At the risk of being too political, I share an observation I heard recently: “The biggest problem I have with our president is that he just doesn’t appear presidential.” I recognize that some see it differently, but the person making the statement went on to cite perceptions of rushed judgment, broken promises, reversed decisions, too much involvement in the “fray”, and the inability to demonstrate the kind of stability and wisdom that charts one’s course from a position above the crashing waves of the moment.
This is not an article about national politics, it is an article about preachers. I have noted that some preachers have dressed down so far, both in the pulpit and in their work attire, that they communicate something they likely do not want to communicate. Informal attire can communicate lack of competence, lack of confidence, lack of respect, and lack of authoirty. As one distraught husband observed upon entering the church building and seeking counseling, “You mean he is the preacher?” Indeed–it’s hard to imagine a competent, well-trained counselor in shorts and flip-flops.
Perhaps in a casual society there is something to be said for “dressing down” and meeting the people where they are. On the other hand, there is also something to be said for being a person who raises the level of society and reflects a higher standard of excellence in every aspect of life. I have known more than one instance where a potential contact rejected the church because of an appearance too informal. I have never known of a situation where a potential contact walked away because of too formal an appearance. After all, the preacher may have just come from a funeral! I no longer take naps with my tie on (kidding!), but I do attempt to maintain a level of decorum that is above expectation wherever I am.
I know that appearance is more than attire–it is our demeanor, the impressions we make, our friendliness, openness, encouragement, and a host of other factors. On the other hand, attire is a part of our appearance. And while appearance isn’t everything–it is something!