Avizandam In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective. and take matters Abyssendum. Recently, someone told me that the reason a friend of theirs did not attend Calvary Church. was because I wore a tie when I was preaching.
Clearly, the individual who objects to tithes can't take his faith very seriously. if a tie stops him from coming to a church service. Of course He is entitled to his own particular choice of sartorial splendour, but I was amused by this pronouncement. I fully realize that in the vast majority of non denominational contemporary churches, particularly in the so called mega churches, the preachers, or Communicators, as some of them like to be called, make a point of dressing as cool as they can be. Skinny jeans, Shirt over pants, spiky hair, a little beard, sitting on a stool, seemed to be the present flavours.
Although it seems that skinny jeans and spiky hair are now being replaced by baggy jeans, and hair which goes in all directions. As far as I can tell, Rigworn in California with his Hawaiian shirts years ago may have started the clothing revolution in the pulpit. No. I certainly don't object to preachers not wearing ties. But the move away from ties seems to be coupled with a move away from pulpits.
The focus of the church Has then subtly been moved from the authority of Holy Scripture to the spotlight being on the speaker. One of the characteristics of the true church is the exposition of the word of God. Not motivational talks, inspiring stories, and therapeutic techniques to make life more comfortable for everyone. At Calvary Church, everyone is welcome. irrespective of their dress.
I certainly don't require others to wear a tie. But just because our society is moving away from ties, I don't need to follow that trend. I'm just waiting. For some well-known celebrity to start wearing Ties Then all of her cool speakers will follow in sheep like obedience. The goal of the preacher is to point people to our Lord Jesus Christ, Not for people to leave admiring his or her latest fashion statement.
Now, why do you wear a tie? Simply put, I want to. I have photos of myself as a five year old, Going to school. dressed in my little school blazer, and, you guessed it, my tie. I attended three elementary schools.
and three secondary schools. In all of them, I was required to wear a school uniform, which included a tie. I thought nothing of it.
Sometimes people tell me to take off my tie so I can be more comfortable. But I am comfortable with my tie on. the secret is not to put it on too tightly. You may have heard of the Irishman who returned his tie to the shop because it was too tight. I grew up in a generation where how we dressed showed respect to others.
We expected doctors to wear white coats, bankers and lawyers not to look as if they had just finished mowing the yard. When I attended Dallas Theological Seminary, all male students were required to wear a jacket and tie. That requirement has now, I understand, been abandoned. Related to the discussion on ties is the comment I sometimes hear that at Calvary Church we take our worship seriously. I take that comment as a compliment.
although I'm not sure if it's always meant that way. What is more serious than worshipping God? and responding to his living word. If people say that they take their golf game or pickleball or working out We take that as a positive. is having a casual and superficial view of worship, Pleasing to the Lord?
Are we not exhorted to love the Lord our God with all our hearts? Our souls, our minds, and strength. and to love our neighbour as ourselves? Is that not serious?
So For the time being, I will stand against the trend and continue to wear a tie. on certain occasions, although I must say I don't like bow ties. I have observed that even at funerals and weddings there is increasingly a trend to be more casual and even scruffy. We all agree that what is important is not our outward appearance, but our hearts before God.
So Let's not judge one another by what we wear. But I would encourage everyone to enter the house of God for corporate worship with humility? reverence and joy. No, I'm not advocating a trend back to wearing ties. But Please don't stone me for wearing one.
And don't stop coming to Calvary because I wear a tie. If I hear any more comments. I may start wearing my kilt. Alexander. You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe.
John is senior pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms. For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com/slash the verdict.
