Just to dispel the rumors, I did NOT preach in Steve Schorr’s robe yesterday at First Presbyterian Church. I did preach the Word with our brothers and sisters at First Pres yesterday, and I was honored and blessed by God to do it. But I did not preach in any robe.

I was gathered with the excellent pastoral team at First Pres–Walter, Dillon, Erica, Charlotte–and going over the order of service, checking my microphone, praying, and all the things you do before a Sunday morning worship assembly. Dillon joked about me wearing the robe and it turned into a photo gag for Steve. I put the robe on, we took the pic, and they sent it to Steve. Hey, ha ha, Allan is wearing your robe!

Little did I know that Steve, who was preparing to preach at GCR, gave his phone to Andrew and Tim in the A/V booth and they grabbed the photo to show to our whole church! Steve put it up on the big screens early in his sermon!

Needless to say, I had several text messages waiting for me after church. Mostly smart-alack remarks. A couple of pointed questions. And they kept coming. All afternoon. As soon as I entered our building Sunday afternoon for the 4Midland Thanksgiving Service. And a couple more after the service.

Wearing that robe, even for that short amount of time, even as a joke, has caused me to do some deeper reflection on the whole clergy regalia thing. I’ve always had many reasons–convictions!–for not wearing a robe while I preach. But, for the first time ever, I’ve realized there are some good reasons for embracing it.

  1. I would never have to iron a shirt on Saturday night. I would never have to decide what to wear. The robe covers everything. My socks wouldn’t even have to match!
  2. The robe gives off a very pious look. People might take me more seriously.
  3. Big pockets. There are huge pockets inside that robe. Places to put my gum, my pen, my index cards. Pockets enough to conceal a Little Debbie Swiss Cake Roll and a Diet Dr Pepper.
  4. The slimming effect. At least two people told me I looked thinner in the robe. Because it’s black? I don’t know. This is a very compelling reason to change my mind about robes.
  5. It’s the only reason anybody would ever think of maybe calling me “Your Eminence.” I’ve always wanted somebody to call me “Your Eminence.”

I’ll write more about the amazing 4Midland Thanksgiving Service tomorrow. I just wanted to clear up any questions about the robe.

Peace,
Allan