On the discussion board there was a response that said to use the word "Reverend" was blasphamous and that it was in the Bible that it was blasphemus. I would like to share with you the origin of the word Reverend as taken from the encyclopedia Britanica. Reverend is the prefix of written address to the names of ministers of most Christian denominations. In the 15th century it was used as a general term of respectful address, but it has been habitually used as a title prefixed to the names of ordained clergy since the 17th century. In the Church of England and in most other denominations in english speaking countries, deans, provosts, cathedral canons, rectors of seminaries and colleges are addressed as "very reverand and archbishops are addressed as "most reverend." Joy in Christ, Rev. Denise

-- Anonymous, December 29, 2000

Answers

Makes no difference to me. I'm currently in a church that's using a different philosophy from most others in an attempt to reach those who find traditional church unattractive. Our music is different, our schedule is different, and our dress code is casual. Along with that our three staff pastors have dropped titles altogether. First name is fine. Everyone knows who they are, and these three mighty men of God receive all due respect with an additional element of congregational intimacy to boot. My pastor put it well: "I'm a sinner saved by grace like everyone else. God just gave me a different job."

-- Anonymous, December 29, 2000

It is important for us to as much as possible remain in or reruen to the Scriptures. This has been the cry of many reformers in the history of the Christian Curch.

It is important to note that the Church has been through a very dark period during which man-made traditions became the norm. Reformation must be a contuing process to purge the church of all these traditions which are alien to divine revelation recognizing that the reformers of the past brought reformation in some but not in all areas.

I think the tite Pastor/Bishop/Elder/Overseer, deacons, deaconesses which are Scriptural and spiritual should be preferred to the man- made ones like Reverend, Arcbishop, very, most Reverend etc.

It may truly be blasphemous for a human being to be called reverend. The ministers of God are servants and not lords to be reverenced.

Pastor K. Darkwa Amanor Crossroads Community Church Accra, Ghana W. Africa

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2002