‘Real’ Is The New ‘Cool…’

No…I did not attend the Catalyst Conference this year.

But, I did, however, read an article about ‘Christian Hipsters’ on cnn.com, and read a Twitter post this morning, saying that ‘We need to not be so focused on being cool, but be focused on being real (paraphrase).’

I was having a conversation with someone a few days ago, and we were talking about Christian Fashion. I, then, said that ‘I could spot most pastors out by what they wear.’ The @Starbucks (for the @twitter fans out there) that I resort to pretty often, is the hub for all the pastors in the city. They come here because its Starbucks…and because the other little coffee shop here sucks. As I’ve said before, I’m an avid people watcher.

I’m not a big fan of the ‘graphic tees.’ But I am a huge fan of American Eagle and Nike. I worked at American Eagle during the summer, and ‘swagged’ out with Nike when I started hitting the tracks and the weights. I don’t know what it is about the graphic tees…I just cringe a little when I see them. Even as much as I like American Eagle, I never got, and never wanted any of their graphic shirts. They’re a little too busy for me. Too much goin’ on on a shirt.

Being a young pastor, I feel a bit of pressure to put on my Sunday best on a Thursday. For example…

I went to a meeting on Monday at a barbecue restaurant. I wore a black button up shirt, a pair of nice, casual shorts, my cross trainers (Nike), and a haha…Nike hat. I didn’t know too much about this meeting, except that the bbq was bangin’!! I walked in there and most everyone was in designer jeans and dress shoes…and yes…graphic tees! There were some in full-out suits…C-R-A-P…what was I was thinking?!?! I really want to connect with these people…especially with the youth pastors that were there! Looking unprepared, and feeling a little embarrassed, one of the longest tenured youth pastors asked me how I became the student ministries pastor at Mustang Creek. I gave him the summary of my journey from Louisiana, to Houston, and now to Forney. I, also, shared my heart in desiring to network with the other youth pastors in our district, and desiring (even more) to network with the other youth pastors in Forney. I explained how I am convinced that we’re all going to the same place, and that we should work together. We have to work together…

I tend to buck the current trends. Honestly…I’m not called to be a trendsetter. I’m called to be a trailblazer. Who cares which Express graphic tee I’m wearing, or which new pair of crunk Jordans I’m wearing…or not wearing, if my life doesn’t match up with what I’m teaching these kids? If I’m right with God, it doesn’t matter whether I’m in shorts and a UT shirt, or Armani…people will listen. Realness has a better win percentage than relevance does.

Jesus didn’t ‘bedazzle’ his robe…

So, how does my ‘pearl-snap’ shirt make me more holy…?