What Does A Clerical Collar Say? part 6

It's practically insane, but this is the SIXTH installment of what has long been -- in terms of Google search referrals -- the most popular blog topic EVER here at desertpastor.com!  And people continue to leave comments in response to these posts, even years after they were originally published.  Amazing.

So then, here is part 6 of "What Does A Clerical Collar Say?"

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It has been my practice over the past 3 years to wear my collar to the funeral services I periodically conduct, and up until last week, I really haven't had anyone comment or say anything to me in regards to my attire.  And then last week, as I walked into the local mortuary's business office, one of the staffers -- in reference to me -- turned and asked a coworker, "is he Catholic?"

The remark caught me a little off-guard, but I ended up not responding since the comment wasn't directed to me in the first place. It did, however, get me thinking about this topic again.

Why are so many people doing Google searches about clerical collars?  Is a bona fide "trend" beginning to emerge?  Are pastors and others doing ministry starting to grow weary of the plain-vanilla "everyone-is-a-minister-therefore-everyone-should-look-the-same" mentality that has dominated much of contemporary evangelicalism for the past 50+ years?  Are pastors and clergy searching for something that outwardly signals and signifies the spiritual authority that heretofore has remained somewhat hidden and unseen by the general populace?  Is the growing both-and reality -- that all people are ministers within the body of Christ at the same time that some people are uniquely set apart in leadership and authority roles -- in need of visual markers that set them apart in order to better accommodate a visually oriented culture?

These are some of the questions still rattling around in my head as I continue to ponder the pros and cons of wearing "clericals."  And as always, I welcome your insights and look forward to your posts.

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Photo credit: © Bob Thomas, iStockphoto.com

Comments

[michelle]

Was there a time that all ministers wore clerical collars? If so, why did they stop? I believe that the calling of a Pastor is to be set apart and you wouldn't know that in todays world because everyone dresses the same. It would be good to see those who are called to show themselves in the world again by their attire. I believe that we are missing many opportunities to minister wearing everyday clothing.

[Carl Holmes]

As a pastor I have many times wanted to wear a collar. I am not a catholic by any means, but I do believe it would set me apart in certain settings.

I vacillate between wanting to wear it and being prideful, and wearing it as a practical way to point out my position. I definitely do not want pride involved, so for now I do not do it. I would not be against it if it were to become more of a trend though.

[Chris]

Michelle,

Thanks for commenting. I think you're right about the need for some sort of visual identification.

A number of years ago, when I visited our denomination's headquarters in Indianapolis, I had the opportunity to walk through their museum/historical society there. One of the oldest photographs -- taken at general conference - was intriguing. Virtually all the pastors were wearing clerical attire. In later photos, however, fewer and fewer of them were doing so.

Who knows? Maybe the trend will reverse.

Blessings,
Chris

[Chris]

Carl,
You've raised a valid point there -- the possible temptation of pride (e.g. using the collar to reinforce one's view that one is somehow superior/more spiritual than others). For me, I find myself sometimes thinking of the "humiliation" attached to the collar -- especially in light of the multitude of offenses by priests and ministers. When that's the case, pride is honestly the last thing on my mind.

Blessings,
Chris

[michelle]

Pastor Carl,

I need to ask a question. Are you feeling pride for wearing the collar because you have been called to a higher position (Pastor, Minister, etc.) or with the thought that people might be thinking that you are better than them?

[Carl Holmes]

Michelle,

A Little bit of both. If a person thinks I am "holier then them" so to speak, does that cause a misperception and so cause them to think that I fell I am higher then them? If that is the case, it is a hinderance.

Something I have learned in the school of hard knocks for me is that I am sometimes a bit to prideful. I keep a check on it with a wonderful wife who supports me and lets me know when it gets apparent I am a little to proud.

when you are a pastor there is no lack of people coming around and telling you how good you are, how they were "blessed" by the sermon and how you helped them change. It is all well and good, and it is better then being a discouraged pastor, but it can lead to ego which leads to sin.

[michelle]

Pastor Carl,

I appreciate you being so honest. I guess for me it is not so much a pride issue, but I can't believe that God would choose me. I feel so unworthy most of the time, but yet I am excited also for the work that I see Him doing in my life, so that is why I asked you.

May the Lord continue to bless you, your lovey wife, and also the congregation that the Lord has given to you to Shepherd. I am sure that they are BLESSED to have you!

[FrMatt]

As one who routinely wears a collar let me address the pride issue. I think clergy are more likely to feel pride when talking with others about how they intervened, helped, corrected or counseled another person rather than simply wearing a collar. The collar, more often than not, simply opens opportunities for ministry. Recently some young people saw me in my collar outside a pub. They came out and asked me to come in and pray for the bar tender whose father was going to have surgery. But as clergy our pride takes more insidious forms than being met in the marketplaces like the pharisees.

Blessings Chris

[Larry]

My denominational headquarters is in Indianapolis also. Three months ago, I announced to my congregation on a Sunday morning that God was dealing with my wife and I for the past year about wearing a collar. Next Sunday, I show up wearing a collar and have worn one every day since. The response from my church? Absolutely positive! I've had numerous comments on how "nice" the collar looks. Many have said, "glad to see you wearing that collar". I'm sure there are some who wonder, but there has not been one negative comment expressed anywhere concerning my decision.
The impact of wearing it? I've noticed much more respect when I go places. Hospitals are much more accommodating. I've had opportunities to pray with people who I never would have had otherwise. But the biggest thing I've noticed is that I feel more professional when I'm on the job. What's wrong with dressing professional? I go to conference meetings where there are other pastors there in their blue jeans and sloppy clothes. But God isn't leading me to dress like that.
The collar isn't for everyone, but it sure has made a difference in my ministry. I feel the trend may be heading toward our ministers looking more "set apart" for holy service.

[Carl Holmes]

I have to say after reading this post I put my collar on and went to the care home that I minister voluntarily at. No big change in the way things were there. I went to meet a friend at St. Arbucks (starbucks) after that and it definitely got attention, the good kind. I prayed with a barista when she was on break, I talked with a nice couple across from me contemplating a tough decision, and I got home well after 11 p.m. If my wife did not know better, I would have been shot dead.

It was a good experience. I was called "father" once or twice to which I replied that I was, but to a 6 year old boy. I explained and it was funny.

[Larry]

Carl,
It's great to hear about your experience. I wear the full collar (aka: the dog collar), which keeps me from being called Father.
I wear the collar not for myself because if it was my personal decision, I wouldn't wear one. But I wear it because it's a "God directed thing", so I wear with obedience. Never have I every attempted to wear it to bring attention to myself, but rather to be Christ's ambassador.
I'm trying to figure out how to be comfortable with the collar when it starts getting warm out. I don't think its going to be the most comfortable thing to wear in the summer.

[Br. Theoplius]

I am also amazed at the attention this subject gets. I wear the "dog collar." One of the most practical and impressive things about it is the way it automatically opens doors. Sometimes this is literal, like in jail. I don't have to explain anything, the door is opened for me. I think that is a positive enough experience to not worry about explaining anything to those who don't get it. It says " I am a bonafide, ordained minister of the gospel on official church business." Besides, it is my denominational tradition. Blessings.