Seven Thoughts on Pastoral Attire in Worship Services

Pastoral attire has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Today, we examine why that has happened and how to adapt to this change.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

When preaching in a new or unfamiliar place, be sure to ask about the expected attire.
Bow ties have replaced regular ties as the hot fashion for dress attire. But bow ties aren’t for everyone.
Sometimes, fighting the “expected pastoral dress code” isn’t worth the battle, and you put the greater good of the church above your personal preferences.
The church plant culture we have in the US doesn’t have the same expectations for pastoral attire as the established church culture does.

The seven things you need to understand regarding pastoral attire are:

Understand the demographic context
Understand the reasonableness of the church’s expectations
Understand the changes in fashion
Understand the community
Understand the principles of change leadership
Understand the issue of love over preference
Understand the members’ emotional attachments

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network

Episode Sponsors

The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing.

Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.

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