No titles please -- Not even "Pastor"
"But be
not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and
all ye are brethren," (Mt 23:8).
We should use those titles
that are given in scripture. None.
This gets into the whole concept of the nature of the church and
from where its authority comes. The local church gets its
authority from the believer Priests who are members of the body
of Christ. Thus, the gathered assembly is the church. This
authority is then conferred on leadership by the assembly, who
are seen as ministers (Deacons) and elders. These are not
titles, but ministry positions. The ministry (Deacons) and
elders meet the Biblical qualifications and are acknowledged and
appointed by the assembly. The qualifications for elders are not
just seen in the lists at 1Tim. 3 and Titus 1, but in the
function of sitting with the Apostles at Acts 15. They must have
very high knowledge of scripture and discernment as well as the
other qualifications. In our day, such is best attained by
formal training. This formal training can lead to
professionalism, especially when the emphasis of institutions,
denominations, and churches appear to cultivate it. Now, we even
have a professional ministry Doctorate called the D.Min (Demon)
degree. It conveys the type of knowledge that any person in full
time ministry should get on their own. However, it has become a
good source of income for schools, and a way for those in
ministry to get the title "Doctor."
There should ideally not be a clergy, laity concept at all. One
problem that keeps occurring are the hot house ministry plants.
Brought up in Christian homes, attending all Christian schools,
then Seminary, they embark on ministry in the local church. They
relate best to others in ministry and have little understanding
of those in the church, who have normal jobs, and who went to
public school or other. This does not mean they cannot minister,
but it does mean they had better understand their weaknesses and
seek to overcome them with humility and teachableness. There is
way too much arrogance in ministry today. Too much
professionalism, and too much emphasis on titles.
As for "Reverend", it is used once in scripture, and that in the
KJV, of God. It is an adjective and not a title, so that the
proper English use is that of "The Reverend Mr. Smith" etc.
However, since its meaning is that which can be ascribed to God,
I would assume that no one in Biblical ministry would want it
used of them, even properly.
Let the adults call you by your first name, and the children
call you Mr. Smith (unless your last name is not Smith). We need
to take the alleged "Pastors" off their exalted pedestals, and
be installed in real ministry in the real world. Also, forget
the terms "brother" and "sister" and just concentrate on
treating one another that way.
-
Robert Topartzer, Pastor (25) years, US Navy, Univ.& Military Ev.;
Faculty (2) schools, 1939 -
See
also:
No 'reverence' is due to
me! - Charles Spurgeon
"DOCTOR" OR
"BROTHER" - A. W. Pink
Church Leaders & The
Use of Honorific Titles - A treatise
