Where In The Bible Will I
Find:
Preachers Being Addressed As
Reverends?
Many
wonder why preachers of the church of Christ do not use the word
"Reverend" in front of their name, or why they do not like to be
addressed as such when spoken to. The answer to this, like all related
subjects, is found in the Bible.
First,
there is a complete absence in the Bible of this word being applied to any
person on earth. The words "preacher”, “evangelist,"
"minister," or "servant" are used often to identify a
"proclaimer" of the Word, but the use of the word
"Reverend" is found only in connection with God Himself. In Psalm
111:9 we read, "He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded
his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name."
Since
the use of this word is limited to only once in the Bible, and then it is used
in application to God Himself, the church of Christ believes that it should be
reserved for THE MOST HIGH ONLY. This may seem like a small thing to some, but
its use is another indication that various religious practices of today stem
from a manmade origin instead of from the Bible.
Man's
religious use of this word also shows a definite separation between certain
"proclaimers" of the Word. That is, the word "Reverend"
distinguishes the "clergy" from the "laymen." Here, again,
is a product of the mind of man, and not of God. No distinction is made in the
New Testament between a man who is formally "ordained" and one who
simply loves the truth, and through the call of the gospel (II Thess. 2:14), begins
to preach the good news of Christ.
In
other words, one Christian, whether he is a preacher or just a regular member,
is not to be exalted above the other. Jesus, in speaking of those who love to
be noticed and to be called by some big admirable title, condemned such
practices by saying, "But all their works they do for to be seen of
men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their
garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the
synagogues, And greetings in the markets and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
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. 23:5-11). Therefore, in keeping with a "thus saith the
Lord," the church of Christ refrains from the use of this word other
than to identify God Himself.
