This past week I had a person inquire about the term “pastor.” I explained that the word is referring to elders (Eph. 4:11) and that to become an elder one must meet the qualifications found in Titus 1 and II Timothy 3. I also went on to tell her that Jesus condemned the use of titles (Matt. 23:7-9). The problem with elevating religious leaders is not new. The church at Corinth faced this, and Paul rebuked them sharply (I Cor. 1:12-15).

Her response was to ask “What do people call you – by your name?” Yes, that is exactly what people do. The Bible describes those who proclaim the gospel as being preachers, ministers or evangelists. I pointed out that I am “Chuck who preaches,” not Preacher Chuck. Unfortunately, many in the religious realm who claim to be teachers demand that they be called Pastor so and so.

This problem is so ingrained into the minds of people that they find it very hard to reject. Many editions of the Bible – some in print for hundreds of years – list the authors of the first four books of the New Testament as Saint Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The fact is, all Christians are saints (II Cor. 1:1). So again, I am to be a saint, but I am not Saint Chuck.

Here is the fundamental question – have religious leaders earned the right to have a designation that is different from the rest of the flock? Man was responsible for coming up with a clergy/laity distinction. It is not a Biblical concept. (This distinction is also why certain religious leaders feel compelled to wear a special garment to make them distinct from the rest of the congregation). These practices are contrary to the word of God but are accepted by many today.

I realize the use of the titles “Pastor”, “Reverend”, “Saint”, and the like are not going away. However, we do not have to follow this unauthorized path. Instead, let us give God the glory He is due by doing only what He has authorized. If you want to discuss religious titles further, please reach out.

Chuck

Last week, I discussed the fact that I am not a pastor. A reader then sent me a great question. The individual read the qualifications for a pastor/elder found in I Timothy 3 and in Titus 1. After examining those passages, they concluded that I meet the qualifications and therefore ought to be a pastor. I am always thrilled to receive feedback like this that shows people reading and reasoning from the scriptures. Still, this also showed that more discussion on the topic is needed.

Being godly is not enough

It might surprise many religious people today, but the apostle Paul was not a pastor. The denomination I once was part of even referred to Paul’s writings as “Pastoral Epistles.” Just because he and Barnabas had appointed elders in churches did not mean they themselves were pastors (Acts 14:23). In fact, the Bible never refers to Paul as a pastor/elder - he does not qualify! Yes, an apostle of Jesus Christ was not qualified to be an elder! We are told that within the list of qualifications, one must be married and old enough to have believing children (I Tim. 3:2-5; Titus 1:6). Also note that one of the duties of an elder was to shepherd the flock they oversaw. How could Paul do this when he was traveling and gone for years at a time (I Pet. 5:1-2)?

Always a plurality of pastors/elders

As you read through the New Testament, you will note that whenever elders/pastors were appointed it was ALWAYS two or more. Paul sent for the elders at Ephesus (Acts 20:17). Acts 14:23 states that elders were appointed in every church. When Peter spoke about being  an elder (he was qualified), he spoke about elders being among the brethren (I Pet. 5:1). James mentioned to call for the elders of the church when a member was sick (James 5:14). These examples are not calling for elders from different churches – they are showing a pattern of multiple elders in every church. We even read in Hebrews that the members of the local congregation were to obey and be submissive to the elders who watch out for their souls (Heb. 13:17).

Not “once an elder/pastor, always an elder/pastor”

Just as men can become qualified, they can become unqualified. However, this is not really my point. Consider this – if a local church appoints two men as elders and one moves away, then that eldership is dissolved because there are no longer multiple elders. The church no longer has any elders until there are multiple, qualified men who accept the responsibility again. Also note that the man who moved away is not automatically an elder in his new town’s church. Local churches choose men they know are qualified and appoint them as elders (Titus 1:5). This principle is taken from Acts 6:3-5. The qualifications of being able to teach, having a good reputation within the church and in the community, practicing hospitality, etc. must be proven first. Only after this can he be considered for the role.

No set combination

As we already pointed out, being an apostle like Paul did not automatically qualify him to be a pastor/elder. Still, an apostle could be an elder like Peter was (I Pet. 5:1). The same is true with preachers. Not all preachers are qualified to be an elder/pastor. Some are not married, while others may not have children. He might also lack one of the other qualifications. Some preachers are qualified though and serve both roles (multiple elders are still required though).

The denominational concept of a pastor is nothing like what you read of in the Bible. Too many today use it as a title rather than a function within the church. I preach, but I am not “Preacher Chuck”. If one is an elder, they are not “Elder So-and-so”. May our understanding harmonize with scripture in this important matter.

Chuck

Many times I have found myself situations where I have let things go because I know the response or correction would fall on deaf ears. This article will try to clarify a few of those things. I want people to know, “I don’t want to be rude, but…

…I am not a pastor!

Yes, I have received calls from hospitals over the years which stated, “Is this pastor so and so? We want you to know that one your members has been admitted and is in room such and such.”  That brief time on the phone is not the proper time to explain this, but a “pastor” is not a synonym for “preacher” in the Bible. Anybody who doubts this should read Ephesians 4:11. The word pastor means “elder, bishop or overseer.” If you read I Timothy 3 and Titus 1, you will find the qualifications be a pastor. Also note that a local church needs two or more men fulfilling the office at the same time (Titus 1:5; Acts 14:23, etc.). A preacher could also serve as a pastor, but not all preachers are pastors. I hate to be rude, but I am not a pastor.

…I am not a reverend!

Just like the previous point, we need to be aware that our Lord does not want anyone to wear a title (Matt. 23:8-10). Peter, who was an apostle, told someone who was bowing down to him, “Stand up, I also am a man,” (Acts 10:25-26). There is no room for anyone to elevate themselves. The term “reverend” belongs to our God (Psa. 111:9). I do not want to be rude, but being called reverend is something that just cuts to the heart. Consider how Paul and Silas felt in Acts 14:14-15.       

…it is not my church!

Sometimes people ask me about the church I attend. Often though, the local church is referred to as “my church” during these conversations. I did not start the church – no man did. Jesus established it, and He is the head (Acts 20:28; Col. 1:18). The church belongs to Christ (Matt. 16:18). The local preacher does not own the church in any sense and did not go to the cross to establish it. People who refer to the local church as “my church” might now understand the significance of what they are saying, but Jesus had to sacrifice His life to build this spiritual body, the church. As a follower of Him, I do not want to steal His credit for that.

…I am not part of a ministerial group!

You might be familiar area preacher/pastor/reverend groups. They get together for breakfasts and have “fellowship.” Again, I do not want to be rude, but why would I want to be part of a group whose members promote false, non-Biblical doctrines? Some might construe this as arrogance. But the truth is that we are not to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11). Certainly we are to love all people as our Lord does (Mark 12:30-31; John 3:16). This does not mean we should condone unlawful behavior though.

…no person(s) sent me here to preach

People wonder how long I will be working in this area before I am reassigned somewhere else. It is even implied that I was sent here by some board to Newburgh. Many do not realize the Bible mentions no organizing body higher than a local church (Phil. 1:1). There is no hierarchy system in the churches of our Lord. Christ is simply the head. If a man wants to preach at a place and he is invited, it’s between him and that local church. I do not want to be rude, but preachers can work wherever they want and the local church can accept or reject whomever they want.    

 My goal in sharing these clarifications is to help us all follow God as He has called us to. Are these distinctions made in the local church you attend? Consider these things.

Chuck