I really enjoyed preaching at Resurrection at the end of 2007. I heard of several comments from the congregation about my hair. Fascinating… So I decided to experiment with a couple different options and see what you think.
The Center Part
The Slicked Back
The “I want to be like Dan Kimball“
From June 2006
Current Picture at www.cor.org
Any thoughts or suggestions on what the best look?
In all seriousness, I believe that the way that one looks and presents oneself makes a difference in ministry, for better or for worse. What do you think?
Rev. Andrew Conard 
12 replies on “The Hairstyle of a Preacher”
I think you need to try the tonsure look…
Hah. Great post.
I believe that it is important to dress the part. People make assumptions on first site. It’s human nature (not always a good one though).
I don’t have a problem with your haircut but am not surprised that people had comments. I consider you more approachable (I am a generation y guy) and believe that I could get more relevant direction from you.
It really comes down to how you feel about yourself. Your appearance helps define who you are and maybe who you want to be. You won’t be able to please everybody so it is ultimately up to you and not anybody else.
Andrew, I like the way you wear you hair. I’m really surprised that it was mentioned. You are probably to young to remember Laverne and Shirley on TV, but the photo with the slicked back hair reminds me of Lenny on the show!
Peace
Brenda
I’m leaning toward the fauxhawk-esque Dan Kimball ‘do. If that hairstyle could speak, I’m pretty sure it would say something along the lines of, “I’m hip and I love Jesus…what more could you want?”
My only concern is that the massive amount of hair product it requires might make your hair slightly flammable; thus, you’d probably want to keep a safe distance from candles and other open-flame sources you might encounter during the services. I think it’s worth the risk. However, I’m pretty sure you’d still get hair-related comments from the congregation… 😛
1 Samuel 16:7 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Andrew, I wrestle with this all the time – appearance, hair, dress, etc. Man, I could tell you some stories about assumptions people have made.
Regarding hair, I have a bad cowlick in the back and the front as well as a receding widow’s peak. I’m often tempted to just shave my head, but have a fear that my head might be oddly deformed or bumpy, like one of those wrinkly dogs.
Looking forward to seeing the finished product!
I think the 3rd option definitely looks best.
deviantmonk – I actually went pretty close to the tonsure look, but did have to check wikipedia for what that actually was… Thanks for adding the ecumenical and historical perspective! 😉
Scott – That’s true. Thanks for the encouragement and the reminder that I need to be comfortable with it first.
Brenda – Thanks for the comment and you are right, I do not remember Laverne and Shirley. That look is not my first choice.
Elizabeth – I appreciate your input and I think you are right, what else would that hairstyle say! 🙂
Ben – Thanks, friend. Amen.
Dan – Thanks for the response 🙂 I am just not sure that I could pull it off as well as you!
I definitely think that the way one presents him/herself makes a difference, especially in ministry.
Admittedly, I am fairly conservative; having been Episcopal/Anglican my whole life and being used to seeing vestments worn by the clergy, anything other than that was a fairly drastic change. Coming to, then joining COR, I found that the vestments the pastors wore (while not maybe as ornate as the Anglicans) are very nice (when they wear them).
However, when we saw Adam shift to jeans at the 5PM Saturday service or other casual outfits for other services, it took something away – not from his message per se, but from how he came across.
Church is God’s house. Why is there a need to be so casual in God’s house? It’s a place to be respectful, not be so preoccupied with being hip or cool looking. I mean, if you were invited to an event at the White House, would you wear jeans and t-shirts, flipflops or shorts? Maybe some would since there is so little respect for government anymore, but why would you do it in God’s house? As I said, I’m conservative and am showing my age – unfortunately the way many people dress at COR is, in my opinion, flat out disrespectful and doesn’t present a positive image of COR, and the congregation, not to mention the reputation COR enjoys.
My opinion only – many will disagree, some will agree but not say anything. But I think parents should take charge of their kids, not to mention themselves, dress in presentable clothes, jettison the low cut tank tops at church for the teens, and have some respect once a week for 90 minutes.
PS – and your hair as worn currently is just fine – sorry I got off on a tangent with other things. 🙂
John – Thanks for your response and for your comment that my hair is just fine. I appreciate it. I think that you raise a good point – the way that someone dresses can reflect positively or negatively on the individual and their attitude. I agree with you that revealing clothing is generally not appropriate at Resurrection. However, I think that there is a balance between the expectation for respectful dress (which I think is appropriate) and welcoming people as they are, no matter what they are wearing (also quite important I think). This balance depends on the congregation, location, surrounding culture, and many factors. In any case, thanks for your comment!
[…] – Part Deux January 28, 2008 — Andrew Conard Thanks to all of you who left comments on potential hairstyles. I decided to go with something completely […]
We don’t care about your hairstyle, we just like you for you. The new one does not make you look older; maybe just a little more mature. This can be a good physical attribute when you are guiding chronologically older people with your inner gifts.
I see the consensus is “be happy with yourself.” Most people who might be making negative comments are not.
Hal & Sal