I’m concerned that too many pastors in the church planting scene are trying to look like rock stars. I know that I sound like a stick in the mud and I’m certainly not known as a fashion icon or anything so perhaps I don’t know what I’m talking about but the more I hang around church planters the more I’m seeing this trend. Just attend any conference or function with church planters in attendance and you’ll see this distinct dress code in effect.
I thought that we stopped wearing coats and ties at church so that we could relate better with the average joe that no longer felt comfortable wearing such gear. Why then are we striving now to look like we just stepped off of a tour bus?
When Hudson Taylor went to China to share God’s story, he found that the Chinese people listened to his preaching only to ask about his suits when he was done. He determined in his heart from that point forward to only wear what the average Chinese person was wearing back then so that his clothing didn’t distract from his message. Shouldn’t we be trying to do the same thing?
I certainly understand wanting to have some sense of style and taking pride in your appearance. I know that we need to look “put together.” Sadly, I’ve seen some that don’t even look like they’ve bathed. But, I wonder if looking like a rock star actually puts more barriers (the same barriers as wearing suits 50 years ago) between the pastors and the people.
I guess that if you’re a pastor of a church that is trying to reach rock stars then all this might be acceptable.
I’m not condemning anyone. I’m just wondering out loud where this is all heading. Any wisdom out there for me from any of my pastor friends regarding this topic?
BTW, there is no way on earth to write something like this without seeming like an old fogey. I don’t think that I’m one of those but perhaps I’m becoming one. :)
I agree 100%. And it’s not so much that these guys are trying to ‘look’ like Rock Stars as much as they are seriously rock stars. It’s gotta add so many more hurdles to humility.
Thank you for posting this. It so needed to be said.
i agree. sometimes what i see makes me wonder how much time was spent finding & prepping the wardrobe vs. finding & prepping the message.
thanks for having the courage to ‘wonder’.
I have been having that same thought for awhile, but decided it must be because I”M an old fogey!
I’m not a pastor, so I can’t speak to their motivations, but in my opinion, rock stars draw a crowd, and people listen to what they say, no matter how ridiculous. I can’t tell you how many of my friends got their political beliefs from the bands they listened to as teenagers. I understand that the reason the crowd is there is to see the rock star, and that following the star could be a barrier to them following the Son, but it could also be a good way to draw a crowd to hear His message. I also get that if the rock star is most concerned about how they look, then obviously there are ego problems that need to be dealt with, but if it’s just another way to get people to hear the message, then I think it can be effective.
Anyway there’s a dollar’s worth of my two cents. Does this explain why you tend to go with the Don Ho look? ;-)
Davis, I seriously hope you don’t think that I look like Don Ho on Sundays! Seriously though, I have been thinking through what I should wear when I preach and that’s why all this is on my mind. Honestly, I’m not sure I have any answers…just a lot of questions.
Davis, you’ve made some great points. I honestly have no problem with a pastor having some style. I find it strange, however, when I see SEVERAL pastors all wearing the same outfit! Go to any conference these days and you’ll see what I’m talking about. It’s like there’s some required Church Planter Uniform in order to attend.
I will say that there have been times when the pastor/teacher/worship leader/whomever dressed SO cool it was actually a distraction for me. I was so impressed with the way they looked, that instead of focusing on the message or worshipping, I was too busy thinking about how cool their clothes were.
No, Tony, I don’t really think you’re going for the Don Ho look although you pull it off quite well. :-) Seriously, I just couldn’t think of any funnier look to throw out there in my comment. Fear not: you look cool, but not distractingly cool (to touch on Angela’s concern). Chad, maybe, but I’m not sure he can help it, and he’s only up there for a minute at a time anyway, so the distraction passes quickly. :-) This discussion does make me glad that I didn’t opt for my Larry the Cucumber T-shirt last time I played bass, though.
.-= Davis Hipps´s last blog ..Gimme that giggle =-.
Davis, just for future reference, I don’t think you “Larry the Cucumber” t-shirt is too rock star for our stage. Wear it in confidence. :)
tony,
this is a good post, and it’s much needed in today’s celebrity driven church world. if i meet another church planter so obviously trying to look like ________, i might throw up.
i like what matt chandler once wrote somewhere…”let your wife buy your clothes. buy books and study.” i need to take that advice more.
.-= Michael´s last blog ..Help =-.
I’m digging that Matt Chandler quote, Michael. Thanks for sharing it.