Titles
 

If this has been discussed forgive me for bringing it up.

What is folks opinion on using the terms, Bro,. Sis., Pastor, Bishop, Elder, Rev., Etc.....

I for one don't like it. I don't like being called Bro Jacks, Bro Mark, Brother, or any other form. I never called my dad Bro Jacks, or Pastor, nor my brother. Now I have always done whatever the majority around has done out of respect. I have heard ministers say that you have to use these terms other wise you are not respecting the ministry when you address a Pastor or older church member.
I don't think how I address you speaks of respect but how I treat you does. How I talk to you and about you may speak of my respect but what I call you has nothing to do with it.

How many of you call you physical brothers and sisters Bro ___ or Sis __? (inserty your own family names there)
I am sorry but I never have and probably never will get this practice.

Re: Titles
 

I would feel wierd if I didn't call my pastor Brother or Pastor or some people I'm not well associated with in the church. I do feel it's respectful, I guess, but more for me is talking to someone that I am not buddy-buddy with. Kinda like you would address an aquaintance. I kinda like it when I hear kids calling their elders Mr. or Mrs. It sounds like they are polite. I was kinda taught that as a kid, too. If it's someone I am really close to, then no I'm not callin them by a title. I guess it's all where you are comfortable and what kinda relationship you have with the person.

Re: Titles
 

I guess I have to agree with you on this yet my thought is more towards those that insist upon being called one thing or another. I had a man get very upset with me for NOT calling my dad and brother Bro Jacks when I was younger. That turned me off to the whole idea of it. I do feel that for people you do not really know you should be more formal but when you know someone or you are friendly with them why the continual use of the titles WE give them. I do not think it is a Biblical mandate to do such is it?

Re: Titles
 

I use those we have Biblical precedent for and shy away from those we don't

We have biblical precedent for the use of Brother, Bishop, Elder etc but none for the use of Rev and the like.

Re: Titles
 

I have never heard of having to call your dad or siblings with a title when speaking to them. I always called my pastors by that title. And older church members by bro. or sis. out of respect. Was never allowed to call anyone over 25 by their first name when I was growing up.

Re: Titles
 

We are all pretty much on a 1st name basis.

Most address the pastor as, Pastor 1st name.

1st names were good enough for Mathew Mark Luke John and Paul....there good enough for me.

Re: Titles
 

I completely agree if these words are used as standalone acknowledgements of a God-authored manifestation experienced by the RECIPIENT (hearer). When verbal credentials are affixed to a "given" name, I do not see a scriptural pattern.

If one were to do a statistical comparision of the number of times a given name was preceeded by an acknowledgement of a role or operation in the body of Christ, it would be so stark that our familiar practice really does appear to be 'goofy' at best.

Titles and/or labels affixed to given names give space to a very divisive thing in the body of Christ by promoting distinction among men. The question that this topic brings to light is whether distinctions should be proclaimed by common speech among man's salutations or should distinction (and giftings) be revealed within the spirit of the recipient? Does someone who is servant to all, need to have titles/labels of distinction applied to their given name? Would such a practice be thought of as commonplace among people who understand their role as servants?

Re: Titles
 

It is custom here to use a title such as pastor John..missionary Janice..etc...it has never bothered me one way or the other...
I think most people KNOW if we are what we say we are...
We used to call americans missionary this or that we quit doing that after we had some that messed up and decided we will only call americans by what they are called in the states...
titles sometimes ruin people....but if they are used for respect I agree...but usually the person that we respect does not care if you use a title or not...

I have seen new missionaries scream at people and remind them they are THE missionary...if we have to remind people what we are then something is wrong...

Re: Titles
 

I call my pastor "Pastor" and his wife "Sister". I call most of the people in church by their first name and the ones older than me I call "Bro" or "Sis". (There are only a handful of them!) I had never really thought of what I called everyone until it was mentioned here.

I affectionately call me son "Son" when I call him on the phone and both of my daughters are "Baby". My grandchildren are called their appropriate nicknames that I have given them. One of my unborn great grandchildren is know simply as Baby Meat" the other unborn one is "The Little One"

I hope my son doesn't miss out on his inheritance since I call him by a title instead of his name.:biggrin:

Re: Titles
 

That is just absurd, imo. Family is family! I taught in Christian school for a couple of years and we had this issue. Grandchildren were not allowed to call their parents or grandparents by mom or dad, grandma or grandpa. I failed here because I just could not have my sons call me Sis. Ladychocolate! :) When they did, they thought it was funny and would laugh every time... All that ended a few weeks into the school year. I respect others and my upbringing, it is just natural to use the titles Bro. or Sis. at church or Mr. and Mrs. when I am in professional places. Now that I am older, it is usually on a first name basis when I meet people. Even at many churches. I tend to follow the lead. When I visit a church and they introduce themselves by their first name, I give them mine. If they give me the bro or sis. last name,... then I give them my last name.


Only those who I really like are allowed to call me by my first name.... Others may use the title "Queen" or "Lady". That will be acceptable! :ursofunny