What causes confusion and abuse of Christian titles

P

Pastor Mayende.

**The confusion and abuse of Christian titles**

There are many problems in the Church today and I am sure that we could all mention a few. One of the most evident though is the total confusion about roles/titles and the abuse that is often made by many Christian leaders. I believe that a lot of this confusion and abuse stems from two main issues: ignorance of what Scripture and/or Christian traditions say and personal arrogance and pride by many Christian leaders. My concern is that this issue is not only creating doubt and confusion among members but it raises an endless number of questions among non-believers.
 
Hello Pastor Mayende;

This is a conversation that has been going on for decades and centuries.

On one side when we study the Bible there are specific leaders appointed by God. Many were obedient and understood they led as servants first, then leaders and met God's direction.

Leaders in the Bible who had titles was for a reason and God's purpose that His large mass of people (remember Moses and the Elders?) recognize who was leading and seriously followed the calling of their leader.

On the other side, there were leaders who abused their title such as Saul in 1 Samuel 15 and the many leaders in 1 and 2 Kings. Those who abused their title easily exposed their pride, wanted to be "up front" and lead with control.

But God sees everything. The title fed His leader's ego and at some point their ministry was run into the ground.

In today's times many church leaders don't want to be recognized by the title. I have seen leaders who address their flock in a pair of shorts, thongs and a Christian t-shirt on Sundays. For many in the church family it doesn't really matter to them.

But also in today's times, sadly, there are church leaders who love the title, wear expensive suits, jewelry and drive Teslas. For many in the church family that doesn't really matter, either.

What matters is the pastor's disposition, his shepherd's heart, love, compassion, mercy, honesty and attentiveness to the sheep's growth in Christ that is so important, more than the title.

Again, are they obedient to God first, and do they understand they are to led as servants first, then leaders?

We as Christians are empowered to confront the leaders in our churches if the title is confusing or a serious concern.

God bless you, Pastor Mayende, and we hope all is well with your leadership and church family.
 
what titles
I think most people just call each other by their christian names.

If you want to call someone your dad, then they must be a dad to you right? Or brother and sister or mother.
 
Lanolin said:
what titles
I think most people just call each other by their christian names.

If you want to call someone your dad, then they must be a dad to you right? Or brother and sister or mother.
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Hello Lanolin;

Unfortunately it's a bit more complicated than that.

About 14 years ago the church my wife and I attended had a large meeting and the "youth director and worship leader" wanted everyone to address him as pastor. Well, God sees all and saw "the heart" of this man. A short time later he lost his position from too many run ins with the church family. The church committee and pastoral leadership asked him to step down.
 
A few thoughts.

Titles are like suits..what's on the outside may not match what's on the inside (a bad fit).
On the other hand American culture has grown to disrespect titles..a little reverence, not necessarily for the person, but for the title could be helpful. We, as Christians have stooped pretty low in the 'anti title dept'., enough to say, "God's rad, he's my dad".
 
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crossnote said:
A few thoughts.

Titles are like suits..what's on the outside may not match what's on the inside (a bad fit).
On the other hand American culture has grown to disrespect titles..a little reverence, not necessarily for the person, but for the title could be helpful. We, as Christians have stooped pretty low in the 'anti title dept'., enough to say, "God's rad, he's my dad".
Click to expand...

Contrary to popular belief, none of us holy. You do not deserve respect just because you think you do or the position you hold. Respect is earned, it is gained, it is built up over time because you’ve treated others with kindness, with compassion, with the over-stimulating sense that they were worth your time when you parted the conversation.
 
crossnote said:
A few thoughts.

Titles are like suits..what's on the outside may not match what's on the inside (a bad fit).
On the other hand American culture has grown to disrespect titles..a little reverence, not necessarily for the person, but for the title could be helpful. We, as Christians have stooped pretty low in the 'anti title dept'., enough to say, "God's rad, he's my dad".
Click to expand...

Yes sir!

It is kind of like letters in front of your name.
 
Major said:
Contrary to popular belief, none of us holy. You do not deserve respect just because you think you do or the position you hold. Respect is earned, it is gained, it is built up over time because you’ve treated others with kindness, with compassion, with the over-stimulating sense that they were worth your time when you parted the conversation.
Click to expand...
Right, none of us are holy, but even titles are disdained these days.
It's not the person but the office/position.
Authority figures are so yesterday, hence Jesus is no longer 'Lord', just a 'good buddy'.
 
crossnote said:
Right, none of us are holy
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what is sanctified ? made Holy which is a on going process . titles tend to go to leaders heads . but the offices should be respected provided they are doing the work.. in many places one becomes ----deacon by have $$$$$$ and give that that tithe . in big churches we seldom see Church leaders that are average every day people .
 
forgiven61 said:
what is sanctified ? made Holy which is a on going process . titles tend to go to leaders heads . but the offices should be respected provided they are doing the work.. in many places one becomes ----deacon by have $$$$$$ and give that that tithe . in big churches we seldom see Church leaders that are average every day people .
Click to expand...
Perhaps you should have responded to Major's post #6. He's the first one to mention 'none are holy'.
 
bobinfaith said:
Hello Lanolin;

Unfortunately it's a bit more complicated than that.

About 14 years ago the church my wife and I attended had a large meeting and the "youth director and worship leader" wanted everyone to address him as pastor. Well, God sees all and saw "the heart" of this man. A short time later he lost his position from too many run ins with the church family. The church committee and pastoral leadership asked him to step down.
Click to expand...
that is a bit strange.
I don't understand a lot of church culture sometimes.
 
Let's follow this Title, And he made for himself no reputation! He was despised and rejected of men!
Boy, following them Titles would sure set down a lot of leaders today, including me at times!
The disciples and men of old, men of God, in the book of acts were called men of few words, but when they spoke
they shook the world for Christ! That makes me think of that song, let my words be few!
 
crossnote said:
Perhaps you should have responded to Major's post #6. He's the first one to mention 'none are holy'.
Click to expand...
i never saw it.. but for one to say as a Christian they are not Holy is not scripture. we been sanctified being made holy which i m o is a work in progress i term at positional progressive ultimate .
 
Major said:
Contrary to popular belief, none of us holy. You do not deserve respect just because you think you do or the position you hold. Respect is earned, it is gained, it is built up over time because you’ve treated others with kindness, with compassion, with the over-stimulating sense that they were worth your time when you parted the conversation.
Click to expand...
In order to earn someone's respect, you must first give them yours. There are some who truly deserve their title and others who are only seeking self glorification and it is easy to tell them apart. As mentioned above the true leaders show God through their service, the others seek to further their own name. It is not the title that needs respect, but, what is done with it. All praise, honor and glory belongs to God.
 
forgiven61 said:
i never saw it.. but for one to say as a Christian they are not Holy is not scripture. we been sanctified being made holy which i m o is a work in progress i term at positional progressive ultimate .
Click to expand...
I meant holy in thought, word and deed, not just positional or declared ‘holy’. None of us are holy, except Jesus.
 
crossnote said:
Right, none of us are holy, but even titles are disdained these days.
It's not the person but the office/position.
Authority figures are so yesterday, hence Jesus is no longer 'Lord', just a 'good buddy'.
Click to expand...

Agreed! How many times have you heard someone say.........."Jesus is my best FRIEND".????

Remember when you and I saw a policeman walking down the street and we said ..........."SIR"?
 
Dave F. said:
In order to earn someone's respect, you must first give them yours. There are some who truly deserve their title and others who are only seeking self glorification and it is easy to tell them apart. As mentioned above the true leaders show God through their service, the others seek to further their own name. It is not the title that needs respect, but, what is done with it. All praise, honor and glory belongs to God.
Click to expand...
Things have changed, it used to be where the title was respected, not necessarily the person (he/she would have to earn it.
We are called ‘children of God’, did we earn it?
 
Some confusion occurs because the body of believers use titles differently or hold different views according regarding the offices to which the titles refer.

Upmost in my mind include such things as calling a respected evangelist a prophet or apostle. In many cases, this is meant as a simple honorific recognizing the work the man has done. In some churches, apostle has a much more specific meaning including the concept of apostolic succession since the time of Christ.
 
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