In our last article we pointed out that the Bible demands that we have authority for all we do (Colossians 1:17). We also noted that the Bible nowhere authorizes the use of titles to distinguish between Christians. We noted the term "Reverend" refers to God, and there is no authority for using it to describe Christians. Our Lord specifically forbids the title "Father" (Matthew 23:9). The title "Rabbi" is forbidden (Matthew 23:8). According to Albert Barns, this title corresponds with the title "Doctor of Divinity," therefore violating our Savior's command.
As we continue our study we look at the term "Pastor." This word is used in God's word, but it is never used to refer to a preacher, but rather one member of a group of men within a single congregation. The word itself is used only once in the K.J.V. of the Bible. In Ephesians 4:11 we see that some are "Pastors." The word "Pastor" refers to those men that are also called "elders." This word refers to one who feeds a flock. The work of a "Pastor" is seen in Acts chapter 20, when Paul calls the elders (v. 17) from the church at Ephesus to meet with him at Miletus. He exhorts them in verse 28 to, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you 'overseers,' to feed the church of God which he purchased with his own blood. The word is elsewhere translated as "shepherd."
The term is also referred to as "bishop," and only applies to men who meet specific qualifications (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9).
The point that must be made here is that God's word distinguishes the work of the "Pastor" from the work of a preacher. A preacher, however, might be an elder and could be referred to as such. But even here to refer to him alone as "my pastor" or "my elder" would be unscriptural. He could however be referred to as on of the pastors or one of the elders.
Another term that is often misused as a title is the word "Minister." A minister is one who serves or ministers. Jesus taught "but he that is greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matthew 23:11-12). All Christians are to be servants so we must conclude that we are all ministers (Colossians 4:7, 12; Philippians 2:25). Once again it would be unscriptural to refer to the preacher as "the Minister or my Minister" when all Christians are to be ministers.
In conjunction with this, let us cover two more terms that are often misused. These words are "Saint" and "Priest." These words are never used to distinguish special groups of Christians from any other group of Christians, in God's word. The Bible uses both of these terms to refer to all Christians (Revelation 1:6; Romans 1:7; I Corinthians 1:2).
It is never our intention to be offensive, but let us always take care that we call Bible things by Bible names and always look for Biblical authority for all we do (Colossians 1:17). Jesus teaches, "and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). It is God's will that we understand his word (Matthew 15:10).
"If any man speak let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Peter 4:11).
Don H. Noblin
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