Holiness and Modesty

Holiness, Modesty & Ministerial Attire

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:15–16 KJV

At New Heights Apostolic Church, we believe holiness is a lifestyle that begins in the heart and is reflected outwardly in our conduct, conversation, appearance, and dress. We do not teach that clothing saves a person. Salvation is through Jesus Christ and the New Birth; however, we believe a transformed life should increasingly reflect the holiness of the God we serve.

Romans 12:1 KJV calls us to present our bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,” while Hebrews 12:14 KJV teaches us to “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

What We Teach Concerning Women

We teach our women to dress modestly, femininely, and in a manner becoming of godliness. 1 Timothy 2:9–10 KJV instructs women to “adorn themselves in modest apparel” and connects their outward presentation with a profession of godliness.

Women are encouraged to wear dresses and skirts of a modest length, with clothing that adequately covers the body. Clothing should not be excessively tight, sheer, revealing, low-cut, or designed to expose intimate areas of the body.

We also teach biblical distinction between male and female according to Deuteronomy 22:5 KJV. Therefore, our women are taught to maintain a distinctly feminine appearance and attire.

Our standard is not intended to promote competition, judgment, or self-righteousness. Modesty should flow from a heart that desires to represent Christ.

What We Teach Concerning Men

Holiness and modesty are equally applicable to men. Men are expected to dress in a manner that is modest, masculine, respectable, and appropriate for a Christian testimony.

Men should wear clothing that properly covers the body and avoid excessively tight, revealing, sagging, or otherwise immodest attire. We teach men to maintain a distinctly masculine appearance in accordance with the biblical principle of distinction found in Deuteronomy 22:5 KJV.

1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV declares, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Whether male or female, our desire should be to glorify God rather than ourselves.

Ministerial & Pulpit Attire

We believe serving in the sanctuary and standing before the congregation is a sacred responsibility. Those ministering behind the pulpit or on the platform are expected to maintain a higher standard of formality and presentation because they are publicly representing the ministry.

For women ministering on the platform, attire should consist of a modest dress or skirt with an appropriate blouse or top. Dresses and skirts should provide sufficient length and coverage, including while sitting, bending, or moving on the platform. Necklines should provide proper coverage, and clothing should not be sheer, excessively tight, form-fitting, or revealing.

For men ministering on the platform, appropriate ministerial attire should consist of dress slacks with a dress shirt, suit, or coordinated jacket and tie when appropriate. Clothing should be neat, modest, masculine, and suitable for the sacred setting.

Those preaching, teaching, leading worship, singing, reading Scripture, praying publicly, serving as an armor bearer on the platform, or otherwise participating behind the pulpit are expected to follow the church’s ministerial attire standards.

We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 14:40 KJV, “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Our Heart Behind the Standard

Our emphasis is not merely on how long a skirt is or whether someone is wearing a suit. Holiness must first exist in the heart. Outward standards without inward transformation cannot substitute for a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.

Psalm 51:10 KJV says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

We therefore teach holiness inwardly and outwardly. We desire clean hearts, renewed minds, godly speech, modest dress, biblical distinction, and conduct that reflects Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV teaches us to be “perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Our standard is simple: whether in the pulpit, in the pew, at home, at work, or in the community, we desire to represent Christ in a way that is holy, modest, decent, and pleasing unto God.