titles

One short perspective on this, I wrote this devotional thought on the verse:

And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. - Matthew 23:9

Leaving a Presbyterian Church today at the end of the service we sang 3 amens, which is typical in many reformed churches dating back to the times of Luther, Calvin and others. This practice was an earlier practice in Church history going back even past the time of the reformation to more eastern Church practice. Sometimes we are quick to think that is useless or why follow that practice anymore, by doing so we can uproot and nullify hundreds of years of Church history and practice. It is hard to believe it is true but during the times of the Apostles on the earth there were creeds and very basic simple liturgy in early Church meetings. It is clear through the Epistles that there were common sayings that at times were repeated by the entire Church body. Evangelicals in America come from a rich lineage of denominations that stem mostly from the reformation period all of these carry with them traditions and practices that date back to the early first 200 years of the Church.

In modern days the word Pastor is acknowledged at the leader of a Church, it is interesting to know that that word is only found once in the New Testament (Ephesians 4:11). What this term has been associated with is rather to speak of the Overseer, Elder, or Bishop, depending on which translation you use (1 Timothy 3:1). That word in in greek is "episkopē" which can be translated oversight, overseer, literally once who has oversight over others. Even the word Pastor which means Shepherd conveys the idea of one having responsibility over others. Other words used to convey Church leaders in history were also Presbyter, Priest and Father. In the term Father we see this carried in the New Testament writings in many places where Paul himself speaks in this way (1 Corinthians 4:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:11). John Calvin says, "While Paul claims for himself the appellation of father, he does it in such a manner as not to take away or diminish the smallest portion of the honor which is due to God. But they whom he is graciously pleased to employ as his ministers for that purpose, are likewise allowed to share with him in his honor." When we read Matthew 23 in context we see our Lord was speaking of "hypocrisy" and those taking any credit from God to themselves in an wrong way. Multitudes of modern evangelical pastors call themselves "teachers" so it is not the title itself that is wrong but the heart disposition behind it. One could not have any title but be filled with pride and seeking honour and recognition. As our Lord concludes with saying, "The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Matthew 23:11-12).

Sister,

Here is a verse for example: Philippians 1:1

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.

You are very much right that all true leaders should consider themselves "servants" as Paul and Timothy do so here.

They mention 2 offices: Overseers and Deacons.

Overseers - The word "overseer" (Gk. episkopos [ejpivskopo"]) properly, an overseer; a man called by God to literally "keep an eye on" His flock (the Church, the body of Christ), i.e. to provide personalized (first hand) care and protection (note the epi, "on").

Deacons - Greek word diákonos (διάκονος) standard ancient Greek word meaning "servant", "waiting-man", "minister", or "messenger". A biblical description of the qualities required of a deacon, and of his household, can be found in 1 Timothy 3:1”“13

Elders - Another word for leaders in the Church are: Elder (greek: presbyteros) is the most commonly used term for elder in the New Testament, stemming from presbus, elderly. While no specific age is given, the connotation of seniority and experience in this term emphasizes the nature of the position and the character of the person, implying maturity, dignity, experience and honor. The modern English words "priest" or "presbyter" are derived etymologically from presbyteros. qualifications for presbyters are given in 1 Timothy 5.

When Paul says together with the "the overseers and deacons." he is giving them titles by stating that is their role (title).

Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle.

Clearly many phrases like this in the New Testament are speaking of the office or title, it could be correct to say the Apostle Paul, yet the wording given is Paul, called to be an Apostle, or "an apostle." etc.

Though the emphasis of the early Church was on a familial aspect, there was a clear sense of the authority of leaders in the New Testament. I personally see the Shepherd and Father terminology much more embeded in the mindset of early Christians then governmental ruler etc. The eastern culture is different then the western culture and is much more relational and family based.

rdg said: but still i wonder why we do something that Jesus commands us not to do? why call so so by a title when Jesus commanded against this practice?

I think it boils down to ego. People want a title.

1 Cor. 4:6-21 speaks nicely about this topic. Also, 2 Cor. 11 (entire chapter).

I've been to numerous Protestant churches and some get offended when you don't refer to someone with their 'title'. I laugh because their title gives them no real authority.

Paul would refer to himself as an apostle but...he'd state how many beatings he got. Note the two citations in 1st and 2nd Cor. I mentioned.

Also, note how many '1st baptist church of...' and '1st assembly of god church of ....' and '1st Presbyterian church of...' there are. Much of the Western church has a lot of ego, pure and simple.

rdg said: its interesting that while Paul led many as an apostle he always came across as a servant.

Reminds me of the strong words our Lord used with respect to the Nicolaitians in the book of Revelation. Strong and true words. Let all who need to be addressed by titles take those words to heart.

I wrote this short devotion on this topic if you are interested;

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans

But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. - Revelation 2:6

We are taught things and all around us others are taught the same things so we are not prone to question is it right what we are believing. For many Bible passages this happens where there is an modern accepted definition and to question it makes you seem almost rebellious against others. Seldom many go past what they heard to research that possibly early believers thought of this passage and doctrine. The early Church Fathers at times help us understand some of these terms that we would simply have to guess otherwise at the meaning. Many modern believers take the word etymology of Nicolaitans, Nico meaning "victory" and Laitans meaning "people." In short, the modern belief by some is that the doctrine was the separation of special clergy above normal believers, and that those clergy controlled and ruled over them. Many who hold to this view that God hates such things are usually in modern autonomous evangelical assemblies who feel any leadership over a group of local churches is wrong.

We get a much different picture when we delve into Church history. It was commonly held amongst many of the early church leaders that the Nicolaitans were followers of the deacon Nicolas of Antioch (Acts 6:5) who ended up teaching wrong doctrines. Irenaeus said, "The Nicolaitanes are the followers of that Nicolas who was one of the seven first ordained to the diaconate by the apostles. They lead lives of unrestrained indulgence. The character of these men is very plainly pointed out in the Apocalypse of John, [when they are represented] as teaching that it is a matter of indifference to practice adultery, and to eat things sacrificed to idols." What is sobering to us in this is that Nicolas again was one of the specially chosen Deacons who were chosen by the Apostles before the Lord. Balaam also was a prophet of the Lord who erred and his doctrine and teachings are condemned in the the same practices as the Nicolaitans. We see in context that they were teaching to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication (Revelation 2:14-15). Interestingly, these were the chief matters condemned by the decree of the Apostolic council (Acts 15:29). So we see a much different picture from early Church history and namely the Book of Acts. It also paints for us a very sobering account of an early Bishop of the Church apostatizing into false doctrines that the Lord hated. May God keep us away from such errors and to confess and follow the faith once given to the saints (Jude 1:3).

I am deeply offended that being called Rev is somehow inappropriate.
Can I change my handle to Bro Cashinow?

To me I am not against titles, they have been used by 95%+ (my guess) of all Christian leaders for the last 1900 years. I wrote these 2 short articles on topics related to this, mentioning the scripture passage in Matthew 20 that you mentioned:

Being A Spiritual Leader is like Being a Slave

And whoever wants to be first must be your slave. ”“ Matthew 20:27

Our Lord shows us in this passage we are looking at that the one’s that desire to be great and feel called of the Lord to be leaders need to seek to be servants. The mother of two of the Disciples comes to our Lord and asks if they could sit in the places of honour in the coming kingdom. Jesus’ response did not nullify her request as he stated that these positions were only to be given by his Father in heaven. Yet he did take the opportunity to teach his followers a lesson of the type of leaders he was looking for in his kingdom. He shared that the world’s rulers and kingdom work in a way of force, and strength. But those in his kingdom are to operate as servants and slaves. Leaders who are performing duties for another in lowliness and serving other people as being owned by God himself. Seeking to be in such a position in God’s kingdom is death, meaning that you must die to yourself and spend your life serving others. Jesus did not in anyway say there were not leaders or that they were not be respected and be over people. What he said is that the heart of leaders that truly represent his kingdom are to be slaves and have servitude as their foundation. If you are a leader of a Church or movement you need to write "slave” on your office door, you are a slave of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1) and you need to do his bidding. When leaders assume positions in the Church who have not died to their carnal nature and are not slaves, they can do great damage to the work of Gods kingdom. An un-crucified leader will be against the purposes of God, just like Judas who in the end crucified our Lord.

We should also realize that leaders in the body of Christ though they are slaves still have great authority from the Lord. Believers are to willfully to submit under the authority of true leaders in the body of Christ and cannot be forced. If you are not able to submit to a servant leader then go to another Church or place where you can. It is damaging not just to yourself but to others when you fight against God ordained leadership as imperfect as it can be at times. God’s way is the way of peace and he has a place for you to be to submit under authority where brethren are slaves in their position of leadership. The Apostle Paul says to Timothy that those who desire to be an Overseer desire a good thing (1 Timothy 3:1). Yet it is not to a life of luxury and happiness but suffering as a slave for others that one commits to in being a Christian leader. Spiritual Eldership is very solemn because those leaders will account for those that submit to them (Hebrews 13:17). If we do not submit to Christian leaders then they will not give account for us, so submitting ourselves to them is very important. When we submit to a Overseer we are putting ourselves under their protection, it is a choice of the will, we must still use our judgment and reasoning but realize we have safety in submissiveness and humility. The world teaches independence but the Church teaches submission as the way of godliness and life in believers. True freedom is found in submission and humility under slaves of Jesus Christ. What a truly upside down kingdom, but a glorious kingdom we are in as believers.

Church Hierarchy and Submission To Spiritual Authority

Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children. 1 Thessalonians 2:7

There are believers in our day that teach and believe that any hierarchical authority in the Church is wrong. That to submit to a Christian leader as above one is wrong and to have any leaders who are above other leaders is wrong also. Such thinking lauds the idea of the autonomous local Church, meaning that believers can act independently and freely in a local area without any jurisdiction or control. But as we look at the New Testament as a whole we see the Church was anything but autonomous. The Church was a family, they were co-dependent, they were submissive to Apostles, evangelists, elders and prophets would travel amongst different Churches in cities. Paul the Apostle says to the believers in Thessonlica: "Even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority” (1 Thessalonians 2:7). Clearly he was teaching that as an Apostle of Jesus Christ they had authority given to them by God (Matthew 28:18). Though acting as spiritual parents they did not desire in anyway to impose control or authority on people but came with tenderness, love and meekness. Our Lord said his leaders would not impose themselves like the gentiles over others but rather to come as slaves. The word picture of an infant needing the help of the mother is very revealing showing the need for believers to submit to their their spiritual leadership for the good of the believers to be fed the pure milk of the Word of God (1 Peter 2:2).

Such leaders such as Apostles had spiritual authority over local Elders and were respected as such. This submission was willing as people respected those Apostles especially that saw our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh (John 1:14). Cyprian says, "The Lord warns us, He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. (Matthew 12:30) He who breaks the peace and the unity of Christ, is an opponent of Christ. He who gathers anywhere than in the Church, scatters the Church of Christ.” Though God’s Church is far from perfect we need to submit to the plan of God in establishing leadership and those who can feed and care for believers. No denomination or Church work is perfect, each has faults and problems over time. We are to seek to be humble, join with what God is doing (1 Peter 5:5). Seek to submit under Church leadership that is meek like Moses was (Numbers 12:3). For Paul the Apostle spoke of himself as being gentle, like children amongst the believers. As slaves yet having authority like a master. To fight against hierarchy and leadership in the Church is going against God’s order. Find a place where you can submit under godly men and start to gather with the Lord helping those sheep who are astray. The work of God will go on, God will always establish a wineskin for his work in any generation.