Special Titles Within The Body Of Believers

[Reformer]

REFORMATION RUMBLINGS
BUFF SCOTT, JR.
_____________________

Professional Titles Within The
Body Of Believers

     Most churches have adopted earthen titles to describe the function of various leaders who represent them. At the outset let me say our Lord, of course, does not sanction them. As badly as many of us would like to see a rapid change, it takes time and effort to rectify "wanderings" and "ramblings" that have developed over centuries and fastened themselves onto us. Correcting radical apostasies cannot come about overnight. So we ought not become weary in well-doing.

    Specialized human titles should be re-examined and corrected. For in using those terms, a few within the flock are elevated above other sheep. "Associate Minister," for example, leaves the impression that the brother who is saddled with this earthly title has not graduated to the level of "Official" or "Chief Minister."

    All sheep in the pen are ministers or servants—everyone of us! None are either "associate" or "chief." There should be no distinctions among us, according to James, who says that favoritism should not be shown [James 2:1-7]. God views all of us on the same level, regardless of our gifts. If we can invent an "Associate Minister," why not an "Associate Saint"? Or an "Associate Servant"? Our devised titles are a major part of our digression.

    Even "elder," "shepherd," "pastor," and "overseer," legitimate terms of the Holy Spirit, appellations that refer to the same function or gift, are not to be viewed as someone "in charge" of others. Instead, the terms describe the ability or gift to lead, as opposed to being a warlord with authority.  They are not titles! They are functions, and functions only. Human titles and human offices within the body of believers have their genesis in pride. Pride breeds all manner of departures.

    When we take a common noun and amplify it to a proper noun, we have attempted to hoist someone above his fellows. This is contrary to the spirit of humility. "Instead, whoever wants to become great [elevated] among you must be your servant" [Matt. 10:26]. Away with titles that tend to move some of the sheep to a good seat while others are expected to sit in a pew.

    "My brothers, show no partiality...For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, 'You sit here in a good place,' while you say to the poor man, 'You stand over there,' or 'Sit down at my feet,' have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" [James 2:1-5].

[Texas Conservative]

Even "elder," "shepherd," "pastor," and "overseer," legitimate terms of the Holy Spirit, appellations that refer to the same function or gift, are not to be viewed as someone "in charge" of others. Instead, the terms describe the ability or gift to lead, as opposed to being a warlord with authority.  They are not titles! They are functions, and functions only. Human titles and human offices within the body of believers have their genesis in pride. Pride breeds all manner of departures.

Elder/Shepherd/Pastor/Overseers are responsible for the flock.  They are "in charge."  That means they are to equip the saints for the work of ministry, and lead as Jesus did, by example as servant leaders.

Hebrews 11:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account—so that they may do this with joy, not groaning; for this would be unhelpful for you.

[Reformer]

Texas Conservative:

    They are responsible in that they are overseers, not warlords or dictators. Their diverse functions are referred to by common nouns, not proper nouns. In other words, they do not fit into the professional, authoritative type of leaders, but instead shepherds.

    Your Hebrews 11:17 is 13:17. The idea there is that we are to be open to the persuasion of those leading us, not dictating to us. Check Thayer, the Hebrew and Greek scholar, on this passage.

Buff

[Texas Conservative]

Yeah, had a copy/paste error.

Elders lead, and you submit. Capiche?