Featured Please call me Reverend

I do not like, prefer, or require the term Reverend. A pastor is not a titled individual of rank. Jesus taught against such elevation (Matthew 23:8-10). We are all brethren. Even those of us who reject religious titles such as Doctor and Reverend, which are not New Testament terms referring to preachers, also caught up playing the title game. The scriptural office may be converted into an unscriptural title. Instead of referring to John Doe, a lower-case "e" elder in XYZ Church, we speak of Capital "E" Elder John Doe. Basically, I don't think we should be seeking to wear any title.

Not sure in what sense you mean this. In direct conversation I would ask not to be addressed as such. When I was much younger I expended some effort to try to get funeral homes and such to not list me as reverend in newspaper obituaries, announcements, etc. I eventually decided that was a lost cause, and that I can't be responsible for what everyone else does.

 

God alone is reverend.
Psalm 119:9
9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

 

I have refused the designation throughout my entire ministry.

When on staff at a church and others felt the compulsion to and a title to my name, I strongly suggested the title of "Pastor." It is what I am.

 

I am not a preacher but I grew in a Primitive Baptist Church and broke bread with many... I will call a man of the cloth a Preacher, a Pastor or and Elder but NEVER Reverend... Some like to claim that title but not in my church... God does not take kindly to a preacher that he has called taking the title that belongs to him only... I'm only saying... Brother Glen

 

Or her...

 

I was brought up the same way, and I never called the elders by their first names. Often you'll catch me calling a young lady at a cash register "ma'am" just because it is ingrained (and she often may be as much as 40 years my junior). That said, I was never taught to call a preacher reverend, and have been quite able to show (and receive) respect without using such a title. I've known a lot of wives who respect their husbands, but seldom hear them calling them "reverend"!!

I understand and agree with the concept of children being respectful and not too familiar with adults. But I have never had an ounce of concern that another adult calling me by my given name was somehow disrespectful.

Bottom line is not the respect we show to others, but why would I require someone call me Reverend? And if one must have a title in church (and I don't know why we must), at least find one with a smidgen of biblical precedent -- Bishop, Overseer, Elder, Pastor, Under-shepherd and such.

 

Yes, it's when they start using the other names that one should be worried.

 

Ah thanks, didn't see it like that before, but that makes total sense. Thank you!

 

“Hey you!”

Works for me.

My dad often called me a “yahoo” because I was happy in a world of my own.

In leadership, i’ve been called a number of names, most not so kind, but I personally deplore entitlements. Such terms as doctor, professor, director, ... are so not who I want to be known.


“My pastor” was a term of endearment that I did enjoy and I continue to use for it doesn’t show station rather it is recognition of care. I have certain that I call as “my pastor.” For there is no limit on care giving.

 

Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

First names seem to have been good enough for these men. Only on rare occasions do we see Paul referred to as "Brother Paul."

That being said, I am all for giving honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7); but, to demand a title is indicative that one has not yet earned due honor.

I personally knew a preacher who had no college degree but was given an honorary doctorate. He insisted that he be called "Dr. _____."

 

If someone demanded I call them Reverend, they would get their feelings hurt or ego bruised.

 

One Pentecostal nut case here in town uses the the title "Dr. Bishop." He gets mad as fire if anyone leaves out either. The Dr. was "earned" from a degree mill. I always address him by his first name. I enjoy watching his blood boil. He tries to avoid me.

 

Emily Post says that in polite society the title is often de rigueur when addressing Protestant clergy:

You may be considered gauche if you do otherwise.

 

I prefer to be addressed as Conquistador.

I started pastoring in this area 23 years ago. Charlie's was a feller well known and liked in the community. The day we met he shook my hand and called me Padre. The name stuck and many years later folk just call me Padre. I'm just glad he didn't call me Moonflower or Penelope.

 

Moonflowerdurand............thus it shall be!