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Last week a gentleman came to our church and informed the secretary that he needed to pray with a minister. Since my office is directly across from the reception area, I have been frequently called upon to speak with such visitors during the week. When I approached this man, who said his name was John, I could smell the cinnamony Goldschlager aroma seeping from his pores. Through bloodshot eyes and fully dilated pupils he attempted to reproduce the story he had obviously rehearsed. He told me that his whole family had just been killed in a car accident. When I shared my condolences and offered to pray for John, his tenor quickly changed. "I don't have time to pray," he said, "I just need $20 to get to Kentucky."

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When I informed John that our church does not give money to people who walk up off the street, his feigning grief was supplanted by anger. "Why can't you just give me $15?" he asked. I informed him that our church contributes to an organization called Buckhead Christian Ministry, an ecumenical service organization that offers many different kinds of assistance to people in need.

"Come on man, you can't lend me $10," he pined.

I responded, "No, John I can't give you any money. But I would be happy to pray for you if you would like."

"I don't want to pray. I want to talk to a minister!" he demanded.

"I am a minister," I said calmly.

"No I want to talk to a real minister."

"John, I am a real minister."

John looked me up and down and through slurred speech and mild profanity he informed me that I couldn't be a real minister because I looked just like him!

This interaction has been rolling around in my mind for a week. Does a minister's physical appearance determine his or her effectiveness? Ministers come in all shapes and sizes right? Ought I look like this or this or this or this to be effective in ministry? In all fairness to John, he was right. We both had holes in our bluejeans. We both sported t-shirts. Except for the cleanliness of our respective attires, John and I did look strangely alike.

My church is a prominent structure on one of the main thoroughfares in Atlanta. Most of our male ministers wear khakis and a polo shirt during the week and suits on Sundays. I have been called by this church to be "relevant" and "missional." So it seems that what I gain in relevance and authenticity I lose in respect. So what do you think? Should I retire the jeans and t-shirts and don the traditional ministerial garb? Should I cut my hair and remove my ear-ring so that I look the role of a pastor?

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