Sadly, the use of special titles is quite common in many religious circles. The most commonly used titles are “reverend” and “pastor.” Of course, academic designations are also used, so we see some preachers add “Doctor” or “DD” (for doctor of divinity) to one or the other of the above titles. I have known some preachers to list all of these titles with their names.
Job said, “Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles to a man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away” (Job 32:21). Flattery is always condemned in Scripture. Some people may think they are merely showing respect for a preacher by using such titles, but they are in fact showing partiality, which is equally sinful (James 2:9).
Reverend: The noun “reverend” should not be applied to humans. King David said of God, “He has sent redemption to His people: He has commanded His covenant forever: holy and reverend is His name” (Psalm 111:9). David exalted God’s name as being “holy and reverend.” David gave this description on the basis of God’s ability to send redemption and establish His eternal covenant. Obviously, these two things are utterly impossible for man to do, so man is not in this classification. “Holy” means “set apart,” and “reverend” means “to fear, to be afraid, to stand in awe of.” In this context David describes God’s name as “holy” because it is set far apart from any ordinary name, and God’s name is “reverend” because God is to be feared and honored for His greatness, glory and power.
Father: In a context dealing with religious doctrine and practice, Jesus warned the disciples against the use of special names that distinguish them from other men (Matt. 23:9-11). He told them to NOT be called by men “master” or “father” (in the spiritual sense). It should be observed that the term “pope” is from the Greek papas, meaning father. Thus, we are no more to call a man “pope” than we are spiritual or holy “father.” Jesus said that such terminology elevates mere men to the level of God. Calling a man “reverend” violates this same principle, for it exalts a man to the position of God. It is, therefore, sinful for one to call a preacher “reverend,” and it is also sinful for a man to so call himself.
If it was wrong for the Lord’s hand-chosen Apostles to wear religious titles, then why would we assume that it is right for one of us to wear such titles today?
Pastor: Some people use the word “pastor” as a religious title. In the Bible, the term “pastor” is used interchangeably with the terms “elder” and “overseer” or “bishop” (see Acts 20:17 & 28 and 1 Peter 5:1 & 2). The word “pastor” or “shepherd” merely emphasizes a certain aspect of the elder’s work. It should not be used as a special religious title. Ironically, the term “servant” is being used as a religious title in some circles. Might this be an exercise in false humility?
Even the terms “minister” and “preacher” can be misused. Like “pastor,” these terms describe a role or function, and are not intended by God for use as religious titles.
Priests and Cardinals: These special designations are intended to distinguish certain religious classes. However, the Bible calls all Christians “priests” (1 Peter 2:5 & 9). According to Scripture, no “clergy / laity” distinction exists, nor is such a distinction authorized.
Paul rebuked the Corinthians for “thinking of men above that which is written.” No human (including preachers) should ever be exalted above the position of Scripture. Preachers are not our sources of authority: God is, and His authority is expressed through the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
Tim Haile