Men whom call themselves "Reverend"

[Van]

As a Primitive Baptist we shun the thought of a man wearing such a title. Knowing the bible:
never refers to any of the Apostles or such as "Reverend"
“Psalm 111:9 says, ‘Holy and reverend is his [God’s] name.’ It is therefore wrong to apply to man that which belongs exclusively to the Lord.”

When I see that someone is designated "Reverend" I think that the person has been "ordained" i.e. designated as member of a body as authorized to represent the body. Thus a "reverend" would both be educated to the sanctification of other leaders of the body, and undergone an examination by an ordination committee.

If we look back to the OT usage, the word translated "reverence" is a verb, and therefore when used as an adjective it points to someone who "fears" God. So in that sense, it could be used just as servant or minister is used, someone who strives to please God based on their love and devotion to God.

In Lev. 19:14, 32, and 25:17 we are admonished to "fear God" thus one who fears God could be said to be reverend.
In Exodus 1:17, we see midwifes who put their lives at risk because they "feared" God.
And in Proverbs 3:7, we see that the fear of God is accompanied with turning away from evil.

 

[T Alan]

There was a time, when I was less educated in Theology, that I had no issue with "Reverend Jones" and at that time I did "believe" that "Reverends" were a special breed, a royal priesthood set apart by God. After maturing some in both age and "Churchianity I know that many, perhaps most, that welcome the term "Reverend" above that of simply "Brother" in reference to themselves or others of the "Clergy" (lol) do think they are "superior" to the "laity".

To each his own. But, I do have my convictions and I do seek out those with like understandings.
Nice to recognize those of "us" within this thread.

 

[Salty]

Brother is fine with me. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

1) Crabby - that is true but how many of us call our biological brothers : Brother Gary, brother Mike, ect (I don't know of anyone who does that). Therefore, I rarely, if ever address a fellow Christian as brother.

2) There are unsaved folks who may call me brother - but they are NOT my brother - and that, I am actually offended.

When I see that someone is designated "Reverend" I think that the person has been "ordained" i.e. designated as member of a body as authorized to represent the body. Thus a "reverend" would both be educated to the sanctification of other leaders of the body, and undergone an examination by an ordination committee. ...

Exactly! It is simply a sign of respect. Something that we are severely lacking in this day and age.

Even in my advance age ( I had military orders to go to Vietnam- does that give you an ideal of my age) When I see one of my High school teachers (and yes, there a few of them still kicking around) I still refer to them as Mr. or Mrs. - out of respect.
To this day and I see no reason to change, I will not recognize a child who would address me by my first name.

 

[Crabtownboy]

1) Crabby - that is true but how many of us call our biological brothers : Brother Gary, brother Mike, ect (I don't know of anyone who does that). Therefore, I rarely, if ever address a fellow Christian as brother.

Salty, in the African American Christian community the term brother or sister is often used. I seldom use the term with my Caucasian Christian friends. However with my African American friends I use the term often. Several always greet me with the term brother and I with brother or sister in return.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

So you act different around people, depending on their race ?

 

[Salty]

Salty, in the African American Christian community the term brother or sister is often used. I seldom use the term with my Caucasian Christian friends. However with my African American friends I use the term often. Several always greet me with the term brother and I with brother or sister in return.

Very true - and I have come across that when I was in Christian radio - I will not discourage that, but I do not use Brother as an address. I may say something along the line of "We are Brothers in the Lord," ect - also I notice that especially in the Black churches they tend to use the term "Sister" even more so.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I can't use the term reverend, father, or ever call anyone holy anything. I prefer preacher, or pastor.

If they can't abide that, I find one that can.

 

[quantumfaith]

So you act different around people, depending on their race ?

There is scriptural support for such.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

Is that right ? I've never heard of such a thing. I'm the same person no matter who is around. I treat everyone the same. To me, everyone is equally suspect.

As far as "brother", I understand what that's about. We are adopted into the same family.

But the guys who served with me in the Persian Gulf are certainly brothers.

I have also had bandmates who I have been very close to, no problem calling them brothers.

Guys I've played hockey, baseball, softball with……..

 

[TCassidy]

I am ordained, but not currently a pastor, so what should I be called?

Whatever you want to be called. My statement was in the context of "pastor" being the highest calling of God and a pastor using any other form of address is a step down from the high calling of God in his life.

 

[Salty]

So you act different around people, depending on their race ?

I might act different around people depending on their culture - as not to offend them

 

[Bro. Curtis]

Really ? Not me. I don't want someone worried about offending me so I treat them as I would like to be.

 

[Crabtownboy]

So you act different around people, depending on their race ?

No, it is a cultural aspect. Also I do not want to offend others. Knowing the mores of another culture helps. Sensitivity to others is important in witnessing and in maintaining good harmony with a person from another culture.

Three examples:

If I was talking with a Thai Christian and they had a child I would never touch the head of the child. Touching the head of a child is very insulting in that culture.

I would use the word shalom with a Jewish Christian.

I would never use the word shalom with an Arab Christian.

 

[PreachTony]

Salty, in the African American Christian community the term brother or sister is often used. I seldom use the term with my Caucasian Christian friends. However with my African American friends I use the term often. Several always greet me with the term brother and I with brother or sister in return.

My home church, and most of the small Baptist churches around us, use the terms Brother and Sister when addressing fellow church members. We're a mostly white church, though that is obviously not a prerequisite for membership.


Salty - I've had several people refer to me as "brother" outside of the church. I figure "to each his own." I can't find myself offended by it. That's just me, though.

 

[Salty]

My home church, and most of the small Baptist churches around us, use the terms Brother and Sister when addressing fellow church members. We're a mostly white church, though that is obviously not a prerequisite for membership..

That's right, its been years since I have lived down South - and the Brother/Sister greeting is more prevalent than up North.

Salty - I've had several people refer to me as "brother" outside of the church. I figure "to each his own." I can't find myself offended by it. That's just me, though.

I do not like it since they (non-Christians) are NOT my brother. But that's me.

 

[Gib]

I've lived in several southern states since 1980. Brother, pastor & preacher have been the norm. There was that one church in Slocomb, AL. They introduced us as Brotha and Sista so-and-so. I thought my wife was going to fall out of the pew.

Our current church calls our pastor - preacher, brother so-and-so or pastor so-and-so. He and I both get mail from time to time as Rev. so-and-so.

 

[quantumfaith]

I've lived in several southern states since 1980. Brother, pastor & preacher have been the norm. There was that one church in Slocomb, AL. They introduced us as Brotha and Sista so-and-so. I thought my wife was going to fall out of the pew.

Our current church calls our pastor - preacher, brother so-and-so or pastor so-and-so. He and I both get mail from time to time as Rev. so-and-so.

Love Zacks Restaurant

 

[righteousdude2]

I'll say this one more time. It doesn't matter to me whether a person calls themselves Reverend, Pastor, Evangelist, Prophet, Elder, etc. The only title I am offended with is the denomination that refers to its pastors as "Father."

Does it really matter what tile goes before the name so long as the Lord goes before the man when they represent Jesus, His Father and matters concerning heaven and hell?!

 

[annsni]

My hubby prefers to be called Bob but many call him Pastor or Pastor Bob. At some secular events that we go to, people will call him Rev or Reverend (the funeral director calls him Rev and will introduce him as Reverend to families, for example). Mail is usually addressed to Rev. Robert....

 

[JoyfulChristianHomemaker]

My home church, and most of the small Baptist churches around us, use the terms Brother and Sister when addressing fellow church members. We're a mostly white church, though that is obviously not a prerequisite for membership.


Salty - I've had several people refer to me as "brother" outside of the church. I figure "to each his own." I can't find myself offended by it. That's just me, though.

The Baptist Churches around here also. But I call our preacher Pastor Gardner,and the rest of the church congregation Brother,and the Women Ms then their names... Example Ms.Linda and Brother.Bill

If they do not go to our Church I simply call them Mr. or Mrs.Clark