Reverend?

If I'm defensive about it it's because I keep getting accused of being disrespectful by calling my own pastor by the name he has asked me to call him. If he wants me to call him Dr. I will. But that is not what he wants to be called. I don't understand all the debating over this. It's my pastor's choice. I respect his decision.

And as Jim said, pastor is an office not a title.

 

As far as I can tell, nobody here has accused you of being disrespectful.

What if your pastor is asking you to do something wrong?

Actually, it's both.

 

I would rather be called Roger than Pastor. I have never seen a Biblical instruction requiring people to call me Pastor. I love our church and there is no lack of respect for me or my position even though I go by my name. Since the Bible does not address the issue it would seem to be a matter of preference and soul liberty.

 

But the Bible does address the issue, Matt. 23:8-10.

 

Please feel free to show me in scripture where it is wrong to call your pastor by his name. The apostle Paul called himself "Paul". Was he wrong?

 

That passage is part of my reasoning - but I have a hard time being dogmatic with those who see it differently. It is hard to take that and prove that no one should call a pastor 'Pastor Whatever.'

 

As an ordained minister, I am a Reverend, but I stay as far away from that title as I can. It reminds me of two "reverends' that seem to stay in the news... Sharpton and Jackson. I don't want to be remotely identified with them!!

I prefer pastor or preacher if you need to use a title at all. Those my age or older call me pastor or by my first name, 'cept one guy who call me Padre. Those younger usually call me pastor Gary or preacher Gary. (Some of the really older ones call me preacher boy - maybe they can't remember my name.)

I don't care what they call me, just so long as they call me ('specially around supper time!).

 

Making mountains out of molehills
When they're not even real
Need to go and follow your dreams
Not as hard as it seems
(You need to) try-y-y
(Just give it a) try-y-y
You won't know unless you try

Credit: PJ Morton

This thread is proof of three things:

Get two Baptists together and they will argue at the drop of a hat.

They will both try to make the same verses of Scripture say completely different things.

Both will leave feeling sure that they alone are right and the other guy is a heretic.

 

You've said this repeatedly and repeatedly you've been wrong. That Scripture does not deal with the title of Pastor.

 

Amy, please feel free to show me where I said it was.

Actually, he called himself, "Paul, an Apostle". Was he wrong for referring to himself as an apostle?

Also, if you're going to ask me questions, then wouldn't it seem fair for you to answer the questions I've asked you?

 

Not any more than me saying 'Hi, my name is Roger and I am the pastor at the Naas Baptist Fellowship.' It simply states who I am and what I do.

 

When did I insult you? When have I ignored what you said?

I was asking myself the same question.

 

The terms Rabbi, Master and Father were the religious elevated titles of the time of Jesus' ministry. The obvious meaning of the scripture is not to address another Christian by any elevated title.

You are right that I have repeatedly reminded people of this scripture, which many choose to ignore probably because they do not like what it says.

Years ago a pastor told me that a man convinced against his will, remains unconvinced still.

This is my last reminder.

 

The Bible commands my children to honor me. They call me "father";
I will accept the same honor from you. :laugh:

 

The Rev. Tag Has Followed Me for Years!

Ever since I was ordained, the tag Reverend has followed me. I always felt uncomfortable with that and go by pastor Paul. Although, I use the Rev. in my title as an author only because there are still many who buy books that feel the term Reverend lend the person more stature.

I guess it's up to the person, and we should leave it up to the person.

For instance, my HMO is now employing a lot of D.O.'s who are referred to as doctors. I've had some really bad diagnoses and subsequent poor treatment by D, O.'s and prefer to not be treated by a D.O.

That is a preference, and it is based on at least six different experiences in my lifetime by six different persons who were D.O.'s, I no longer consider them on the same level as a M.D., but that is "my personal preference" and I believe that is similar to the age old dispute: to be (a Rev) or, not to be (a Rev). That is the
question? :laugh:

Pastor Paul :type:

 

I wish you well, "Brother".

 

Likewise, brother.

 

I would not want to go by the title "Reverend".

"Grand, Illustrious, Glorious, Miraclous, Good Looking, Potentate" will do just fine!!


:smilewinkgrin: :thumbs:

 

Uh...you've been here long enough to know this is what happens.

:thumbsup: