Clergy Shirts & Collars

Ever wondered why clergy wear that distinctive white “dog collar” or tab collar—and what all the shirt colors mean?

In this episode of Ask the Church, we dive into:

  • How the 19th-century “dog collar” (clerical collar) was invented and why it stuck

  • What the tab collar mimics and why

  • The difference between clergy shirt colors in Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions

Whether you're curious about church history, clerical attire, or simply spotting clergy in the wild, this video offers a thoughtful, accessible take.

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Psalm 138 Colossians 2:1-15 Luke 11:1-13

The Procession of the Spirit

In this episode of Ask the Church, we unpack one of the most debated lines in the Nicene Creed: “who proceeds from the Father and the Son.” Why did the Western Church add “and the Son”? Why do Eastern Christians omit it? And what does it tell us about the dynamic life of the Trinity?

In five minutes, we'll discuss:

  • The biblical basis for the Spirit’s procession (John 15:26)

  • How the concepts of “eternal source,” “eternal begetting,” and “eternal procession” help us understand the three Persons of the Trinity

  • The history and impact of the Filioque controversy and the Great Schism

  • Anglican flexibility in confessing or omitting the “and the Son” (Filioque) clause

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Psalm 15 Colossians 1:15-29 Luke 10:38-42

The Sign of the Cross

In this episode of Ask the Church, we explore the meaning, history, and practice of the sign of the cross. Is it biblical? Is it required? And why do so many Christians—especially Anglicans—use this gesture in worship?

In under five minutes, you'll learn:

  • How the sign of the cross helps unite our heart, mind, and body in worship

  • When it's commonly used during worship

  • How it functions as a “physical prayer” rather than a rote ritual

  • Why it's not required—but can be spiritually enriching

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Deuteronomy 30:9-14 Psalm 25:1-15 Colossians 1:1-14 Luke 10:25-37

The Apocrypha

What is the Apocrypha—and why should Christians read it? In this episode of Ask the Church, we explore the history, purpose, and spiritual value of this “second canon” of books written in the centuries before Christ. Often overlooked or misunderstood, the Apocrypha offer rich insight into Jewish heritage, wisdom literature, and the cultural backdrop of the New Testament.

What Should I Call a Member of the Clergy?

In this episode of Ask the Church, we tackle a common but often confusing question: What should I call a member of the clergy? From "Father" to "Parson," "Pastor" and "Minister" to "The Reverend," we explore the historical, theological, and cultural reasons behind various titles—and why sometimes, just using a first name is perfectly fine.

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Psalm 66 Galatians 6:1-18 Luke 10:1-20

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Psalm 16 Galatians 5:1, 13-25 Luke 9:51-62

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Psalm 63 Galatians 3:23-29 Luke 9:18-26

Trinity Sunday

Isaiah 6:1-7 Psalm 29 Revelation 4 John 16:5-15

Pentecost Sunday

Psalm 104:24-35 1 Corinthians 12:4-13 John 14:8-17

Sunday after Ascension Day

1 Samuel 12:19-24 Psalm 47 Revelation 22:10-21 John 17:20-26

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Joel 2:21-27 Psalm 67 Revelation 21:1-4, 22-27; 22:1-5 John 14:21-29

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 Psalm 145 Revelation 19:1-9 John 13:31-35

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Psalm 100 Acts 13:14b-16, 26-39; Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30

Third Sunday of Easter

Psalm 33:1-11 Acts 9:1-19a; Revelation 5 John 21:1-14

Second Sunday of Easter

Job 42:1-6 Psalm 111 Revelation 1 John 20:19-31

Easter Sunday

Isaiah 51:9-11 Psalm 118:14-17, 22-24 Colossians 3:1-4 Luke 24:1-12

Living as the body of Christ for the sake of others.

steven@incarnationrichmond.org

Worship: 9am Sundays, 12050 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico VA 23233

Mailing Address: PO Box 29215, Henrico, VA 23242