Brother, Pastor, Rev., Dr., Bishop, Apostle
Brother, Pastor, Rev., Dr, Bishop, Apostle Right out of college and just before I entered seminary I served as the youth pastor in a small church in the bustling metropolis of Hartwell, Georgia. At that time Hartwell had a Dairy Queen and the sum total of one traffic light that they turned off at 6pm because it was not needed after that. This was quite an adjustment for a boy raised in downtown Atlanta. All the adults and leaders in the church were called brother or sister. Brother Smith opened the church building up early Sunday morning. Sister Gertrude got the preschool rooms ready. Brother Truett led the choir and Brother Ted was the pastor. So at the ripe old age of 22 I became Brother Bob. For some people the title was important, yet everyone had the same title. Times have changed, however, for some churches and I believe we need to be cautious. I have noticed a growing title migration in some churches today, and it causes me to wonder. Many churches call their leaders pastor and some in the church have the title elder. These are biblical titles that convey a role or responsibility these individuals have in the church. Of course, the Catholic tradition calls their church leaders priest and father. It appears, however, that many seem to think these titles are not prestigious enough, so they insist on being called Reverend. When Reverend became common many insisted on being called Doctor even though they only had an honorary doctorate at best. Now many claim the title Bishop and some have taken on the lofty title Apostle. I wonder what is next. Might there be some more archbishops, or arch-apostles? Maybe some will claim to be little Popes? We need to be cautious with titles because they often can become a barrier between us and can create a false sense of authority and pride. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of his day for their love of titles and prestige. They loved to sit at the head table at important functions and be called Rabbi. But Jesus said, ³Don¹t let anyone call you Rabbi,¹ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. And don¹t address anyone here on earth as Father,¹ for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father. And don¹t let anyone call you Teacher,¹ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:8-12). I don¹t believe Jesus is telling us all titles are wrong, for he also tells us to respect the office and position of leaders whether that is government or church leaders. We need more respect for authority in our culture, not less. Just ask any police officer or public school teacher about that. In the church, however, Jesus emphasizes our being fellow servants, and not having one person lord authority over others. We must reject titles that exalt someone over others, or claim a special authority. Whenever someone claims they have a hot line to God and you are to obey them no matter what run from that leader and church. True authority comes from a leaders walk with God and their being a true servant not from having some lofty title or position. There are no second class Christians; you have as much right to pray and hear from God as any pastor or priest. Let¹s work on humbling ourselves rather than seeking exalted titles.
