So, I’m a Christian minister. Lately, I’ve been feeling a pull toward getting both of my ears pierced—something I’ve never done before. It’s not a midlife crisis thing (I don’t think), just a way to reclaim a bit of personal expression and body autonomy.
On the one hand, I know it’s just jewelry. On the other, I wonder how my congregation might respond. They’re kind people but I’m not sure how they’d take it. Do I just go for it and deal with any side-eye later, or keep this desire tucked away to avoid potential awkwardness?
Any other folks here made a similar change later in life? Especially those in visible or “respectable” roles? Would love to hear your thoughts.
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Tell your fantasy fans that god told you to get them. Easy.
Why not go with a tattoo you can cover up with your vestments?
I wouldn’t normally recommend a permanent tattoo over a temporary piercing, but in your case, it might be the better solution.
Get your lip or nose pierced first, then take that piercing out and get your ears done. Boom. Easy.
if you have any sailors in your extended family its easy , its tradition to have your ears pierced as sailor , when you go overboard and drowned you had enough gold to pay for a decent service and burial
p.s i have both ears pierced and never had any comments
If you want pierced ears, go for it! It probably won’t distract from the liturgy. If anyone starts getting judgy, remind them gently of Matthew 7:1.
You know your congregation better than anyone. Do you feel they would accept it? What if they don’t like it? What would you do? If all feels good, go for it.
Do it. That’s cool
The tacit acknowledgement that Christians are some of the most judgmental people despite the bible literally saying not to is amazing.
Get the damn earrings and then the very first sermon you give should be about judging others. Read from Mark or Luke or Romans.
You’re a gay Christian minister? I don’t mean anything by this, I just grew up Christian and never heard of that before. I consider myself an ally so I’m just wondering what church is this accepting because I think that’s great
Sorry some people here aren’t taking your request seriously.
I agree that’s it’s your body, but also get there can be career impacts. Some denominations have a history of being very judgmental about piercings and tattoos. I’m assuming you aren’t pastoring in one of those.
In that case this could be an opportunity to preach what you practice. You can refer them to Ezekiel 16:12, where God says he put earrings in Israel’s ears. and you can extend that to respect for the choices of others, even if we disagree. Which is a very Christ-like position.
Youth pastor in his 30s here. In my late teens early 20s, before being saved, I had gauges. Definitely got side eye and comments, got rid of them for others. Got to Bible college, got a tattoo signifying my dead life without Christ. Young kids at Bible college loved it. Put the gages back, back to side eye and comments, got rid of them again. I’ve not been a youth pastor for about 4 years. I always want to bring the gages back, but here’s what I’ve learned.
“All things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial.” While now that I can have them, I won’t bring them back with my congregation. It’s older and more traditional. They are still of the generation that thought all of that was “devil worship.” For me to bring them back would be a major stumbling block for them. Is it fair that my choices should be dictated by someone else’s opinion, no. But that’s the job I signed up for. I have to love my congregation so much that I would give my life for them. And in this moment, loving them means not doing this.
If you believe your congregation gets it, sure go for it! Are your elders on board? Bless. If not, then we as ministers have to to what’s best for our congregation where they are now, not always where we want them to be.
Hope this helps!
I’m not really sure that being a minister in a Christian church is all that respectable anymore. I guess I’m not your target audience.
It looks to me like Jesus sure wasn’t getting pierced.
Religion 🤢
Tempted to tell you to submit this to Ask Pastor John. Piper would just download on you… and yes, it’s within the bounds of Christian freedom, but very likely going to cause folks to stumble, a’la Romans 14. You know better.
If it were going to go well, you wouldn’t have asked. Go get some ink or something that’s more conservative. You’re the minister!
Split the difference and get cross earrings. Can’t be mad at the same thing they might just have as a pendant or brooch. Or if you want to test the waters, get some fake clip ons for a sermon or two and see how you feel
I’ve had 2 friends pierce in their late 30s. Do what makes you happy. It’s only weird if you make it weird. If you don’t make a big deal out of it, it’ll be a second glance at most for most people.
My friend is a successful Lutheran minister gay married to Jewish man
I have another friend who dyes her hair based on the church season