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August 9, 2019 38 Comments

Five Updates on Pastoral Attire – Rainer on Leadership #561

Podcast Episode #561

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Pastoral attire seems to be a hot issue in almost every church. Today, we discuss the response to another recent podcast on the subject and provide a few updates.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • There are a plethora of impassioned perspectives and opinions on the subject of pastoral attire.
  • Society is trending more casual when it comes to attire, and so are churches.
  • Even though more pastors are wearing jeans, many of them are still wearing blazers.
  • There is still a disconnect in church members’ expectations of weekday pastoral attire vs. worship service pastoral attire.

The five updates we discuss are:

  1. It is still trending casual.
  2. The tie is dying: Only 15% of pastors wear a tie.
  3. One-third of pastors wear jeans.
  4. 50% still wear a coat.
  5. Highly informal (shorts, t-shirts, etc.) is not catching on.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

  • Church Answers
  • Seven Thoughts on Pastoral Attire in Worship Services – Rainer on Leadership #553
  • Revitalize2020.com

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Related

Comments

  1. Sam says

    August 9, 2019 at 7:26 am

    My life is easy. I’m Lutheran (LCMS). I’ve worn a clerical collar and then vested in an alb and stole for every service that I’ve done for the last nine years. 95% of the visits during the week are also done in a clerical collar. It sure makes getting dressed in the morning easier.

    Reply
    • Carl says

      August 9, 2019 at 7:40 pm

      Also Lutheran (LCMS). I wear a robe and stole for our traditional services and a blazer and open-collar shirt (rarely a tie) for our contemporary services. So much depends on the expectations of the congregation. I seldom wear a clerical color but see the benefits of it when needed. Clergy attire has changed often over the centuries and other than the priestly garments in the Old Testament, I see few recommendations outside of culture and respect for God and the office which are both open for interpretation. To God alone be the glory.

      Reply
      • Gary Gerloff says

        August 13, 2019 at 1:05 pm

        I am also an LCMS pastor, in a small rural church. I wear a robe and stole on Traditional Sundays until it reaches 100+ degrees outside, then I wear slacks and the collar. On Contemporary Sundays I wear my collar. I would prefer to wear just pants and button-up shirt but the collar is too important for one of my members (literally a hill she would choose to die on). I am wearing it out of respect for her because I know she is dying of cancer. Once she passes, I will go back to button-up shirt. During the week, I wear jeans or khakis and button-up shirt. During summer (100+ degrees), I wear shorts, button-up shirt and sandals. Even when I am in shorts and t-shirt I have never had a problem entering the Emergency Room or business offices. Entrance into anywhere is more about your attitude and presence than what you are wearing.

        Reply
  2. David Smith says

    August 9, 2019 at 7:31 am

    As a 26 year pastoral veteran who’s served in a variety of cultural contexts, I’ve faced my share of criticism on this. Pastoral attire should reflect the culture in which the church is situated (not it’s attendees per sé). Our attire should should not be so disconnected from our culture that it becomes a hindrance. The apostles dressed in the typical attire of their day without issue or offense. Paul stood before magistrates and Caesar in what he had. Church members need to sacrifice this sacred cow and enjoy the BBQ.

    Reply
    • Ron Elliott says

      August 9, 2019 at 8:08 am

      First, not to cross sabres, but we do not know that Paul wore something less than presentable. He WAS a part of the Sanhedrin at one point, so I am assuming if there was a place for polished presentation this was it.
      Remember he became all things to all men for one purpose?

      Second, every professional occupation comes with certain aspects of presentational dress decorum. So it stands to reason that a pastor should set the bar high and look professional, classy, and stately as financially possible.

      Last, if you are ever in a courtroom, at a hospital or a bank, or restaurant even for that matter, and are wearing a suit and tie, your response from employees will no doubt be much better than the guy in jeans and a tee shirt.

      So, it does matter what you wear because it tells others the level of professionalism with which you treat the ministry.

      I do have the utmost of respect for other opinions though and love this sight! The feedback is beneficial too. We need more of these subjects to get conversation flowing.

      Reply
      • Pastor Bob says

        August 9, 2019 at 9:31 am

        You’re right. Defense attorneys always make sure their clients are well dressed. The guys at Enron sure dressed sharp. And Bernie Madoff knew that the clothes make the man. And don’t forget how priests in their priestly garb always appear trustworthy.

        *Feeling a bit snarky today

        Reply
    • Gary says

      August 9, 2019 at 9:56 am

      I’m from NC, just outside of Lexington, so I just can’t let the last comment go. BBQ only comes from a pig!

      Reply
      • Roddy says

        August 10, 2019 at 9:00 pm

        Technically, BBQ is the method of cooking. Low and slow with smoke.

        I preached in shorts last week. It fits our culture.

        Reply
  3. Mark Holman says

    August 9, 2019 at 8:09 am

    Being casual is fine, where every generation has their own idea, I lived during the 1970 s where disco you didn’t see a Pastor wearing a white suit, and wide collar shirt. Then 1980 s wearing gray suits.

    Dress will change no matter what, the elevator shoes went away, also some of the inner city streets ministers, evangelist will continue to dress to whatever is acceptable. There is no rules to whatever is acceptable for occasions just be yourself.

    Reply
  4. K Jevon Chambers says

    August 9, 2019 at 8:13 am

    This conversation was good but limited in scope. In the Black Church our pulpit attire is a full suit or even robes especially for liturgical forms of worship….

    Reply
    • Thom Rainer says

      August 9, 2019 at 9:10 am

      Well stated.

      Reply
  5. Roy Wahlgren says

    August 9, 2019 at 8:52 am

    The weather has a lot to do with attire. Last Sunday, the temp was over 100 degrees. Wearing a jacket was out of the question. I often wear a tie, but only out of respect for the role of pastor.

    When making a hospital visit, generally, carrying my Bible usually lets the staff know I am a pastor and it opens doors that might otherwise be closed.

    Reply
  6. Sherman Dilley says

    August 9, 2019 at 9:05 am

    Over 35 years ago, I had a professor who stated, “Ministers are to wear long sleeve white shirts, or if the shirt is a colored shirt, the collar should be white”. After reading the statistics, I would like to know if there is a breakdown among: Age of the minister, Denomination, Church setting (Rural, Urban, Town)?

    Reply
  7. David says

    August 9, 2019 at 9:06 am

    How on earth did you find that “Only 15% of pastors wear a tie.” That is an odd statistic to prove and seems hardly plausible. Do you mean only 15% of mid-mega and megachurch pastors? In small and mid-sized churches (which make up a huge percentage of churches) nearly all pastors wear a tie. Just curious here.

    Reply
    • Thom Rainer says

      August 9, 2019 at 9:12 am

      I assume you did not listen to the podcast where I give my sources and the place on earth I found them.

      Reply
      • David says

        August 9, 2019 at 10:44 am

        I did go back and listen. I’m not trying to pick a fight just doubt that the self-survey is accurate enough to put out there unless it consisted of a large number of diverse participants.. maybe it was. At any rate, I don’t like wearing a tie but I catch flack when I don’t.

        Reply
  8. Guy in the Pew says

    August 9, 2019 at 10:12 am

    I find it hard to take seriously an older middle aged pastor with a VBS t-shirt tucked into his jeans.

    Reply
    • John Mulholland says

      August 9, 2019 at 5:47 pm

      Tuck a t-shirt in?

      Reply
    • Guy in the pulpit says says

      August 10, 2019 at 4:26 pm

      I find it hard to take seriously any church member who has “quit rowing the boat and instead finds it acceptable to rock the boat” over a middle-aged pastor with a VBS shirt on. Attire is entirely a personal preference within in reason. As a middle-aged pastor in Alabama, my attire in the pulpit and outside of the church changes with the temperature and humidity level outside. Needless to say, a sweaty pastor in a suit and tie in the summer is not a good look for me.

      Reply
      • Guy in the pew says

        August 11, 2019 at 12:29 am

        You missed the point entirely. See John Mulholland’s response.

        Reply
  9. Christopher says

    August 9, 2019 at 10:21 am

    I had a professor once who’s mantra was, “Presentation is everything.” Keep in mind that pastors who appear to dress as borderline slobs are very intentional about what they wear. They are trying to convey a particular image (not that I necessarily agree with that). I don’t believe any pastor just throws on whatever he finds in the closet without any thought.

    Reply
  10. Anthony Baker says

    August 9, 2019 at 10:26 am

    I just became pastor of a venerated old (1790) Baptist church in the middle of Georgia, and I’m talking middle of nowhere Georgia. However, these folk still have hints of the old-south decorum that goes along with their “jawjuh” accent. They say they wouldn’t mind if I didn’t wear a tie on Sunday mornings, but they are trying to be respectful, I believe. They’d be more comfortable with me in a tie – I’m the pastor, you know. But they really don’t care what I wear for any other service, just as long as I look respect-worthy.

    But if you don’t mind me sharing this, I wrote a piece on the subject of what to wear to church, and it’s been one of my more regularly visited posts. I think it’s a wise and gracious perspective.

    http://therecoveringlegalist.com/2018/07/26/what-to-wear-to-church-4/

    Reply
  11. Rick Wilson says

    August 9, 2019 at 10:57 am

    My observation is that church dress is driven by culture, and that culture is defined more than simply the generational differences in the church but includes ethnic diversity. Pastoring a church in Hampton Roads area of Virginia, I have learned that the churches that are predominately black have a completely different “dress code” for both congregant and Pastor than my church that is multi-ethnic but predominantly white. We have been intentional in being more casual over the past several years and in doing so are in conflict with the “church clothes” culture of the black churches around us.

    Reply
  12. Lyn Smith says

    August 9, 2019 at 10:59 am

    I have been a pastor and worked in the professional world and teaching world. I have been told you should dress at least one level above those you are leading. As a consultant, I have seen some very poor judgement in dressing by pastors. One time was hole filled jeans with a very dirty T-shirt for Sunday Morning Service. If nothing more influences dress, how would you dress to meet Jesus?

    Reply
    • Tom Plamann says

      August 11, 2019 at 10:58 am

      When the time comes for me to meet Jesus, I’m thinking it won’t have anything to do with what I’m wearing….

      Reply
      • Gary Gerloff says

        August 13, 2019 at 12:54 pm

        Amen. Jesus is more concerned with the state of our heart than what we are wearing. “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” I have not read anywhere, “The fool has not his pants pressed nor his tie tied.” heh

        Reply
  13. Kim O says

    August 9, 2019 at 11:16 am

    Perhaps this was not the scope of the conversation, but as a female pastor, my clothing is constantly criticized. I always wear business casual to the office (dress or blouse and slacks) and always clerics on Sundays and to the hospital and/or memory care. Usually I wear my robe/alb on Sundays, but if the sanctuary is hot (sometimes the AC is on the fritz), then I wear my black clergy shirt and a skirt. I seem to receive most criticism from other women, some of whom have either offered to take me shopping for “something more appropriate” or have offered to make me clothes. I always think those comments are rather odd, because what I am wearing is perfectly appropriate for the business setting. The only times I have worn a t-shirt and jeans/shorts to work is when I am getting ready to do something with the youth.

    Reply
  14. Fred says

    August 9, 2019 at 12:38 pm

    I was preaching at a church on Wednesday night were I was the Education Director/Committee Administrator (bi-vo).

    I was not wearing a tie.

    An older retired pastor in the congregation chided me for it and told me he would not pray for me as I preached if I did not go to my office and put on a tie.

    He wore a coat and tie to every service. Our pastor also wore a tie when he preached.

    I did not know there was a correlation between prayer support and wearing a tie :-).

    Reply
    • Ron says

      August 9, 2019 at 12:55 pm

      Fred, you should have told this older gentleman that it was ok if he didn’t pray for you because it is obvious he is the one most in need of prayer. ?
      Sometimes I wonder if people actually hear the things they are saying to others.

      Reply
  15. Marge VanderWagen says

    August 9, 2019 at 2:53 pm

    I agree with Kim. As a female pastor I need to be very careful to my attire. In order to be respected as an ordained, seminary graduate, I have to dress more conservative than my male counterparts. They can preach in golf shirts, and khakis, but I need to appear in a suit or robe and stole. When the temperature is above 85 in sanctuary (no AC), I have been told I can wear a nice dress and the stole. A council member will alert me before the service, “No robe today.”

    Reply
  16. Chaplain Mike says

    August 9, 2019 at 6:55 pm

    Some of my most blessed times of ministry have come in disasters. Those times of presence, and prayer have been done in BDU pants or jeans, and a polo shirt.

    It all depends on context. Does your environment or circumstances (e.g. funerals & weddings) dictate the wearing of suits? Or are you out in the desert dunes ministering to off-road enthusiasts where anything more than shorts and a t-shirt would be foolish to wear.

    Be sensible and flexible while we minister to those who need Christ.

    Reply
  17. Bill Gardner says

    August 9, 2019 at 8:19 pm

    I was raised that I was going to the King house as we attended church every week, we were to wear our best, be it blue jeans or blue dress pants. We were not people of great means and so our best was what we put on. Since those days (50 +) years ago, I pastor a GBC and a SBC. For the last 7 years I have went from wearing a suit and tie, to now just a dress shirt with my suit jacket and of course pants. I now sit down more to preach than stand and yet I still represent our wonderful God, be it blue jeans or three piece suit. To dress with suit or blue jeans I do not judge. God Bless You all, to tie or not to tie…..

    Reply
  18. Ken says

    August 10, 2019 at 7:18 am

    I hope you’re correct that “extreme casual” is not catching on. There’s a difference between casual and slovenly. If current trends continue, I fear we’ll soon see pastors and worship leaders wearing their britches at half-mast. After all, if it’s about “all things to all people”….

    Reply
  19. Jeff Glenn says

    August 10, 2019 at 9:40 am

    Personally I would like to put the tie away but my wife says I look nice wearing one. (Actually she said I look “hot” wearing one. What can I say? ?)

    Reply
  20. Ted Schroder says

    August 10, 2019 at 10:22 am

    It would be interesting if you included in your survey all the pastors who wear robes: Methodists, Lutherans, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Reformed, Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox. It would alter your percentages.

    Reply
  21. Terry Shaffer says

    August 10, 2019 at 5:11 pm

    An interesting topic. As a Salvation Army officer/pastor we are expected to be in tunic with tie when leading/preaching in worship meetings. On very rare occasions when heat conditions warrant, the tunic is shed. For female officers, they would be expected to wear tunic, buttoned blouse and skirt. Though some of the women would certainly prefer to wear slacks.

    The best part of having a uniform is it leaves no doubt to what you will wear. What is baffling is how so un-uniform we can appear.

    Thank you for leading the discussion.

    Reply
  22. Les Ferguson says

    August 11, 2019 at 12:06 pm

    As an Episcopal priest my worship attire is the norm/standard for our denomination: white alb and stole over clerical shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes. At a mid-week service I may wear black cassock and surplice over the same foundation. Every time I make a pastoral visit I wear clericals/collar and casual dress slacks and dress shoes.

    If I’m sitting in my office I typically wear button-down shirt and casual slacks.

    Our faculty in seminary said a good rule of thumb is clericals for all official functions (worship, staff meetings, clergy gatherings) and appropriate business attire otherwise.

    [56 year old, white, middle class, male, rural, family-sized, colonial church]

    Reply
  23. Stephen Bedard says

    August 15, 2019 at 9:53 am

    At my last church I was having a deacons meeting and I mentioned that another pastor in the same town was getting in trouble for not having his tie tight enough. I thanked them for not giving me a hard time for not wearing a tie. They responded, “You don’t wear a tie?” I had stopped a year previous and they hadn’t noticed.

    Reply

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