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If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:31-32

Why Do Ministers in the Church of Christ not wear religious titles such as Reverend?

by Clint Harper

     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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