She did not find me “unapproachable.” In fact, she approached me. She sought me out. If you’re drowning in a pool, the guy with the lifeguard uniform is the most approachable person of all. Had the pastor who said clericals “don’t work” for him had been the one walking past Joellen instead of me, she would not have approached him. The clerical shirt made me approachable - not a sportsball jersey or even a T-Shirt with some Jesus glurge on it.

Ordinations and Installations are joyful and yet formal events for churches and pastors. Vows are taken and repeated. Scripture is read. There is a formal blessing by the District President. And the draw of tradition is so great that even in some of the most casual and hipster LCMS congregations, the red stole often persists, even if used only for this occasion…