What Christian Leaders Say About the Use of Reverend Title

In a previous article, we explored the origins and meanings of the Reverend title used by most Christian pastors. But many church leaders have, over the years, criticised the use of the title.

This article, therefore, seeks to examine the views expressed by some of the leaders to guide young pastors in their choice of titles while doing ministry.

J. E. Johnson attacks the use of the Reverend title when he writes, “Often, we Christians see a man refer to himself as “Reverend” so-n-so, or allow others to call him or her by that title.

This is a title that many Christians have become accustomed to, but do not realize that it is unbiblical. The word ‘Reverend’ only appears one time in the Bible, and that is in Psalm 111. In this verse, you will notice that ‘Reverend’ is not used as a title, but as a description of the name of God.”

Johnson states that, “If you see a man with that title, he is need of rebuke because he has taken his title, not in biblical faith, but based on the traditions of men.”

“God is not looking to Reverends. God is looking to those that fear Him and humble themselves before Him in spirit of truth and confession and shakes in fear at the very Word of the Lord. God looks to those who give reverence to His Word.”

Lenski, notes that, “Any title that is contrary to {the} equality of brethren in Christ Jesus, even the desire for such a title and honour, is wicked usurpation as far as our one real Teacher is concerned”.

With specific reference to Reverend, William Abbort, points out that, “If Christ were on earth today, surrounded by those who bear the title of “Reverend” or “Right Reverend,” would He not repeat His saying, “Neither be called masters, for you have one Master, the Christ.

Abort continues, “According to the teaching of the Scriptures, it dishonors God to address ministers as “Reverend.” No mortal has any right to attach this to his own name, or to the name of any other human being.”

“It belongs only to God, to distinguish Him from every other beings… “Holy and reverend is his name.” We dishonor God when we use this word where it does not belong… The Father and the Son alone are to be exalted.”

Matthew D. Green compares and contrasts American ministers’ obsession with ecclesiastical titles and their Chinese counterparts’ indifference with titles when he writes, In China, apostles are called brothers…They have no scent of smugness of arrogance.

“Meanwhile, in the United States, we wear our titles right in front, flashing in neon on our double-breasted suits.

Darryl M. Erkel has observed in his article that while conferring ecclesiastical titles upon prominent religious authorities may be the way of the world, it is not the path that Christ has called Christians to pursue.

He argues that titles feed the pride of men as they tend to inflate one’s ego, thus provoking church leaders to think more highly of themselves than they should (Romans 12:3).

He further states that titles are “a form of self-promotion and tend to promote an elitist attitude and authoritarian forms of church leadership.

Finally, he asserts that titles tend to attract carnal and power-seeking men to positions of church leadership, draws unnecessary attention to oneself and help perpetuate the “clergy-laity” division.

By James Quansah