In the past, Christians traveled vast distances and spent an incredible amount of time spreading the word of God to people all over the world. The strength of the Christian faith today is a testament to their efforts. In today's day and age, however, Christians no longer have to pack their bags and embark on fantastic journeys in order to reach out and spread the good news to others. With a growing world population, increased access to global media, and individuals interacting with larger groups of people within a close proximity, the ability to spread the word of God has grown exponentially and will continue to do so. One of the fastest growing ways Christians are choosing to get the message out is by wearing Christian clothing and Christian Merchandise.



Now, I'm not talking about dressing up like a priest, pastor or nun and walking down the street. I'm referring to Christians outfitting themselves in Christian themed contemporary clothing such as T-shirts, hats and sweatshirts. The Christian clothing and merchandise of today can be found in a number of different styles. From urban wear to designer wear, from relaxed styles to formal wear, Christian clothing is being worn not only as a fashion statement, but also as a faith statement. The messages these articles of clothing carry range from bold statements to subtle symbolism, but one message is consistent, "I'm a Christian, and I'm proud of it."

While the effectiveness of wearing Christian gear to spread God's message can not be exactly measured, one thing is certain, the effect is indeed positive. Giant media conglomerates spend hundreds of millions of dollars a year researching and implementing marketing strategies for ad placement and marketing messages. There's one reason for this, it works. But there's one way of effectively getting a message out that money can't buy, a grassroots campaign spurred on by the love and devotion of a loyal following. That's exactly what the recent surge of Christian clothing is, a grassroots effort to spread God's message to others. Wearing Christian gear is arguably the most effective way to plant seeds in the minds of others in hope that these seeds will eventually grow into a strong tree of faith.

The Christian practitioners and missionaries of the past worked to ensure that the word of God would be passed on to others around them, and they also worked to make certain that it would reach through the hands of time and benefit future generations. The torch has been passed. The duty to spread the message of Jesus falls squarely on the shoulders of each and every one of us. Whatever method you choose to effect change, whether it be talking with your friends and neighbors, writing for your local newspaper or on the internet, or wearing Christian apparel to subtly bring God's message to perfect strangers, do so knowing that you're helping to bring the light of God to not only those around you, but to countless people in generations to come.