Welcome to the
Cape Coral Church of Christ

What about the titles

Why aren't preachers for the church of Christ called "Reverend" or "Pastor?"

Not only is there no authority for the practice, but the Lord forbade it. Notice what he said about making distinctions of honor among disciples. "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" (Matt. 23:8-11). "Rabbi, Father, Master" are all titles that pay honor to the achievements of a man in religious service. They have a connotation of superiority, distinction, and high worth. When the apostles began to contend for places of honor, Jesus rebuked them. "And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. (Luke 22:24-26). "Reverend" is used only once in the King James Version and there it is used with the word "holy" and refers to God (Psa. 111:9). "Pastor" refers to the work of an elder in his duty to feed the flock (Eph. 4:11) and is there distinct from those who are "evangelists." May we all humbly hide behind the glory in the name "Christian."
S.T.E.


He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"