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

---

Praying Church or Playing Church?

The western church is seen by the world as anything... Read More

The 1000 Year Millennium Kingdom

After the last bowl judgment is thrown by God the... Read More

What I?m Giving Up for Lent?

Don't worry I'm not going off into religious rantings. ?Having... Read More

Holy Communion: Key to Spiritual Healing

Chronically-ill Christians who do not believe in spiritual healing of... Read More

Crazy in Love

Several years ago my cousin was pleased to find out... Read More

The 7 Trumpet Judgments

This article will deal with the next set of judgments... Read More

Thoughts on the Road to Emmaus

". . . their eyes were opened, and they recognized... Read More

The Right of Passage

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

Following Instructions To The Letter

The dictionary explains wisdom as having good judgement, understanding, comprehension... Read More

Homo-sexuality and Christianity

Romans 1:16-1:32. Can there be a compromise between the two:... Read More

Like a Flood: What The Church does with Killers like Katrina

Isaiah 59:19 declares: "...when the enemy comes in like a... Read More

Moslem America ,Part 1

Daniel 12:7-12:12Moslem America ,Part 1. Aljazira, is the propaganda machine... Read More

Iesa and Jesus in the Pyramid

The Sun god, Mithras, was the most widely worshipped deity... Read More

Ministry Idea: How to Stop Pre-Marital Sex

... Read More

Catholic Church Ready to Fall?

Americans waited for an explanation of the molestations of thousands... Read More

Lutheran or Catholic Church; Choosing the Religion that is Best for You?

Many cities have large Catholic Church presence and well-established Lutheran... Read More

Worship and Praise in Charismatic Churches

This article was in response to an email about someone... Read More

The Wisdom of this World is Foolishness with God

Once you start to receive the knowledge and wisdom of... Read More

Understanding How To Pray - Part 1 of 2

Being in the Ministry for a few years now, I've... Read More

Religion Versus Science: The Truth

I find myself amazed and appalled that such strong antipathy... Read More

Possibilities in Prayer

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

The Warped Psychology of Islam

The London Bombings are just the beginning. Londoners are probably... Read More

Zombies

The Caribbean is the site of another thing which some... Read More

Africa; The Forgotten Land of The Catholic Church

African Nations upset at the selection of the new Pope,... Read More

Purity

Is being purified only for the men of the cloth?... Read More

Growing in the Knowledge of God

This first verse completely sets the stage for you to... Read More

Gods Favorite Religion

What does your church teach regarding the subject of Widows... Read More

Killing Red Heads

"With regard to the ancient Egyptians we have it on... Read More

Truth or Consequence

Prime probability:You have been and are being deceived by those... Read More

Why Me

Why MeAs a Christian I feel the need to say... Read More

7 Year Tribulation

As you will see in the Scripture verses listed below,... Read More

Why More Priests Need To Train As Fighters (And Why We Dont See Many Boxers In Church)

"Therefore I do not run like a man... Read More

Of Snakes and Terrorism

With the passing of Arafat, the Middle East will take... Read More