Discussion Topic - Is It Wrong To Call A Pastor "Reverend?"

[Crushmaster 22]

Yes, no? What can we glean from the Scriptures regarding this? Let them speak.
God bless,
Joel ><>.
2 Chronicles 7:14.

Edited November 19, 2010 by Crushmaster

[heartstrings 2,375]

Psalm 111:9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

The only place it's found int he Bible is where it is attributed to God. So I certainly wouldn't want anyone calling me 'reverend' nor would I use the title if I was a preacher.

[DennisD 65]

Interesting. A reverend would be someone you revere correct?

Ephesians 5:33 (KJV) Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

[Brother Rick 205]

The Bible says somewhere that Sarah called Abraham "lord".

I still can't get Mrs. Rick to answer me "Yes, me lord?" no matter how hard I try.

Edited November 19, 2010 by Rick Schworer

[John81 7,400]

I wouldn't say it's wrong, but I do think there are much better terms. Our pastor's official title is "reverend" but he doesn't care for that title and only uses it for official purposes. He doesn't really care for the title "minister" either, he much prefers pastor, or better yet just call him by name.

[Miss Linda 41]

The Bible says somewhere that Sarah called Abraham "lord".

I still can't get Mrs. Rick to answer me "Yes, me lord?" no matter how hard I try.

Perhaps if you gave her the deluxe toilet bowl brush WITH the fancy case. And throw in a coordinating feather duster!! Perhaps that would do it!

[John81 7,400]

Perhaps if you gave her the deluxe toilet bowl brush WITH the fancy case. And throw in a coordinating feather duster!! Perhaps that would do it!

Hmmm, wondering if that would work with my wife...



Probably not! :icon_mrgreen:

[Invicta 1,553]

In most Grace Baptist Churches here and bible based Evangelical churches, the pastors would not call themselves Reverend, but the more liberal Baptist ministers would call themselves Reverend.

[chev1958 20]

I was participating in a military retirement ceremony for a friend of mine, and I was introduced as "reverend." I didn't say anything about it, but I was uncomfortable with the title. I prefer "pastor" or "preacher."

[sfspurlock 1]

I was participating in a military retirement ceremony for a friend of mine, and I was introduced as "reverend." I didn't say anything about it, but I was uncomfortable with the title. I prefer "pastor" or "preacher."

I was visiting a church recently where the same thing happened to me and I was uncomfortable with it too.

[Crushmaster 22]

No man is "reverend"; only God is.
God bless,
Joel ><>.
2 Chronicles 7:14.

[John81 7,400]

I was participating in a military retirement ceremony for a friend of mine, and I was introduced as "reverend." I didn't say anything about it, but I was uncomfortable with the title. I prefer "pastor" or "preacher."

After our associate pastor finished a funeral there were some women talking near him about going to a gambling place. One of the women said something about sitting at the slot machines and praying for a big payoff. Then she noticed out associate pastor standing there and said, "Oh look, here I am talking about praying at a slot machine in front of the religious guy!"

She didn't call him preacher, pastor or even reverend, but "the religious guy". No doubt, a serious church goer when not at the slots!

[RayJr 1]

After our associate pastor finished a funeral there were some women talking near him about going to a gambling place. One of the women said something about sitting at the slot machines and praying for a big payoff. Then she noticed out associate pastor standing there and said, "Oh look, here I am talking about praying at a slot machine in front of the religious guy!"

She didn't call him preacher, pastor or even reverend, but "the religious guy". No doubt, a serious church goer when not at the slots!

unfortunately most churches are full of those kinda folks.

[Allen 1]

GO to the Word of God, now, go thither (there)

Psalm 111:9

He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. Psalm 111:9 KJB:PCE

REVEREND IS A NAME FOR GOD!

For me, and C.H. Spurgeon, that is the end of the discussion!


The Treasury of David...

“Holy and reverend is his name.” Well may he say this. The whole name or character of God is worthy of profoundest awe, for it is perfect and complete, whole or holy. It ought not to be spoken without solemn thought, and never heard without profound homage. His name is to be trembled at, it is something terrible; even those who know him best rejoice with trembling before him. How good men can endure to be called “reverend” we know not. Being unable to discover any reason why our fellow-men should reverence us, we half suspect that in other men there is not very much which can entitle them to be called reverend, very reverend, right reverend, and so on. It may seem a trilling matter, but for that very reason we would urge that the foolish custom should be allowed to fall into disuse. - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Serve the Truth, the Living Word, Jesus Christ,
Allen

P.S. The words Holy Father are also a name for God

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. John 17:11 KJB:PCE

Some very stupid men in Rome demand that they be called Holy Father, aka, GOD!

Edited November 28, 2010 by Allen

[Annie 84]

No pastors with whom I'm acquainted (across denominational lines) demand to be called "reverend." I believe it is meant to be a title of respect for ministers of the gospel, not a title which equates the ministers with God. So, I'm not "against" it, but I don't really use it, either.

If you study the only verse of Scripture in which the word reverend appears, you'll see that it is being used as an adjective, not a noun (or a "name" of God). "Holy and reverend is his name." We are, therefore, to "revere" (fear/respect/hold in awe) God's name. The letters from Paul to Timothy tell us that we should respect/revere ministers of the gospel. God is not the only one we're to respect.

Here's a link to an interesting discussion on the topic.
http://christianblogs.christianet.com/1124587425.htm

Edited November 28, 2010 by Annie

[Invicta 1,553]

Some very stupid men in Rome demand that they be called Holy Father, aka, GOD!

So does the Dalai Lama.


Our local C. of E. vicar calls herself the Rev. Rachel.

[Crushmaster 22]

Our local C. of E. vicar calls herself the Rev. Rachel.

Yet...


God bless,
Joel ><>.
2 Chronicles 7:14. Edited November 29, 2010 by Crushmaster

[Guest]

Yes, no? What can we glean from the Scriptures regarding this? Let them speak.
God bless,
Joel ><>.
2 Chronicles 7:14.

Ask a pastor.

[Bro Jim 15]

This pastor when someone calls me reverend says, "Nothing reverend about me. I just a saved sinner called to preach." I will be adding, "only one reverend I know of and that is God."

[HappyChristian 3,671]

This pastor when someone calls me reverend says, "Nothing reverend about me. I just a saved sinner called to preach." I will be adding, "only one reverend I know of and that is God."

That's the way my hubby views it as well. He's not a pastor, but he is a preacher and really doesn't like being called Reverend. He doesn't actually tell people not to address him as that, but he doesn't care for it - for the reason you stated, that God is the only reverend One.

[coc333 0]

I have been called "reverend" and "pastor." I am neither since neither term applies to me. I am a minister, preacher, evangelist.

[John81 7,400]

I've had some call me "preacher" but I'm not.

[MadeFree92 18]

A man is a man, human and finite like the rest of us, and only God is to be revered for He is the only One worthy of reverence. :twocents:

[heartstrings 2,375]

In the King James Bible, only God is referred to as being "reverend". If I were a preacher of any kind, I would not use that title.

[Auburn88 44]

Yes, no? What can we glean from the Scriptures regarding this? Let them speak.
God bless,
Joel ><>.
2 Chronicles 7:14.

Funny you should mention this. I post on an extremely liberal "Christian" site and we just had this conversation.

Is it wrong? I don't believe so. Is it wise, I don't believe it is because I believe it gives a false sense of holiness of the pastor.

When somebody calls me "Reverend", I don't correct them, but I would never ask or encourage someone to call me that. "Pastor" or simply "Brother" is fine.

[dantheman2 10]

Yes, no? What can we glean from the Scriptures regarding this? Let them speak.
God bless,
Joel ><>.
2 Chronicles 7:14.

Yes

[heartstrings 2,375]

Reverend is a term attributed to God's name....not man. I would rather folks say that I'm REAL than "reverend".

[dantheman2 10]

What motivates people to use such a term as reverend? I am speaking of the person who allows himself to be called reverend.

[John81 7,400]

What motivates people to use such a term as reverend? I am speaking of the person who allows himself to be called reverend.

Most likely, most have never even thought about. For some, it's simply the tradition of their church or denomination.

[dantheman2 10]

Most likely, most have never even thought about. For some, it's simply the tradition of their church or denomination.

Would you think that pride would play a part in it, at least in some cases? Pride in the sense of hey look at me I am Reverend so and so and I am higher than you are?

[John81 7,400]

Would you think that pride would play a part in it, at least in some cases? Pride in the sense of hey look at me I am Reverend so and so and I am higher than you are?

No doubt some would fall into that category. There are saved and unsaved pastors who love titles, love being looked up to, love feeling above others, love the perks that come with such.

[heartstrings 2,375]

Matthew 23:1
Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

2Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Titles.........Would that also include putting "Dr." on your name when you don't even have a PHD?

Edited June 13, 2011 by heartstrings

[dantheman2 10]

Matthew 23:1
Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

2Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Titles.........Would that also include putting "Dr." on your name when you don't even have a PHD?

Personally, I believe that anything that is used to attempt to put ones self above everyone else is prideful and sinful. I certainly am not suggesting that there is anything wrong with setting goals and achieving accoplishments but to exalt ones self.....

[John81 7,400]

If one is calling themselves "Dr." without having earned a doctorate degree then not only could there be a pride issue, but there would also be a lying issue.

[Invicta 1,553]

If one is calling themselves "Dr." without having earned a doctorate degree then not only could there be a pride issue, but there would also be a lying issue.

When I go to visit the "doctor," I am in fact visiting a medical practitioner, "Doctor" is just a courtesy title.