EV Tips: Dress right

The Apostle Paul said, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do this all for the sake of the Gospel…”

John, a University of Southern California student popped into my office with a bag. “This is for you,” he said. I pulled out a brand-spankin’ new red and yellow—no, scratch that, cardinal and gold—T-shirt with “USC football” written on it. He knew that we were heading to the SC tailgate party on Saturday and he wanted me to “wear my colors.”

He had a point.

USC alumni, students, and fans are more likely to take a Gospel tract or listen to me speak about Christ if I am “one of them.” How an evangelist dresses is very important!

We got booted out of the Jehovah’s Witness Convention (see “A Great Cloud of Jehovah’s Witnesses”) a few months back because we didn’t do our research ahead of time. They were dressed to the nines in suits and floral dresses; we were in “California Casual.” The Christian sore thumbs stuck out way to boldly.

On our evangelistic outings I tell everyone to leave their “Lord’s Gym” T-shirts, “What Would Jesus Do” bracelets, Savior hats and John 3:16 fright wigs at home; I want us to blend in like a common pagan.

So wear the clothes of the fans, even if you hate the team.

Comments (7)

  1. Reply

    Have you heard the story of Ray Comfort when he was open air preaching in LA a couple of years back? He wasn’t very aware of the gangs and their connection with certain colors, and could have gotten in some real trouble when he did some sleight-of-hand with a red handkerchief in a “blue” area.. 😀

    I think you can read the story in “Out of the Comfort Zone”.. It was hilarious!

  2. Reply

    Well, people are definately “cold” in Norway, but we are blessed with some nice fishing holes on the main street of our capital. 🙂

    The ice is coming now though.. 😀

  3. Melissa Kronberger

    Reply

    Pastor Steve,
    I am happy to see this tale. I did do my homework on clothing prior to the JW convention. However, when I asked you about it the Wednesday Evening before we attended, you told me that I would not need to wear a dress. When I showed up that Saturday in slacks, I spoke to one of the others and she stated you told her to wear a dress. We need to be prepared!

  4. Reply

    in scripture, it says that we as christians are supposed to stick out. i understand your viewpoint on this, however… i think that by wearing something that claims you are a christian to the world…you could get asked questions..leading to salvation of a person…
    ~amanda~

  5. Reply

    I see what Amanda is saying but I would have to disagree. The way a Christain stands out is by standing firm on the truth of Gods word. Not comprimising on the way we live, act, talk around others. Wearing an evangelistic t-shirt or hat is rather corny and not of any great cost to a believer and often turns people away because the outfit draws attention to themselves and how proud they are instead of focusing the attention on the unbeliever that needs to hear the gospel. I’ve worn the big red cross t-shirt before at the malls but never did someone approach me because of it and often times people would look, stare and avoid getting close to me. The preaching of the cross if foolishness to those who are perishing. Dress comfortably and stylish with regard to Ephesians 5:3 “…without an hint of sexual immorality” and strike up conversations when ever possible.

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