So Beginith the Rant:
What does a minister look like? Where in the bible does it share the dress code for a minister? Prophets maybe, ancient priests for sure. But ministers? Nope.
Does business casual exude more of the light of the Spirit vs. a t-shirt and jeans? Or even a pearl snap shirt? Should hair be long or short? Parted or combed back? Shoes should be leather or synthetic? Loafer or laces? Dare I ask if flip flops are even on the table?
Pastors are victims of stereotyping. They are expected to fit a mold that most people believe pastors should look like. A mold that exists due to a false idea of what piety should look like. Sadly most buy into this and fall in step, or are broken down by the masses or fear of losing a job.
Any other group would be lauded for bucking the stereotypes and fighting a close minded view, but not pastors. Most embrace the bent dress code expected of those in their profession and often condemn those who do not as well. Instead of educating the masses on the subject of not all having to look the same, they often allow the masses to dictate what is expected from them.
I’m sure you can connect the thinly veiled dots I’m laying out here with how in every group of stereotyped people there are those, in the group, that claim those who fight against those stereotypes are “not truly, insert group affiliation here.” I know we as educated people often see these poor souls as misguided, and a definite part of the problem. For example, when I am with my friends who are in those heavily stereotyped groups I often hear them say, “Thanks for holding us back.” a comment directed to a person from their group blindly following the stereotype and living up to the generalization, because every person who feeds the stereotype monster makes is stronger.
Now a person, not from the before mentioned stereotyped group, who expresses how someone from said group should dress, act, or appear is immediately branded a small minded racist or bigot. Unless of course that person is referring to a pastor… If that’s the case they make sure that person is on the church board so their contemptuous ramblings can be more affective in keeping the minister in step.
Where am I going with this? Most groups have leaders who fight for the members rights to be individuals. Stating that merits should be the judge of a person worth not their appearance. The cover does not make the book. Why do we as pastors not stand up for this? Why do those who fall into step with the “old school” look down on those who do not? Why do those who refuse have animosity to those who do not? Do you think I know that both of those questions are generalizations not taking into account that not every minister falls into those two camps or schools of thought? Well, crap… Generalizations are just easier to write I guess.
So endith the Rant:
