What’s with the Collar?

By Rev. Jeffrey Bloom

Have you ever wondered why some Lutheran pastors wear clerical collars?

Luther and his associates regarded clerical vestments (including clerical collars) as adiaphora (neither commanded nor forbidden in Scripture). There is, however, a significant amount of symbolism behind the use of vestments and especially a clerical collar.

First, the black color shows to the world that the pastor is a sinner, dead in his trespasses and sin. By himself, a pastor is nothing.

Second, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, the words that come from the pastor’s mouth as he preaches and absolves are in the stead of Christ, and, therefore, are as white and pure as freshly fallen snow. Thus, the white tab is located in the front of the clerical collar. There is also a white Anglican collar that wraps entirely around the pastor’s neck and resembles a dog’s flea collar. Did I just accuse your pastor of having fleas? This type of clerical collar symbolizes that the pastor is not his own master but is leashed by God to speak His Word in all of its truth and purity.

Third, the collar is a constant reminder to the pastor that he is a representative of Christ and the congregation he has been called to serve. Therefore, choosing to wear a clerical collar is an act of forfeiting one’s anonymity. In other words, when the pastor wears a clerical collar, he is willingly placing himself under the microscope of scrutiny of those with whom he comes into contact. In doing so, he has a heightened awareness of how his words and deeds can have a positive or negative effect on others and their attitude toward Christ and His Church. If you don’t believe me, try placing a Christian bumper sticker on your car and see how it affects the way you drive your car.

Fourth, a clerical collar is a uniform like a police officer or a soldier wear. When you see them in uniform, you immediately know what they are. The same can be said of a collared pastor. Speaking from experience, when I wear a clerical collar, access is much easier at hospitals and other healthcare facilities because the staff immediately knows why I am there. It also proves helpful when visiting the elderly suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Fifth, a clerical collar communicates that the pastor is to care for the people of God. There are some pastors who refuse to wear a clerical collar because they think it gives the appearance of being Roman Catholic. However, many clergy from church bodies wear clerical collars besides the Roman Catholic priests, such as the Episcopalians, Anglicans, even some Methodists, and others. Of course, there are times when people will greet me and call me “Father.” I used to correct them by letting them know that I am a Lutheran pastor, but anymore I politely greet them and go on my way. After all, I am the father of Jordan, Joseph, Jenna, and Julia. Besides, spiritually speaking, the pastor serves as the spiritual father of the congregation he serves.

Sixth, a clerical collar leads to all sorts of fascinating conversations. While it’s been said that it makes the pastor look less approachable, I cannot even begin to count the number of times while wearing a clerical collar that I have been approached by complete strangers with some religious question or simply seeking my counsel or aid. It’s a conversational magnet.

Seventh, it defines the pastor as a servant. It has been said that the origin of the clerical collar can be traced back to slavery. The Church adopted the garb of the slave as a visible symbol that the pastor is a servant of Christ and the congregation to which he has been called to serve. Sometimes, the story goes around that a clerical collar is worn as a show of power and prestige, but that simply doesn’t agree with history.

Lastly, on a more practical and perhaps humorous note, I never wake up in the morning and have to wrestle with the question, “What should I wear to work today?”

Although there are certainly many good arguments for the wearing of a clerical collar by pastors, it is indeed neither commanded nor forbidden in Scripture. So, whether or not your pastor wears a clerical collar, he has been called by God to serve you!

Rev. Jeffrey Bloom is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. He may be reached at bloom5@juno.com.