you should also be mindful of how you are dressed in front of your children. However, clearly, home is a more relaxed atmosphere.
 
That being said, I believe that it is possible for a woman to have a pair of pants that are not too tight, too thin, etc. that adequately covers and disguises what needs to be. Nevertheless, our women still choose not to based on the first reason as well as the following.
 
3. Holiness:

As I said in the beginning, God has chosen his people to be holy, separate, and different from the world. That is why the Israelites had certain rituals to perform and commandments to obey. God wanted them to always be conscious of the fact that they were His people, that they were different. He wanted others to be able to look on them and see that there is something peculiar about this group; they have something that we do not.
 
2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;

Leviticus 11:44 For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy:

1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
 
Holiness is not a suggestion, it is a command. To ensure a pure witness, we want to be sure that we are different from the world and place clear markings in what sometimes is seen as a gray area. We do not want to the ones to blur the lines of gender, but we want to be pure and distinct, and in doing so, we represent God. We do not want to be ones who change with all the times. When worldly women first began to wear trousers, colored make-up, etc., Holiness women chose not to.  Over time, almost every Christian denomination has grown increasingly secular and tries more and more to identify with the world in a so-called attempt to win the world. That was never God’s calling. While we certainly do not need to have a proud spirit or superior attitude, we are to represent a clear and distinct difference to the world about God’s holiness, even in our dress. We must reach out and reach down, but never act like or become like sinful men. We realize that we must be changed on the inside and purged and cleansed. This is the principle thing. Once this truly takes place, it will show up on the outside in our attitude, dress, and relations. It should be everyone’s endeavor not to be legalistic and restore OT times, but yet it is equally important to obey God’s word and moral law, especially under the New Testament dispensation since we now have the power through the Holy Ghost to be obedient.
 
Correction

Finally, you asked about punishment or what would happen if a woman wore pants in an “orthodox/classical” Pentecostal church: the same thing that would happen if I wore a skirt, if I was caught fornicating or committing adultery, if I was caught stealing, if I was caught lying, or doing anything else wrong or inappropriate. Depending on the matter, for something that couldn’t be proven or considered a mistake, I may just be reprimanded and told to repent quickly and not to do it anymore. However, if I continuously and openly remained disobedient, I would not be allowed a voice in the church i.e. I couldn’t preach, teach, hold an office, etc. until I became a better example of the faith. We rarely excommunicate people. I actually know of no case in our denomination where someone was actually kicked out of the church. Generally, since we believe the same, people will sit themselves down if they know that they are living contrary to the scriptures. One man I know divorced his wife, and he resigned from his positions in church because he knew at the time the life he’d begun to live was not in accordance with the scriptures. But, when people refuse and rebel, the bible has given the authority to the leaders to rebuke and reprove. The pastor has the authority to sit someone down as well as remove someone from the assembly if they are teaching damnable doctrine.
 
We pray for those that are rebellious. God has given us leaders to lead us. To openly defy their instructions (unless their instructions are against God’s word i.e. he tells you to kill someone) is insubordination and should not be tolerated by any leader.  I agree with silencing those who cannot adhere to such a small matter as the standard of dress. It’s really not something difficult such as changing your attitude and personality, and refusing to change actually shows a lack of change on the inside. Dressing right really is a very simple thing. People may differ on what is the best outer garment, but there is no excuse for your breasts and midriff and backside to be exposed. Your underwear should not be exposed. Nothing should be hugging you if it’s not covered by another garment; that cannot be justified.
 
We consider our men wearing skirts and women wearing pants as a slap in the face and disregard to some of our core beliefs such as holiness/separation, gender distinction, and anti-lasciviousness.  Therefore many women who would wear a pair of “appropriate” trousers choose not to because they realize that others will see them and not be able to draw a line and began doing things inappropriate, using them as a scapegoat.
 
Disclaimer: There are different churches that do different things and have different rules, just like two churches may both be Baptist but be very different in administration and teaching.  There are some Pentecostal groups who don’t believe in any of this. There are some who don’t believe what most Pentecostals believe about the essentials to our faith, and I often wonder why they call themselves Pentecostal (I guess they just like the name). There are some that use to believe in standards of holiness, but don’t anymore. They are sometimes referred to as our wayward brethren.  There are many who are not Pentecostal but also believe in a standard of dress. The Duggars from 19 and Counting are often mistaken as being Pentecostal, but they're not.