I formerly belonged to a church that transitioned from a denominational expression to a non-denominational one. In this transition, the church embraced the tenets of the neo-pentecostal, charismatic, and apostolic movements. One of the hallmarks of the neo-pentecostal movements is an embracing of a new type of episcopal structure. This church, along with about six others, founded an episcopal organization and elected one of the pastors the bishop. While, hierarchical in nature, as are most episcopal structures, it was supposed to be a “relational” episcopacy. This episcopal structure was to be driven by the relationships among the leaders, and not by the positions or ranks that they held.
While the movement has many of the flaws that are inherent in a charisma-driven, hierarchically-structured, blind loyalty-demanding system, there was one very visual aspect that espouses what it means to be a servant at the core. This post is not meant to be a statement regarding my support or disdain for neo-pentecostalism or the proliferation of “reformations” and “apostolic networks, but simply a testimony of the symbolic nature inherent in some of the trappings and their underlying meaning for servant leadership.
At the inception of the group, I was able to witness and participate in the consecration of a bishop. The service was filled with pageantry and symbolism. The spirit of God filled the sanctuary, and emotions were overflowing. But underneath all of the outward pageantry, liturgy, and anthems was a prominent yet inconspicuous fact–the new Bishop, even in his dress, proclaimed his role as servant.
While studying the episcopacy in preparation for this auspicious event, I studied the various garments that bishops adorn themselves with. During the consecration service the new bishop was vested in these garments, layer after layer. I can only imagine that the many layers of garments were both heavy and hot. This fact alone can be seen as a metaphor for the weight and pressure inherent in the office to which a bishop, as chief servant, is called.
The bishop is first dressed in a cassock. The cassock is a simple, straight, unadorned garment that symbolizes the servanthood of the one wearing it. The next garment worn is the cincture. The cincture is a cummerbund type belt that girds the waist of the wearer, and symbolizes the humility of the wearer. It is fashioned after the towel that Jesus girded himself with as he washed the disciples’ feet. The rochet symbolizes the wearer’s role as priest, and is fashioned after the ephod worn by Aaron and his sons. The chimere is worn over the rochet, and symbolizes the prophetic role of the wearer, proclaiming his/her role as Chief Preacher and Defender of the Faith. The zucchetto is placed upon the bishop’s head. This skull cap is symbolic of prayer and submission.
The celebration garments that adorn the bishop are worn at various times, and include the cope (a cloak-like garment), the chasuble (worn during the celebration of the Lord’s Supper), the mitre (a head covering that embodies symbols of the cloven tongues of fire and the Holy Spirit), the crosier (Shepherd’s staff), and the bishop’s ring (symbolizing episcopal collegiality).
It is clear that there are many garments that are worn simultaneously (although not all listed above are worn at the same time), but it is the order of the garments that bears a closer look. The garments themselves symbolize many things; priesthood, prophet, defender of the faith, chief preacher, prayer, episcopal collegiality, worship, etc. But the first garment adorned, the cassock, is the most important. This foundational garment speaks volumes to the role that the bishop, and by extension all Christians, are called to fulfill.
Undergirding every other role that the bishop is called to play, is a servant. The cassock represents this well; a simple garment without gold or silver buttons or adornment. A close fitting garment that, along with its cincture, reminds the wearer that he/she is not to be exalted. It reminds them of the life of Jesus Christ, who though he was God, did not perceive this fact as something to be grasped. Christ took upon himself willingly the form of a servant. That is the call for all who would seek higher service in the Lord–it is a call to servanthood in greater degrees. While the other garments sport ruffled or adorned cuffs, gold clasps, or are made from ornate fabrics, under all of these are the garments of a simple servant.
The message is simple. It doesn’t matter what position in ministry you hold. Whether bishop, priest, pastor, brother, deacon, usher, choir member, janitor, or cook, we are all called to be servants at the core. God doesn’t care how we dress ourselves outwardly, he merely cares what exists underneath of it all. Are you a servant at your core? Do you exist for the outward trappings that others will see? Is your motivation to climb the ladder of church hierarchy? If so, then look at the top and take your cue from there. Christ, at his core was a servant. Christ said “whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.”
