Growing up in a Baptist tradition, the clergy collar was not part of my spiritual upbringing. In my church, the focus was on preaching the Word, worshiping in spirit and truth, and leading lives of faithful discipleship. Clergy attire, apart from the occasional suit and tie, played no significant role in identifying spiritual leaders. However, as my ministry has developed and my vocation has evolved, I have come to appreciate the clergy collar for its practical, symbolic, and spiritual significance. Some denominations require their clergy to wear a clergy collar, such as Anglicans, Roman Catholics, etc. My reasons below are more vocational in nature rather than denominational. Wearing a clergy collar has become a meaningful practice for me, for four key reasons.
First, wearing a clergy collar is akin to wearing a uniform—it is a clear and visible symbol of my calling. Just as I wear a military uniform and a cross while serving in the armed forces, the clergy collar serves as a visible signifier of my identity and purpose. It communicates to those around me that I am a minister, a person called to serve others, and someone available to listen, care, and provide spiritual support. This uniformity transcends words and introductions, providing an immediate visual representation of who I am in both professional and spiritual terms.
Second, the clergy collar acts as an identifier of my role and purpose in specific contexts. One memorable example comes to mind: I was at a hospital in the emergency room late one night to visit a patient. Security, aware of my arrival and recognizing my clergy collar, granted me access without hesitation. Without my collar, they might have asked more questions or delayed my entry. In situations like these, the collar simplifies communication and removes barriers, allowing me to focus on what matters—being present for those in need. It silently conveys to others why I am there and what I am there to do.
Third, the clergy collar is a personal reminder of my identity and vocation. It prompts me to reflect on my role as a servant-leader called to care for others, regardless of their faith background. When I wear the collar, I am reminded of my responsibility to embody Christ’s love and compassion to everyone I meet, whether they are devout believers, skeptics, or those who profess no faith at all. The collar holds me accountable to the high standard of humility, kindness, and integrity that the role of clergy demands. Yes, there are times when a pastor DOES NOT need to wear a collar. Our identity should not be totally caught up in the uniform itself. We can relax and be "out of uniform" sometimes. But the clergy collar is an outward sylbol of our identity on the inside.
Finally, wearing the collar on Sundays and during worship gatherings helps shift the focus from myself to my congregation and my calling. It is not about fashion, personal style, or individual expression. Instead, the collar signifies my role as a shepherd to the people I serve. It symbolizes that my primary purpose in that moment is to lead, guide, and care for my congregation as their pastor. The simplicity of the collar allows me to focus on the spiritual rather than the material, directing attention away from myself and toward God.
In the world today, because of so much scandal in many denominations with regard to abuse in the church, we have to acknowledge that a clergy collar may turn off some people. Even when not wearing a clergy (or a chaplain uniform), people can be turned off when they finally come to know I am clergy. However, I see this as an opportunity to show love and care and hopefully overcome those stereotypes of clergy and share with them the real message of the Gospel.
For me, the clergy collar is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of identity, purpose, and service. While it was not part of my upbringing, it has become an integral part of my ministry. It identifies me as a pastor to the world, facilitates my work in specific settings, reminds me of my calling, and centers my heart on the mission of serving others. For these reasons, I wear the clergy collar with gratitude and humility, acknowledging both the weight and the privilege of the calling it represents.
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