I would agree with you (at least initially); however, I think clerical clothing is a definite physical sign of that office. Outwardly, the shirt shows that he belongs to Jesus...wouldn't you agree?
My LCMS pastor defines himself more by his call than his clothing, as well. He rather doesn't like wearing the clerical collar. And yes, we do hold to the unaltered Augsburg Confession ;) FK
When I first joined the police department, I was rather humbled to be entrusted with the uniform. After that, as every cop knows, comes the utility belt (cuffs, firearm, etc). After two weeks, every cop can tell you that the belt gets heavy and is uncomfortable. I suppose that’s how many pastors feel. The burden of the collar is heavy. When I traded the cuffs for a collar, I can’t go anywhere without someone wanting to pray or confess. It declares Jesus. I have been spit on in a DC subway, greeted warmly by passing pedestrians, cussed out by teenagers driving by, and have prayed with countless strangers who, for a moment, I was honored to be their shepherd. Yes, I hate wearing it too, but our Lord wore the crown of thorns so, for me, the clerical shirt is a burden easier to wear. Granted, I don’t need to wear it for my people. Sometimes, I’ll wear a tie or golf shirt to the hospital or home just to get a break. Like me, when I was a young recruit, he’s just excited about his new uniform. He’ll understand, soon enough, the weight and sacrifice it will demand. Let us pray for our pastors and seminarians…not deride them…even the young ones…especially the young ones. They are giving their lives and the lives of their family as a sacrifice.
Thanks
I would agree with you (at least initially); however, I think clerical clothing is a definite physical sign of that office. Outwardly, the shirt shows that he belongs to Jesus...wouldn't you agree?
My LCMS pastor defines himself more by his call than his clothing, as well. He rather doesn't like wearing the clerical collar. And yes, we do hold to the unaltered Augsburg Confession ;)
FK
When I first joined the police department, I was rather humbled to be entrusted with the uniform. After that, as every cop knows, comes the utility belt (cuffs, firearm, etc). After two weeks, every cop can tell you that the belt gets heavy and is uncomfortable. I suppose that’s how many pastors feel. The burden of the collar is heavy. When I traded the cuffs for a collar, I can’t go anywhere without someone wanting to pray or confess. It declares Jesus. I have been spit on in a DC subway, greeted warmly by passing pedestrians, cussed out by teenagers driving by, and have prayed with countless strangers who, for a moment, I was honored to be their shepherd. Yes, I hate wearing it too, but our Lord wore the crown of thorns so, for me, the clerical shirt is a burden easier to wear. Granted, I don’t need to wear it for my people. Sometimes, I’ll wear a tie or golf shirt to the hospital or home just to get a break. Like me, when I was a young recruit, he’s just excited about his new uniform. He’ll understand, soon enough, the weight and sacrifice it will demand. Let us pray for our pastors and seminarians…not deride them…even the young ones…especially the young ones. They are giving their lives and the lives of their family as a sacrifice.