The Christian Century

One answer does fit all. The Scriptures provide not one example of church leaders under the New Covenant using a title before their name.

There is no New Testament authority for the use of such terminology as "Reverend". This truth will carry no weight with those who are unconcerned with operating within the bounds of the Lord’s authority; yet, teaching is clear that one must not venture into the domain of presumptuous religious activity (1 Cor. 4:6; Col. 3:17; 2 Jn.1:9). Christians are warned against religious conduct that is grounded in their personal “will” (Col. 2:23).

Second, in principle, the use of “Reverend,” as a religious title, is condemned by the Lord. In a derisive rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus spoke these words: " But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:5-12)

Clearly the Savior has condemned the use of self-important titles by which Christian men exalt themselves above their brethren.

Any title that is contrary to the equality of brethren in Christ Jesus, even the desire for such a title and honor, is wicked usurpation as far as our Master is concerned. Titles like “Doctor of Divinity” fall into the same category.

New Testament precedent is against the eminent titles that ministers so delight in hearing and seeing. If there was any teacher of the primitive church who might deserve a special designation, should such have been permitted, surely it would have been Paul, whose scholastic achievements cast a shadow on those of his Jewish kinsmen (Gal. 1:14, Phil. 3:4). Yet, when Peter had occasion to refer to his fellow apostle, he did not allude to “Rabbi Saul” or “Doctor Paul,” but simply as — “our beloved brother Paul” (2 Pet. 3:15).

More importantly, "reverend" is not a noun synonymous with "pastor"; it is an adjective that means "deserving reverence." When someone calls me "Rev. Hall," the absent definite article bothers me, but more so the fact that I am being called "revered" just because I happen to be ordained. Respect should be earned, rather than be given by default.

Peter, nor Paul, nor any of the other disciples or apostles (nor even JESUS) used it and I have yet to meet or hear any "greater" or more "inspired" men of GOD than they!!! With all of "degrees" that are conferred upon "clergy", how they tend to "overlook" this point…is beyond my understanding. So as it is commonly said, "Speak" where the Bible speaks, and be "silent" where it is silent..."

Nowhere in the New Testament is anyone called by the title "bishop," "elder" or "pastor." either as Bishop Timothy, or Bishops John. In fact....no minister in the New Testament is called by a title, any title, not even Paul. Paul was called "an" or "a" apostle," but never the "Apostle Paul." No one was called "Pastor" as a title.

While conferring honorific titles upon prominent religious authorities may be the way of the world, it is not the path that Christ has called us to follow.

Yet, in spite of the clarity of Jesus’ command, Christians have historically ignored His words. We continue, for example, to address our church shepherds as "Reverend," "Doctor," "Minister" or “Bishop” and, unfortunately, far too many of them are glad to receive such flattery and even love to have it so!

Of course there were prophets, teachers, apostles, evangelists, leaders, elders, bishops and deacons within the first churches, but these were not used as formal titles for individuals. All Christians are saints, but there was no "Saint John." All are priests, but there was no "Priest Philip." Some are elders, but there was no "Elder Paul." Some are overseers, but there was no "Overseer John." Some are pastors, but there was not "Pastor James." Some are deacons, but there was no "Deacon Peter." Some are apostles, but there was no "Apostle Andrew." The early Christians referred to each other by personal names (Timothy, Paul, Titus), the terms "brother" or "sister," or by describing an individual’s spiritual character or work: "Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost," (Acts 6:5); "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith:" (Acts 11:24); "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: " (Romans 16:3).

It is important to emphasize that such terms as "elder," "overseer," and "pastor" are functional terms, and were never intended to serve as formal titles. In other words, the terminology is descriptive of one’s task; they help to picture a church leader’s function or may even denote one’s spiritual maturity as in the term "elder." Thus, it is just as foolish and unnecessary to speak of "Pastor Bob" as it is to speak of one who possesses the gift or function of hospitality as "Hospitality Harry"; or one who has the gift of mercy as "Mercy Mary"; or one who has the gift of giving as "Giving George."

Bottom line: Honorific titles feed the pride of men. Titles inflate one’s ego, thus provoking church leaders to think more highly of themselves than they should (Romans 12:3). We all struggle with sin and pride; but why compound that struggle by exalting oneself with special titles which have no basis in the New Testament?

Honorific titles tend to promote an elitist attitude and authoritarian forms of church leadership. Even the best of men can find self-glorifying titles intoxicating and begin to form lofty opinions of themselves. Within time, they begin to look upon their congregational members as mere "common folks"; an ignorant mass of "laity" who desperately need their wisdom and insight (John 7:49; 9:34). In doing so they are already off the path that Jesus walked.

Greenings in the name of our Lord,

I believe no one is eligible to receive reverence expect the almighty, the Father GOD. According to Psalms 111:9- "  Holy and reverend is his name. " The Father God is the only one who could receive the reverence, not any one. If we could observe the Bible very keenly then we can find one thing that no one, when i say no one, all the apostles, prophets and even Christ never combined with this word. On the entire Bible we could see this word only once and that is in 111:9 which regard to Father God.

Thanks,

Uday.