To Robe or Disrobe....

...and now that I have your attention. One of the subjects discussed in the past few weeks at ministry meetings of Spring Creek UCC is the matter of the Geneva robe (or Pulpit or Preaching robe). The use of such a robe varies in the United Church of Christ; although I think that the majority of pastors still wear them during the worship hour. The question was asked at one meeting, “From where did this practice come?" Here are some of the things I have found. Hopefully, this information will help us have a better understanding of this tradition.

 
In the earliest Christian churches, almost everyone wore robes. The books of the New Testament frequently refer to this common attire that metaphorically conveyed faith, holiness and worship. Such references included "the whole armor of God" in the book of Ephesians and washing robes until they were "white with the blood of the Lamb" in the book of Revelation. As centuries passed and worshippers read these references, the early common robes became interpreted as sacred attire, even as styles evolved. As a result, pastors and other clergy today and throughout history have continued  to wear robes in recognition of tradition and the clothing's sacred connotation.

A pastor's robe symbolizes his role of leading his congregation in worship just as Christ led his followers during Biblical times. In this symbolic sense, the robe honors tradition, conveys earnestness, solicits respect, and sets the pastor apart -- not above -- the congregation. A pastor's robe is also worn to visually convey her calling and duty as a God-appointed vessel, in much the same way that the uniforms of nurses or soldiers de-emphasize the individuals wearing them to place emphasis on the calling their uniforms represent.

The robe emphasizes the pastor's sacred role, rather than the person fulfilling it. The robe eliminates the distraction of the person delivering the message. The visual distinction the robe offers also serves to overpower the pastor's identity or relationships outside of the church. In essence, the robe serves to hide the pastor's "self" to remind the congregation that she speaks on behalf of a higher power.

Robes worn by religious figures have also been regarded as minimizing church leaders' concerns over their appearances and attire. While the congregation wears its collective "Sunday best," the minister's Sunday best is hidden underneath her robe. The robe frees the pastor from earthly concerns such as what to wear each week and how impressive she will look before the congregation. That energy can be spent on her message.

Does this article mean that this Sunday I will suddenly appear wearing a robe? No. Not yet. If I do, and it is likely, it will be after my installation service. The thinking from the conversations that we have had is that on Sundays when we celebrate the Sacraments (Baptism and Holy Communion) and when we have the anointing of oil for healing that I will wear a robe (and stole) at that time. Of course, that will possibly include weddings as well.

It’s interesting the things that I, a (very) former Southern Baptist pastor, have to think about. Many of the things I am doing now as pastor of SCUCC are the same things that I have always done as a pastor. And some are not. It’s an adventure.

If you aren't familiar with what a Geneva robe is: