No Collar Required!

Introduction

When you hear the word “Preacher” most people think of someone like Father Flanagan, Pastor Kirby, Reverend Bradford, or even Rabbi Liebowitz. In other words, the word preacher to them means a person with a title. Someone who has elevated themselves above the others for their knowledge of the scriptures. But what does the bible say in regards to the use of titles?

Sitting in Moses’ Seat

In Matt. 23:1-12, Jesus was talking about the Pharisees and how they loved the attention their positions gave them. As religious leaders, they took advantage of the situation by getting the best seats at meals (vs. 6), they made their garments more extravagant (vs. 5), and they basked in the glory when they were greeted in the marketplace (vs. 7).

Jesus, however, did not approve of this behavior as they elevated themselves above the common man. He went on to say in vs. 8-10, “But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.”  (NKJV)

The Use of Titles

None of Jesus’ apostles had titles or any of the disciples. They were all humble men and they preached the word as they were instructed. The word ‘Reverend’ is only found one time in the whole bible and is referred to God.  In Psalm 111:9, “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.” (KJV)

Other translations use the word, ‘Awesome’ for reverend. This is not a title given to God but a description of Him and how we are to conduct ourselves in His presence.

But in scripture, you won’t find a mention of Reverend Peter, or Pastor Paul, or even Father Timothy. God and Jesus didn’t use titles. Jesus has a title of “Christ” (not a last name) but he didn’t elevate himself above others. If any should be elevated it should be him! But Jesus said, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (NKJV) The purpose of the title of “Christ” was to identify himself as being deity and chosen to live among the people teaching them and serve as an example of how we are to live our lives. (Mt. 28:20; 1 Pet. 2:21) Preachers should see themselves as servants and not ones to be served. Such titles didn’t exist then and they shouldn’t today.

The only reason an individual would call himself “Pastor” is to show that he has studied more than others and is the central focus in the church. Christ should be the central focus; not a man, which is why Jesus condemned the use of titles (Mt. 23:9).

Is the Pope an Exception?

Another word for pope is ‘Vicar’ which comes from the word ‘Vicarious’ which means “by proxy”. In other words, the pope is a proxy of The Christ here on earth. This means that he is Christlike on Earth. What does the Bible say about others who call themselves “Christ”?

In Mt. 24:5 Jesus said, “For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.”  And again in vs. 23-24, "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (NKJV)

Although The Pope would have you believe he is the closest thing to Christ on Earth, he is in fact the furthest thing from Christ. Paul warned us of this in 2 Cor. 11:13-15, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”  (NKJV)

What is a Preacher?

The preacher is to be God’s spokesman and deliver God’s Word; he is never to speak from himself. Jesus never spoke from himself. In John 12:49-50 he said, “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. "And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak." (NKJV)

All too often people put their souls into the hands of the preacher believing that whatever he says to be the truth. The scriptures say that we must check the scriptures to see whether the things he says are true (Acts 17:11; Gal. 1:8). This means during a sermon you need to have your bible open and follow along to what the preacher is telling you. Compare it to what the scriptures say. If he says something different, approach him after services and show where he is wrong. If he is a humble man, and a servant of God, he will thank you and make a change. If not, he will be in danger of the judgment (Jas. 4:17).

Conclusion

Preachers do not need to go to Bible College, Seminary School, or have a title, and wear a clerical collar. You do need a desire to preach the truth and a zeal to study God’s word (1Pet. 4:11; 2 Tim. 2:15). Any Christian man has a right to stand in the pulpit and declare God’s word. It should be encouraged by all for him to do so.