OK - the title of my blog is "Dave's Raves" and it's probably about time I ranted or raved about something. I'll post my first "rave" about one of my pet peeves - titles we think we need to bestow upon clergy or, worse, titles clergy expect us to bestow upon them.
When I was a pastor of a "traditional" church (and even when I was a pastor of what was considered a "loosely organized" unconventional church) I did not want anyone to use the term "Pastor" as a part of my name, as in "Pastor Dave". This was not because I did not see myself as a pastor but because 1) in didn't make sense 2) I thought it was something Jesus told us to watch out for or avoid doing and 3) it only helped put me in a special class called "clergy" and put those without out that term as a part of their name in a category called "laity".
It doesn't make sense...
If we need to use the term "Pastor XXXX" then we should equally refer to others by their function or profession; Jeweler Bill, Musician Bob, Housekeeper Terry, Best Damn Automechanic John, etc. In the bible the term pastor always refered to a function - it was never used as a title. (BTW - Apostle was never used as a title either; Paul never refered to himself as Apostle Paul. That's someting we do/did. Whenever Paul refers to his apostleship, it's Paul, an apostle.
Something Jesus told us to avoid...
The way read the scripture about calling no one on earth "Teacher", or "Father" or "Leader" - I think Jesus was talking about this very thing. Seeking honor or esteem in a "earthly" way just like the world does. It's not that that there aren't teachers, leaders, or fathers - it's that we aren't to insist or seek to be called that.
Clergy Class...
The biggest reason I think the "Pastor XXXX" is unhealthy is because it emphasizes a special class of Christians called "clergy" and then by default another class called "laity". Even if we don't use the term "clergy it still creates or accentuates the division. If every Christian has a gift (which I think they do and more than one) then why should one class of gifts be singled out for "entitlement". Besides I think the term is over-used and miss-used. Many people with the title are not pastoring anybody; many others would be more accurately named in one of the APEPT gifts (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher).
I think the leaders in God's church should be humble servants seeking to honor the only one worthy of many titles, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. Isn't it amazing that we can call Him, simply, "Father" or simply, "Jesus"?
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13 comments:
I know we've privately talked about this before, but I'll add my agreement once again. No one comes into my bank and calls me Banker Sam. That would just be silly. The largest argument people throw out is that, "It's a matter of respect." What is? The title or the fact that you hold it? If it's truly an honor thing that we do to hold a person to a higher level, then you are holding that person, not the title up. And as such why would you detract from their name itself. (Not sure that made sense, it sounded better in my head.)
I honor you Dave and all that you know and are. I don't need to say the word "Pastor" in front of your name to show that honor.
Banker Sam and AV Technician Rob, thanks for commenting on my rave.
Rob - you pushed me to think about this a little more. I appreciate that.
I am raving against clergy who insist or promote in some way the use of a title in front of their name. I didn't correct people who used that title for me. I knew they were doing it out of respect. And when I go to the doctor I feel awkward calling my physician by his first name - I call him "Doctor." I agree with you - this is the language of the culture. I respectfully call a Catholic pastor "father" as that is the language of the culture.
I don't feel I am wrong in doing or like I'm disobeying what Jesus taught us.
The wrong I feel is THE active promoting, encouraging the use, insisting on the use (some do - beieve me) of the title "Pastor", "Apostle", "Reverend", "Evangelist" in front of name by that person in that category.
In some churches, you get the impression that the pastor doesn't have a first name or even a last name. He is simply called "Pastor" as in "I was talking to Pastor the other day and he told me..." This, to me, is awkward, unnatural, scary, and wrong.
The reason I think it's wrong is because Jesus said we are not to seek for it because we are a part of a different culture. A culture that does not seek honor or approval from men, but from God. A culture that is by nature not heirarchical.
I know some people think we are just talking about semantics, the nuances of how words are used. Like it doesn't really matter how we use the word "church" - people know we don't really mean a building. Or do they? And when a person propogates the use of title in front of their name we know they are not trying to be honored above their peers. Or are they?
I think we need to watch our words. I think they matter. In that respect I think the "laity who like to use one (a title)" should give some thought to it.
I really do not have a strong opinion on this matter, but I really do get what you are saying! I mainly wanted to comment on the Best damn automechanic John because I am married to him, he is awesome!
-Hotel Manager Chel
I once wrote a magazine article about this subject, A balance, like with most things, is needed. The role of pastor is, I believe, a special role that should be honored. There are verses such as one in 1 Timothy that states, "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching." On the other hand, pastors should model humility and not demand being called by titles. I guess I am conflicted some. There seems to have been a decrease in respect for clergy in recent years--some of it justified--but then part of the idea of honoring the role of pastor is because of what the pastor represents--the Lord and the work of the kingdom of God.
I just have to say that I agree with you. And Rob you made some pretty good points too.
I've been in the place where the title 'pastor' was forced upon me. I hated it. I would introduce myself, "Hi! I'm Ben!" and someone would inevitably correct me, "Pastor Ben". And just about that moment, I felt the connection that I was making with the person slowly disintegrate, as they would clam up, thinking, "Uh-no! I've gotta be extra careful not to say anything wrong... I'm with a pastor." Anyway, things seemed to go smoother when people found out I served as a pastor much later in the relationship.
just ben, thanks
Hi Dave,
I hope this is not coming in too late. However, there are several reasons why I disgaree with your persuasions on this subject.
For the most part, it appears you are only expressing personal sentiments rather than what precisely the Bible teaches. For instance, Jesus did not stretch your misquote as to call no man on earth one's "Teacher" or "Leader". He simply said to call no one on earth "Father" (Matt. 23:9).
Second, the apostle Paul expounded the various titles (if you wish to call it that) for Christian leaders in his epistles, where he expounded on such gifts as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (e.g., Eph. 4:11). One may choose not to be addressed as any of these or the others; but it simply does not follow that our personal pet peeves define the gifts and their uses in the Bible.
Third, yes - if we were living in Paul's day, we definitely would refer to him as "apostle Paul" rather than a legalistic adherence to simply "Paul". And why so? I believe he defends the legitimacy of his bearing that very title (apostle) in 1 Cor. 9:2 - "If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you!"
Anyways, just wanted to share these few lines with you.
Cheers.
Pilgrim,
Please check Matthew 23:7-12. Jesus did warn against the disciples allowing themselves to be called Rabbi & Teacher/Instructor: "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi' for you have one teacher and you are all brothers . . . Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ."
Also, there is no evidence that I am aware of of anyone in the new testament church using a title to describe themselves or someone else (it is possible that there is a Bible verse I am missing). Paul used the credential 'Apostle' to give credibility to his ministry, but he didn't call himself "Apostle Paul" but rather Paul, "an apostle of Christ Jesus" (Ephesians). Furthermore, he did this at the beginning of the letter, not throughout the whole letter every time his name was mentioned.
Neither did Paul refer to others in the church by title. Instead he refers to them by their first names "Timothy" (1&2 Timothy, Philemon, etc.) not "Pastor Timothy" or "Peter", not "Apostle Peter" (Galatians 2:7-9). Also, the verse you referenced in 1 Corinthians 9:2 provides a defence to Paul's apostleship, not an argument for a title.
I think many times people confuse credentials with titles. My husband is an assistant pastor. That is his credential and title. However, when describing himself in correspondence(usually to those he doesn't know)he always signs his name, Brian, Assistant Pastor (credential). He doesn't feel the need to call himself Pastor Brian (title). Titles often (not always) serve to puff one up and often lead to the sin of pride. I think that was what Jesus was referring to in Matthew 23. Credentials on the other hand, simply give definition and clarity one's position. Once someone in the church knows who you are, it isn't necessary to refer to yourself as "Pastor" or "Pastor XYZ". I actually know someone who became a youth pastor at young age and got miffed because people in his church didn't refer to him as "Pastor XYZ". I think examples of this kind of attitude are more frequent than not in the church and are why Jesus gave his admonishment against the use of titles in Matthew 23.
Carolyn
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Does it really matter? I am a Pastor and don't really care whether one refers to me as Pastor or not. People usually do it because "it is what is done"...it causes no harm really.
Honestly though it does "puff" some people up and when you really look at it, it is usiually the 'hirelings' that get puffed up than those that are called as pastors
We called doctors, doctor and feel uncomfortable when we call them by name...but why do we not feel the same sentiment about men who deserve double honour...
The underlying issue is 'function' over 'form'
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