Who Me? Wear a Clerical Shirt?

Clothing says a great deal about one's profession, and this is no less the case with ministers of the Gospel. The special shirt that ministers wear outside of worship services is known as a clerical shirt or collar shirt, which typically is black or another color with a white collar (sometimes affectionately referred to as a "dog collar"!).

The wearing of special ministerial clothing has a long and distinguished history, and is found throughout Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions. While there have been many variations in clerical dress over the centuries, the rationale for wearing special clothing has to do with the minister's professional role and function. A collar shirt lets people recognize him or her as an ordained clergyperson.

Clerical clothes can "open doors" in many ministry settings for you, such as in hospitals where staff members wear uniforms that identify their respective professions. Visits to congregants' or parishioners' homes during times of illness, tragedy, or death can also be enhanced when you wear clothes that are a reminder of your Christian witness and purpose. And when traveling, you might have the opportunity to share your faith with strangers who strike up a conversation because you have on a collar shirt.

While clerical dress is certainly not for all ministers, take a moment to think about how occasionally wearing a black shirt with a white collar might prove to be a useful tool in your ministry. Who knows? You might just find yourself able to connect with others and spread the Gospel in new and exciting ways!

George Zgourides, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and healthcare chaplain from Texas. He and his wife Christie are the authors of several books dealing with various psychological and self-help topics. Dr. Zgourides' website can be found at http://www.lutheransonline.com/chaplainzgour ides

---

Union with Christ Unites Us to One Another

Jesus knew He would be abandonedOn the night He was... Read More

The Rapture: A Twinkling of an Eye

A father savagely murders his nine children. A stay at... Read More

Possibilities in Prayer

Prostrateology is the theological term for the doctrine of prayer.... Read More

Deliverance

Deliverance is to be rescued or salvation. Thanks be to... Read More

Calling

Some may ask what is a calling and what shall... Read More

Bishoprics

BISHOP OF CARCASSONNE: - There are so many exemplars of... Read More

The Big Bang Theory - Evidence Start of Cosmos and Human Evolution

What is The Big Bang Theory! What do we mean... Read More

What is Love?

Now many confuse love with admiration and most commonly sexual... Read More

Money And Religion: How Christians Are Being Misled

Today's Christian Evangelists, Teachers, and Preachers Are Grossly Misleading America... Read More

Water Into Wine: The Meaning of Jesus First Miracle

The second chapter of John's Gospel offers a most interesting... Read More

The Right of Passage

The Right of Passage. by Rev. Anthony SmithIsaiah 64:6-64:6 In... Read More

An Open Letter to Pope Benedict

Dear Ratzy,I have a good solution to the clergy abuse... Read More

Surviving Eternity

Matthew 24:34-24:35 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall... Read More

Computerized Christians? Get Ready for the New Church!

Isaiah 43;19 declares: "Behold, I will do a new thing,... Read More

Isnt There But One God?

I heard a pastor say, regarding people of the Muslim... Read More

3 Clues To Know Where You Fit In Ministry Part 2

Clue Number 2: You Have Spiritual GiftsIn part 1 you... Read More

Teamwork in Ministry: Pauls Sense of Partnership in the Gospel

In the pursuit of his Christian ministry, the Apostle Paul... Read More

The Gospel Of Convenience

The subject of this document is so unpleasing to the... Read More

How to Handle Negative Feelings When Wronged by Someone Else

How does a Christian really handle negative feelings and emotions... Read More

Public Spectacle

Do you sometimes wonder how did Jesus make a Public... Read More

Spring Into Gods Love

Spring is springing here in the Pacific Northwest the plants... Read More

The Basics of Salvation Through Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

The one key central message of the entire Bible is... Read More

Universal Salvation: Gods Love and Grace Will Overwhelm All Men!

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me,... Read More

Call No Man Father

Matthew 23:5-23:10Call no man Father A look at deception and... Read More

Belonging to Jesus Christ

In the name of Jesus, what shall we do in... Read More

Treachery in the Midst of the Land

The term Scripture uses to describe the activities of those... Read More

Praying Hands - Are You Using Yours Correctly?

Do you find prayer intimidating? Have you ever said, "I... Read More

The Basics of the Christian Walk

Now that I am saved, what do I do next?... Read More

The Story of Adam and Eve

To really understand how we all got here, what it... Read More

The 7 Seal Judgements

These next 3 articles are going to be extremely HARD... Read More

Gay Marriage Hitting Resistance

Gay marriage is hitting significant resistance in Washington D.C. where... Read More

Spirit of Islam: A Primer

Last time I wrote a message on Islam, a Catholic... Read More

The Power of Love

There is no doubt in my mind that the quality... Read More