It is true
that ministers in the church of Christ do not wear religious titles, such
as: Reverend, Pastor, Bishop, Father and the such like. This may
be one of the more visible things that is different between denominational
preachers and preachers who are members of the church of Christ.
However, to answer this question will take some space because it is not
as simple as, "We don't like it, therefore, we don't do it." Therefore,
allow me to point out a few things that will help us understand the answer
to the question.
We strive to
speak where the bible speaks and remain silent where the bible is silent,
as well as call bible things by bible names and do bible things in bible
ways. Wouldn't you agree that in order for us to be more like
the people that God wants us to be, this would be the appropriate way to
approach the Word? Therefore, one reason we don't use religious titles
for our preachers is that in the New Testament, there are no religious
titles given to preachers of the word.
Secondly, to
use such titles is to resurrect the "Clergy - Laity" system of the Old
Testament which does not exist in the New Testament of Christ. Often,
in a denominational assembly, when a person of the congregation is introduced
as a "fill-in" speaker, they are introduced as "Lay-preacher _________________."
However, in the New Testament of Christ, all members of the church are
considered Priests (1 Peter 2:9 "But ye are a chosen generation,
a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people....."), and Saints
(Romans 15:25, "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto
the saints"). On the other hand, in a denominational system,
only select ones are called "Priests" or "Saints."
Thirdly, Christ
spoke against using religious titles. In Matthew 23 Jesus speaks
of the scribes and Pharisees and uses them as an example of the kind of
attitude we should not have. Jesus said, "But all their works
they do for to be seen of men: they ..........love the uppermost rooms
at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the
markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi" (Matthew 23:5-7).
Showing their attitude of pride and arrogance. Then Jesus instructs
us, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ;
and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth:
for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called
masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest
among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself
shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted"
(Matthew 23:8-12). Would you agree that in light of this warning
of Jesus it would be best not to exhalt a person above another by bestowing
upon that person a religious title?
Lastly,
if I were to take upon me the title of "Reverend," I would, in essence,
be calling myself better than other people and even on the same level as
God. The Psalmnist, speaking of God, wrote, "He sent redemption
unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend
is his name" (Psalm 111:9). Did you know that this is the
only time the word "reverend" is used in the Bible? Therefore, I
do not used the title or encourage others to use the title in reference
to me. But, from time to time some do refer to me as "Reverend Harper."
In those cases I try to correct them as tactfully as possible. Simply
call me Mr. Harper.
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