Have you noticed how many folks seem to be getting hung up on titles or is it just me? It seems to me that when someone finds themselves in a new office, they get the feeling that they have earned a title and others should address them differently. I have to admit that this does not make a great deal of since to me and the reason is because I am not so sure it is too biblical. Let's use Paul as an example.
Paul, who was arguably the greatest missionary of all time, did not seem to be a big fan of titles. He told the church at Corinth, "For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God" (1 Cor. 15:9). Did you catch that? Paul acknowledge that he had earned the title of apostle, but I don't get the feeling that he wanted everyone to address him that way. I believe this was the case because Paul knew, "but by the grace of God I am what I am. . ." (1 Cor. 15:10). It was not the title that made Paul great, but rather God's grace and he wanted to point to God's grace and not a title.
Now, I know that some will say that we should respect those in authority and when we address those in authority by their title we are showing respect. I promise that I hear and understand that logic. I, however, have to confess that if I encourage everyone to address me as "pastor" I fear I would quickly lose my identity in my position as opposed to who I am.
Yes, I have the privilege of serving a church as its pastor. I, however, am a child of God, husband and father long before I am a pastor. If I miss being a child of God, husband and father, I will never be the pastor that our Father intends for me to be. And, if I was called pastor all of the time, I do not know if my ego could handle it.
So, if it is okay with you, please call me Tod as I strive to live out what Paul taught, "but by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:10).
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