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***Vic*** · 07-09-2009, 04:21 PM

(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. 10171

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. Crowd

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. Eyerub

Matthew 23:7-12 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Rabbi > G4461
ῥαββί
rhabbi
hrab-bee'
Of Hebrew origin [H7227] with pronominal suffix; my master, that is, Rabbi, as an official title of honor: - Master, Rabbi.

Master > G2519
καθηγητής
kathēgētēs
kath-ayg-ay-tace'
From a compound of G2596 and G2233; a guide, that is, (figuratively) a teacher: - master.

The definition of Reverend:

clergyman: a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church
a title of respect for a clergyman
worthy of adoration or reverence
wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

I know of no person who is worthy of reverence or who should be revered. The following holds the only instance of "reverend" in the Scriptures:

Psalms 111:1-10 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. 2. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. 3. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. 4. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. 5. He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant. 6. He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. 7. The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. 8. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. 9. He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. 10. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Pastor is generally meaning "shepherd". Sheep

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

John 10:11-15 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Eze 34:9 Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
Eze 34:10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
Eze 34:11 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
Eze 34:12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

Eze 34:23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
Eze 34:24 And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.

1Pe 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.