SHOULD I CALL
MY PREACHER "REVEREND"
The religious denominational world is accustomed to calling spiritual leaders by such titles as "Reverend, His Most Reverend, His Holiness," etc. Also, there are such titles as "Pope, Archbishop, Most Holy Father," and other names.
   God teaches us to be respectful and courteous, especially to those in leadership' roles; "And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake" (lThs 5:12-13). But respect for men should never go beyond what God allows. Are titles really necessary? More importantly, are they pleasing to God? We believe not. Consider the following reasons why we believe this:
1. There is no New Testament authority for the practice of giving men religious titles. We do not read in the New Testament of any man or woman in a leadership or
ministering role in Christ's church that wore a religious title. 
Terms such as apostle, prophet, elder, pastor, overseer (bishop), preacher or evangelist, were not used as "titles," but as descriptive terms denoting a :function or role. There is a difference. The apostle Paul was not called "The Reverend Apostle Paul." Peter was not called "Bishop or Father Peter." The same can be said of Timothy, Apollos, James, and others. Diotrephes (3Jn 9) is said to have loved to "have the preeminence," but he was condemned for his actions. The practice of wearing religious titles began centuries
after Christ's New Testament church was established in the 1st
century. Titles were not found in the 1st century church of Christ.
2. The wearing of religious titles is expressly condemned. Jesus clearly condemned titles that would elevate men above those whom they served. Jesus said, "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all called 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 abased; and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Mt 23:8-9) Jesus here condemns giving men religious titles that exalt them beyond what is pleasing to God.
3. Religious titles wrongly exalts religious leaders. Paul warned, "..learn in us not
to think (of men) beyond what is written, that none of you be puffed up on behalf of one against another" (1 Co 4;6). There is an inherent weakness in man to become big-headed if not careful. Humans should not become objects of worship; it will cause their eventual fall. Peter refused to have men bow to him (Ac 10:26). Even an angel of God refused to be worshiped (Rv 22:9). Religious titles place men and women in superior religious positions, a temptation all God fearing people should avoid.
4. Religious titles promote a "clergy-laity" system. In denominations today, the "clergy" are seen as the only ones with the authority or right to teach or to administer the "sacraments" (Lord's Supper, Baptism, Marriage, etc.). They are considered the "ordained personnel" of the Church. This is an unscriptural concept. God teaches that Christians are a brotherhood of common believers (lPt 2; 17), and that all in this fellowship are equal in the sight of God. Each Christian (male & female) becomes an ordained 'priest of God" (Rv 1 ;6). Yes, certain Christians do scripturally qualify to function in certain "roles," but they do not become the "ordained clergy" within a congregation, nor do they wear titles. LE