Archive for May, 2006

Sometimes when I leave the house to go to the store, to run an errand, or even to visit someone at the hospital, my wife will (semi-jokingly) make the comment — “You don’t look much like a Minister.” She is referring to my attire. I am notorious for dressing casually. Right now I am in my office working on sermons and such, and I’m wearing shorts, sandals and a worn-out polo shirt. The only times I ever wear a coat and tie are Sunday mornings, weddings and funerals.

And I got to thinking, “What is a Minister supposed to look like/dress like?”

This has certainly changed through the years. When I was a kid, you never saw the Minister without a coat and tie — whether it was Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday evening, or Friday at the mall. He was always dressed up. Today, other than Sunday morning, the attire seems to be khakis and a nice button-down shirt. I rarely dress that way — I find it uncomfortable. I prefer blue jeans and comfortable shirts. And my Keen Sandals, of course.

When I’m out and about, I don’t really want to be recognized as a Minister. I want to to be seen as just a regular guy (it helps me get away with more mischief!). Seriously, when people know I’m a Minister, they act differently around me, and I don’t think that’s a good thing. I want people to be themselves, to be comfortable and relaxed. And I want them to know that I’m just like them — I have the same struggles, I’m trying to be a good husband and parent, I’m trying to make my way through life — just like they are. Isn’t that part of what Paul meant when he said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22)?

When and how did the Minister’s attire become so important? When did our Sunday assemblies become formal affairs? I’m thankful that this has not really been an issue where I preach. I don’t always wear a tie on Sunday mornings, and as a general rule, I dress very casually throughout the week. And so far, it has not been a problem for anyone (as far as I know).

I look forward to the day (and I believe it’s coming) when I can preach and teach on Sunday morning wearing jeans and a comfortable shirt. And no one will notice.

What do you think? Do you want your minister to be dressed-up (at least in business casual) at all times?

Race 008

Originally uploaded by jeffslater.

We had a great time at the race today. There were too many cautions (this race set a record for the number of cautions at a NASCAR Truck Race), but that wasn’t a big deal. Overall, the race was terrific. My son brought a friend, and he had never been to a race before. He seemed to have a good time.

This picture is my son and I — notice how good our seat were. Only five rows up. We would get a breeze every time the trucks went by, and sometimes would be peppered with bits of rubber from the track.

I’m still in search of a theme for this blog (as you can see, I’ve already changed).  I want one that is clean, looks nice, and is functional.  I like this one, but I’m not sure I’ll keep it.  I’m trying to learn more about how to alter it.  I guess I’m telling you, my faithful reader, to be ready for more changes to this site.

These are pictures from the ceremonial groundbreaking for our new church building that took place on May 7th.

The first picture is of our elders. The man with the shovel is Roger Shriver, who has served as an elder the longest — he helped build the building we’re currently meeting in.

The second picture is of the congregation (actually, about half the congregation) standing around the outline of the center part of the new building, which will contain the foyer and the offices. One of our elders went about 25 feet up on a hydraulic lift to take that picture.

It’s exciting! The building should be completed by March or April of next year.