𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝑨 𝑻𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝑨𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆? 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑨𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒚’𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔

Reverend: A Title for God Alone? Rethinking the Celebrity Culture Among Today’s Pastors

Introduction

In today's Christian landscape, especially within many evangelical and Pentecostal circles, a concerning trend has emerged—the elevation of church leaders to near-celebrity status. One subtle, yet significant, manifestation of this is the widespread use of the title "Reverend" for pastors, elders, and clergy. While many adopt this term as a mark of respect, few pause to ask: Is this title biblically appropriate? A closer examination of Scripture reveals that "Reverend" is a word used exclusively for God, and its casual application to men reflects a deeper issue—the creeping culture of pride, status, and human glorification within the church.

This article explores the biblical foundation for reverence, the misuse of titles, and how the modern church must return to a humble, Christ-centred model of leadership.

1. The Biblical Use of "Reverend"

The word "Reverend" appears explicitly only once in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, found in Psalm 111:9:

"He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant forever: holy and reverend is his name."

Here, "reverend" (from the Hebrew word yare') is an expression of awe, fear, and profound respect—directed solely toward God. It captures His unmatched holiness, authority, and majesty. Nowhere in Scripture is this title ascribed to prophets, apostles, or even the most faithful servants of God. Even figures like Moses, David, Paul, and Peter, despite their anointed roles, consistently pointed the glory back to God, never adopting lofty titles for themselves.

The New Testament pattern also reveals remarkable humility in leadership. Paul, perhaps the greatest missionary and theologian, regularly introduced himself as a "servant (Greek: doulos, meaning slave) of Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:1). Peter called himself "a fellow elder" (1 Peter 5:1), deliberately placing himself on equal footing with other church leaders. There is no trace of hierarchical, honorific titles like "Reverend" within the apostolic church.

2. The Rise of the Celebrity Pastor Culture

Despite this biblical precedent, many modern pastors and church leaders embrace not only the title "Reverend," but also the trappings of fame, influence, and personal branding. Social media platforms, conference circuits, and even Sunday morning services often resemble stages where personalities are elevated over the message of Christ. This celebrity pastor culture thrives on applause, recognition, and platforms that sometimes rival secular entertainment industries.

The dangerous outcome? A church subtly shifted from worshiping Christ to following charismatic individuals. Paul confronted this very problem in Corinth:

“For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere human beings?” (1 Corinthians 3:4, NIV).

Paul's response was clear: human leaders are merely servants through whom God works. All glory belongs to Christ alone (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). The culture of exalting men, giving them grand titles, and building personal empires runs contrary to the New Testament model of servant leadership.

3. Biblical Warnings Against Seeking Titles

Jesus Himself warned against the pursuit of honorific titles in Matthew 23:8-12:

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Though Jesus specifically mentions "Rabbi" and "Father," the principle applies broadly—followers of Christ are to resist hierarchical status distinctions that elevate some believers above others. Sadly, the adoption of titles like "Reverend," "Most Reverend," or "Right Reverend" often reflects a heart craving human recognition rather than humble service.

4. A Call Back to Humble, Biblical Leadership

The New Testament presents a radically different model of leadership—rooted in humility, service, and mutual submission. Leaders are called to shepherd, not dominate; to equip, not entertain; to serve, not seek status:

• 1 Peter 5:2-3 reminds elders to "shepherd the flock of God… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."
• Ephesians 4:11-12 teaches that pastors, teachers, and leaders exist "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."

When titles, positions, and platforms become about personal promotion, the mission of equipping and building the church suffers. We must ask ourselves: Are we following the way of Christ, or the patterns of the world?

5. The Glory Belongs to God Alone

The church is called to proclaim one Name above all names—Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11). When we adorn ourselves with titles meant for God, we blur that focus. Whether intentional or not, using "Reverend" as a human title risks redirecting reverence from the Creator to the creature.

As John the Baptist declared in John 3:30:

"He must increase, but I must decrease."

True spiritual leaders echo this attitude—lifting high the name of Jesus, deflecting attention from themselves, and serving God's people with humility.

Conclusion: Recovering a Christ-Centered Church

The use of the title "Reverend" for pastors is not merely a linguistic issue; it reflects the deeper heart posture of the church. As we witness the spread of celebrity culture, brand-driven ministries, and personality-centered worship, we must return to Scripture's clear teaching:

• God alone is holy and reverend (Psalm 111:9).
• Leaders are called to be servants, not celebrities (Matthew 23:8-12; 1 Peter 5:1-3).
• The church exists to exalt Christ, not individuals (Philippians 2:9-11).

It is time to lay down the titles, the applause, and the pride—and pick up the towel of humble service. Only then will the church reflect the heart of its true Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Let God's name alone be revered. Let His servants simply serve.