Comments on: Coping with the Collar

By: Adam Copeland

Adam Copeland — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:30:21 +0000

Thanks for your great comments, John. Especially with the particularly context of a penitentiary.

I guess I’m not dismayed by the lack of respect ministers get these days because I don’t make any distinction between the call of a minister and, say, the call of a Christian to warden at the penitentiary. As you suggest, by “embodying” our call by wearing the collar, I think we undercut the call of other Christians to ministries just as important, but ones that do not call for a collar.

I’m committing my life, being education for the ministry, and certainly will have skills in a particularly type of Christian ministry of Word and Sacrament, but as I read Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians, it’s wrong to make any distinctions of merit when it comes to call.

Not that that’s what you’re doing; just what it might communicate. Peace.

By: John

John — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:44:14 +0000

Change churches if you don’t like to wear the collar eery day. I am a penitentiary chaplain, I think it is an honor to wear attire that links us to our vocation in Christ. Though I agree being forced to wear one everyday is excessive, the collar communicates something that regular clothes do not. Many ministers run away from the professional side of ministry and that is okay, then do the work of the ministry for free. Paid clergy are professionals, well educated and dedicated to serve Jesus Christ, why should clergy be less respected as other vocations. I am actually dismayed at the lack of respect ministers get these days–I am called chappy, Mr. (my last name), called by my fist name when I don’t wear a collar. Many inmates ask me “who the hell are you the Warden?” I started wearing the collar for some respect. Does the collar earn me respect, no, my character does, but the collar is a visible reminder to staff and inmates of who I serve and represent. i think you took your church members comment out of context when he said “The collar demands respect.” It is not the collar itself, the collar is the symbol and embodiment of what it stands for, the man wearing that collar has answered the call to ministry, studied for it and is know serving Christ on behalf of mankind, that is what is to be respected, the collar symbolizes the calling and commitment, something lay people have not done, the man wearing the collar is called to the Word, Sacrament and Order.

By: Dave Custis

Dave Custis — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:56:17 +0000

Hi Adam,
Hope your mom and dad are enjoying their visit. I think your mom even has a birthday while in Scotland.
I’d love to hear you and your dad debate the pros and cons of the clerical collar–but maybe you both totally agree.
Say hi to Megan.
Dave Custis

By: Carl Edwards

Carl Edwards — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:55:05 +0000

Hi, I found your site whilst looking for clergy blogs… I have just started one of my own. Clergy collars… I regard mine as a tool. when I need to get a certain job done I need the right tools. There are times when I would feel very uncomfortable without my collar, depending on what I am doing, for example bereavement ministry, hospital visiting etc. On occasions such as these it is not a barrier, but it is a key that unlocks doors.

On other occasions it may not be necessary, but I think that approachability is not defined by things like collars but the openness of the wearer. Wear a scowl and people will find you inaccessible. be open and friendly people will find you accessible. This is the case whether a collar is worn or not. I personally wear mine almost all of the time apart from on my day off.

By: lutheranlady

lutheranlady — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:30:16 +0000

Ah, the collar. Personally, I like wearing a collar. For one, I don’t have to worry if I look appropriate for church. Or if I can find clothes that match at 5:30 in the morning, when our bedroom is dark and my husband is still sleeping since he doesn’t have to drive an hour to get to his church. And I think it’s a good thing that the folks around my church don’t get me confused for the kids in the youth group. Out in public, I tend to slip out the tab if I’m shopping… or leave it in for church business. That’s been a good thing- in the hospital people have asked me to come and pray with them, recognizing that I’m somehow connected to a church. It’s also led to some interesting conversation- as I’ve been told loudly that I must be a virgin by a passerby in the hospital. (I know I picked a modest wedding ring… but it is there…) Could the collar be a power trip thing? Sure, but so much about the office can be. Anyway, it sounds like this is a year for you to explore what it means to you to be a pastor- and visibly so! Besides, a pastor I know told me wearing a collar is a good way to get out of a traffic ticket!

By: adamjcopeland

adamjcopeland — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:04:39 +0000

Thanks, Mike, for your good words. Where are you based these days (I had to give the “Life and Work” copy back so I can’t be reminded of your current charge.) It is strange how the internet works: I can hear several sermons from the states live each Sunday, but my church here doesn’t have a website. As they preach in seminary: context, context, context.

Yep, I’m not sure Jesus would care much about collars, or the latest fashions, or even my slick apple computer, but I guess that’s the struggle.

I’m currently shaving with razors left in the manse–probably not the best idea, but can’t beat the price.

Thanks for commenting and please do so anytime.

By: Mike Goss

Mike Goss — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:32:21 +0000

Wow! Found your blog doing an ego-google, and discovering that the only thing I’ll be remembered for is a debate about clergy uniform. Depressing! Mind you, just back from Israel and the 16th EMMS Bike Ride for Nazareth Hospital, which seems eminently more memorable…
I suppose Muriel Armstrong’s article stung me because, after becoming steadily less ‘formal dress’ in my first charge with little comment, my current charge seems to have so many hung up on the little issue of a collar. Some people need to worry less about what we wear and more about how Jesus would have us all live.
Thanks for your blog – have you tried Gillette Fusion blades? only thing that gets the blue off my chin…

By: Greg Garrett

Greg Garrett — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 04:34:59 +0000

Adam–

Thanks for sharing this. I think in some ways the collar is indeed a barrier–far too many people see Christians as being intimidating, unpleasant, or stupid. But conversely, seeing someone in a collar being him or herself–like your conversation in the store–could open someone to a new image of things.

Greg

By: real live preacher

real live preacher — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:19:05 +0000

I come from an evangelical tradition that has no collars at all. I bought one for myself and have worn it occasionally. I suppose I would agree that a collar opens some doors and closes others. That would mean that there is a certain amount of helplessness that comes when wearing it. Will you find yourself in conversation with someone who was looking for a priest? Or will you miss a conversation with someone who was frightened or put off?

Only the Spirit knows.

I suppose no one ought to live in a collar or never wear one. There is a certain willingness to claim our calling as pastors and priests that is healthy. And a willingness to live in our world that is healthy too.

Keep struggling my brother. I like the sound of your journey.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:16:44 +0000

For a female take on clergy garb, see
http://youngclergywomen.typepad.com/the_young_clergy_women_pr/2007/11/what-not-to-wea.html#continue.

I usually wear a collar when I robe up – or wear a white turtleneck (or other liturgically colored turtleneck sometimes!). Don’t have much occasion in current call to wear one, otherwise.

you are experiencing daily what David Forney’s final things and church/conflict class experienced when they had to wear collars for a couple of weeks in the greater ATL.

Enjoy your time – looks/sounds like you are doing so!