What Does The Bible Say?

Question- Why do preachers want to be called by titles like reverend, pastor and father?

Answer- The Bible does not teach that there is a clergy/laity distinction in the Lord’s church. The word, “Reverend” reserved only for deity. In Luke 1:49 it says- “For the Mighty One has done great things for me holy in His name. Psalm 111:9 says“Holy and reverend is His name.” It is an appellation never to be assumed by any mortal man. In Matthew 23:9, Jesus said- “and call no man your father upon the earth for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” Biblically, a “pastor” is not a preacher but a term used to describe an elder. In Ephesians 4:11, Paul wrote, “and He gave some to be apostles and some prophets and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers.” Peter writes in 1 Peter 5:1,2- Peter tells the elders (Greek word- Poimen) to “feed the clock which is among you taking oversight thereof.”

The apostles did not use their office as an apostle as a title and Jesus did not use titles, although as God in the flesh, He would have been more than justified to do so. The highest position any Christian will ever hold in the Lord’s church is that of a servant. Jesus showed us how to truly be elevated in His kingdom when he washed the apostle’s feet. John 13:4-16. Jesus says in verse 16 that a servant is not greater than his master nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent Him.

Finally, in Mark 10:45, Jesus says, “for even the Fon of Man did not come to be served by to serve, and to give His life a ransom.” No man should seek to elevate his importance over others. Romans 3:23 says “we all sin and fall short of the glory of God.” From these passages we see that the Bible does not condone the elevating of men by titles. In doing so, we are tempted to think of men above what is written (1 Cor. 4:6).

Please send your questions or reply to: Maple St. Church of Christ c/o What Does The Bible Say? PO Box 3086 Liberty, TX 77575.