Thread by @TexasPreacher

Why it’s time to bring back the robe 🧵

1. Every Sunday, ministers make a conscientious decision on how they'll present themselves to the church. This could mean skinny jeans & t shirt; business suit/tie; rolled up sleeves & tattoos; Hawaiian shirt & flip flops; NFL jerseys; or dress shirt and slacks.

2. But the informality of fashion has affected how we see the preaching office & how we approach God in the divine service. Has informal dress led to weaker pulpits? Weakened views of the pulpit? Diminishing respect for the regular worship service? Absolutely.

3. The robe hides the person behind the office of minister. The man recedes; the office comes to the fore. Pastors are dads, husbands, buddies. But when preaching the Word, leading services, & administering the sacraments, they are ambassadors & ministers of God. 1 Thes. 2:13

4. Every vocation & office uses clothing to distinguish itself: police officers, doctors, judges, construction workers (vests & hard hats), etc. This shows they don't act/speak for themselves. They are under orders. They are competent. The Genevan robe helps convey the same.

5. The Genevan robe obscures the fashion preference of the minister: nice tie, ugly suit, bling bling, cool tats, etc. The robe draws attention away from the person and towards the office of minister.

6. The robe reminds the minister of his duty. Psychologically, it is harder to be a clown or comedian in the pulpit when garbed in the robe.

7. It sets the tone of the service. The robe creates a healthy solemnity & reverence that is missing in most churches today. The congregation is reminded of what the divine service is about.

8. Clothing & calling go together. Is it coincidence that as the Genevan robe was discarded, the church became more loose in doctrine and practice? Considering the looseness of our pulpits & the flippancy of most congregations, isn’t time for a sturdy dose of the old way?

Conclusion: The Genevan robe has been the garb of choice for Reformers & Presbyterians for 500 years. Even the Baptists used to wear them. This opinion is more a matter of practicality & sanctified wisdom, not something binding, but its time to make the Genevan robe great again.