Religious Titles

Mike Johnson

Most preachers use a religious title.  Some call themselves “Reverend.”  In Catholicism, they refer to their priests as “Father.”  One religious organization (the Masons) refers to certain ones in their organization by such titles as “Worshipful Master” or “Most Worshipful Grand Master.”  What does the Bible say about the use of such religious titles?

A significant passage to consider is Matthew 23:8-12, which presents a pattern for not elevating people with fancy religious titles.  It says, “But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  People should not use these terms as religious titles.

Gospel preachers are referred to in the Bible as “preachers” (I Tim. 2:7, Rom. 10:14); evangelists (II Tim. 4:5); ministers (I Thess. 3:2, Rom. 15:16); servants (Phil. 1:1-2, II Cor. 4:5); workers (II Cor. 6:1), etc.  These are not even titles but refer to what a person does.

We do not read in the New Testament of “Reverend Paul,” “Doctor James,” “Father Peter,” or “Master Jude.”  How are preachers in the New Testament addressed?  Consider II Peter 3:15 as an example, where Paul, an apostle, was spoken of as “our beloved brother Paul.”  The writer does not call him “Reverend,” nor was any of the other preachers in the New Testament given such titles.

The Bible condemns the exalting of men with religious titles. The New Testament does not even teach a clergy/laity distinction.  Preachers, as well as everyone else, should possess humility.

People should think about what they say when they call a person “Reverend” or some other religious title.  Also, preachers who wear religious titles should be asked to produce a passage to justify their practice (note I Pet. 4:11, II Jn. 9, Rev. 22:18-19). In speaking of God, the Bible says, holy and reverend (awesome- NKJV) is His name (Ps. 111:9).