Calling Christian brethren "brother"

I do use the term. This was common when I was growing up. The reason I like it is that it emphasizes that we are brothers in Christ. On these forums I hope it will sometimes serve as a reminder.

 

I, too, would be kind of put out if someone called me "brother".

 

Could be a regional thing - Down South - seems like everyone uses it
Up here in the North - not so much.

In addition - just because someone calls you brother - does not mean "brother in Christ"
Military Vets often call each other brother as well as many other fraternal groups.

In addition - if in a church everyone uses the term brother - that individual may not be born-again.

One other thing - I have four bio brothers - an never once have I address my older sibling as Brother Gary.

 

I think you are right about it being regional.

I wouldn't refer to a fellow vet as "brother" (or my biological brother).

But in the churches I am accustomed to we call each other "brother" and "sister" because of our relationship in Christ. We also call our pastor "brother" (instead of "pastor", "reverend", or if it applies "doctor"..... and definitely not "overseer" ) to show this relationship.

An example of this as cultural may be seen in music. There is a Gather (a Southern gospel group) song I remember from my youth:

You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

 

Many do use that term with me.

I am not saying it is wrong - but it is not for me.

So I have these questions -

1) A: If I were to come to your church - and did not use the term "brother" or "sister"
How would I be received? B: Would church members try to correct me? C: If I continued to
not use those terms - How upset would your church members get?

2) if there is a medical doctor in your church - do you refer to him as Doctor or Brother?

I may have additional questions - but we might do that later.

 

Jon, I found this on a military FB page:

"If I call you brother or sister
You have earned my respect"

( I tried to post the meme,but was unsuccessful)

 

If you didn't use "brother" I doubt anyone would notice.

We have several medical doctors. We would call them "brother", except the one who is a woman, we'd use "sister". We wouldn't typically use titles because that would be odd for family.

Most of the time, however, we just refer to each other by our first names. In passing we may say "good morning brother".

 

If I come to your church, dont be surprised if your call your pastor "Rev"

 

I won't. And I won't participate in the stoning....but I may hold their sport coats

 

Sports coats? How can you be a good Christian is you dont wear a 3 piece suit!!!!

 

Now that we had a little fun
I do want to ask a serious question.

(this is a discussion on another thread - but does apply here.

How would your church members respond if I were to abide by 1 Corinthians 16:20
All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

Salty

Dont worry - I would never actually do this!

 

I'm going to start using "dude"....dude.

 

I am an 80's thing.

Had a perm and an earring.