(07-09-2009 01:40 PM)Mark Wrote:  Hi!

Just a quick question. What is the difference between a pastor and a reverend? Our former pastor (as he asked us to call him) has moved to a new church (same denomination). I recently learned that he is now referred to as reverend and was made that through some sort of process. I'm not really sure exactly how he bacame that. I guess I'm not sure what the difference is. I thought that was mostly a Catholic title like Father. Any ideas on the title meaning and what it took for him to become one? Talk to you later.

God Bless,

Mark

Hi Mark,

I believe the formal title of Reverend is for those who have completed semenary studies and then are officially ordained as receiving that title. I think it depends on the denomination or beliefs. However, reverend is not found in the scriptures as something to refer to fellow believers as. Regardless of who they are.

All the apostles referred to themselves by their first names. As a qualifier they would state what their specific job was--but they viewed themselves as fellow heirs, fellow believers, and brothers and sisters in Christ.

I don't believe it necessary or Biblical to have to refer to anyone with a "title". Jesus said to call no one rabbi or teacher, etc. Nor was one to require to be called by a title. There was a reason for that. Pride. And idolisation of others.

Pastor is generally meaning "shepherd".

Jesus is our Good Shepherd. We are to follow and listen to Him.

(07-09-2009 01:40 PM)Mark Wrote:  Hi!

Just a quick question. What is the difference between a pastor and a reverend? Our former pastor (as he asked us to call him) has moved to a new church (same denomination). I recently learned that he is now referred to as reverend and was made that through some sort of process. I'm not really sure exactly how he bacame that. I guess I'm not sure what the difference is. I thought that was mostly a Catholic title like Father. Any ideas on the title meaning and what it took for him to become one? Talk to you later.

God Bless,

Mark

Hmmm...


reverend

REV'EREND, a. [L. reverendus.]

1. Worthy of reverence; entitled to respect mingled with fear and affection; as reverend and gracious senators.

A reverend sire among them came.
[This epithet is, I believe, never applied to the Supreme Being, or to his laws or institutions. In lieu of it we use venerable.]

2. A title of respect given to the clergy or ecclesiastics. We style a clergyman reverend; a bishop is styled right reverend; an archbishop most reverend. The religious in catholic countries, are styled reverend fathers; abbesses, prioresses, &c. reverend mothers. In Scotland, as in the United States, the clergy are individually styled reverend. A synod is styled very reverend, and the general assembly venerable.

So, yes it is used in Catholic circles.

pastor

P`ASTOR, n. [L. from pasco, pastum, to feed.]

1. A shepherd; one that has the care of flocks and herds.
2. A minister of the gospel who has the charge of a church and congregation, whose duty is to watch over the people of his charge, and instruct them in the sacred doctrines of the christian religion.



We don't call anyone in our home fellowship by a title. God does not require it or even ask us to. We do call each other brother and sister once in awhile but that is not a title.

Pastor is more of a gifting or function in the Body of Christ, not a Title that goes in front of someone's name.

Even when the Apostles referred to each other they never used titles.

Gal 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Gal 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

I was brought up and instructed to call Catholic Priests, FATHER. I never really liked that, but I sure bet they did.

Titles only serve to set people up on high, over those who do not have titles. We are told by Jesus not to call men by religious titles.

You see Mark, people that have religious titles do not have a BIG JESUS and the rest of us with NO Title, have a little jesus.

Actually, we all have the same Jesus or can have the same Jesus, since I cannot assume everyone HAS Jesus (by His Holy Spirit).

Religion has created the Clergy/Laity division. This was not God's doing.

Whenever I am introduced to someone and for instance, say he is introduced as Pastor Bob, I just say "Good to meet you, Bob". If I was ever introduced to a Catholic Priest, I would jettison his title first and use whatever name came after it, to greet him. When it comes to spiritual things, there are no titles. I do call men Mr. and women Miss or Mrs., and Dr., etc. But Jesus made it clear that men do not have Spiritual titles. See Matthew 23, below.

I know a friend who heard a "Pastor Jim" introduce himself to a 5 year old as "Pastor Jim". My friend said, "Come on Jim, give it a rest, he's only a 5 year old".

Quite ridiculous, don't you think?

Mark, read the following and tell me what you think? Have you seen such persons before. I bet you have.

Mat 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
Mat 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
Mat 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Mat 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Mat 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Mat 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
Mat 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
Mat 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Mat 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
Mat 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

P.S. I am respectful to all men. You can be respectful and honor all men without separating yourself from them with their titles.

(07-09-2009 04:56 PM)Vic Wrote:  Heb13-13,

Were you peeking at my post when you wrote yours?

(07-09-2009 06:43 PM)SheitlQueen Wrote:  Okay, so how does "minister" relate to "reverend" and "pastor"...
and how about "preacher"?

Hi, SheitlQueen,

I think under the concept of "job description" title....same concepts. I personally feel it is based on from their perspective of their job and entitlement to that title or honor that is perceived to come with it.

(07-09-2009 06:52 PM)Vic Wrote:  

(07-09-2009 06:43 PM)SheitlQueen Wrote:  Okay, so how does "minister" relate to "reverend" and "pastor"...
and how about "preacher"?

Hi, SheitlQueen,

I think under the concept of "job description" title....same concepts. I personally feel it is based on from their perspective of their job and entitlement to that title or honor that is perceived to come with it.

(07-10-2009 08:53 AM)heb13-13 Wrote:  [color=#483D8B][b]Never in the New Testament do we see the pastor as the "Key Man" upon whom rests the burden of speaking for the Body in a way that no other person can. Today, I have noticed that "leaders", more and more are prefixing their names with TITLES. Apostle, Bishop, Prophet, etc.

There is very little in the New Testament that would support the thesis that the church is to have a special class of Christians who rule over the church in place of the Head (Jesus).