Outer Rim Territories

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Nerd heaven....: Why I Wear a Collar

Nerd heaven....: Why I Wear a Collar

Three months of vicarage has shown me a clergy shirt is a blinking evangelism beacon that screams out, “Talk to me about God!” If I wore an oxford shirt and tie, I would look like any other businessman or professional. If I wore a T-shirt and jeans, I would look like any other easy-going guy. But the clergy shirt and collar announces I’m a pastor, a vicar, or one in training for the Office of the Holy Ministry. Some may hate the collar; others may like it. For me, it lets those around me know I amapproachable concerning the things of God. Some may glare, not wanting to bereminded of God and those who believe in Him. But even then, the wearing of the collar is a “witness.” Even if people confront me, it opens a door that otherwise might not have existed to confess Christ.
I met Sam this summer at a wedding. What a nice guy! Here he runs throguht the perennial 1st year seminary delimna of to collar or not. Read his post for some helpful ideas why clergy (and those studying to be) wear clericals.

Posted November 2, 2006 by Christopher Gillespie 
Nov 03, 2006
Sam Powell said...
Thanks for linking to my blog. This vicar really hit the nail on the head in this article. I will saying knowing that I'll be wearing my collar on Thursdays for fieldwork makes it really easy to get up, shower, and get dressed. I think there is a cartoon in Logia from a few years ago that highlight how easy it is for a pastor to get dressed when he wears a clerical.
Nov 03, 2006
Christopher Gillespie said...
You are welcome. The collar is a uniform... it tells others and it tells you who you are. Without it, questions arise. It has been a large part of my pastoral formation. It's not a crutch but it's a sign pointing me to what I am to be about. And yes, I shower usually before wearing one! :)